Sand Lake is at the northern edge of Kent County, right along US-131. Most people there think of Grand Rapids as the place to go for work, and for plenty of jobs it is. But if what you need is a private office rather than a downtown job, you have a much closer option: Howard City is about eight miles north.
Eight miles north or twenty-seven south
From Sand Lake, downtown Grand Rapids is roughly 27 miles south. An office in Howard City is about eight miles in the other direction, on the same freeway. That’s the difference between a ten-minute drive and the better part of an hour in rush-hour traffic, twice a day.
For someone who works for themselves, or for a remote employer, that difference adds up fast. Over a year, a short commute gives back hours you’d otherwise spend in the car.
The drive
Take US-131 north to Exit 118 and follow M-46 east about two miles into the village. You’ll be driving away from Grand Rapids traffic in the morning and away from it again in the evening.
Who from Sand Lake leases an office
- Remote employees of Grand Rapids companies who go into the city once a week and want a real office for the other four days.
- Solo professionals such as bookkeepers, counselors, and agents who want to meet clients somewhere other than home.
- Small local businesses that need an office for two or three people without paying Grand Rapids prices for space and parking.
Staying connected to Grand Rapids
An office in Howard City doesn’t cut you off from the city. You’re still on US-131, so a meeting in Grand Rapids is a straightforward drive when you need it. The difference is that you make that drive when there’s a reason, not every morning by default.
Next step
Request a tour and mention you’re coming from Sand Lake. If you’re weighing a city office against a small-town one, read Grand Rapids office vs. Howard City office.