$456,792Average Value$389Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes For Sale
The heartbeat of Grand Rapids
Downtown Grand Rapids is the city's heartbeat, home to breweries, museums and a wide range of entertainment options. "It's extremely walkable, and there is always something going on," says Brad Veneklase, the broker and owner of Urban Soil Realty. "I lived in a condo downtown for nearly 20 years, and the area is vibrant at all hours." Downtown is home to a major healthcare hub and the city’s community college, two of the area's top employers.
Although downtown can get quieter when workers head home for the day, it’s packed during the city’s many events. With plans for new development, more people will be able to call downtown home. Three new high rises are expected to be constructed in 2025, adding a mix of high-end hotels, living units and office space.
Love statue found on Monroe Ave across from Rosa Parks Circle in Downtown Grand Rapids.
The Blue Bridge is a popular tourist destination with rotating art installations.
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Just steps away from the nightlife of Beer City, USA
Downtown has the highest concentration of restaurants and bars in the city — many of which showcase why Grand Rapids is called “Beer City, USA.” Founders Brewing Company, which opened in the early 1990s, is now one of the most recognizable breweries in the state. The bar scene includes classy cocktail lounges, arcade-themed dives and LGBTQ-centered spots. Stella’s Lounge is a whisky bar where tables are etched by locals, vintage concert tickets are epoxied into the bar, and the walls are covered in spray-painted street art.
A wide variety of restaurants include upscale French cuisine, Mediterranean tapas and many, many burger joints. "For the size of the city, we have a lot of locally owned restaurants," Veneklase says. "There are very few chains, and the city likes to support small businesses and owners."
Downtown Grand Rapids is 10 miles away from the Northview neighborhood.
The Downtown Market is a huge food hall style market with multiple restaurants and shops.
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ArtPrize and World of Winter
Downtown residents have front seats to the ArtPrize, the most attended public art event in the world. The festival runs for two weeks, kicking off with a fireworks show over the Grand River. Local parks, restaurants and businesses all put up public art installations — and visitors vote on the winning piece. During the snowy months of January through March, downtown is transformed for the World of Winter. The festival includes more than 100 art installations and activities. “There are fire dancers, marching bands and light shows,” says Evette Pittman, the city’s special events manager. “But one of my favorite parts is Noddle Fest, which is a competition for local restaurants to bring out their best noodle recipe for everyone to try.”
But there are also smaller events all year round, including cultural celebrations, comedy shows and summer concerts. Downtown is home to several museums, ice hockey games at Van Andel Arena and theater productions at the DeVos Performance Hall. “One of our objectives is to be a four-season city,” Pittman says. “And we want people to be able to learn about new foods, new music, new cultures and new traditions.”
Rosa Parks Circle becomes a ice skating rink during the World of Winter in Grand Rapids.
The Gerald Ford Museum hosts numerous artists exhibitions, inside and out.
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Italianate condos and glittering high-rises
Over 85% of the residents rent, but those looking for a more permanent place can find condos right in the center of the action. Brick Italianate buildings with rounded windows and decorative stone cornices dominate the area's housing. Buyers can expect to spend between $230,000 and $1 million for a unit. Modern condos with gym and pool access are on the higher end of the spectrum from $500,000 to $1 million. Industrial units above the shops and stores of the area offer a little less space but sit on the lower end of the scale, starting around $250,000.
Yards are nonexistent, but trees and flowers line the sidewalk streets to provide a bit of greenery. Free street parking is limited downtown, but many condos have the option of garage parking at an added cost. Residents can also expect monthly fees for HOA and maintenance, which typically range from $300 to $700.
The Fitzgerald condo building on Library St in Downtown Grand Rapids has beautiful brick work.
McKay Tower condos is centrally located in Downtown Grand Rapids near Rosa Parks Circle.
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River views, ice skating and a brand-new amphitheater coming soon
At the heart of downtown, Rosa Parks Circle is a hub for community activity, from summer concerts to Thursday night swing dances. In the winter, the plaza gets adorned in string lights and turns into an ice rink. Over by the river, Grand Rapids’ iconic, pedestrian-only Blue Bridge leads to Riverwalk Ah Nab Awen Park, one of the most popular parks in the city. According to David Green, the city’s communications director, the riverside is facing a period of renovation and restoration. “In addition to bringing back the rapids, we want to add a network of river trails,” Green says. A large section of the riverbank is already under construction for the new Acrisure Amphitheater, a 12,000-seat outdoor venue expected to open in 2026.
There is plenty of stuff to do in Downtown Grand Rapids for residents and tourists to enjoy.
The Grand River is a popular fishing location along Downtown Grand Rapids.
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Public schools and Grand Rapids Community College
Downtown is zoned for Congress Elementary School, which gets a B rating from Niche. Then it’s on to Alger Middle, rated C-minus, and Ottawa Hills High, rated C. Students in the district can also apply to attend theme schools. Downtown is home to Grand Rapids Public Museum High, a theme school that uses museum methods to encourage learning with the environment. Rated a B-plus by Niche, the school participates in community projects. Catholic Central High School is a private option rated an A-minus. Downtown is also home to Grand Rapids Community College, which has around 15,000 students.
Alger Middle School is part of the Grand Rapids Public School System.
Union High School offers many exciting extracurricular activities for students..
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The “Medical Mile” contains several major healthcare facilities
The north side of downtown is called the Medical Mile, thanks to its high concentration of world-renowned clinical research facilities and academic institutions. The “mile” contains Spectrum Health Services, Van Andel Institute, Michigan State University's Secchia Center and several other health centers. The south side of downtown is home to Trinity Health Hospital, one of the city’s biggest employers.
Downtown is very walkable, but those wanting to rest their legs can hop on a Lime Scooter or one of the 'Rapid' buses that run along the main roads. The one thing that isn’t within walking distance is a large grocery store. The closest grocery option is Bridge Street Market, a mile across the river. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is about 12 miles away.
Downtown Grand Rapids is on the edge of the Medical Mile, a stretch of medical buildings.
The Rapid bus system has stops all over Downtown Grand Rapids.
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Crime
The Grand Rapids Criminal Division is in the middle of the downtown and works to reduce crime. The CAP Index crime score for Downtown is 7 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4.
Additional writing by Heather Haggerty.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Mark Brace
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate (Main)
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
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Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Heartside Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Veterans Memorial Park
Picnic Area
Community Center
Multi-Purpose Field
Pekich Park
Events
Amphitheater
Oakes Street Park
Picnic Area
Walking Paths
Motu Viget
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Monument Park
Picnic Area
Rosa Parks Circle
Picnic Area
Events
Amphitheater
Crescent Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
Gerald R Ford International
22 min drive
Bus
Fountain & Division (Eb)
Bus
Monroe & Pearl (Sb)
Bus
Michigan & Lafayette (Wb)
Bus
Market & Williams (Nb)
Bus
Division & Bartlett (Sb)
Bus
Ottawa (Ccw)
Bus
Cesar Chavez & Goodrich (Sb)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Grand Rapids
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $564,312, up 20% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Fitzgerald at 27 Library Street brings luxury living to the heart of Grand Rapids amid the city's premier eateries, shops, culture and nightlife. Residence 601 is a carefully crafted 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo that offers 1,100 square feet of interior space and garage parking for two vehicles. The great room enjoys eastern exposure throughout the day with views of the historic Grand Rapids
Welcome to The Plaza Tower Condominiums, located in downtown Grand Rapids. This meticulously maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo spans over 1,300 square feet and is located on the 27th floor, offering captivating views of downtown Grand Rapids. Recently renovated with meticulous attention to detail, the unit showcases new paint, refurbished kitchen cabinets, modern tile walk-in showers and
Christopher HughesColdwell Banker Schmidt Realtors
A sky-high sanctuary in the heart of downtown. Arrive at this 8th-floor corner unit from the private elevator once you've entered the historic Grand Rapids Savings Bank Building. With this open floorplan, enjoy the panoramic views that stretch across the skyline, perfect for entertaining. Unit amenities include solid wood cabinets and granite countertops in the kitchen, walk-in closets in both
Experience the ultimate in city living with this Plaza Towers condo on the 22nd floor, offering breathtaking views of the Grand River and dazzling western sunsets. This spacious 1-bedroom, 2-bath condo features an open, light-filled floor plan. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining area and living room, complete with custom built-ins. The primary suite boasts a private bath and walk-in
THE CROWN JEWEL of the prestigious Fitzgerald Condos! 3 spacious beds, 3.5 gorgeous baths,. over 3500 sq feet that show like new! Soaring 2 story ceiling on sprawling main floor abounding in windows & flooded with light. Over the top design & finish details. Gorgeous kitchen is a chef's dream! Extremely spacious owner's suite with FP + 2nd full suite w private bath. Superb views from large
Welcome to The Plaza Apartments, your gateway to luxurious living in the heart of Grand Rapids. Our luxury apartments downtown Grand Rapids offer a lifestyle of comfort and elegance. With a prime location, world-class amenities, and stunning apartments, Discover a modern oasis where comfort meets style, and indulge in the convenience of downtown city living. ?
The Fitzgerald at 27 Library Street brings luxury living to the heart of Grand Rapids amid the city's premier eateries, shops, culture and nightlife. Residence 703 is a carefully crafted 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo that offers nearly 800 square feet of interior space and garage parking for one vehicle. The great room enjoys southern exposure throughout the day with sweeping views of Veterans Park
Welcome to 234 Market Grand Rapids Apartments, where the art of downtown living reaches new heights in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Experience the ultimate downtown lifestyle at 234 Market Grand Rapids Apartments.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mark Brace,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,622
Median Age
34
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$42,083
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$67,412
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.1%
College Graduates
49.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
46''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
64/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
62/ 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.
