Best Places to Live in Grand Rapids

Searching for the best neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, MI? Check out these 7 great places to live in Grand Rapids!

Grand Rapids ranks high on many levels. Considered to be one of the best places to live in the Unitied States, this metro city is home to 197,416 residents who love this call their city their home. Grand Rapids is the second largest city in the state of Michigan and is located on the banks of the Grand River that flows through the downtown area. 

In March, this city was ranked number 2 on the list of the 10 most beautiful and affordable places to live in the Unitied States. Whether you are interested in educational opportunities, affordable housing, and living, or an excellent job, this city has it all. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest and is known for its natural beauty. 

Grand Rapids has it all, and this young city is on the rise. Not only does it offer a low cost of living here, but it also gives you the small-town feeling in the big city. No matter what lifestyle you have, you will fit right into this friendly community. People who live here will tell you to have much they love it! So, if you are looking for a place to move to, keep reading to learn more about this beautiful city in Michigan.

Here are the 7 best places to live in Grand Rapids, MI.

Belknap Lookout

Belknap Lookout is a neighborhood with a population of 3,878. Ranked as #10 in the best neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, it offers its residents an urban feel while also there are a lot of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, parks, and many other things around. This location is one of the premier places to love over the city, river, or even watch a baseball game. Known for its well-preserved historical features, many of these homes are well-maintained Victorian-era style that is perched on top of Belknap Hill with a beautiful view of the city. 

The Median home value here is about $168,108, while also the median rent price is $1,058. On the other hand, homes tend to stay on the market in this area for about 29 days. Overall, this is one of the most unique neighborhoods because of its geography, layout, history, and amenities. If you are looking for a close-knit, historical, and beautiful area to live in Grand Rapids, then this may be the place to move to.

Local Favorites:

• San Chez A Tapas Bistro: This is a breezy tapas spot for Mediterranean and Spanish flavors with an upbeat ambiance plus, they offer cooking classes!
• Rockwell Republic: This is a hip, high-ceilinged hangout serving American and Asian food and cocktails while focusing on local ingredients. 
• Riverside Park: This park offers natural trails for hiking, biking, and bird-watching plus, you can fish, kayak, play disc golf, and do winter sports here. 

Heathmoor

Heathmoor is a community that offers an assortment of beautiful styles, varying sizes, and also affordable prices. This community is known to be upscale that is also close to all amenities while offering spacious homes with attached garages, basements in some, and of course, a well-maintained community. The overall average property value for homes here is $135,000, and the average household income for residents in this area is $45.8K. If you are looking for an area that has more younger professionals and is closely located to many great schools and things to do, then this location is perfect for you. 

Local Favorites:

• Huff Park: This city park has a playground handball field, plus wetlands boardwalk trail with interpretive signs.
• Roam by San Chez: This is a relaxed, all-day restaurant that offers many global street eats, from kebabs to tacos and veggies.
• The Green Well: This is an eco-friendly gastropub that serves an eclectic menu plus local and European beers in a sunny space. 

Heritage Hill

Heritage Hill is a residential neighborhood that is one of the largest urban historic districts in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. This neighborhood is close to downtown, medical institutions, and universities. The total population of residents in this community is about 4,018, and it is #9 in Best Neighborhoods to Live in Grand Rapids. Living in Heritage Hill offers its residents an urban, suburban mix feel and is located near many restaurants, parks, bars, and other things because of its location near downtown. The median home value here is $263,412, which is a little higher than the national average, but the median rent is $940, which is lower than the national average. 

Known as one of the nation's top historic neighborhoods, every home here has its own style of American architecture from the 19th century to the early 20th century. There are about 1,300 properties with more than 60 different styles. However, the area did get an urban renewal, but there are also many local historic preservations. If you are looking to move to Michigan and want a community that has beautiful homes, private lawns, and natural beauty all throughout, then this historic area is perfect for you. 

Local Favorites:

• Ah-Nab-Awen Park: This is a small park on the Grand River with city views and a large grassy area for community events. 
• Brooklyn Bodgega Bagels and Deli: This place offers sub sandwiches, bagels, bagel sandwiches, salads, and so much more and is located downtown. 
• Nantucket Baking Company: This is a locally owned business offering a super-popular selection of bread, cakes, pastries, and more!

Alger Heights

Alger Heights is a neighborhood in Grand Rapids with a population of 4,943 residents. This area offers its residents a dense suburban feel with a lot of parks surrounding the area. Alger Heights is filled with historic homes with their own charm and is an excellent location for either first-time buyers or even forever homes. This is the only neighborhood in Grand Rapids that was built during the Great Depression, and the growth is still thriving. The community has tree-lined streets and popular local businesses throughout. This community has a large sense of community and is a perfect location for those who want a small-town feel. 

Homes here vary; depending on your preference, you will be able to find the perfect home for you and or your family. Known as #5 in Best Neighborhoods to Buy a House in Grand Rapids, the median home value here is $162,963, which is lower than the national average, and the median rent is $1,003, which is also lower than the national average. If you are looking for a place to settle down, this community may be perfect for you. 

Local Favorites:

• Bistro Bella Vita: This is an airy spot filled with warm woods that offer farm-to-table homestyle Mediterranean dishes and also a patio dining area.
• grove: This is a premium restaurant that serves an ever-evolving menu of farm-to-table fare and sources sustainable wines. 
• Richmond Park: This is a large park that features various sports facilities, plus trails, a playground, a pond, and an outdoor pool.

Michigan Oaks

Michigan Oaks is a neighborhood that is a gem of a community that has a mix of different styled homes and is known for its gorgeous home designs and location. This neighborhood offers a quiet community setting and is made up of larger and older homes but also a few apartment communities. This place is perfect for families looking to raise their children because of the close approximate to excellent schools while also outdoor lovers because this neighborhood has 3 lakes found inside. This neighborhood is known for the unique living experience it offers because it differs from others throughout the city. 

Ranked as #6 in Best Neighborhoods to Buy a House in Grand Rapids, this community has a population of about 2,419 residents, and the median home value is $281,340, which is higher than the national average, while the median rent is $1,236. If you are searching for a place to settle down and call your forever home with your family, this community is safe and cozy and perfect for that. 

Local Favorites:

• Plaster Creek Family Park: This park features a ball diamond and tennis courts, plus a playground, restrooms, and a picnic shelter. 
• Graydon's Crossing: This is an old-world gastropub serving global grub made with area-sourced ingredients and many varieties of beer.
• Stan's Tacos Grand Rapids: This is a colorful, airy spot for tacos, bowls, and burritos, plus cocktails, draft beers, and wine options. 

Eastown

Eastown is a 70-block district in Grand Rapids that is considered to be a vibrant and walkable neighborhood with about 5,257 residents. Located on the East side of Grand Rapids, this community is located around many beautiful local parks and gardens and is known to be a very active community with lots of new development. Eastown is one of the most unique and modest communities in the city and is home to many local-owned businesses, and is only located 5 minutes from Downtown. 

The average sales price of homes here is about $258,000, and the median household income for residents here is about $88,720. Home to only a couple of thousand residents, this is a popular place if you are looking for a more quiet scenery where you can enjoy the community and all it has to offer. 

Local Favorites:

• Stella's Lounge: This is an American restaurant that has gratified walls and an '80s arcade that sets the tone for this ar with 200 whiskeys and a pub-grub menu
• Wilcox Park: This is a century-old park with a range of recreational facilities, including courts, fields, and a playground. 
• Matchbox Diner and Drinks: This diner is a vibrant space that offers a varied menu, including eggs, wraps, burritos, pasta, steak, ribs, and more.

Ottawa Hils

Ottawa Hills is a neighborhood that was first built in 1922 and is known to be one of Grand Rapids' finest neighborhoods. The homes are located on a curvy street that is further back. Homes here have good-sized lots and have their own vintage styles. There are many different styles of homes here; most are older but have been renovated. 

Ottawa Hills is overall a stylish and well-maintained neighborhood that is closely located near many great schools, which makes this community attracts young families because of the walkable neighborhood. This urban neighborhood has a median real estate price of $365,321 and is primarily made up of medium to large single-family homes and apartment complexes. At first look, this community stands out for its unique style and community. If you are looking for historic homes that have their own charm, then this neighborhood is perfect for you. 

Local Favorites:

• Linear Restaurant: This is a cool, industrial-style hot spot with outdoor seating for seasonal American cuisine and craft cocktails.
• Z's Bar and Restaurant: This is an American restaurant with a long wooden bar and booths that also have a pool table and karaoke to enjoy with friends and family. 
• Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen: This is a causal, brick-clad stop with a patio offering southern-style oysters, fried chicken, and cocktails. 

Moving to Grand Rapids - The Bottom Line

Grand Rapids has it all, and this young city is on the rise. Not only does it offer a low cost of living here, but it also gives you the small-town feeling in the big city. No matter what lifestyle you have, you will fit right into this friendly community. People who live here will tell you to have much they love it.

In March, this city was ranked number 2 on the list of the 10 most beautiful and affordable places to live in the Unitied States. Whether you are interested in educational opportunities, affordable housing, and living, or an excellent job, this city has it all. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest and is known for its natural beauty. 

If you are interested in moving to Grand Rapids, then please get in touch with us here so we can connect you with one of our Realty Specialists to help make your transition for you go smoothly. We are here to help you find the perfect home!

Contact us here today for any questions or help.