$272,700Average Value$257Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
Live just outside downtown Grand Rapids in Belknap Lookout
Belknap Lookout is perched high on a bluff, with sweeping vistas of Downtown Grand Rapids. The towering Lookout Park is one of the best views in the city, surrounded by a neighborhood that blends cobblestone streets and historic homes with a contemporary condo market. With downtown on one side and the Grand River on the other, Belknap Lookout is about as centrally located as it gets. The neighborhood doesn’t have the same walkable feel that one might find in Heritage Hill or Eastown, and there’s no grocery store, but locals still enjoy a neighborly atmosphere. As the area continues to grow, Belknap Lookout is completing its transition from an investment area to a desirable spot within walking distance of the healthcare facilities in Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile district.
Belknap Lookout is a mix of single-family homes from the late 1800s and renovated factories.
Houses showcasing unique character decorate the streets of Belknap Lookout.
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Historic homes and contemporary condos for sale
Belknap Lookout has a mix of historic homes and contemporary condos. “It’s like a tale of two cities,” says Sarah DeRooy, a Realtor with City2Shore and Grand Rapids native. “For the last 20 or 30 years, it’s been an investment area, but in the last 10 years, we’ve seen a significant shift in condo developments. You have these beautiful townhomes appealing to the medical community.” Although there’s some new construction, many of the condos are in renovated historic buildings. “These conversions create a unique aesthetic that blends the charm of historic architecture with modern amenities,” says Eric Finnigan, a Partner at MOXIE Real Estate + Development who has helped build condos here. “Living in a renovated factory allows you to connect with Grand Rapids' rich furniture-making history.”Single-family homes, often small bungalows or Folk Victorian styles, typically date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Investment properties start around the low $100,000s, and fully renovated houses can go for upwards of $300,000. For condos, prices start in the high $100,000s and can get up to the high $400,000s. Penthouse suites and three-bedroom units might even get up to $700,000.
Many Belknap Lookout houses exude a timeless charm.
Belknap Lookout has several high-rise condo developments.
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Outdoor amenities and parks in Belknap Lookout
Visitors can see for miles around from the top of Lookout Park, situated on a 160-foot bluff overlooking downtown Grand Rapids. The staircase leading up to this panoramic viewpoint is often called the “Belknap Death Stairs” due to its steep incline and is frequently used by athletes as a spot to work out. While Lookout Park has the view, Belknap Park is the go-to for recreation. It’s the largest pickleball hub in the city, with 21 courts, and the indoor ice rink at Griff’s Icehouse is used for hockey leagues. Down by the river, Sixth Street Park and Canal Park are part of the Riveredge Trail, which connects south into the heart of Grand Rapids.
The Stairs on Division is a piece of Grand Rapids history located in Belknap Lookout.
555 Monroe skate park has a scenic view of the Grand River in Belknap Lookout.
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Community events from a neighborhood association
Neighbors of Belknap Lookout is an active neighborhood organization that plans clean-ups, block parties and volunteer events. The Lookout Cookout is a big annual get-together, with a live DJ and lawn games at Lookout Park. In addition to neighborhood events, Belknap Park is a popular music venue, bringing in live rock for The Upheaval Festival and colorful costumes during the popular Breakaway Music Festival. Plus, since Belknap Lookout borders downtown, residents get front seats to all of the city’s vibrant happenings.
Walkability to downtown and public transportation options
It’s less than a mile to reach the Medical Mile, and a bit farther to get into the heart of Grand Rapids. According to DeRoy, although it’s possible to walk into the city center, most people choose not to. “You have to cross over a major highway to get into downtown,” says DeRooy. “People do walk, but most people tend to travel by car, scooter or bike.” The Rapid bus system has several routes in the area, connecting to downtown in about 15 minutes. There’s also quick access to Interstate 196 and U.S. Route 131, which head out across West Michigan.
Walk across the bridge found at Sixth Street Park in Belknap Lookout.
Take in the stunning skyline of Belknap Lookout in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Folks at Belknap Lookout's SpeakEZ Lounge are avid supporters of the Grand Rapids Football Club.
Top bars and restaurants in Belknap Lookout
While Belknap Lookout doesn’t have the wide restaurant selection of its downtown neighbor, there’s still an assortment of standout spots down by the river, including:* SpeakEZ Lounge, a popular weekend brunch spot and weekend bar that’s a go-to spot in Grand Rapids to watch soccer matches.* Linear Restaurant, an industrial American eatery with craft cocktails and an outdoor patio along the Grand River.* City Built Brewing Company, a combination brewery and restaurant with a wide selection of craft beer and Puerto Rican cuisine.* Grand Rapids Grage Bar & Grill, a welcoming dive bar with live music nights and comedy shows.* Noodlepig, a ramen restaurant with house-made noodles and broth, as well as bubble boba tea.
Schools serving the Belknap Lookout neighborhood
The Belknap Lookout neighborhood is part of Grand Rapids Public Schools. The Coit Creative Arts Academy, located within the neighborhood, serves elementary-aged students and incorporates dance, music and visual arts into its curriculum. Families can send their kids to neighborhood schools or apply to a magnet school. Thanks to Michigan’s school of choice program, students can also apply to other Kent County districts for lottery admission.
Coit Creative Arts Academy is an authorized Baccalaureate World School.
Union High School has a total population of around 1,200 students.
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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Belknap Lookout
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Belknap Lookout Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Belknap Lookout, Grand Rapids sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Belknap Lookout, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $255,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome to 601 Bond,where the energy of the city meets the comfort of home. Nestled at theintersection of lifestyle and locality, life here starts with panoramic viewsof downtown Grand Rapids and the Grand Riverperfect for morning workouts orsimply soaking in the sunrise.Fuel your day with avisit to Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, conveniently located on the firstfloorthe only
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Gateway at Belknap Apartments, located in the vibrant Belknap Lookout neighborhood of Grand Rapids, offer breathtaking views of the Medical Mile. This prime location is home to Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine, Spectrum Healths downtown hospital campus and clinics, the Van Andel Research Institute, and Grand Valley State University's Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
