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<h3>Downtown Living&nbsp;</h3><p>Art. Food. Music. Business.&nbsp;<br>Downtown Grand Rapids is big enough that you’ll never run out of something new to try on your night out but small enough to still feel like home. It’s the center of culture, business, and medical research in West Michigan.</p><p>Grand Rapids was nicknamed “Beer City USA” for its abundance of craft breweries, many of which are located right downtown, the most iconic being Founders Brewing Co. But if beer isn’t your thing, downtown GR is also home a world-renowned minimalist coffee cafe, called Madcap Coffee Company. In addition, there are plenty of other popular places to grab a meal, two local favorites being San Chez Tapas Bistro and The B.O.B. For some evening entertainment, The Intersection and 20 Monroe Live are two of GR’s most popular music venues which regularly host headliners of every style.</p><p>Downtown Grand Rapids has been the location of several legendary GR events, such as a city-wide chalk flood, a zombie walk on Halloween, a giant pillow fight, a paper airplane launch, and the world’s largest waterslide set up right on Lyon street. Each of these events was attended by thousands and they have gone down in history as some of the most fun, community-coordinated, and classic GR cultural experiences ever. More regularly occurring events include swing dancing every Tuesday in the summer and ice skating in winter, both of which take place in Rosa Parks Circle, which is located right in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum.</p><p>Considering the variety of unique restaurants, venues, and events, Grand Rapids has proudly earned its spot in the top 20 best cities to live in! Check out these featured articles on ArtPrize and the Downtown Market to see more of what Grand Rapids has to offer:</p><h3>ArtPrize&nbsp;</h3><p>World’s Biggest Art Competition&nbsp;<br>ArtPrize began just 8 years ago, taking place in the early fall every year since then, and it is now recognized as the most-attended public art event in the entire world. ArtPrize is “unorthodox, highly disruptive, and undeniably intriguing.” Anyone over 18 can participate as an artist and any location within the ArtPrize district in downtown Grand Rapids can serve as a venue—museums, bars, restaurants, storefronts, bridges, hotels, public parks—we’ve even had installations in the Grand River! More than $500,000 is awarded to winners which are half decided by public vote and half by a jury of art experts. Pretty much anything goes—2D, 3D, performance, installation, or time-based art is accepted. There’s been sand castles in the street, a giant table and chairs on top of the blue bridge, a display of the migration of monarch butterflies, and literally thousands of other incredible pieces that you’d have to see to believe!</p><h3>The Downtown Market&nbsp;</h3><p>Food, Community, Culture&nbsp;<br>The Downtown Market is an indoor multi-purpose facility that holds 23-vendor market stalls and 2 full service restaurants. The stalls include a butcher shop, a bakery, and food options ranging from sushi to soup, to street tacos, to gourmet pretzels and ice cream. Additionally, there are vendors that sell other goods like loose-leaf tea, kitchenware, and flowers.</p><p>The Downtown Market works to promote education, community, and culture. The building features a full-fledged, rentable, (and kid friendly, if you can believe it), demonstration kitchen where culinary classes for a variety of skill levels are taught. The Downtown Market also partners with Grand Rapids Public Schools by hosting students at their location to learn about sustainable energy through tours of the rooftop greenhouse, live walls, a rain garden, and geotherm wells.</p><p>The location and versatility of this incredible space has made it the perfect place to meet a friend for lunch, host an event, attend a class, or just explore the options offered by various vendors. I think it’s safe to say that the Downtown Market has secured its spot on the list of Grand Rapid’s favorites!</p>

Downtown Grand Rapids

<h3>History and Architecture in Heritage Hill&nbsp;</h3><p>What does it take to own one of the most elegant homes in the city?&nbsp;<br>Heritage Hill oozes history wherever you look. There are about 1300 homes located in this nationally recognized Historic District and each one of them tells a story. The earliest homes were built in 1843 and are well into their second century. In the late 60’s, there were plans in place to demolish a large portion of the Historic Properties located but residents protested the demolition under the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act. Their successful suit resulted in the creation of the Heritage Hill Association whose task it is to preserve a healthy and vibrant historic community.</p><p>This is great news…. until you want to paint your house. The homes in Heritage Hill are magnificent. When people say that, “they don’t build them like they used to”, these homes are what they are talking about. The craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into these houses is truly magnificent…… and it is the job of the Heritage Hill association to make sure that these incredible pieces of history are preserved. This means that painting your Heritage Hill home (which very likely needs a fresh coat of paint) is not nearly as simple as going to the store and picking up a few gallons of exterior paint to throw on the walls! In fact, any work that is going to alter the exterior appearance of your home needs to have the approval of the Historic Preservation Commission!</p><p>They have an application form that will need to be filled out and approved before your work can begin. For people who are not expecting it, this process can seem unnecessarily onerous and burdensome, and even for those who are aware of the rules, their are (sometimes significant) unexpected &nbsp;costs associated with rehabbing old homes in way that preserves their historic integrity!</p><p>Heritage Hill is not a place for a quick and dirty rehab. It isn’t a place for vinyl windows, or beige colored houses. Heritage Hill is a place for people who appreciate beauty and are willing to put the necessary time and energy and finances into preserving an incredible community.</p><p>The rules can definitely be a pain in the butt, but the neighborhood that is being preserved in the process is one of the most significant historical districts in all of the United States.</p><p>••••</p><h3>Famous Houses and Famous People</h3><p>&nbsp;Frank Lloyd Wright made his Michigan Debut in Heritage Hill&nbsp;<br>The Meyer-May house is a prime example of what makes Heritage Hill great. This prairie style home was built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909. Over the years, their were additions and changes made to Wright’s additional design. However, in 1985 SteelCase purchased the home and began the painstaking work of restoring the house to it’s original design.</p><p>Two years later, the project was complete and Heritage Hill became home to the most thoroughly restored work by Frank Lloyd Wright in the world.</p><p>What to watch out for when buying an Old Home in the Hill!&nbsp;<br>Unexpected Costs and Hazards are just a part of the process!&nbsp;<br>Heritage Hill homes come with history and character. Both of those items create additional home ownership expenses! You are dealing with houses that are over a century old! There is a lot that can happen that amount of time! In addition to the standard items such as roofs and furnaces, you will likely need to do some window replacement! There is a lot of stained and lead-paned glass work in these homes. These windows are gorgeous and if it is possible to repair them, we think that you should, but finding someone who works with stained glass is not going to be cheap! &nbsp;If you decide to replace the windows, you will likely need to have custom windows built for the openings in your house! Standard window sizing in Heritage Hill just doesn’t exist!</p><p>Every one of these homes has been painted with lead at some point. This shouldn’t care you, but you should also take some time to learn a bit about how to avoid turning this hazard into a real problem!</p><p>Many of these homes have asbestos in the insulation, or the shingles, or elsewhere. Again, this should not be a cause for alarm, but it is certainly a cause for care! Take some time to learn about lead and asbestos abatementbefore you decide to get into a major historical renovation project! Alternatively, you can hire one of Grand Rapids’ many qualified contractors who are familiar with exactly what needs to be done to manage these concerns and restore your historic Heritage Hill home to a thing of beauty.</p><h3>We love old houses.&nbsp;</h3><p>And we would love to help you find one!&nbsp;<br>Every time that we encounter a buyer who is looking to move into Heritage Hill, we get excited. Every one of these homes is exceptional and unique, and the process of finding the perfect house in the Hill is far more interesting and exciting than in any other part of the city. We love these houses, and if you love them too, we would love to work with you to buy or sell your Heritage Hill home.</p>

Historic Heritage Hill

<h3>The Greenwich Village of Grand Rapids&nbsp;</h3><p>Eastown is a rather small area of Grand Rapids—taking up only 70 square blocks. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character. Eastown has been described as the Greenwich village of Grand Rapids. This neighborhood is home to many local businesses and unique stores that sell antiques and one-of-a-kind items. Eastown’s proximity to both Aquinas College and downtown Grand Rapids makes it a popular place for college students to rent, which means plenty of great coffee shops and cheap dining options such as The Pita House, Mulligan’s Pub, and Yesterdog.</p><p>The resident population of Eastown is incredibly diverse, but everyone has one thing in common—they care deeply about their neighborhood. The Eastown Community Association is a very active neighborhood organization committed to keeping business and home owners informed about community issues, promoting community events and initiating improvement projects. Their mission is “to foster a safe, diverse, and walkable Eastown neighborhood by creating opportunities for neighbors and friends to engage and connect.” With its distinctly bohemian feel, Eastown is a great place for buyers who are looking to avoid the crowdedness of downtown living without sacrificing the availability of entertainment options and a thriving community.</p><h3>Eateries&nbsp;</h3><p>Dining options from both ends of the spectrum&nbsp;<br>Eastown offers a wide selection of dining options, so no matter what your tastes are, you’re sure to find something that you love!</p><p>Terrais a local favorite, featuring plenty of high-quality organic, gluten free, or vegan options. This place is magic—somehow, even the dishes with their most exotic ingredients and bewildering combinations tasty homey and wholesome. It’s always busy, so any time you go, you’ll likely have to wait for a table—but I promise, it’s worth it.</p><p>However, if you’re not into the all-natural food fad, Yesterdog—an infamous Eastown hangout—may be more up your alley. Yesterdog is a vintage hot dog shop, complete with a hand-crank cash register and an antique jukebox. Yesterdog was opened in 1976 and has won the title of “Grand Rapids Best Hotdog” in Grand Rapids magazine every year since 1991—the year the category was created. It’s also notable for its appearance in the film American Pie. Yesterdog is one of the most historic and beloved restaurants in all of Grand Rapids. Even if you don’t like hot dogs, it’s a worthwhile stop for the real Eastown experience!</p><p>Eastown Community Association&nbsp;<br>Get involved in the neighborhood!&nbsp;<br>Eastown is a great place to live if you’re looking to really be involved with your community, not simply own a house in the neighborhood. The Eastown Community Association strives to encourage community development through hosting panels and sponsoring neighborhood improvement projects. Topics of discussion have included urban forests, homelessness, getting access to locally grown produce, fair housing, and environmental improvements. They have also hosted art galleries and poetry readings for members of the community. Get involved with the ECA by volunteering to sponsor, host, and coordinate events, or simply check the schedule on their website and attend one yourself! If you want to be a part of shaping the place you live into a community that you want to be a part of, then Eastown is the place for you!</p>

EastTown

School Bus on american country road in the morning

<h3>Forest Hills&nbsp;</h3><p>A big old piece of land with great schools.&nbsp;<br>Forest Hills is located just outside the city of Grand Rapids and provides access to all the amenities of the city while simultaneously giving residents access to world class schools.</p><p>Technically, Forest Hills is an “unincorporated community” that exists primarily for census purposes, but locally “Forest Hills” most commonly refers to the outstanding school district by the same name.</p><p>As a school district, it encompasses portions of Ada Township, Grand Rapids Township, Cascade Township and even parts of the cities of Grand Rapids and Kentwood! Buyers who want an excellent school system and are searching for property in West Michigan, will almost always find themselves asking, “Is it in Forest Hills?”</p><p>The world class schools have &nbsp;drawn people of all ages. There are 100’s of million dollar homes scattered throughout Forest Hills, but incredibly, it is sometimes possible to find homes listed for under 150k!</p><p>Forest Hills covers approximately 50 square miles and virtually any type of property can be found in that space. If you are looking for an incredible condominium community in an urban setting, downtown Ada or Celadon will have what you need!</p><p>If you want to get away from your neighbors, it’s easy to do! There are plenty of acreages available, and they range in size from small 1-2 acre parcels, all the way up to 20 acres or more. There are plenty of option for every kind of buyer! So — if you are interested in moving to one of the best school districts in West Michigan. You can do it. Time to start dreaming about what kind of house you want!</p><p>••</p><h3>Tell me more about these schools&nbsp;</h3><p>How good are they really?&nbsp;<br>Forest Hills is home to 3 incredible high schools. Northern, Central, and Eastern are all top notch schools. As a district, only East Grand Rapids schools ranked higher. Perhaps the best thing I could possibly say about these schools is simply that I send my kids to Forest Hills… and they like it! As crazy as it sounds. My kids like their school. They must have some miracle workers on staff. In fact, I would like to give a shout out to the staff at Orchard View Elementary who worked hard this year to make sure that all 3 of my girls had a wonderful experience. It helps that the student to teacher ratio is a very low 19 to 1!</p><p>Forest Hills offers student an enormous amount of opportunity in athletics. Soccer, Football, Volleyball, Golf, Diving, Hockey, Cheer are just a FEW of the options offered by Forest Hills schools.</p><p>The world class fine arts center offers incredible opportunities in music, and performance art, as well as sculpture, and paining. Every year, incredibly talented artists (such as &nbsp;STOMP and the Indigo Girls) come through Forest Hills Fine Art Center giving residents the opportunity to attend small and intimate performances.</p><p>So, in answer to my question: The schools are good. They are really, really good.</p><h3>Housing Values to increase 50% in 10 years.&nbsp;</h3><p>According to Math.&nbsp;<br></p><p><strong>Part 1 of the equation: Demand</strong></p><p>Forbes ranked Grand Rapids, the best city in all of the US to raise a family in 2012 and within the Grand Rapids area, Forest Hills is arguably the most desirable place to raise a family. Given the fact that people are continuing to pro-create, it is safe to say that the demand for family friendly housing is going to steadily increase!</p><p><strong>Part 2 of the equation: Opportunity</strong></p><p>Just this year, Grand Rapids was rated the best place for property investors in 2016. In other words, the property values are the most undervalued in the nation. Once again, Forest Hills is arguably the most desirable area in Grand Rapids.</p><p>These two factors tell me that Grand Rapids housing is going to continue to catch up to pricing in other major markets over the next few years, and Forest Hills is going to lead the way.</p><p><br>Is there a place for me in Forest Hills.&nbsp;<br>… yes. yes there is.&nbsp;<br>If you think Forest Hills might be a great place to move. You are right. At the time of this writing, all of our agents live here. We would love to help you make the move!</p>

Forest Hills

Reeds at the water's edge and autumn fog on the lake at sunrise

<p>Though it’s just four miles from downtown Grand Rapids, EGR has a classic but lively vibe all its own. East Grand Rapids offers all the accessibility of city living with the addition of easy access to recreational areas and woodland trails. At the heart of East Grand Rapids is Gaslight Village, a few blocks of shops and service providers, which includes everything from dry cleaning services, to grocery stores, to Pilates and Yoga studios. And there’s no shortage of great places to eat—whether it’s for a classy sit-down meal, a cup of coffee, Chinese takeout, or frozen yogurt. Gaslight Village is also home to upscale boutiques such as the Snapdragon Boutique or Bella Furs, which boast unique items that you won’t find in a mall or department store.</p><p>In addition to these city options, East Grand Rapids has 10 parks and natural areas which include a 4.2-mile trail around Reeds Lake, popular among cyclists and runners. This route features off-road trails, sidewalks, paved pathways, and boardwalks. East Grand Rapids is a refined yet modern neighborhood that strikes the perfect balance between city life and wide open spaces.</p><h3>A Night Out in EGR&nbsp;</h3><p><br>Historic Restaurants and Modern Entertainment&nbsp;<br>For dining options, Rose’s is a must. Rose’s is perhaps the most famous dining option in East Grand Rapids. It was first opened in 1901 and is now recognized as a historic landmark. The menu demonstrates Mediterranean/Italian/Americana influences. The building itself is located right on Reeds Lake and has an enclosed patio with a beautiful view of the lake.</p><p>For entertainment, East Grand Rapids has plenty to offer, two of the most popular being the Brush Studio and the Circle Theatre. Brush Studio features “paint and sip” art classes. Grab a friend, get a group together, or go solo. Pick a date and then show up and enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer while you create the evening’s featured painting with the guidance of the class instructor—no artistic ability necessary!</p><p>In the summer, East Grand Rapids’ Circle Theater shows five main stage productions—three musicals and two plays, as well as one family-oriented Magic Circle production, which usually entails the retelling of a myth or fairytale. In all, these total sixty performances each summer! Additionally, the Circle Theater hosts many summer concerts featuring artists from a variety of genres.</p><h3>Reeds Lake&nbsp;</h3><p>A Natural Oasis in the Suburbs&nbsp;<br>Reeds Lake is a central attraction of the East Grand Rapid’s area. It’s a great place to relax or get some exercise! In total, it has 176 acres of public space, which includes many trails, parks, and beaches. The Waterfront Park features a 425ft. floating boardwalk near the shore. The largest park at Reeds Lake is called the Manhattan Park. It’s 43 acres total and includes a playground, a picnic shelter with grills and tables, beach volleyball courts, softball diamonds, tennis courts, and a soccer field. Common activities on Reeds Lake include water skiing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and (in the summertime) enjoying the sunshine! The open recreational areas provide the perfect place for large group activities or celebrations. East Grand Rapids hosts many yachting regattas on the lake, as well as the Huntington Reeds Lake Run and a triathlon. In the summer, enjoy movie screenings and barbequing in the park, concerts, and an extravagant 4th of July celebration.</p>

East Grand Rapids

Wooden tables bridge, with perfect circular shape, leading to an autumn garden.

<h2>The city outside the city&nbsp;<br></h2><h3>A year in Rockford</h3><p>Summer begins with a bang in Rockford. When school lets out, the Start of Summer Celebration begins! The streets of downtown Rockford are transformed into carnival grounds, complete with rides, vendors, performances, and a fireworks show. On any regular summer day in Rockford, you may see fishermen casting their lines at the Rockford Dam, couples kayaking down the Rogue River, or families biking the White Pine Trail, which runs right through the heart of downtown. The summer Sidewalk Sale attracts shoppers from all over Grand Rapids looking to find a deal on high-end boutique clothing or artisan crafts. Rockford’s Famer’s Market—voted America’s favorite in 2011—takes place every Saturday morning May through October. Fresh produce of all kinds, flowers, honey, bread, and lots more make it the perfect place to pick up your regular groceries or even indulge in something special. While you’re shopping, don’t forget to stop by Rocky’s for ice cream, it’s a city favorite!</p><p>Rockford is bustling with activity in the summer, but there’s plenty to do in the winter months as well. The Santa Parade is a well-attended event which welcomes the Christmas spirit to Rockford. Trees lining the streets and along the dam are lit up with lights, and Christmas tunes play quietly from the lampposts. Winter is the perfect time to take a stroll through downtown and window-shop. If you have kids, you know kids, or you feel like a kid yourself, check out Aunt Candy’s Toy Company, (but give yourself plenty of time, there is a lot to look at!) Then, step into a local restaurant, like Ramona’s Table or Marinades Pizza for something to eat, or grab a cup of coffee from Sweetland Chocolates &amp; Coffee to warm up. Or, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can sign up for the Sweetheart Splash and take an icy plunge into the river for your valentine. Summer, fall, winter, spring—whatever the season, there’s always plenty to do and see in the city of Rockford, MI!</p><h3>Dining in Rockford&nbsp;</h3><p><br><strong>Ramona’s Table</strong> relocated to Rockford a few years ago, and locals were glad to add it to the collection of delicious restaurants downtown. Ramona’s menu features gourmet sandwiches and deli salads, along with some of the best desserts. Ever. Their secret? Nearly everything on the menu is made in-house and it’s always fresh. Best of all, Ramona’s patio looks out over the Rockford dam, so you can take in the view while you enjoy lunch, dinner, or cocktails.</p><p>Another new addition to Rockford is the <strong>Rockford Brewing Company. </strong>Their mission is serving quality local brews and promoting community and culture in the area. RBC is a venue for many talented local artists and musicians and a popular gather place for locals. Many of their local beers are offered for a limited time only, so check out their online beer catalog to see the selection before you go! Great beer, amazing art, and live music make Rockford Brewing Co. the perfect atmosphere for a night out!</p><p><strong>White Pine Trail&nbsp;</strong><br>Stretching 92 miles from northern Grand Rapids, through Rockford, and on to Cadillac, the White Pine Trail is Michigan’s longest trail. The section of the trail through Rockford runs along the dam on one side and city-proper on the other. The White Pine Trail is great for running, cycling, roller blading, walking dogs, etc. Whether you’re just getting in a little exercise or you’ve planned a day-trip with your family, the White Pine Trail in Rockford is the perfect place to start!</p><p>If you think Rockford could be the perfect place to find your new home, let’s get together and answer any questions you may have. We love this town and would love to have you as a neighbor.</p>

Rockford

Grand Rapids Real Estate