$307,006Average Value$209Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes 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 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Creston, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $295,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Classic character meets modern convenience at 147 Graceland. This Grand Rapids home perfectly balances timeless craftsmanship with an active lifestyle just steps from Riverside Park trails and recreation. Enjoy morning coffee on the welcoming front porch before stepping inside to appreciate the stunning original wood architectural details. Smartly designed for everyday living, the main spaces
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Welcome to 23 Palmer St NE! Located in the heart of Grand Rapids' desirable Creston neighborhood, this updated 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers nearly 1,900 finished square feet of move-in-ready living space just minutes from Downtown Grand Rapids. Enjoy easy access to Riverside Park, local restaurants, shopping, and everything this vibrant area has to offer. Step inside to find a bright and
4 bedroom 1.5 bath house, with a massive yard, just a short distance to down town, you will not want to sleep on this home! The large lot provides plenty of room for outdoor enjoyment, gardening, or the future addition of a garage. A 6ft privacy fence with a gated driveway creates a secluded backyard retreat. Extensively updated in 2023, improvements include new windows, siding, front porch,
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
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Wedged in the highly sought after Cheshire neighborhood, accessible to all the local favorites spanning the Plainfield corridor such as Lucy's, Ken's Fruit Market, Riverside Park and just minutes to downtown GR! She's light filled and been recently updated with a full kitchen remodel and bathroom updates including new vanity, flooring and fixtures. Hardwood floors drape the lower level(laminate
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Located just blocks from Riverside Park, this well-maintained brick home offers classic character, practical updates, and comfortable everyday living. Features include 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, hardwood floors throughout, updated appliances, a detached garage, and a covered screened-in back porch. Recent improvements include a newer roof, new decking, new front door, and new garage side-entry door.
This three-bedroom, one-bathroom home in Grand Rapids presents a solid foundation with thoughtful updates throughout. The updated kitchen and freshly painted interior surfaces signal recent attention to the property's core living spaces. The kitchen has been renovated to serve modern cooking and dining needs. A built-in dining hutch adds storage and display capability to the dining area, creating
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,
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 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
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-,
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Property Id: 1853173This beautiful historic property is in the North Quarter of Grand Rapids with pubs, dining, ice cream and shopping within walking distance. Lafontsee Galleries; 2RST; Northfield Lanes Bowling; GAIA House Cafe; The DAAC; Frosty Boy GR; The Natural Order; Retrosun Vintage; Quickwater Roasters; Ikers Tacos; Studio Bliss; Quinn and Tuites; Reservoir Lounge; Graydons; City
Property Id: 1574195This beautifully renovated home, completed in 2023, offers modern amenities and a functional layout ideal for comfortable living. Featuring two spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms, an additional open flex room perfect for a home office, and large windows with lots of natural light.Property Features:2 bedrooms with generous closet space2 fully updated
Property Id: 1177090*Available for showings on 7/19**New pictures will be added on 7/17Main floor: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen & living area. Lower Level: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, living area, and storage area. 1-stall detached garage. Completely renovated three years ago - absolutely gorgeous! Near 96 and 131. Walking distance to Aberdeen Park. Tree-lined backyard with privacy fence.
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2bd 1ba apartment on Riverside Drive NE. Direct view and walking distance to the river and Riverside Park. Great location and 5 minutes from downtown with the feel of a family friendly neighborhood. New and updated kitchen that is perfect for entertaining. Large side yard provides a lot of space to enjoy during the summers. - External double-wide garage included. - Shared backyard
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