John Ball Park

The zoo across the street is pretty much the whole reason this neighborhood exists, and once you're here, you'll understand why—there's something about living a block from animal habitats and walking trails that reshapes how you move through the area. Homes tend toward early craftsman and brick ranch styles, many with enclosed front porches overlooking tree-lined streets, and listings regularly highlight proximity to the zoo's four playgrounds, dog park, and running track. The neighborhood sits on Grand Rapids's west side close enough to Bridge Street for brewpubs and coffee shops, with bus lines running through and downtown reachable in minutes by car. Grand Valley State University's Pew Campus sits nearby, bringing students and young professionals into the mix, while Mines Golf Course—perched 150 feet above a historic gypsum mine—draws golfers looking for something unusual. The area also hosts a specialized sixth-grade school program that uses the zoo itself as part of its learning campus, with courses in zoology and forestry. Around 7,000 people call this neighborhood home, and the character stays grounded in those older homes with original hardwood floors and lots that give you actual yard space.