$311,403Average Value$208Average Price per Sq Ft42Homes 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 11 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Creston, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $287,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked on a quiet cul-de-sac, this quad-level home offers a spacious fenced-in back yard, 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, and 3 different spaces to entertain inside. Step into an open floorplan on the main level. The bonus room adjacent to the dining room is added space for larger gatherings or a quiet view of the backyard with your morning cup of coffee. The upper level ~ primary bedroom with ensuite
Move-in ready and vacant, this spacious home offers flexible living with the potential for a 4th bedroom on the main floor. Conveniently located just minutes from Downtown Grand Rapids and the Medical Mile, you'll enjoy easy access to restaurants, entertainment, hospitals, and major employers. The massive lot provides plenty of room for outdoor enjoyment or the future addition of a garage. A 6ft
Welcome to this charming brick home nestled in the Riverside Gardens neighborhood! Head inside to a warm and inviting living room that flows seamlessly into the dining area, anchored by a beautiful brick fireplace. The kitchen offers functionality with an additional eating area and an abundance of cabinet and countertop space for all your cooking needs. Vintage enthusiasts will fall in love with
Classic charm meets modern comfort in this beautifully updated traditional home, ideally located just a short walk from Riverside Park and the Grand River. Inside, you'll find timeless character paired with thoughtful updates, creating warm and inviting living spaces throughout. The finished basement offers flexible space for a family room, home office, gym, or playroom. Enjoy peaceful mornings
Immaculate and move-in ready, this well-maintained home offers comfortable living with room to grow. Featuring 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a functional layout, this home also offers the potential to create up to 4 bedrooms by adding a hallway upstairs. Enjoy a fully fenced backyard, an oversized 2-stall garage, and plenty of outdoor space for entertaining or relaxing. Conveniently located near
Large NE Grand Rapids home under $500k offering 7 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and over 3,600 finished square feet. Updated kitchen and three remodeled bathrooms create a clean, functional feel, while multiple living areas and flex rooms offer space for bedrooms, offices, hobbies, guests, or separate hangout areas. The main floor includes a bedroom/flex room and full bath for everyday convenience.
Step into a beautifully updated home where smart design creates seamless functionality throughout every room. The open design connects seamlessly, featuring replacement windows throughout and an impressive vaulted ceiling that makes the custom kitchen feel exceptionally bright and open. The heart of this three bedroom, two bath residence is the custom-designed kitchen, specifically built to
NE-side charmer near the Riverside Gardens area, situated on a spacious double lot with plenty of room to enjoy the great backyard. This two-story home offers 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, with hardwood floors and character throughout. The kitchen and updated half bath feature new flooring, while the upstairs full bath has also been updated. Seller updated windows in 2024. Additional highlights
Say "Hello" to your move-in-ready home in one of Grand Rapids' most convenient and connected neighborhoods! This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort and peace of mind with ALL major mechanicals updated, including the roof, furnace, air conditioning and water heater. Outside, enjoy a fenced-in yard with room to relax, entertain, garden, or let pets play, plus the
Adorable 3-bedroom bungalow in the highly desirable Cheshire neighborhood on the NE side of Grand Rapids. This home offers nearly 1,900 sq ft of finished living space, a new roof, and plenty of cosmetic upgrades. Inside you'll find beautiful original hardwood floors, 1950s charm and character, abundant natural light, a large dining room, and striking light fixtures. Two bedrooms and a full bath
Welcome home to 481 Graceland Street NE, a beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 1-bath home in the heart of Grand Rapids' desirable Creston area! This move-in-ready home blends classic character with fresh, modern updates throughout. The bright and inviting floor plan offers comfortable living spaces, four generously sized bedrooms, and a beautifully refreshed interior. One of the home's standout
WOW--Move in and call this lovely Maple Grove condo home! Over 2600 square feet, this end unit condo has beautiful cathedral ceilings, with skylights bringing light to the spacious Living Room w/ Fireplace and Kitchen! The kitchen has lovely Corian countertops and SS appliances!! Right next to the kitchen is a Dining Room for entertaining all your friends! The Living Room opens onto a fabulous
Donna AndersBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate (Main)
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
Knapp Hills Townhomes is a boutique town home community offering spacious two, three, and four-bedroom homes with amenities reminiscent of single-family living. Nestled within a peaceful six-acre neighborhood with only 38 homes, Knapp Hills Townhomes provides a quiet retreat from the pace of everyday life.Each home is thoughtfully designed with an open floor plan, an attached garage,
Welcome to Lofts on Grove, a brand-new, pet-friendly apartment community nestled in the vibrant heart of the historic Creston Neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI. Designed for those who love the energy of city life with easy access to local favorites, Lofts on Grove offers a perfect blend of modern comfort, thoughtful amenities, and exceptional walkability. Each of our 110 contemporary studio, one-,
Oakview Apartments, nestled among mature oaks and sycamores, offers a peaceful setting with one- and two-bedroom options. Rent includes heat, water, sewer, and trash removal, and each apartment features an open floor plan with a fully equipped kitchen. Deluxe units include a washer and dryer, granite countertops, and hardwood floors. Laundry facilities are available on-site. Located in Grand
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: 1783941 Available October 1! Just 5 minutes from downtown, this 3 bed, 1 bath with additional fourth non-conforming bedroom or office space is the perfect home. Stay comfortable all year round with central A/C and dual zone heating. Enjoy the backyard lawn and deck during those perfect Michigan summer evenings. Laundry onsite in the basement, which also has plenty of extra
Property Id: 2041259 Live comfortably in this spacious furnished 3-bedroom shared home in Grand Rapids’ desirable Creston neighborhood. Each bedroom includes a private en-suite bathroom — combining privacy with the ease of community living. Room 2 - Highlights •Spacious, furnished sun-filled private bedroom •Brand-new private en-suite bathroom •Digital lock for added
Interior FeaturesKitchen with updated refrigerator, stove countertops and tile backsplashLiving Room with beautiful wood floors3 Bedrooms1 BathroomEnclosed front porchEnclosed back porchBasement with washer/dryer hookupsExterior Features1 stall garageLarge back yardThis home is rents for $1,800.00 per month with a $1,800.00 Security
Welcome to your new home in the charming NE side of Grand Rapids! This fully furnished 4 bedroom, 2 bath home offers the perfect mix of charm, comfort, and convenience, just minutes from Riverside Park and downtown.Inside, you’ll find a bright living area, an open kitchen with extra seating, and a sunroom that’s perfect for relaxing or enjoying your morning coffee. There’s even a foosball
This 4 bedroom, 1 bath ranch home offers a practical main-level layout with great natural light throughout. Conveniently located on the NE side of Grand Rapids, just minutes from Plainfield, the Beltline, Medical Mile, Alpine, Cascade, and Ada.The home includes an attached bonus room that works well as an extra living space, office, playroom, guest space, or storage.Attached bonus
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