Section Image

Fulton Heights

Fulton Heights

Suburban Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Kent County 49503
$360,020 Average Value
$230 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Fulton Heights has city living with a suburban feel

In Fulton Heights, you’re just as likely to hear the hum of city activity as you are the sound of lawnmowers and bike bells. Just 2 miles from Downtown Grand Rapids, this neighborhood is popular with families looking for a place where kids can play outside, yet the commute to work only takes a few minutes. An active neighborhood association plans casual block parties, and many homes are within walking distance to the Fulton Street farmers market. Centrally located, Fuller Park is known for its dog park and community garden, and Aquinas College brings in some student activity. Overall, Fulton Heights is slightly less walkable than places like Midtown Grand Rapids or Heritage Hill, but it offers more owner-occupied housing, slightly larger yards and an almost suburban feel.

Older homes are mostly owned, not rented

As you travel outward from downtown, you’ll see more front yards, personal driveways and long-term homeowners. "There are fewer renters in the area than in neighborhoods to the west, and the houses are more established," says Dan Steffee, a Realtor with Green Crown Real Estate who has over 15 years of experience selling in the area. "People care for their lawns more here and improve their curb appeal because they have a stake in the property." Most homes were built between 1910 and 1960, and include Colonial Revivals, Cape Cods and bungalows. There are some back alleys and driveways, but it’s also common to park on the street.

Homes usually sell between the mid-$200,000s and mid-$400,000s, above average for Grand Rapids. “Prices have become fairly high for that area, which has caused some people to take a step back,” Steffee says. But with properties typically spending less than two weeks on the market, it’s still a high-demand area.

Beautiful brick Tudor-style homes can be found throughout the neighborhood.
Beautiful brick Tudor-style homes can be found throughout the neighborhood.
Well-manicured lawns are a staple among the homes of Fulton Heights.
Well-manicured lawns are a staple among the homes of Fulton Heights.
1/2

Diverse demographics and a strong community feel

The Fulton Heights Neighborhood Association plans events and promotes safety, but it’s not like an HOA — membership is voluntary. The occasional block party and monthly happy hour at a local cidery help bring residents together, both old and new. "It's a diverse population as far as age,” says Tyler VanWingen, a Realtor and associate broker with Greenridge Realty. “There are people I know who have lived here for 65 years, but there are also a ton of first-time homebuyers." As a resident of the neighborhood, VanWingen understands better than most what draws buyers to the area. "The walkability is a huge draw, and there's a real sense of community here," he says. "There's almost a suburban element to it."

Standout dog park and community garden

Despite its urban setting, Fulton Heights has plenty of nearby green space. Locals get outdoors at:

  • Fuller Park: Central neighborhood park with two baseball fields, a playground and a summertime splash pad
  • Hillcrest Dog Park: Beloved dog park with two fenced-in enclosures, public use tennis balls and shade from mature trees
  • Hillcrest Community Garden: One of the city’s largest community gardens, with plots available for residents to rent

Local residents can rent plots at the Hillcrest Community Garden.
Local residents can rent plots at the Hillcrest Community Garden.
Fuller Park has multiple baseball fields used by local schools for practice and games.
Fuller Park has multiple baseball fields used by local schools for practice and games.
1/2

Access to a major farmers market and local restaurants

There’s easy access to grocery shopping here — a rarity in the center of Grand Rapids. Family Fare Supermarket is walkable from many homes, and so is Fulton Street Market, the city’s oldest and largest farmers market. It runs year-round, with over 200 vendors selling fresh produce, meats and artisanal products. There are also several restaurants in the area:

  • Schnitz Deli is one of the best spots in the city to get a specialty sandwich, with a standout Reuben and house-made soups.
  • Common Ground Coffee opened in 1993, making it one of the oldest coffee shops in the city.
  • Bill’s Family Restaurant has an old-school American feel, with breakfast food that you can pick up at the drive-through window.
  • Vander Mill is a cidery and popular hangout spot with outdoor benches and fire pits.

Vander Mill restaurant and cider brewery is a popular after-work meet-up near Fulton Heights.
Vander Mill restaurant and cider brewery is a popular after-work meet-up near Fulton Heights.
Grab a sandwich and coffee at Schnitz Deli and take a seat outside.
Grab a sandwich and coffee at Schnitz Deli and take a seat outside.
1/2

Options for schools include two local elementaries

Parents in the neighborhood can apply to any school within the Grand Rapids Public Schools district. Because of Michigan’s Schools of Choice program, students can also apply to other districts in Kent County, but admission is competitive, especially for highly rated districts like East Grand Rapids or Forest Hills. Within Fulton Heights, William C. Abney Academy is a public charter elementary school option, and Living Stones Academy is a private elementary school that earns some of the highest ratings in the city.

Alger Middle School is part of the Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Alger Middle School is part of the Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Congress Elementary is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Congress Elementary is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
1/2

Walkable streets, bike lanes and quick commutes

The neighborhood is less walkable than areas directly around downtown, but with sidewalks and bike lanes on Fulton Street, it’s possible to get around without a car. You’ll see people taking their dogs over to Hillcrest, or kids walking to school. “It’s close to the city, but it’s a place where you would feel comfortable going for a walk any time of day and night,” Steffee says. And when you need to head into downtown Grand Rapids, it’s only 2 miles away, less than a 10-minute drive.

Catherine Lashley
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Tyler Bolduc
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
Matt Pangman
Video By
Matt Pangman

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Gerald R Ford International

21 min drive

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Fulton Heights neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Fulton Heights US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Fulton Heights Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$350,000
Median Sale Price
$357,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$355,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
40
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$230

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
621
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1998
Months of Supply
0.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,532
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,698
Median Age
37
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$94,281
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$108,505

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.6%
College Graduates
70.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
46''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

55 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

70 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

29 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Fulton Heights