Expert Connection
Holland

Westside, Holland Neighborhood

Downtown Holland offers a peaceful and cycling-friendly neighborhood with well-developed bike infrastructure and mostly even terrain throughout. It provides easy access to numerous nearby restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets, ensuring convenience for daily errands. The housing options feature a variety of large apartment buildings, mobile homes, and single detached homes, with a strong availability of one-bedroom residences. Residents benefit from straightforward highway connections and ample parking options, making transportation effortless. The neighborhood's calm atmosphere, combined with easy access to amenities, makes it an attractive location for individuals seeking a quiet and convenient urban setting. Its housing stock, built mostly around 1990, adds character to the community.

Downtown Holland is a neighborhood to buy a house in for those who prefer a laid-back environment. Downtown Holland is relatively quiet, since there are few pedestrians, although those who are around the railway line may experience more noise.

Highlights of Westside

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🌳 Kollen Park

Located along the shore of Lake Macatawa, Kollen Park is a vibrant green space featuring a scenic boardwalk, picnic areas, concert gazebo, playgrounds, and sweeping water views, making it a cornerstone for outdoor recreation and community events on the Westside.

🏫 Holland Language Academy

This dual-language immersion elementary school on West 17th Street is known for its diverse curriculum and strong ties to local families, providing unique educational opportunities that enhance the cultural fabric of the Westside neighborhood.

🍽️ Washington Square

Serving as the neighborhood's cozy downtown, Washington Square at Washington Ave and West 18th Street boasts beloved local eateries, bakeries, and coffee shops, creating a walkable hub for casual dining and socializing.

🛒 Mi Favorita Grocery

Situated on West 16th Street, Mi Favorita Grocery is a staple for the Westside’s Hispanic community and food enthusiasts, offering authentic produce, specialty ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the neighborhood’s cultural diversity.

🚴 Westside Greenway Trail

This multi-use paved path traverses the Westside, connecting residential streets to parks like Kollen and running along Pine Avenue, providing a safe, scenic route for cyclists, walkers, and runners to explore the neighborhood and beyond.

Westside

This October in Westside

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

October 2–3, 2026

Fall Fest 2026

Downtown Holland, Holland Civic Center Place, Windmill Island Gardens, and GDK Park • Friday 2:00 PM–10:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM–7:00 PM

This walkable downtown celebration is an easy outing for Westside residents, with professional pumpkin carving, a makers market, tulip planting, a fire truck parade, hayrides, Touch a Truck, children’s activities, and the Holland Farmers Market. Most activities are free and spread across familiar central Holland locations.

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October 3, 2026

Free Family Art Drop-In

Holland Area Arts Council • 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

Families from Westside can stop downtown for a free, hands-on art session designed for all ages. The first-Saturday format makes it a convenient addition to a weekend trip for Fall Fest, and participants get to explore a new creative theme and take home their own project.

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October 10, 2026

International Festival of Holland

Holland Civic Center Place • 4:00 PM–7:00 PM

This free, family-friendly festival is especially convenient for Westside households because it takes place at the downtown Civic Center. Residents can sample food from more than two dozen countries and regions, enjoy live performances, browse a marketplace, and bring children to hands-on activities celebrating Holland’s diverse community.

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October 24, 2026

HSO Spooky Kids Concert

Herrick District Library – Main • 11:00 AM

A free Halloween-themed concert at Herrick Main Library offers Westside families a short, accessible cultural outing close to downtown. Holland Symphony Orchestra musicians perform spooky selections suitable for children, making it a good daytime alternative to more crowded evening Halloween events.

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October 24, 2026

Día de los Muertos

The Holland Armory • 11:30 AM–2:30 PM

Holland Museum’s Día de los Muertos program gives local residents a meaningful, family-oriented way to experience Mexican cultural traditions in a nearby downtown venue. The daytime schedule works well for families, and the event provides an educational seasonal activity beyond typical Halloween programming.

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From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Westside

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Westside

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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