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John Ball Park

John Ball Park

Suburban Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Kent County 49504

$302,348 Average Value
$197 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Grand Rapids’ west side community on Fulton Street

Living on the west side of Grand Rapids may be more affordable than the east side, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of interesting things to do and see. “For me, my heart is in the Grand Rapids area. It’s a small, big town and it has a huge sense of community. We’re in the Midwest where people genuinely care about one another. It’s a fantastic place to live,” says Susan Shively, a licensed Realtor with Five Star Real Estate and a lifelong Grand Rapids resident. John Ball Park is named for the John Ball Park and Zoo, which takes up a large portion of this neighborhood. Not far from most homes are a few shops, restaurants and cafes, such as Rise Authentic Baking Co. coffee shop, and Putt Put’s Bar. Grand Valley State University Students can rent a room in John Ball Park homes and ride the bus east to Grand Valley’s downtown campus. Grade school students study within the Grand Rapids Public School district, which is graded an overall C-plus on Niche.

John Ball Park is only a few minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.
John Ball Park is only a few minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.
Fulton Street is the main road running through John Ball Park with lots of retail and food.
Fulton Street is the main road running through John Ball Park with lots of retail and food.
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Play and learn at John Ball Zoo

Residents can choose to take advantage of an annual pass to the John Ball Zoo, which is great for families or nature enthusiasts who enjoy spending a day viewing animal exhibits and experiences. "I love being close to the John Ball Zoo," says Emily Bonello, local resident and lifelong west Michigander. "It has such a nice variety of animals without feeling too big and sprawling to accomplish in one day trip.” The park outside the zoo is free to anyone in the area, includes ample parking, and has large green spaces and play areas. Mines Golf Course is named after the gypsum mines directly below the property, where players can enjoy a challenging 18-hole course. Lincoln Park to the north has sports courts and a playground near Eden Cafe and the popular Tacos El Cuñado taco stand on Bridge Street.

Welcome to John Ball Zoo in John Ball Park, MI.
Welcome to John Ball Zoo in John Ball Park, MI.
The John Ball Park Zoo hosts many fun events throughout the year in John Ball Park, MI.
The John Ball Park Zoo hosts many fun events throughout the year in John Ball Park, MI.
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Classic Craftsman homes near John Ball Park and Zoo

Lake Michigan Drive, one of the area’s major roads, leads into John Ball Park. Homes on this street leading into the city are more suburban, with brick ranch and raised-ranch houses set into the downhill slope. Some residences have nice-sized backyards and pools. Most houses north of the highway are priced between $230,000 and $400,000. South of the highway near John Ball Zoo, buyers will find classic Midwest Craftsman homes with large columns on front porches, screened-in sunrooms and a few dormer windows. These residences near the zoo often cost between $200,000 and $350,000.

Many farmhouse-style homes have spacious front porches in John Ball Park, MI.
Many farmhouse-style homes have spacious front porches in John Ball Park, MI.
Raised ranches and split level homes line the quiet streets of John Ball Park.
Raised ranches and split level homes line the quiet streets of John Ball Park.
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Cafes and bars on Fulton Street

Rise Authentic Baking Co is a great spot for sitting with a laptop and sipping coffee or sampling their freshly made vegan and gluten-free pastries. During colder months, Rise sets up their outdoor plastic igloos with tables, chairs and heaters. Putt Putt's Bar and Joey’s Tavern are both lively bars across the street from each other with outdoor patio spaces, classic bar food, TVs for watching Tigers or Lions games and live music nights. For neighborhood news and updates, residents can join the John Ball Area Neighbors page on Facebook to celebrate being part of Grand Rapids’ west side. Most shoppers head to the Meijer and Aldi in Standale which are about 4 miles west on Lake Michigan Drive. Closer to home, Great Lakes Ace Hardware, Family Dollar, and the Frank’s Market Butcher shop are right on Fulton Street.

Residents can find Joey's Tavern located on Fulton Street in the John Ball Park Neighborhood.
Residents can find Joey's Tavern located on Fulton Street in the John Ball Park Neighborhood.
The local Bitter End coffee shop is a John Ball Park neighborhood favorite.
The local Bitter End coffee shop is a John Ball Park neighborhood favorite.
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Grand Rapids’ annual downtown events

John Ball Park residents can participate in major Grand Rapids events, such as the Irish on Ionia festival which celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day, or the Grand Rapids Pride Festival which takes place in June. The most famous Grand Rapids event is ArtPrize, which features dozens of art pieces in a city-wide, month-long competition in September. Visitors can walk around to find paintings, murals, sculptures and statement pieces all over the city and vote for their favorite pieces. It’s a quick hop across the Grand River into the city, where locals can check out Ionia Street for barhopping and dancing, catch a game at Van Andel Arena, or attend a performance at DeVos Performance Hall.

Grand Rapids Public Schools’ programs and achievements

John Ball Park students can attend kindergarten through eighth grade at Shawmut Hills School, known for its caregiver engagement programs, which celebrates staff, family members, and the students. They host events like their school carnival, family dances and a winter holiday ‘sing-a-long'. For ninth through twelfth grade, students may attend Union High School, which is labeled a cultural center due to its specialization in English language programs for a diverse student population. Its campus was also recently renovated and updated to include new technology and classroom enhancements for students. Both schools are graded a C on Niche.

Union High School has a total population of around 1,200 students.
Union High School has a total population of around 1,200 students.
Sacred Heart Academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Sacred Heart Academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Conveniently located near Interstate 96

John Ball Park residents have access to all three major roadways in the Grand Rapids area, including Lake Michigan Drive, Fulton Street, and Interstate 96. I-96 can take drivers southwest to Zeeland and Holland or east to the Gerald R Ford International Airport, which is about 15 miles away. Fulton Street cuts through Grand Rapids’ downtown, leading to all sorts of nightlife and further east into the more expensive parts of town. Grand Rapids’ “Medical Mile” is a long stretch on Michigan Street with several teaching hospitals and clinics such as the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and the Spectrum Butterworth Hospital emergency room.

Shelby Sullivan
Written By
Shelby Sullivan
Jonathan Fairfield
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Fairfield
Kyo Nguyen
Video By
Kyo Nguyen

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Schools

Source:
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 Matias Martinez Roca, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Gerald R Ford International

24 min drive

Bus

Bridge & Valley (Eb)

Bus

John Ball Zoo Station (Eb)

Bus

Bridge & Mt. Mercy (Wb)

Bus

Bridge & Grandview Apartments (Wb)

Bus

Bridge & Valley (Wb)

Bus

Bridge & Scott (Wb)

Bus

Garfield Ave Station (Wb)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime John Ball Park US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$313,900
Median Single Family Price
$313,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$197
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
67
Months of Supply
0.40
Median List Price
$315,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
925
Median Year Built
1919
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,007
On par with the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
261,360

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 12:30pm

    60 Westmont Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

    $399,900

    • 5 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,047 Sq Ft
    • 60 Westmont Dr NW
    • New 3 days ago

    Impeccably Maintained 2 Story On Grand Rapids West Side. On The Main Floor You Will Find An Updated Kitchen With Eating Area, Half Bath, Living Room With Attached Sun Porch, And An Office. Upstairs Has Five (!) Bedrooms, Including A Primary With En Suite And Hard Wood Floors Through Out. Full Basement Has Laundry And Plenty Of Storage. Just In Time For Summer, Enjoy The Privacy Of Your Fenced

    Agent Photo
    Donna Anders
    Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate (Main)
    (616) 947-3129
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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    3 - 5pm

    1900 Fruitwood Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

    $374,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,202 Sq Ft
    • 1900 Fruitwood Dr NW
    • New 1 day ago

    Don't miss this beautifully updated west side gem! This meticulously maintained home has been renovated top to bottom, offering a perfect blend of charm and modern convenience. The fully renovated kitchen is a standout, featuring sleek finishes and easy access to the newly added mudroom ideal for busy households.Major upgrades include: new siding, windows, insulation, and a finished 3-season

    Hannah Gallagher Best Homes of Michigan LLC

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Matias Martinez Roca, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,260
Median Age
34
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.8%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$69,492
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$89,402

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.8%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
44.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.6%
% Population in Labor Force
69%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
119''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

21 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

25 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

27 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
John Ball Park
Matias Martinez Roca
Giving Back Realty LLC
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