Why Live in SWAN
SWAN is a historic, community‑focused neighborhood along the Grand River, known for its diverse population and convenient access to downtown Grand Rapids. Originally settled by Eastern European immigrants, the area still reflects its cultural roots through long-standing churches and traditions like Pulaski Days celebrations. Today, SWAN blends its heritage with a growing modern energy, thanks to riverside parks, expanding nightlife and popular eateries along the bustling Bridge Street corridor. The addition of Bridge Street Market in 2018 added the first major grocery store to the city's west side. Architectural character is a defining feature, with Victorian cottages, Cape Cods and American Foursquares that often mix owner‑occupied homes and rentals. Prices tend to be on the lower side for Grand Rapids and the nearby Grand Valley State University’s Pew Campus draws in a student rental population. Families have access to both public and private school options, including Sibley Elementary within the neighborhood and Sacred Heart Academy just beyond its border. Recreation is easy to find, with riverfront trails at Ah‑Nab‑Awen Park, the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum all close by. Commuters enjoy quick travel into downtown by bike, bus or foot, with the pedestrian-only Blue Bridge spanning the river. Overall, SWAN offers a vibrant blend of culture, convenience and community appeal for homebuyers seeking an up‑and‑coming location near the city center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SWAN a good place to live?
SWAN is a good place to live. SWAN is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with good transit options. SWAN is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. SWAN has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 9.5 people per acre and a median age of 30. The average household income is $71,141 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 32.9% of residents. A majority of residents in SWAN are renters, with 72.8% of residents renting and 27.2% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving SWAN can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
SWAN neighborhood guide.
Is SWAN, MI a safe neighborhood?
SWAN, MI is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in SWAN?
The median home price in SWAN is $232,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $46,400 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.38%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,160 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $50K a year to afford the median home price in SWAN. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in SWAN is $71K.
What are the best public schools in SWAN?
The best public schools that serve SWAN are:
- Union High School has a C Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 18:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
- Shawmut Hills School has a C Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 18:1.
- Sibley School has a C Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 11:1.
What are the best private schools in SWAN?
The best private schools that serve SWAN are:
What are the most popular zip codes in SWAN, Grand Rapids, MI?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near SWAN, Grand Rapids, MI?
Home Trends in SWAN, MI
On average, homes in SWAN, Grand Rapids sell after 15 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in SWAN, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $236,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$236,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$238,150
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$201,950
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$181,250
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$195
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
50
Median List Price
$232,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%