With its close-knit community feeling and unique neighborhoods, Grand Rapids, MI, draws residents who are looking for a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. From the craft breweries and the scenic beauty of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to the bustling Downtown Market, there is always something to explore in Grand Rapids.
If you’re looking to live in Grand Rapids, the average rent is $1,520, while the median home sale price is $279,900. And there are plenty of neighborhoods to consider calling home. Redfin has put together a list of 13 popular Grand Rapids neighborhoods to check out. From the historic Belknap Lookout to the artsy East Hills, you’ll find a home or apartment in Grand Rapids that fits your lifestyle.
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Belknap Lookout is located just north of Downtown Grand Rapids. It’s known for its proximity to the Medical Mile, which is home to several hospitals and research facilities. The neighborhood also features the historic Belknap Park, offering scenic views of the Grand River. Belknap Lookout is characterized by a mix of historic Victorian and Craftsman homes and modern condos.
Median Sale Price: $249,900
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,645 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,475
Creston is a picturesque neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. The neighborhood is home to the popular Saugatuck Brewing Co., giving it a vibrant social scene. Creston also has plenty of parks like Briggs Park, Huff Park, Lamberton Lake Fen Nature Preserve, and Riverside Park, a green space with walking trails and picnic areas. The housing options in Creston range from apartments and duplexes to mid-century modern and traditional single-family homes.
Median Sale Price: $261,750
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,222 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,280
Downtown is the bustling entertainment hub of Grand Rapids, known for its venues, including the Van Andel Arena and The Intersection. There are also several landmarks like the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Rosa Parks Circle, DeVos Place, and several local breweries. The neighborhood also has views of the Grand River from the Riveredge Trail. Downtown has historic buildings, modern high-rise condos, and plenty of loft-style apartments and contemporary architectural designs.
Median Sale Price: $451,500
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,570 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,275
East Hills is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios. The area has a great food scene with several local restaurants and bars. The neighborhood is also home to Cherry Park, a popular green space with playgrounds and sports facilities. East Hills has a mix of historic homes in Queen Anne and Italianate designs, as well as modern townhouses.
Eastown is known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, like the Circle Theatre. In this neighborhood, you can also find Wilcox Park, a green space with walking trails and community events. Eastown has plenty of historic homes and modern apartments – and the architectural styles include Dutch Colonial and Tudor Revival designs.
Median Sale Price: $315,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,525 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,865
Garfield Park is in south Grand Rapids and is primarily a residential area. The neighborhood is home to Garfield Park, a green space with playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts. You can also catch the Plaster Creek Trail in the Garfield Park area. The housing options in Garfield Park include single-family homes and duplexes, often Craftsman and Colonial Revival designs.
Heartside is part of Downtown Grand Rapids and has a vibrant arts scene. You’ll find numerous galleries and performance spaces like The Intersection, Van Andel Arena, and Peter Martin Wege Theatre. The neighborhood is also home to Heartside Park, a green space with public art installations and events. Heartside features a mix of historic buildings and modern loft-style apartments.
Median Sale Price: $258,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,923 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,275
Highland Park is a quaint residential area with gorgeous tree-lined streets. The neighborhood is home to Richmond Park, a green space with walking trails, picnic areas, and Grand Rapids Boulder Park. Highland Park has single-family homes and bungalows in architectural styles like Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival.
Madison Area is primarily a residential area where you’ll find a lot of single-family homes and duplexes. There are some local restaurants along Wealthy Street and one park, Pleasant Park Playground. Madison Area is also close to Meyer May House, a restored Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home.
Midtown is known for its dining options along Michigan Street. You can also find the famous Fulton Street Market, a Saturday farmers’ market, and Midtown Green Park, a green space with walking trails. Midtown features historic Italianate and Greek Revival homes and modern condos.
Median Sale Price: $289,900
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,240 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,500
South East End has historic architecture and tree-lined streets, making it a great residential neighborhood to consider. The neighborhood is home to parks like Mulick Park and Martin Luther King Park, a green space with playgrounds and sports courts. The home styles in South East End include Queen Anne and Colonial Revival-style single-family homes and duplexes.
West Grand is located on the west side of the Grand River. It has a vibrant atmosphere, lots of local businesses, and popular spots like Bridge Street Market and The Comedy Project. The neighborhood is also home to Fish Ladder Park, where you can watch fish migrate along the river, and Richmond Park, a green space with walking trails and picnic areas. In West Grand, you’ll find historic homes in styles likeCraftsman and Dutch Colonial and modern apartments.
Median Sale Price: $237,450
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,449 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $825
Westside Connection is a large residential neighborhood on Grand Rapids’ west side. The neighborhood has two major parks – The Highlands and Blandford Nature Center, both nature preserves with lots of trails and wildflowers. Westside Connection has a mix of single-family homes and duplexes.
Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during February 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com during February 2024.
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Alison is part of the Content Marketing team as a Content Marketing Manager. In her 5 years at Redfin, Alison has written a variety of articles ranging from home design tips to housing affordability. A California-native, Alison currently resides in Seattle where you can find her catching a concert or exploring farmers’ markets. Her dream home is a cottage-style house with a chef’s kitchen and a cozy room to store and play vinyl records.
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