$313,857Average Value$184Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Family-friendly living around John Ball Park
John Ball Park, an established neighborhood on Grand Rapids ’ west side, is best known as the home of the John Ball Zoo. However, the zoo is just one of many family-friendly amenities available here, including local schools, walkable suburban streets and expansive parks. Community is easy to find, thanks to the volunteer-run John Ball Area Neighbors, which organizes annual plant swaps and neighborhood clean-ups. Prices tend to be lower than in East Side neighborhoods like Michigan Oaks and Fulton Heights. If you’re looking for that neighborly vibe, with all the historic charm of 100-year-old homes and the walkability to local parks, you might consider the storied streets surrounding the John Ball Zoo.
John Ball Park is only a few minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.
Fulton Street is the main road running through John Ball Park with lots of retail and food.
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Homes for sale offer historic character
John Ball Park is primarily populated with homes from the early to mid-1900s. Mature trees tower over vintage American Foursquare designs and Craftsman bungalows with enclosed front porches. Rhiannon McCalmont, a Realtor with Amplified Real Estate who has experience in the neighborhood, says these historic homes often feature details such as handcrafted banisters or stained-glass windows. “You just don’t get that with newer homes,” McCalmont explains. “Some of these elements were handcrafted specifically for the homes — what you are getting is history.”
The median home price is around $300,000, slightly higher than nearby neighborhoods such as West Grand and SWAN. Investment properties start in the mid-$100,000s, and freshly renovated homes with three or four bedrooms can get up to the mid-$400,000s.
Many farmhouse-style homes have spacious front porches in John Ball Park.
Raised ranches and split-level homes line the quiet streets of John Ball Park.
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A variety of events at John Ball Zoo
Residents can choose to take advantage of an annual pass to the John Ball Zoo, where families or nature enthusiasts can see over 200 animal species. "I love being close to the John Ball Zoo," says Emily Bonello, local resident and lifelong West Michigander. "It has such a nice variety of animals without feeling too big and sprawling to accomplish in one day trip.” McCalmont agrees that the zoo is a central draw, adding: “The zoo has transitioned since I went there as a kid — there is a lot more available than just animals now.” Some of the zoo's standout events include the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, where walkways are illuminated by Asian-inspired paper lanterns, the Wild Strides 5K race and Wildlife Exploration Days, a series of educational events on animal care. Annual pass holders also enjoy members-only nights with live music and food. Additionally, the park surrounding the zoo is open to the public and features a large green space with several play areas.
The John Ball Zoo is a wildlife haven in Grand Rapids, featuring over 200 species of animals to observe.
The John Ball Zoo hosts many fun events throughout the year.
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Neighborhood schools have standout programs
The neighborhood is part of Grand Rapids Public Schools. Although the district typically receives lower ratings than next-door Grandville, it is known for its unique and highly rated “theme” schools — one of which is held at the John Ball Zoo. The John Ball Zoo School is a specialty program for 6th-grade students only, with an enrollment of only 60 students per year. The zoo is utilized as part of the school’s learning campus, and the curriculum includes specialized classes in zoology, forestry and astronomy. Admission is determined by standardized testing and a very competitive lottery. Parents can also apply to other districts in Kent County thanks to Michigan's Schools of Choice program.
Another specialized school in the neighborhood is the private, faith-based Sacred Heart Academy, which ranked among the top 20 schools in the nation in 2025 for scores on the Classic Learning Test, an alternative to the SAT. The school serves students from preschool through 12th grade and is part of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, a very active local parish.
Union High School has a total population of around 1,200 students in John Ball Park.
Sacred Heart Academy is a faith-based education option in John Ball Park.
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Amenities include a few local restaurants
While activity in John Ball Park is mostly centered around the zoo, there are also a few local restaurants and shops within walking distance, including:
Rise Authentic Baking Co.: Beloved neighborhood bakery known for its from-scratch, vegan and gluten-free pastries, as well as the cozy interior and LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere.
Putt Putt's Bar: Lively neighborhood bar with sports on the TVs and Polish-inspired specials.
Tacos El Cuñado: Quick service taco stand with outdoor seating, known for its authentic flavors and standout tamales.
The Søvengård: Trendy restaurant and outdoor biergarten serving Scandinavian-inspired dishes made with hyper-local, farm-to-table ingredients.
Residents can find Joey's Tavern located on Fulton Street in John Ball Park.
The local Bitter End coffee shop is a John Ball Park neighborhood favorite.
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Take a bus to downtown or trails to Millennium Park
Downtown Grand Rapids is about 2 miles away, a 10-minute trip by car. The Rapid bus system has a line down Fulton Street that reaches downtown in about 10 minutes. Locals also enjoy being connected to the Kent Trails network, which leads south 3 miles to Millennium Park. It’s the largest park in the Grand Rapids area, offering beaches, splash pads and kayak rentals.
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
John Ball Park
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
John Ball Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in John Ball Park, Grand Rapids sell after 16 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in John Ball Park, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $300,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Classic brick Colonial featuring signature two-story pillars and a grand foyer with an open staircase to the upper level. Spacious living room with fireplace flows into a formal dining area. Main floor also offers an updated kitchen and a den with access to a private patio. Upstairs includes 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Additional features include a covered rear entry, fenced backyard, and a
Mark Brace
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate (Main)
WEST SIDE = BEST SIDE. Brick ranches like this only come available so often. Kitchen - New, Bathrooms - New, Windows - New, Patio Concrete - New, Back-up Generator - New, Mechanicals - new. Plus, fresh paint throughout. What will the sellers miss most? The 3 season porch and the neighbors. The only thing missing from this West Side gem is the new owner. Seller has delayed review of offers until
Located on a beautiful tree-lined street in one of Grand Rapids' most sought-after neighborhoods, this charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is one you'll fall in love with the moment you walk in. The living room welcomes you with soaring vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and a cozy fireplace that creates the perfect space to relax. Just off the living area, the dining space is full of character,
Ashleigh VanDuinen-LeistraRE/MAX of Grand Rapids (Grandville)
Standout Style. A home that blends warmth, character, and everyday comfort in a location that keeps you close to it all. Inside, natural light fills the living spaces, highlighting original wood trim and inviting finishes that create an easy, lived-in feel. The kitchen offers a clean, functional design with open shelving and practical workspace, while multiple living areas give you flexibility
This property is one block from the GVSU laker bus line and the John ball parkBedrooms & bathroomsBedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 1.5HeatingForced AirCoolingWindow UnitAppliancesIncluded: Dishwasher, Dryer, WasherLaundry: In UnitFeaturesFlooring: HardwoodInterior areaTotal interior livable area: 1,560 Sq ftPropertyParkingParking features:
Property Id: 2300186Available July 1st 2026! Great student rental in a great area. On site laundry, mini split A/c on both floors. Big yard plenty of room for a camp fire.
The advertised rate of $2,566/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 2, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Large, two bedroom, one bath apartment with in unit laundry. One designated parking spot. The apartment is located above Rise Bakery and near John Ball Zoo. A quick scooter or bike ride to Bridge Street Market and Downtown Grand Rapids.12 month lease. Tenant pays for all utilities.**NO PETS ALLOWED**
Cute 3 Bed House in a Great Location in Grand Rapids, MI offers three bedrooms and one full bathroom in a convenient layout. The home includes central air for comfort, a washer and dryer in the spacious basement, off-street parking and a 1-stall garage with a nice backyard for relaxing. Situated close to downtown with multiple restaurants and grocery stores, the property provides easy access to
Tucked into a residential pocket of Grand Rapids' Westside, this 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment gives you easy access to one of the city's best neighborhoods without the noise and traffic that comes with it. The apartment features a newly renovated bathroom, new flooring and carpet, and plenty of natural light throughout. A private porch gives you your own outdoor space to enjoy as well as a
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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