$303,493Average 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 11 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 $293,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSE Sunday 6/14, 11-1pm. Great opportunity for upscale living in beautiful Riverside Gardens that has a 100+ acre park with so many amenities! They also have Food Truck Fridays, use the new boat launch, fish, play frisbee golf or chat at the picnic and playground areas. This timeless Mid-century Modern home offers an airy main level plan with sliders out to redone deck overlooking the
Move-in ready and loaded with major updates! Freshly repainted with all new flooring throughout, this home offers a clean, modern feel from the moment you step inside. Situated on a spacious corner lot with a fenced yard and 2-stall garage, there's plenty of room both inside and out. New siding and newly installed gutters add to the home's curb appeal and long-term value. Even better -- the
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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
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
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CALLING ALL INVESTORS! Two properties, one purchase, and immediate rental income! Both properties are currently tenant-occupied, making this a fantastic opportunity to expand your portfolio or begin your investment journey. Don't miss this rare chance to own two income-producing properties with one transaction!
Kelly HoverCity2Shore Gateway Group of Byron Center
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 of 20 units (1258, 1336, 1238 , 1239, 1226 Northfield NE) available individually or as a package
Creston | Perfect time to move into this adorable Creston bungalow with a fenced backyard, raised beds, huge shed, and patio area. Riverside Park, the new River North District, and Creston Business District are all just around the corner. River's Edge Trail construction is underway, which is a 12' wide multi-use connection of this neighborhood to downtown Grand Rapids, Riverside Park, and
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,
Hard to find spacious updated 2 story home with 3 bed 1.5 full bath located minutes from downtown, riverside park, shops, & expressways. The home features a fantastic updated kitchen complete with brand new white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, brick exposed chimney, tile backsplash, and granite countertops! The home shines with the beautiful refinished original hardwood floors, new
Home Warranty Included! Welcome to 25 Palmer St NE in Grand Rapids, a fully remodeled 3 bedroom, 1 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
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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.
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 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
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Welcome to 58 Caledonia NE - An opportunity to live in the Creston neighborhood. This 3 Bed, 1 Bath 2 story home boasts gorgeous original details and a large open living space on the first floor! You'll also enjoy the flexible space on the first floor perfect for all your work/learn from home needs and the huge walk in closet upstairs. The large lot has off-street parking with a parking pad
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COMING SOON!Spacious 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home located just minutes from Medical Mile and downtown Grand Rapids. This charming 1,314 sq. ft. property offers hardwood floors throughout, a detached garage, fenced backyard, basement laundry with washer/dryer, and ample storage space.Rent Includes: Water, sewer, trash, lawn care, and snow removalTenant Responsibilities: Electricity
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