Grand Rapids Public Schools
Surrounded by nature
Median $295K·Walkability 5.5/10·Schools 4.4/10
Grand Rapids Public Schools has been shaping West Michigan education for more than 150 years, operating 51 schools across the city and serving nearly 14,000 students in grades PK–12—making it the state's eighth-largest district and the third-largest employer in Grand Rapids. The system offers the widest range of school choices in the region, from neighborhood schools to theme-based programs and Centers of Innovation that connect students with professional mentors and internship opportunities; City High Middle School, one of the district's test-in schools, consistently ranks among the top performing schools in Michigan according to U.S. News & World Report. Like many urban districts, GRPS faces real challenges: only about a quarter of students test proficient in reading, and the teacher shortage that hit after 2020 has left more than half the teaching staff with a decade or less of experience. The district has invested in modern, LEED-certified buildings with contemporary educational design, though it's also managing a "Reimagine GRPS" consolidation plan that will close 10 schools by 2029. Spending runs $16,719 per student annually, and the district sits just 2.3 minutes from downtown, with 32 parks within a mile—including Baldwin Park a short walk away—plus restaurants, coffee, and groceries steps from most neighborhoods.
Why people love it here
Near the water
- Reeds Lake — 0.7 mi
- 160 parks within 1 mile
- Baldwin Park: 8 min walk
- Foster Park: 10 min walk
$295K median
- 2110 sales in last 12mo
Walkable for daily errands
- Fountain/College (EB): 4 min walk
- 9 places within a 10 min walk
Conventional Mortgage Calculator
Median home price in Grand Rapids Public Schools
Estimated Monthly Payment
$2,005/mo
Property tax and insurance are estimates you can edit — not a quote. Tap either figure to enter your own.
The interest rate shown is not an annual percentage rate (APR). Rate displayed is the current average 30-year fixed rate from the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey and is subject to change without notice. Your actual rate, payment, and costs may vary. Contact a loan officer for a personalized quote.
Guild Mortgage NMLS #3274. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS Consumer Access. Not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to underwriter approval; terms and conditions may apply. Subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deduction.
2110 homes sold in Grand Rapids Public Schools this year. Thinking of selling?
See what your home is worthFlood Risk
None
Not in flood zone
Nearest Park
Baldwin Park
0.2 mi
Parks Nearby
160
within 1 mile
Nearest Lake
Reeds Lake
0.7 mi
Walkability
Fair
Overall walkability score out of 10
Based on actual walk/bike/drive times to nearby amenities via Mapbox
Gorden Food Service
Fava a Catering Company / Mediterranean Grill
+1 more
PaLatte Coffee & Art
Faith Hope And Love Songs
+1 more
Baldwin Park
+1 more
Unnamed playground
Fisk Lake
+1 more
Unnamed beach
Grand Rapids Riverwalk West
Hillcrest Dog Park
Belknap Lookout Trail
Butterworth Park Launch
REVfit
+1 more
Fountain/College (EB)
+1 more
Walgreens Pharmacy
+1 more
Grand Rapids Public Library
+1 more
daycare
Celebration Cinema Studio Park
+1 more
Based on 49 rated schools nearby
Range: 1/10 to 9/10
School District: Grand Rapids Public Schools
Crime in Grand Rapids Public Schools is reported at the city level, not the neighborhood level. The FBI doesn't publish reliable crime rates for individual neighborhoods, and within any community crime varies street to street. For an accurate, comparable picture, see the jurisdiction-wide figures for Kent County.
Kent County crime & safety stats →To buy a median-priced Grand Rapids Public Schools home (around $295,368) at today's 6.49% 30-year fixed rate with 20% down, you'd need roughly $52k/year in household income to qualify — an estimated monthly payment of $1,965 (principal, interest, property tax est., and insurance).
| Down payment | Monthly payment | Income needed |
|---|---|---|
| 20% | $1,965/mo | $52,389 |
| 10% (+PMI) | $2,262/mo | $60,316 |
| 5% (+PMI) | $2,361/mo | $62,966 |
Estimates use a 6.49% 30-year fixed rate (current Freddie Mac average), an aggressive ~45% housing-to-income ratio (roughly what FHA underwriting can allow for a buyer with no other monthly debts — your number depends on your debts and credit), this area's median sale price, plus estimated insurance and PMI below 20% down. Not a commitment to lend, and not an APR — your actual rate and payment will vary.
Land for sale
Listings
7 parcels
Active / pending
Median Price
$70K
Per listing
Multifamily for sale
Listings
69 buildings
Active / pending
Median Price
$350K
Per building
Price Per Unit
$158K
Median
Who actually lends in Grand Rapids Public Schools, and how homes here are financed — from 2024 federal mortgage records.
Loans to buy a home
Most active lenders
Homeowners refinancing an existing mortgage
Most active lenders
Source: 2024 HMDA (CFPB/FFIEC). Neighborhood figures are area-weighted estimates from census-tract data; loan amounts are rounded and all-cash purchases are excluded.
Solar potential
~$868/yr in electricity from a typical rooftop solar system
Produces ~6,334 kWh/yr · offsets ~60% of a typical home's use
Municipal / public water
Based on assessor parcel records
Municipal sewer
Based on assessor parcel records
Utility, solar, and service details for Grand Rapids Public Schools are compiled from public records, municipal sites, and NREL / U.S. data.gov, and can change. Electric/gas can vary by address — confirm with the provider before relying on them.
🛒 Grocery(30)
Gorden Food Service
Grocery Store
Wealthy Market
Grocery Store
The Bere Store
Grocery Store
+27 more within 5 miles
🍕 Restaurants(8)
Restaurant
Martha's Pizza
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
Fava a Catering Company / Mediterranean Grill
Restaurant
+3 more within 5 miles
☕ Coffee(19)
+16 more within 5 miles
🍺 Bars(15)
+12 more within 5 miles
🏫 Schools(30)
Grand Rapids Learning Center
Grand Rapids Public School
Congress Elementary School
School
Blodgett School
Vandenberg School
+25 more within 5 miles
💪 Gyms(13)
REVfit
Fitness Center
Communitea Wellness
Fitness Center
8th Day Gym
Fitness Center
+10 more within 5 miles
🌳 Parks(4)
+1 more within 5 miles
🐕 Dog Parks(9)
Hillcrest Dog Park
Dog Park
Downtown Westside Dog Park
Dog Park
Dog Park in Kragt Plat Area
Dog Park
+6 more within 5 miles
🚴 Trails(5)
Belknap Lookout Trail
Bike Path
Bike Path
Bike Path
Grandville Trail
Bike Path
+2 more within 5 miles
⛵ Boat Launches(2)
Boat Launch
Boat Launch
🚌 Transit(30)
Transit Stop
Transit Stop
Transit Stop
+27 more within 5 miles
💊 Pharmacies(14)
+11 more within 5 miles
👶 Childcare(2)
📚 Libraries(13)
+10 more within 5 miles
Frequently asked about Grand Rapids Public Schools
- What do homes cost in Grand Rapids Public Schools?
- The median home value in Grand Rapids Public Schools is about $295,368. Individual prices vary by street, size, and condition.
- How active is the Grand Rapids Public Schools housing market?
- there are 479 homes for sale in Grand Rapids Public Schools right now, and 2110 homes sold here in the last 12 months. Listings refresh throughout the day from the MichRIC MLS.
- What schools serve Grand Rapids Public Schools?
- Grand Rapids Public Schools is served by Grand Rapids Public Schools. Its highest-rated assigned school is City MiddleHigh (8/10).
- Is Grand Rapids Public Schools walkable?
- Grand Rapids Public Schools scores 5.5/10 for walkability — a measure of walking, biking, and driving access to groceries, dining, parks, schools, and transit.