Along the convergence of the Grand and Thornapple Rivers sits Ada, also known as Ada Township. Twentieth-century dwellings on large, heavily wooded plots and new builds with manicured lawns in planned communities twine together to create the neighborhood's mixed suburban and rural feel. Ada offers over 1,000 acres of public land and parks, several annual community events, and dozens of local shopping opportunities in the newly built village center. "It's a newer community with newer amenities, and it just continues to grow, and there's more opportunities to do everything without having to go into the city," says Lori Marvin, a Realtor with Five Star Real Estate. She's been selling in the area since 2019. Neighborhood kids also have the opportunity to enroll in schools in the No. 1 best school district in the Grand Rapids Area.
The planned communities around Ada are mostly caped off with shaded cul-de-sacs.
North of Ada on the other side of the Grand River you can find large estates on gated drives.
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Shopping and dining in Ada Village
A collection of charming brick and wood buildings with large shop windows line Ada Drive Southeast in Ada Village, the neighborhood's downtown district. "Ada has a little tiny town that they built recently with shops, restaurants and condos. It's really becoming a little community," says Marvin. Situated in a red brick building with statement barn doors and arched windows is Ada Fresh Market. Residents can pick up most of their essentials at this full-service grocery store, which has a dedicated deli, bakery, and pharmacy. For additional shopping needs, residents can peruse local stores like Georgie's Consignment Clothing, Heather Lane Pottery, and Grand Rapids Bicycle Company. Local dining options can also be found in the village. Grab a slice at Vitale's Pizza or order a custom cocktail and a Wagyu burger at Schnitz Ada Grill. Ada is also home to Grand Rapids' only Turkish restaurant, Zeytin.
The Grand Rapids Bicycle Company in Ada has a knowledgable and friendly staff.
The best burger in downtown Ada is no doubt found at the Schnitz Ada Grill.
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Ada is home to an award-winning farmers market
Every Thursday from June to October, residents can attend the Ada Farmers Market. Local vendors set up fresh produce, meats and artisan goods booths in the Community Church parking lot. In 2012, the market received the Silver Townie Award for Best Farmer's Market from On-the-Town magazine. In the winter, residents can head into the village for a Winter Wonderland celebration, complete with a holiday light walk, festive treats, and a path of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. The Amy Van Andel Library is located just south of the Grand River. Its comfortable atmosphere and robust programming make it a central hub for community gatherings.
Homes range from $120,000 to $2.7 million
Smaller ranch-style, Cape Cod, and farmhouse-style fixer-uppers range from $120,000 to $300,000, while larger, updated farmhouse, craftsman, midcentury, custom contemporary, and ranch-style homes sell for between $300,000 and $550,000. New builds and large, updated 20th-century homes begin around $550,000 and can eclipse $1.3 million. There are also some large three- to six-bedroom estates in the neighborhood. They can sell for between $1.3 million and $2.7 million.
The residential areas of Ada have quite a few raised ranch style homes mixed throughout.
Ada has an area of large estates on the hills north of the Grand River and downtown Ada.
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Forest Hills schools receive high marks
Kids may attend schools in the Forest Hills Public School District, ranked the No. 1 best school district in the Grand Rapids Area by Niche. Students living on Ada's north side may attend schools in the district's eastern area schools, while kids living on Ada's south side may attend central area schools. Central schools include Ada Elementary School, Central Middle School and Central High School, all graded an A on Niche. At Central High, students can enroll in various advanced placement courses, including physics and modern world history.
Central Middle School in Ada, Michigan.
Ada Elementary School in Ada, Michigan.
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Five parks and a 1,360-acre game area
Seidman Park is one of the largest recreation grounds in the neighborhood. It consists of 400 acres of woods and wetlands with 5 miles of naturally surfaced pathways. A paved trail system also runs through the park. It connects Seidman Park to Roselle Park, a 240-acre nature preserve along the Grand River. The Cannonsburg State Game Area occupies nearly 1,400 acres on the neighborhood's northern end. Not only is it a popular hunting preserve, but it also has designated hiking trails and cross-country skiing slopes.
Roselle park in Ada is a great place for you and your furry friend to get some fresh air.
Cannonsburg State Game Area in northern Ada has several long trail systems.
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M-21, I-196 are easily accessible
Most destinations, including Downtown Grand Rapids, are just 10 miles from Ada since Michigan State Route 21 runs through the neighborhood and connects to U.S. Interstate Highway 196. Since public transit is not readily available in Ada, most residents own at least one car. To travel internationally, residents can head 9 miles south to Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
I’m a lifetime Midwest Michigan resident and I’ve been married for almost 30 years. My children both attended Portage Schools and Kalamazoo College. My daughter graduated with her Doctorate from WMU and is a Physical Therapist in the community and my son is attending the Veterinary of Medicine Doctorate program at MSU.
I am fortunate that I have a very close family where we enjoy our home on Gun Lake, our many dogs (generally 6 on the weekends), tennis, pickleball and really lake life!?
Buying or selling a home is and can be a very stressful situation. Please know that whether you are ready to make a move, just want to inquire and need some answers, I’m here to help. My goal is to ensure that your experience is a positive one. Reach out at any time…look forward to working with you!
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.
