$295,531Average Value$202Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes 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 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Creston, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $283,450, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 483 Kenwood, a charming home on a quiet street on Grand Rapids' sought-after NE side. Enjoy a highly walkable location--just steps from restaurants, Kingma's, shopping, and a short drive to Riverside Park. The newly remodeled kitchen features fresh updates and flows into a spacious living room with a cozy fireplace. Two large bedrooms, a full bath, and convenient main-floor laundry
Move in ready 3 unit, with massive 3 stall garage, and a large lot! A rare find that any house hacker or investor will not want to miss. The upper unit has been fully updated with new flooring, paint, and a renovated bathroom. The spacious main floor unit offers new flooring, carpet, and fresh paint. The lower level is spacious and is rent ready. Exterior improvements completed in 2024 include
Amazing opportunity to own this newly renovated home in Grand Rapids! This traditional two story home with fenced in backyard and new deck features original features with modern amenities. 3 bedrooms with fresh paint, carpet and light fixtures. Beautiful LVP flooring throughout the main floor. New white shaker cabinets in the kitchen offers plenty of storage. Tons of natural light and an open and
Lucia IsasiColdwell Banker Woodland Schmidt ART Office
Set on two lots just minutes from Riverside Park, your new home delivers the kind of usable space that buyers in this price range rarely find. This 3 bedroom ranch offers almost 1,400 square feet of functional single level living, two separate one car garages, a dedicated workspace, a shed, and a large horseshoe driveway designed for real life. From the curb, the difference is clear. The home
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Calling all investors and builders! This property is down to the studs throughout much of the home and is ready for the next owner to build significant equity through completion. The home has over 3,000 sq ft of living space and is planned to have 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and includes a large 3-stall garage around the back. Valuation estimates project a finished value of $525,000+. Electric and
Walkout Condo with Water Frontage! Enjoy Serene Pond Views fFrom Your Living Room and Master Bedroom! Over 2000 Sgft finished! Open Floor Plan with Kitchen with Appliances and Snack Bar, Dining Area, Living room with Sliders to Deck, Master Bedroom/ 3 Closets and Walk Thru Bath, Main Floor Laundry, 2nd Bedroom and Seperate Bath/Jacuzzi Tub. Finished Lower Level with Full Bath, 3rd Bedroom,
Don King Jr.Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate (Main)
Welcome to 2940 Coit Avenue! This charming well maintained 4 Bed 1 Bath is an absolute must see! It is an ideal location, only minutes away from I-96 access, Riverside Park, and tons of shops and restaurants down Plainfield Ave. The roof was new as of 2024 with a transferable warranty, and the home has been well maintained. The backyard features a patio, storage shed, and is completely fenced in.
Christopher PatrickKeller Williams Realty Rivertown
Move in ready 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home with fully fenced in backyard, & extra large 20x30 garage! Many updates include a newer roof, gutters, water heater, sump pump have been completed few years ago freshley painted throughout, new flooring along with a dry-locke basement. Main floor has a bright living room, with sizeable window, New kichen cabnets , including a stainsteel fridge dining area w/
It's the total package! This three bed home offers a spectacular and completely remodeled kitchen and bath, newer roof and furnace. A shower already in place next to the rec room and laundry is ready to create another full bath. The private, fenced in deep lot that backs up to a wooded area gives you the feeling that your in the country while you're in the middle of the city...Just a couple of
Welcome Home! You will fall in love with this newer home in the desirable Creston neighborhood. With 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths, it offers space, flexibility & modern comfort. Filled with natural light & designed with an open floor plan, this home is perfect for both everyday living & entertaining. The main level features the primary bedroom, a full bath with double sinks, second bedroom, along
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,
Two-Unit Home in the Heart of Creston Heights Excellent investment opportunity! This two-unit property features a 2-bedroom upper unit and a 2-bedroom lower unit, each with private entrances and separate utilities. Both units have their own furnaces, water heaters, gas, and electric meters. (One shared water meter; water will need to be split.) Additional features include: 24x24 two-stall
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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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.
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: 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
Property Id: 2396571Welcome to your new home at 1325 Buffalo Ave NE in Grand Rapids, MI! The Unit is conveniently located close to downtown and with easy access to US 131, I-96 and _196. This cozy and newly updated 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit features a fenced yard, washer/dryer in unit, and is pet-friendly for cats and small dogs. Enjoy the convenience of included utilities and amenities
Great apartment space in a 2 unit home at the end of a dead-end providing lots of privacy. Property sits right along a creek and a nice trail into the woods leading up to nearby schools. 2 bedrooms or 1 bedroom and great office space. Access to covered patio area. Everything newly updated/renovated. Come check it out today!
2 bedroom, 1 bath rental on the NE end of Grand Rapids! Upstairs apartment in house converted into two units. Close to downtown with quick access to restaurants, hospitals, etc. with a nice laid back feel; located on a dead-end with very little traffic, large yard, a creek that runs along edge of property and a trail into the woods. Utilities are included, lawn care provided. No pets. Laundry
Introducing our newly remodeled 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath cozy house located in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, MI. This charming home features modern stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, adding a touch of elegance to your daily routine. . Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this house your new home sweet home.
STRICT CREDIT CHECKOpen floor planBeautiful kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops2 stall garageOn sight laundryAttractively finished hard wood floors and trimDishwasherVinyl windows to help with heating costs 1 window air unit providedTenant pays gas, electric, water, sewer, trash, cable, internetCredit Check. 1 year lease. No Pets.
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