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
Tantzi Habsburg,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Ada, MI sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Ada, MI over the last 12 months is $684,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Model home open for tours Tues, Thurs & Fri, Noon-4PM. Tour a model of this floorplan! Refined, warm, and effortlessly livable -- The Grandview is new construction at its finest. Set on one of the largest lots in The Reserve at Knapp Bluff, this 2,884-square-foot site condo delivers the space, quality, and appointments of a single-family home with the freedom of condominium living. Lawn care,
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The Westhaven is a thoughtfully designed single-level home that blends refined style with easy, maintenance-free living. Created for homeowners who want spacious comfort without unnecessary rooms, this plan delivers an ideal balance of openness, privacy, and timeless design.
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
This exceptional move-in-ready residence at The Reserve at Knapp Bluff was thoughtfully designed for buyers who appreciate refined finishes, generous living spaces, and effortless everyday comfort. From its inviting architecture to its carefully curated interior selections, every detail has been chosen to create a home that feels both elegant and livable. Whether you're entertaining guests,
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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Location, location, location! Claim a rare opportunity to create your own private retreat on this stunning 9-acre wooded estate, where peace, privacy, tranquility, and natural beauty surround you. Tucked among mature trees and wildlife, this exceptional property offers a secluded setting while still keeping you close to scenic bike paths and the charm of Ada Village. With 37 feet of road frontage
A stunning single-story standalone condo spanning over 2,000sf of elegant space thoughtfully crafted with comfort, functionality and style in mind. At the heart of the home, an expansive open-concept living, dining and kitchen that is chef's delight featuring walk-in panty and large island.
Some homes impress with their finishes. Others stand apart because of where they live. This remarkable site condominium offers the best of both, an elegant residence paired with the rare luxury of a generously sized homesite in one of Grand Rapids' most sought-after communities.Designed for buyers who appreciate thoughtful architecture and comfortable everyday living, this home balances
Nestled on 2.5 acres in the coveted Forest Hills Eastern School District, this custom-built 2019 5-bedroom 4-bath home with 4-stall garage offers the perfect blend of luxury and peace of mind. Imagine cozy evenings by the double-sided fireplace, sun-drenched mornings in the family room, or entertaining on the maintenance-free composite deck with stunning panoramic views. The gourmet kitchen,
This Westhaven design home showcases a Coastaluxe design bringing together the clean lines of modern coastal living with the understated sophistication of quiet luxury. Light and airy spaces, soft neutral tones paired with muted blues, natural textures, and subtle touches of refinement create a home that feels both effortless and elevated. The result is an oasis of calm and elegance -- relaxed,
The Grandview is designed for homeowners who appreciate open, airy spaces paired with thoughtful details and effortless living. At the center of the home, a generously sized great room flows into the kitchen and dining area, creating an ideal space for entertaining, family gatherings, or quiet evenings at home. Large windows invite in abundant natural light, while upscale finishes and carefully
Discover the distinctive lifestyle of Stone Falls Of Ada, where you can indulge in unparalleled community offerings, luxurious amenities, chic interiors, and an incomparable setting in Ada, MI. Our inviting selection of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans presents expansive designs and distinctive elements to fulfill your every desire.
2 and 3-bedroom townhomes at Ada Flats! Spacious, pet friendly townhomes with tons of storage, attached garage, and large master suites make Ada Flats a perfect place to call home. We are located in a beautiful neighborhood adjacent to the historic Ada covered bridge, green space, the Thornapple River, and a pleasant walk away from downtown Ada Village. Contact PURE Real Estate Management today
The advertised rate of $7,475/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 4, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
$2,350 per month
2 Bed / 2 Bath Condo with Garage – Clements Mill Village (Forest Hills District)
Beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo located in desirable Clements Mill Village within the Forest Hills School District. This well-maintained home offers comfortable living space across two levels with modern finishes and plenty of storage.Main Level Features:Spacious living and dining area with sliding glass door to private deckLarge primary bedroom with two closets and attached
Come see this charming home located just outside of the town of Ada! Inside you will find beautiful wood floors throughout with features of 1 bedroom on the main floor and a large dormer bedroom upstairs. Enjoy the bright open feeling of the Livingroom to the dining room. Off street parking under carportHouse included exterior plug for electric car chargingTenant responsible for
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