Ken-O-Sha Park is where Grand Rapids meets Kentwood
Ken-O-Sha Park is located on the city's southeast side, where Grand Rapids begins to turn into the suburb of Kentwood. Anchored by an elementary school and a nature trail, the neighborhood has a family-friendly feel. A nearby industrial hub draws in workers, and a selection of international grocery stores offers a varied shopping experience. “Kentwood is one of the most diverse places in the Grand Rapids area,” says Nancy Cromley, the executive director of the local food pantry The Green Apple. “And there's an environment of people working to support the community.”
Affordable homes and condos on quiet streets
This far out of the city, there’s a suburban feel and quiet streets. Only a few blocks have well-maintained sidewalks; in other areas, homes sit far apart on half-acre lots. Ranch-style or raised ranch homes were mainly built in the mid-1900s and cost between $250,000 and $375,000, depending on size and renovations. Prices are more affordable than Grand Rapids’ averages, and those looking for something smaller can find condo units between $150,000 and $250,000. Several apartment buildings are also available for renters.
Ranch homes are among the most common style of housing in Ken-O-Sha Park.
Condos are available in Ken-O-Sha Park for people looking for smaller homes.
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Environmental programs are a focus at Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary
Many of the homes are walkable to Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary. The elementary school backs up to the nature trails of Ken-O-Sha Park, which forms an “outdoor classroom” for kids to learn about native plants and watersheds. One of the school’s beloved traditions is the annual Duck Walk, an event where the kids cheer on a mother duck as she leads her ducklings through the school building to reach the local park. The school receives a C-minus grade from Niche and is slated for renovations during the 2026 to 2027 academic year. When the school reopens, it will have a new environmental science program and an International Baccalaureate curriculum. Older kids are zoned for Alger Middle, rated C-minus and Ottawa Hills High, rated C. The neighborhood's south side is zoned for Kentwood Public School, which gets an overall A-minus grade from Niche and is ranked as the most diverse district in Michigan. “There are more than 70 different spoken languages represented at East Kentwood High School,” Cromley says.
Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary School in Grand Rapids receives a C-minus rating from Niche.
Ottawa Hills High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan earns a C grade from Niche.
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Nature trails offer an escape from city bustle
Ken-O-Sha Park spans over 100 acres, offering an escape from the industrial sprawl of Grand Rapids' southeast side. The park is mostly undeveloped and acts as the trailhead for the Plaster Creek Trail, which follows the creek 3 miles throughout the city. Along the trail, visitors can step inside the “nature amplifier,” a wooden cone that pulls in the surrounding sounds of the forest, immersing the listener in the outdoors. Kids can also play at the playground and basketball courts of next-door Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary School.
Take the dog for a run on the trails of Ken-O-Sha Park in Grand Rapids, MI.
Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary School in Grand Rapids has a playground and basketball court.
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Specialty grocery stores have products from around the world
Towne & Country Shopping Center is a hub for international grocery stores. Mediterranean Island International Foods is the largest, but smaller markets also offer Eastern European, Indian, Asian and Afghan products. “The shopping center is a really nice community hub, and the international grocery stores are wonderful,” Cromley says. “We also have the most beautiful laundromat I’ve ever seen, and they just got their liquor license — so you can enjoy a beer while you do your laundry.” A few miles up Kalamazoo Avenue, Meijer is a go-to for picking up essentials, and Wally’s Treasures is a three-story antique mall.
Mediterranean Island International Foods has a large selection of produce for Ken-O-Sha Park.
Wally’s Treasures in Ken-O-Sha Park offers a variety of antiques and collectibles.
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Local organizations offer food and household goods
Several organizations in the area support residents who face barriers to resources. Located in the Towne & Country Shopping Center, the Green Apple Pantry allows individuals to pick up a grocery cart’s worth of food every month. In addition to fresh produce and shelf-stable staples, the pantry also offers hygiene products, baby formula and cleaning supplies. “We serve about 1,500 people in a month across southeast Kenty County,” Cromley says. “We get many people who walk over, and we are on a bus line.” Right next door, In The Image is a donation-reliant store providing low-income individuals with free clothing, household goods and furniture.
The Green Apple Pantry in Ken-O-Sha Park provides groceries for those in need of assistance.
In the Image provides low-income individuals in Ken-O-Sha Park with free clothing and furniture.
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Bordering the Steelcase headquarters
The Ken-O-Sha Park neighborhood borders a large industrial hub, which includes the headquarters and innovation center for Steelcase Inc. Steelcase is a major furniture manufacturer and one of the largest employers in the city. For those commuting to downtown Grand Rapids, home to several major hospitals, it’s an 8-mile trip. Heading out to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is about 6 miles.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Helena Rosenberger,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Ottawa Hills Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Football
MacKay Jaycees Park
Baseball/Softball
Grills
Picnic Area
Ken-O-Sha Park
Basketball
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Alger Park
Baseball/Softball
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
Gerald R Ford International
16 min drive
Bus
Eastern & Pastiche (Nb)
Bus
44th & Poinsetta (Wb)
Bus
44th & Eastern (Wb)
Bus
28th & Vineland (Eb)
Bus
Eastern & 32nd (Nb)
Bus
28th & Eastern (Eb)
Bus
Eastern & Steelcase Entrance (Nb)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Ken-O-Sha Park
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Ken-O-Sha Park, Grand Rapids sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Ken-O-Sha Park, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $285,170, down 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Check out this fully renovated 4-unit property in Grand Rapids with strong cash flow. Each unit offers 2 beds, 1 bath, and approx. 774 sq ft. Updates in 2022 include new kitchens, baths, appliances, flooring, paint, lighting, 3 new HVAC systems, water heaters, sliding doors, and decks. The property also features shared digital laundry by wash.com, 8 parking spaces, and a storage shed. This
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Helena Rosenberger,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,838
Median Age
35
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$46,587
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,368
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
83.7%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
31.8%
Advanced Degrees
4.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
46''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
41/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
30/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
32/ 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.
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.
