The Top 5 Neighborhoods in Grand Rapids to Move to
Moving to a new city can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, especially if you're moving to a city as diverse as Grand Rapids, Michigan. With so many neighborhoods to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to call home. Let’s talk about some of my top picks in Grand Rapids for out-of-state residents, including information on housing options, amenities, local culture, popular hangouts and parks.
Eastown
Eastown is a hip and trendy neighborhood located just east of downtown Grand Rapids. Artsy and spunky for sure. This neighborhood is known for its diverse population, vibrant arts and culture scene, and excellent dining and shopping options. The housing options in Eastown are varied, with a mix of historic homes, apartments, and new construction. The neighborhood also boasts a number of parks, including Wilcox Park and Wealthy Street Park, which offer opportunities for picnics, sports and relaxation. Popular hangouts in Eastown are plenty, as Wealthy Street has numerous restaurants and shops all within walking distance. These include Terra GR, Early Bird Cafe, Wolfgang’s, Rebel, Yesterdog, and many more! You’ll even find a candy shop, a float lounge, and a stained glass shop here too. I also must mention the Eastown Street Fair, an annual event that features live music, food vendors and local artisans.
Average list price: $414k | Average Sold Price: $423k | Sales per Year: 55 (2023)
Heritage Hill
Heritage Hill is a historic neighborhood located just East of downtown Grand Rapids. This neighborhood is known for its Victorian-style homes, large lots, and charming streets. The housing options in Heritage Hill include large single-family homes, multi-family homes, condos, and apartments. A lot of the multifamily homes are large Victorian homes that have been converted in the past to numerous smaller units. The neighborhood is also home to a number of parks, including Heritage Hill Park and Garfield Park, which offer opportunities for picnics, sports and relaxation. Depending on where in Heritage Hill you’re located you’ll be able to walk to shops on Lyon St, Cherry, and Wealthy, as well as have a quick walk or bike ride to downtown GR! The treelined streets, and Historic homes make Heritage hill a beautiful neighborhood to live in.
Average list price: $417k | Average Sold Price: $414k | Sales per Year: 31 (2023)
Creston
Creston is a wonderful place to live for many reasons. It is a historic and diverse neighborhood that offers a strong sense of community and a variety of amenities. The neighborhood boasts well-maintained parks, including Riverside Park, which features playgrounds, a path along the Grand River, and a disc golf course. Additionally, the neighborhood is home to several excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, located on Plainfield as well as a variety of small businesses. One of my favorite grocery stores (Kingmas) in all of Grand Rapids is here as well. Creston is also conveniently located, with easy access to major roads and public transportation. Additionally, it is a short drive to the downtown area, which offers even more entertainment, dining and cultural options. You’ll find mid-century brick ranches, large craftsman homes, duplexes, and much more here as there is vast architectural diversity in a broad neighborhood such as Creston. Overall, the Creston neighborhood offers a unique blend of historical charm, community spirit, and modern amenities that make it a wonderful place to call home.
Average list price: $260k | Average Sold Price: $274k | Sales per Year: 383 (2023)
Westside Connection
Westside Connection is a vibrant and diverse community that offers something for everyone. The neighborhood is located on the west side of the city and is home to a mix of residential and commercial properties. You’ll find a number of brick ranches with a little more space in between them than the more congested grid layout of the neighboring neighborhood “West Grand”. The neighborhood is known for its rich history and cultural diversity, with a variety of traditional and unique restaurants, small businesses, and community centers along Lake Michigan Drive and Leonard. The Westside Connection is home to several parks and green spaces, including John Ball Park, which offers trails, playgrounds, and a zoo. Also be sure to check out Blandford Nature Center! It is located near major roads, making it easy to get around the city.
Average list price: $303k | Average Sold Price: $314k | Sales per Year: 100 (2023)
Alger Heights
Alger Heights is a tight-knit community that offers a great balance of residential and commercial properties. The neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes, making it a desirable place to live. You’ll find a number of very cute bungalow and tudor homes here. The neighborhood boasts a variety of amenities, including a community center, a public library, and a number of parks and playgrounds. The Alger Heights neighborhood is also home to a number of small businesses located on the corner of Alger and Eastern, including local restaurants and shops, which offer a unique blend of goods and services. The area is also home to several schools, and it's easy to get around the city, with convenient access to major roads and public transportation. The Alger Heights neighborhood is a great place to call home, offering a sense of community and a variety of amenities that appeal to residents of all ages.
Average list price: $252k | Average Sold Price: $270k | Sales per Year: 89 (2023)
While these neighborhoods represent some of my preferred choices, it's important to note that the absence of a neighborhood from this list doesn't diminish its potential as a fantastic place to live. The list encompasses a diverse range of styles, cultures, and pricing, offering a comprehensive selection.
If you’re looking to move to Grand Rapids I’d love to help. You can reach out to me HERE to say hello.