$303,476Average Value$206Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes For Sale
Living in the developing neighborhood of Creston
Creston is at the forefront of Grand Rapids' expansion. The once-quiet area is transforming into a trendy neighborhood as the busy corridor of shops and restaurants along Plainfield Avenue continues to grow. Creston may not be as walkable as spots like Eastown or Heritage Hill, but it offers some of the most relatively affordable homes within 3 miles of Downtown Grand Rapids. First-time homebuyers and investors are drawn to the area's historic properties, even as modern apartments rising along Plainfield Avenue set the stage for a high-end future.
Creston is perhaps best known for Plainfield Avenue, a thriving business district.
Brick homes add a historic charm to the Creston neighborhood.
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Relatively affordable housing for Grand Rapids
Creston’s historic streets showcase architecture from the late 1800s through to the mid-1900s. It’s common to see a mix of smaller ranch-style homes, Victorian cottages and Tudor-inspired designs. According to Sarah DeRooy, a Realtor with City2Shore and a native of Grand Rapids, lower prices are the primary draw to the area. “There are typically two types of buyers I see in the Creston neighborhood — first-time homebuyers and investors,” she says. “Because there’s a lower barrier for entry. Investors are starting to see that and purchasing homes to upgrade them.” Investment properties can start in the low $100,000s, while modern construction or remodeled homes can reach up to the mid-$500,000s. The median sale price is around $280,000, significantly lower than nearby neighborhoods like Northview or Grand Rapids Township. In general, as you head north in the Creston area, home prices get higher, and yards get larger.
In Creston, prospective buyers will find large American Foursquare homes.
Tudor-inspired homes with gabled roofs can be spotted in the Creston neighborhood.
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Up-and-coming energy along Plainfield Avenue
Plainfield Avenue is lined with local businesses, restaurants and the family-owned Kingma’s Market, the neighborhood’s beloved grocery store. “When people think of Creston, they usually think of our Plainfield corridor. We like to call it our own microeconomy,” says Gregg Hampshire, the neighborhood association’s executive director. “It’s a very walkable center. You can go get lunch or stop by your dentist and doctor. It’s booming,” he adds. Plainfield Avenue is expected to continue growing in the coming years as several new apartment complexes and ground-floor retail spaces move in. “It’s an up-and-coming area,” DeRooy. “Already over the last 10 years, the area has undergone a dramatic change, all for the better.” Some of the street’s most popular restaurants include Lucy’s for homemade breakfasts and Choo Choo Grill, a staple for burgers since 1946. Café Mamo uses produce from local farmers, and Graydon’s Crossing is a cozy English gastropub. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Frosty Boy,” says Hampshire. “People wait an hour to get their ice cream, and it’s somehow worth it.”
The Creston neighborhood is home to Lucy's, serving up some delicious brunch dishes.
Kingma's Market provides the Creston neighborhood with fresh local produce.
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Events planned by the Creston Neighborhood Association
An active neighborhood association helps plan and sponsor community events within the neighborhood, including:
Pancake Brunch: A neighborhood potluck with yard games and craft booths.
Food Truck Fridays: Riverside Park’s summertime concert series and food event.
Creston After Dark: Block party and artisan market hosted by a local arts initiative.
Oktoberfest: A weekend of German beers and live entertainment at Riverside Park.
Lights on Creston: Festive lights, trolley rides and visits with Santa.
Family-friendly amenities at local parks
Creston might not have the family-friendly amenities of upscale neighborhoods like East Grand Rapids, but its recreation spaces often cater to younger kids. There’s a local bowling alley, Northfield Lanes, and the small Van Belkum Branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library. Families may appreciate the splash pad at Aberdeen Park, and children under 17 can get into the Briggs Park Pool for just $1. “I think there’s still more to come for family friendly amenities, the more that demand rises for it,” DeRooy says.
The residents in Creston have access to their own public pool with a waterslide feature.
Aberdeen Park has a splash park for cooling off on a hot summer day.
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Recreation options at Riverside Park and Huff Park
Riverside Park is the largest park in Grand Rapids, with spots for fishing, kayak launching and disc golf along the water. It’s commonly used for festivals and is expected to connect to the citywide Riveredge Trail and White Pine Trail in the next few years. Over at Huff Park, floating boardwalks create a system of walking trails throughout preserved wetlands.
Private and public schools within Creston
The Creston neighborhood is served by Grand Rapids Public Schools, a district that tends to have lower ratings than surrounding suburbs like Forest Hills and Northview. There are still several highly rated options for schools within the neighborhood, including:
City High Middle School: Top-rated, application-only public school with the International Baccalaureate program.
ISJ Academy: Known for its relatively affordable Christian education for students up to eighth grade.
All Saints Academy Lower Campus: Catholic school for kindergarten through second grade.
NorthPointe Christian Elementary and Preschool: Large private school with high ratings and a nearby middle/high school campus.
Wellspring Preparatory High School: Top-rated charter school with standout academics.
Union High School has a total population of around 1,200 students.
Kent Hills Elementary School serves young students in Grand Rapids.
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Quick commutes to downtown with transit access
Downtown Grand Rapids and the city’s well-known Medical Mile are about 3 miles south. DeRooy says that proximity to the city center is likely going to attract medical students and healthcare professionals to Creston’s new apartments in the coming years. A public bus line runs down Plainfield Avenue to downtown in about 20 minutes, and the route into the city is mostly lined with designated bike lanes.
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
Are you familiar with the Creston neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Creston
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Creston Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Creston, Grand Rapids sell after 12 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Creston, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $292,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this spacious and inviting condo featuring vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living and easy entertaining. Natural light fills the main living spaces. The thoughtfully designed layout includes an office or flex room, offering the perfect space for working from home, hobbies, or a cozy den. Generous room sizes and seamless flow between the
One unit shown at open house; all layouts are identical. Remaining units available during inspection. Exceptional investment opportunity at 1258 Northfield NE in the heart of Grand Rapids. This solid brick 4-unit Townhouse can be fully rented for strong cash flow or owner-occupied while generating rental income from the remaining units. Seller is offering five separate 4-unit buildings , a total
One unit shown at open house; all layouts are identical. Remaining units available during inspection. Exceptional investment opportunity at 1336 Northfield NE in the heart of Grand Rapids. This solid brick 4-unit Townhouse can be fully rented for strong cash flow or owner-occupied while generating rental income from the remaining units. Seller is offering five separate 4-unit buildings , a total
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 3 bath condo just minutes from restaurants, shopping, walking trails, and major highways. Clean lines and thoughtfully designed spaces create a calm, inviting atmosphere from the moment you enter.Soaring ceilings and skylights fill the home with natural light, while south and east facing windows provide warmth and privacy. Custom cabinetry
Welcome home to this completely remodeled 3 Bedroom 1 1/2 Bath home in the desirable Creston neighborhood of NE Grand Rapids. You will love the layout and flow of this home. Beginning with the warm and inviting enclosed front porch, the first floor features generous living spaces, the kitchen and half bath. Upstairs are three large bedrooms and a full bath. A cozy backyard includes a large and
You do not want to miss your opportunity to see this amazing home! The kitchen is perfect for entertaining with a generous amount of custom cabinets, expansive granite island, and newer stainless appliances. At the end of day relax indoors next to the fireplace, or outside overlooking the large back yard. 4 of 5 bedrooms are nicely sized and most have walk in closets. Get creative with the fun
Excellent investment opportunity or ideal owner-occupied duplex in the highly desirable Creston neighborhood of Northeast Grand Rapids! This well-maintained 2-unit multifamily offers strong rental potential, functional layouts, and a fantastic location close to parks, dining, shopping, and more. Unit 1 features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, kitchen with dishwasher. Currently offered for
Welcome to 22 Ann St NW! This 3 bed 1.5 bath home has been updated over the years and is move in ready! Offering immediate possession this home is a must see! The main level features a spacious living area, dining space, kitchen, bedroom, half bath, and laundry! The upper level offers two spacious bedrooms and a full bath for comfort and convenience! The property offers a two stall detached
Move-in ready and packed with major updates! Freshly repainted with all new flooring throughout, this home offers a clean, updated feel from the moment you walk in. Situated on a spacious corner lot with a fenced yard and a 2-stall garage. New siding and newly installed gutters enhance the home's curb appeal and overall value. Big-ticket improvement already scheduled -- seller is having a full
Welcome to 25 Palmer St NE in Grand Rapids, a fully remodeled 3 bedroom, 1 full bath home in the popular Creston neighborhood. This move in ready property offers updated interior finishes, quartz countertops, new cabinets and appliances, and a clean refreshed feel throughout. Outside, you'll find a fenced backyard, front deck, and a 1 stall garage for added convenience. Located near Riverside
Spacious NE Grand Rapids 7-bedroom, 3-bath home offering exceptional flexibility and recent updates throughout. All three bathrooms have been remodeled, and the kitchen has been updated for modern living. Conveniently located near highway access for easy commuting. The main floor family room may also function as a formal dining space. Expansive primary suite features a sitting area, reading nook,
Rare opportunity in NE Grand Rapids! Spacious 7-bed, 4.5-bath property with over 4,900+ sq ft on 1.75 acres. Currently set up as a 2-unit, offering incredible flexibility for multi-generational living, house hacking, or a large single-family home. Features include multiple kitchens, expansive living areas, and generous bedroom sizes, along with updated windows, roof, and mechanicals (approx. 3
Welcome to Aspen Lakes, where beautiful landscaping and bountiful amenities meet exceptional service and an ideal location. This community is located on 40 acres of mature landscaping with two lakes. Our apartments offer a host of special features, we even have brand new apartments available! From lake and wooded views to well-equipped kitchens you are sure to find your new home at Aspen Lakes.
Welcome to Central Park Place, where a tranquil setting meets the best in modern living. Our one and two bedroom apartments feature a host of amenities that add comfort and style to your interior. Enjoy special touches such as a washer and dryer in every apartment and stainless steel appliance packages available. Prepare a meal in your well-equipped kitchen, complete with a dishwasher and a
Experience a life of elegance and excitement in our new urban community, just north of downtown GR. The Current prepares you for a successful day with modern perks to streamline your schedule and high-end extras to brighten every moment. Our studio, one, and two bedroom apartment homes in Grand Rapids, Michigan, provide the ideal launchpad for you to start and end your day. Whether you?re getting
Welcome to Wyndham Hill, where your ideal Grand Rapids apartment is waiting. Featuring spacious and bright interiors with private patios, walk-in closets, and in-home washers and dryers, as well as an amazing selection of top-tier shared amenities, Wyndham Hill is the perfect place to call home. With our incredible location just minutes from the heart of the city and surrounded by an outstanding
Property Id: 1942643 ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED, even complimentary Wi-Fi! This lower apartment with private entrance is ready for you to call home. Newer kitchen cabinets, newer countertops, newer bathroom vanity, newer flooring throughout! Blocks away from Frosty Boy, Lucy's Cafe, Gaia Cafe, and others! Minimum requirements:1. Monthly documentable income greater than $3,285 (or a
This single family home is in the thriving Creston neighborhood. One main floor bedroom with built in storage and two upstairs with an additional sitting area that would make a great home office. Fenced in yard, off street parking,garage, washer and dryer hook ups. Pets ok with additional fees. Water is included in rent.
Welcome home! This freshly updated 4-bedroom gem on the NE side of Grand Rapids features brand-new paint and a fully renovated kitchen with stainless-steel appliances. Enjoy a bright, open layout and a spacious unfinished basement perfect for extra storage.~ 4 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom~ New Kitchen with stainless-steel appliances~ Washer/Dryer Hookups~ Pets considered (case by
Located in one of the hottest neighborhoods in Grand Rapids near Riverside Park and the US 131 corridor, this well-maintained main-floor unit in a duplex offers both comfort and convenience.The apartment features two spacious bedrooms, each with walk-in closets for easy organization, along with a full bath and a practical, functional layout. A large basement provides versatile space that
Spacious NE side home just a block from City Middle/High and Creston businesses. 4 bedrooms with another possible 5th bedroom or second living/family room. Combination of carpeting and hardwood flooring. New paint and many other recent upgrades. Main floor has 1-2 bedrooms and a half bath. Upper level has 3 bedrooms and a full bathroom. Washer & dryer in the basement. Fenced back yard with deck
Apply online at Spacious 1,800 sq ft home with 4 bedrooms, 1 full bath, 2 half baths! This beautiful home has stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, a remodeled upper bathroom, 1 stall garage/1 stall carport combo, and private backyard with a deck. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown and walking distance to the Creston shopping district. Water and sewer, trash, lawn
A completely updated 3 bedroom possible 4th, with 1 Full Bath on the Northeast Side of Grand Rapids. This 2 story home located minutes from downtown and the medical mile. This home is in move-in condition with all renovations completed in years past, such as a new roof, central air conditioning, furnace, tile flooring, kitchen and baths, as well as updated plumbing, heating & cooling and
Fully Renovated, Modern 2BR/1BA 1st Floor Apartment at 235 Page NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505Freshly renovated and move-in ready, this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom first-floor home offers a clean, modern living space in a desirable NE Grand Rapids location near Creston and Riverside Gardens. You’re just minutes from downtown, Riverside Park, local shops, restaurants, and major roadways, while still
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