Ada is a higher-end suburb 20 minutes from Grand Rapids
Set among the rolling hills along the Grand River, Ada is mostly made up of newer subdivisions with an upscale feel. Prices here are among the highest of any Grand Rapids suburb, but that high price tag comes with spacious homes, strong schools and scenic parks. Plus, the recently redeveloped Ada Village gives the community a charming town center, complete with a small grocery store and regular local events. You won’t find much activity outside Ada Village, but it takes less than 20 minutes to reach Downtown Grand Rapids, about 11 miles west. For buyers looking for suburban luxury or quiet space, the subdivisions of Ada might be the place to call home.
Newer subdivisions with their own identity
You’ll find a real mix of neighborhoods across the community. “Ada is the land of subdivisions,” says Dan Steffee, a Realtor with Green Crown Real Estate who has over 16 years of experience in the area. “You’ll see some pocket neighborhoods from the 1960s or 1970s, but there’s a lot more subdivisions from the 1990s up to the present day.” Older ranch-style homes often start in the $400,000s, and new construction is typically in the $500,000 to $900,000 range. Luxury custom homes sell between $1 million to over $2 million. Many neighborhoods have their own HOAs, with community amenities such as tennis courts or clubhouses.
You'll find a few raised ranch-style homes throughout Ada.
There are several large estates on the hills overlooking the Grand River and downtown Ada.
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More for your money than in East Grand Rapids
The median home price in Ada is around $700,000, which is more than double the median in Grand Rapids but slightly lower than in East Grand Rapids. “People like that the lots are a little bigger outside the city, but you’re still within a 20-minute drive of downtown Grand Rapids,” Steffee says. “You can get a little more privacy and a little more for your money than in East Grand Rapids.”
Forest Hills schools are some of the best in the state
Most of Ada is part of the Forest Hills Public School District, though some homes on the eastern side are part of Lowell Area Schools. Both are highly rated, but Forest Hills is ranked among the best school districts in Michigan. Students benefit from its unique facilities, including the modern Forest Hills Fine Arts Center and the Forest Hills Aquatic Center. According to Steffee, the schools are a major part of the community culture in Ada, with locals who turn out for Friday night football games. Michigan's state-wide school-of-choice system means families can apply to send their kids outside of their home district.
Central Middle School in Ada, Michigan.
Ada Elementary School in Ada, Michigan.
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Schnitz Ada Grill serves up classic burgers and fries.
Recently developed shopping and dining at Ada Village
Starting in 2015, major investment has turned the old town center into the modern, mixed-use Ada Village. “They have totally redeveloped the downtown in Ada,” Steffee says. “There’s a ton of restaurants and shops now, and it’s very walkable.” You’ll find spots like:
Schnitz Ada Grill: European-inspired comfort dishes in a cozy environment
Zeytin: Traditional Turkish and Mediterranean food like kabobs and gyros with an airy outdoor patio
Nonna’s: The Trattoria: Elevated Italian fare and a popular weekend brunch in a renovated bungalow
MudPenny: Sit-down brunch, locally roasted coffee and homemade pastries in a modern storefront
Ada Fresh Market: All your grocery essentials, right within town
Fifteen minutes to downtown Grand Rapids and the airport
Despite Ada’s suburban setting, Grand Rapids is an easy 10- to 15-mile commute. It depends on where your home is located, but Interstates 96 and 196 are close by, so you can usually get to the city in 15 to 20 minutes. You're also on the east side of Grand Rapids, so it’s about 15 minutes to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and the major shopping along 28th Street.
Ada has outdoor activities and sprawling parks
Spacious parks along the river offer a little more breathing room than neighborhoods farther into the city. There are many ways to get outdoors, including:
Ada Park has sports courts, including space for pickleball, and wooded walking trails around a fishing pond.
Seidman Park and the riverside Roselle Park are both sprawling nature preserves with miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.
Cannonsburg Ski Area, a few miles north, has tubing and beginner ski slopes, with zip-lining and concerts in the summer.
Egypt Valley County Club is a private golf club with two 18-hole courses, tennis courts and a pool.
Roselle Park 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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Family-friendly things to do in downtown Ada
While the rest of Ada is pretty quiet, there’s plenty to do in Ada Village. In the summer, the Ada Farmers Market is a popular stop with over 30 local vendors. You can meet up with neighbors for a drink overlooking the Thornapple River at the Beers at the Bridge concert series or watch the fireworks explode overhead after the Fourth of July Celebration parade. When the weather gets cold, local businesses put out holiday lights and Christmas trees for the Winter Wonderland Light Walk. “The community events there are really well-attended,” Steffee says. “In the summer, there’s something happening like every weekend.”
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
Video By
Kyo Nguyen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lyndsay Westdale,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Ada, MI sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Ada, MI over the last 12 months is $700,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate (Cascade)
Imagine waking each morning to the whisper of a creek winding gracefully along the northern boundary of your very own private sanctuary. This extraordinary vacant parcel in the heart of Ada presents a rare opportunity to craft the home you have always envisioned. Towering mature trees frame the property in a way that cannot be replicated, offering both a majestic canopy and a profound sense of
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