Why Live in Baxter
Baxter, a historic neighborhood in Grand Rapids, is within walking distance of downtown and features a mix of recently renovated homes and investment properties. The area is characterized by tree-lined streets and sidewalks, with homes showcasing American Foursquares, Craftsman styles, Queen Annes, and eclectic bungalows built between the late 19th century and the 1930s. Baxter residents enjoy proximity to Wealthy Street, a historic red-brick road with local businesses, restaurants, and unique shops. The neighborhood is served by Grand Rapids Public Schools, with Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy, Alger Middle School, and Ottawa Hills High School nearby. The Baxter Community Center offers various activities, including gardening programs, line dancing, and yoga classes. Joe Taylor Park and Martin Luther King Park provide recreational amenities such as playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, a baseball diamond, and a community swimming pool. Dining options in the area include The Electric Cheetah and Forty Acres Soul Kitchen and Cognac Bar, while small markets like Wealthy Market and Sam's Super Market cater to daily shopping needs. Baxter is safer than the national average, and residents have easy access to public transportation via The Rapid bus line, with multiple stops on main streets. Additionally, U.S. Highway 131 and Interstate 196 are just over a mile west, making commuting convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baxter a good place to live?
Baxter is a good place to live. Baxter is considered fairly walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Baxter has 1 park for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 15.4 people per acre and a median age of 31. The average household income is $62,915 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 26% of residents. A majority of residents in Baxter are renters, with 57.3% of residents renting and 42.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Baxter can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Baxter neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Baxter?
The median home price in Baxter is $219,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $44,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.35%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,090 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $47K a year to afford the median home price in Baxter. The average household income in Baxter is $63K.
What are the best public schools in Baxter?
The best public schools that serve Baxter are:
What are the best private schools in Baxter?
The best private schools that serve Baxter are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Baxter, Grand Rapids, MI?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Baxter, Grand Rapids, MI?
Are home prices dropping in Baxter?
Yes, home prices in Baxter are down 4% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Baxter, MI
On average, homes in Baxter, Grand Rapids sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Baxter, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $210,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$210,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$210,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$157
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
31
Median List Price
$219,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-7%