Ford Airport Named the #1 Small Airport in America — and It’s Just Up the Road from Kalamazoo ✈️

Front entrance of Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, featuring the modern glass terminal and parking structure under a bright blue sky.

West Michigan just scored another big win!
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids has officially been voted the #1 Small Airport in the entire United States by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards—and we couldn’t be more proud to call it our airport.

For anyone living in Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan, or the surrounding communities, this is exciting news. GRR is just a 50-minute drive up US-131, making it one of the most convenient, traveler-friendly gateways in the country—right in our backyard.

Small Airport. Big Experience.

GRR might be “small” by national standards, but it keeps earning big-time recognition for its clean facilities, friendly staff, and incredible convenience. Travelers love the stress-free parking, quick security lines, and modern amenities—everything that makes flying a little less exhausting and a lot more enjoyable.

Whether you’re catching a quick hop to Chicago, heading down south for a sunny getaway, or flying across the country, Ford Airport delivers big-city options without the chaos of a big-city airport. And with more than 30 nonstop destinations (and growing!), it’s helping connect West Michigan to the world like never before.

Travelers walking through the bright, modern terminal at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, featuring restaurants, seating areas, and a Starbucks Coffee shop.

Why This Matters to West Michigan Homeowners

When a region earns national recognition, everyone benefits—especially homeowners. Awards like this strengthen local pride, attract new businesses, and make the area even more appealing for relocation and investment.

People who are considering a move to West Michigan often ask about connectivity—how easy it is to travel for work, visit family, or explore. This latest recognition proves what locals already know:
✅ You can enjoy the relaxed, small-town lifestyle of Kalamazoo and still be just a quick drive from a world-class airport.
✅ West Michigan’s infrastructure, economy, and quality of life continue to rise.
✅ The region offers that perfect balance between peaceful living and modern convenience.

GRR: The Gateway to “Pure Michigan”

The Ford Airport’s success also reflects the momentum happening across our region—from the growing downtown energy in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo to the surge of new construction, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly neighborhoods that make West Michigan special.

When we talk with clients relocating here from out of state, one of the things they love most is how connected yet calm life feels. You can kayak a quiet river on Saturday morning and hop a flight that afternoon—all within an hour’s reach.

A Proud Moment for Our Region

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s #1 ranking isn’t just about terminals and tarmacs. It’s about people—our neighbors, airport staff, travelers, and businesses who take pride in West Michigan. It’s another reminder that this corner of the state is a great place to live, work, and call home.

If you’ve been thinking about moving to or within West Michigan, there’s never been a better time to explore what makes our region thrive.

Ready to make West Michigan home?
Let’s talk about what life could look like here—whether that’s downtown Kalamazoo charm, peaceful acreage in Texas Township, or lakeside living near Gun Lake.

👉 Call or text the Veenstra Team at 269-350-5514

or visit MyKalamazooRealEstate.com to explore homes, neighborhoods, and everything that makes this area special.


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