$288,210Average Value$217Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
A growing retail district 3 miles from Grand Rapids
On Friday evenings during the summer months, food trucks line up in Creston’s Riverside Park. Residents order everything from bratwurst to gourmet grilled cheese, walking beside the Grand River. Creston is a suburban retreat with a growing downtown scene five minutes — or just about 3 miles — from the larger city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. “When people think of Creston, they usually think of our Plainfield Corridor. We like to call it our own microeconomy,” says Gregg Hampshire, the neighborhood association’s executive director. “It’s a very walkable center. You can go get lunch or stop by your dentist and doctor. It’s booming,” he adds. In the coming years, even more growth is expected; new housing developments and apartment options are springing up near Plainfield and Monroe Avenue. Thanks to Creston’s active neighborhood association, residents can look forward to a long list of annual events and festivals. Along with Food Truck Fridays, Riverside Park hosts an annual Oktoberfest and the Grand Valley American Indian Lodge Traditional Pow Wow in September. “There’s also Creston After Dark, a street fair with artists and live music,” says Hampshire. In other words, Creston’s community spirit is just as vibrant as the murals that decorate many of its businesses.
Creston is perhaps best known for Plainfield Avenue, a thriving business district.
Brick homes add a historic charm to the Creston neighborhood.
1/2
Single-family homes from the 1950s
Creston can be divided into four main sections: Creston Heights, Riverside Gardens, Cheshire and North Park; smaller pockets are nestled in between, each with its own unique housing stock. Prospective buyers will find single-family mid-century modern homes along with American Foursquares dating back to the early 1920s. Prices range from $100,000 for investment properties in need of a fresh coat of paint to upwards of $400,000 for remodeled three-bedrooms. The hilly streets – which are often covered in snow and ice during Michigan’s chilly winters — are lined with raised ranch-styles, cottages with quaint dormer windows and Tudor-inspired homes with steep gabled roofs. Lot sizes are generous, with enough room for a game of catch or a backyard trampoline.
In Creston, prospective buyers will find large American Foursquare homes.
Tudor-inspired homes with gabled roofs can be spotted in the Creston neighborhood.
1/2
Language services are available at Union High School
Neighborhood students are incorporated into Grand Rapids Public Schools where Kent Hills School, Riverside Middle and Union High all received a C-minus or higher from the educational review site, Niche. Union High is home to the district’s only high school cultural center, and students across Grand Rapids in need of language services can enroll. Ninth through 12th-graders new to the United States can participate in the Newcomers Program, which is designed to help them meet graduation requirements. The district is also known for its investment in the arts; students can display their work at the Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Citywide Art Show every year.
Union High School has a total population of around 1,200 students.
Main Entrance
1/2
Farm fresh restaurants and shopping along Plainfield Avenue
Plainfield, the heart of Creston’s thriving business district, has seen the arrival of new restaurants, boutiques and apartment buildings in recent years. Start off the day at Lucy’s Cafe, which serves up scratch-made donuts, cakes and cookies. The brunch menu includes items like “Cornflakes French Toast” and pot pie. Just down the street, Cafe Mamo changes its menu weekly based on deliveries from local farmers; it’s been a popular date night spot since it first opened its doors in 2021. By contrast, The Choo Choo, known for its burgers and malts, has been a neighborhood staple for the last 80 years. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Frosty Boy,” says Hampshire. “People wait an hour to get their ice cream and it’s somehow worth it.”
For groceries, residents stop by Kingma’s Market, which is locally owned and known for its fresh goods and rotating deli menu. Or head east along Knapp Street to find big box retailers and national chains like Aldi, Panera and T.J. Maxx.
The Creston neighborhood is home to Lucy's, serving up some delicious brunch dishes.
Kingma's Market provides the Creston neighborhood with fresh local produce.
1/2
Lights on Creston and Grand Rapids museums
During the holiday season, Plainfield Avenue is decorated with twinkle lights, local artisans set up shop in Creston Brewery and residents can ride trolleys up and down the street; it’s all part of an event called Lights on Creston. Come spring, the Creston Neighborhood Association hosts an annual Pancake Brunch, where residents can enjoy yard games, craft booths and plant giveaways. “It really brings everyone together,” says Hampshire. Drive just 10 minutes — or approximately 3 miles — south to enjoy the additional arts and culture opportunities in Grand Rapids. There’s the Grand Rapids Art Museum, which houses over 5,000 works spanning from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Enroll in a collage-making class or attend a nighttime flashlight tour. Nearby, DeVos Performance Hall hosts touring Broadway shows and the Grand Rapids Symphony. Well-known comedians pass through GLC Live at 20 Monroe, and, across the river, The Grand Rapids Public Museum has a planetarium, a detailed ¾ recreation of late 19th-century Grand Rapids and a finback whale skeleton. Reserve tickets ahead of time to ride a jeweled horse on the 1928 Spillman Carousel.
Local farmers and craftsman have been selling their wares at the Fulton Street Market for over 100 years. Stop by on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings from May through October. The market is open on Saturdays from November through April.
Head to the Creston Brewery Taproom for their happy hour specials in downtown Creston.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum displays collections ranging from Renaissance to Modern Art.
1/2
An urban orchard, water features and playgrounds in public parks
Riverside Park, which has a kayak launch, a disc golf course and paved walking trails, isn’t Creston’s only public green space. There’s also Aberdeen Park, where The Living Green in Creston (LGC) committee organized the development of an urban orchard in 2011. The park is also home to a seasonal splash pad, tennis courts, a community garden with rentable plots and a playground. Explore the wetlands boardwalk trails in Huff Park, or cool off in the Briggs Park pool during the summer. Admission is $1 for residents under the age of 17.
Kent Country Club members spend their weekends teeing off on the 18-hole golf course or enjoying the club’s fitness center and tennis courts.
Bike Trail Bridge
The residents in Creston have access to their own public pool with a waterslide feature.
1/2
Transit: Nearby highways, the Rapid and Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Creston is bordered by U.S. Route 131 as well as Interstates 96 and 196, which makes interstate travel relatively easy for Creston residents. Ride the Rapid, Grand Rapids’ public bus line, down Plainfield Avenue into downtown. Or hop onboard a Lime Scooter. In the coming years, the neighborhood association hopes to bring more public transit — specifically the DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) to Creston. Grand Rapids also represents a midpoint on Amtrak’s Michigan Services train, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac. For more long-distance travel, residents drive about 15 miles (or 20 minutes) to Gerald R. Ford International Airport, which offers direct flights to over 30 U.S. cities.
The neighborhood is served by Trinity Health Grand Rapids, a hospital that’s become a progressive leader in neuroscience, cardiovascular and cancer care, orthopedics, diabetes and endocrine care, kidney transplants, and integrative medicine.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Eldon Palmer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Riverside Park
Baseball/Softball
Bike Trails
Disc Golf
Aberdeen Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Grills
Sweet Street Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Huff Park
Baseball/Softball
Grills
Picnic Area
Briggs Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Pool
Grand Rapids Veterans Home Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Parking Lot
Transit
Airport
Gerald R Ford International
26 min drive
Bus
Three Mile & Monroe (Wb)
Bus
Three Mile & Belknap (Wb)
Bus
Plainfield & Sweet (Sb)
Bus
Plainfield & Sligh (Sb)
Bus
Fuller & Alberta (Nb)
Bus
Plainfield & Palmer (Sb)
Bus
Three Mile & Plainfield (Wb)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Creston
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Creston, Grand Rapids sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Creston, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $286,183, up 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming Traditional Home -Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 1-bath traditional home, featuring fresh paint throughout, gleaming wood floors, and original trim that showcases its timeless character. A partial basement offers extra storage space, perfect for keeping things organized. This home is full of charm and completely move-in ready—just unpack and settle in!
Step into this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home nestled in the heart of North East Grand Rapids. Completely remodeled in 2022, this home thoughtfully blends modern updates with stunning original woodwork that adds warmth and timeless charm throughout. Bright, welcoming living spaces offer the perfect setting for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen received a fresh update
Situated on a double lot on Knapp St., this delightful farmhouse, built in 1880, is ready for new owners. After being well-cared for over the past 20 years, it is ready to start the process of making new memories. The cozy living room opens up to a spacious kitchen with plenty of cupboards. Off of the kitchen is a stunning 4-season room with a gas fireplace and plenty of natural light ideal for
Experience a life of elegance and excitement in our new urban community, just north of downtown GR. The Current prepares you for a successful day with modern perks to streamline your schedule and high-end extras to brighten every moment. Our studio, one, and two bedroom apartment homes in Grand Rapids, Michigan, provide the ideal launchpad for you to start and end your day. Whether you’re getting
Lofts on Grove is where the energy of city life blends seamlessly with the charm of the historic Creston Neighborhood. Lofts on Grove is more than just an apartment community; it's a gateway to a vibrant and flourishing neighborhood. Our 110 thoughtfully designed apartments include studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options. Each home is meticulously crafted to offer both comfort and style,
Welcome to Aspen Lakes, where beautiful landscaping and bountiful amenities meet exceptional service and an ideal location. This community is located on 40 acres of mature landscaping with two lakes. Our apartments offer a host of special features, we even have brand new apartments available! From lake and wooded views to well-equipped kitchens you are sure to find your new home at Aspen Lakes.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Eldon Palmer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
22,715
Median Age
37
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$64,793
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,438
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.1%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
34.7%
Advanced Degrees
10.5%
% Population in Labor Force
70.5%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
46''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
57/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
56/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
