$259,480Average Value$158Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
A diverse neighborhood with family-friendly appeal
MLK Park is a diverse neighborhood known for its engaged community and centrally located park. “The park isn’t just a green space; it’s the heartbeat of this neighborhood,” says Sam Avila, a Realtor with City2Shore Gateway Group who has sold several homes in the neighborhood. Just 2 miles from downtown on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, the green space is a popular escape from city life — and it’s about to get an upgrade. The city is investing millions of dollars in a complete renovation, right as the neighborhood sees an uptick in community engagement and a decrease in dilapidated properties. “It’s become a very family-oriented area, especially with the park right there,” Avila says. “And you get to be close to downtown, East Grand Rapids and the retail corridor along Wealthy Street.”
Breton Village BBQ is a local mom and pop staple for amazing bbq and a laugh.
The winter season provides a beautiful blanket of snow on the streets of MLK Park.
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Millions of dollars invested into renovating Martin Luther King Park
The namesake Martin Luther King Park offers a public pool, a playground and tennis courts. “Especially in the summer, it's always packed with kids playing and families grilling,” Avila says. In 2024, the city embarked on an $18 million renovation, adding a new pool house, a walking loop and a larger playground. The pool house will include the typical check-in desk and changing rooms, but it will also function as a community center, with indoor classrooms, event space and fitness facilities. The pool house is expected to open in the summer of 2025, and the entire renovation will be done by 2026.
Martin Luther King Park is one of the largest parks close to downtown Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids' Cherry Park has courts for tennis and pickleball enthusiasts.
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Historic homes are reminiscent of another era
The streets of MLK Park offer a glimpse into Grand Rapids’ past, with homes dating back to the 1880s through the 1930s. “You’ll find older homes with a lot of character here,” Avila says. “When you walk in, there’s so much natural wood. It takes you back to an older era.” Low-slung bungalows have brick front porches, and American Foursquare designs have large square footage. “Properties here are often much bigger than you will get elsewhere in the city,” Avila says. The gridded streets are all lined with sidewalks, and most homes have back-alley parking. Smaller homes or fixer-uppers start at around $150,000, and large houses with recent renovations go for $400,000. Generally, this neighborhood is a bit more affordable compared to city averages.
The Dutch Revival style homes are common on the streets of MLK Park.
Unique Craftsman-Style Homes are common on the streets of MLK Park.
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An active neighborhood association and houses of worship
MLK Park has an active neighborhood association, the King Park Neighbors, which was formed in 2020. The group plans neighborhood clean-ups, block parties and holiday celebrations. Residents can attend association meetings to discuss neighborhood concerns and plan new events. One long-standing tradition is the bi-weekly Southeast Area Farmers Market at Martin Luther King Park, which highlights produce and artisan crafts from farmers of color, home growers and area residents.Local houses of worship also engage in the community. Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church hosts an annual block party and chili cook-off. Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church has regular neighborhood nights, offering group activities ranging from board games to emotional support groups.
The Ottawa Hills branch of the GR library provides books to residents of MLK Park.
The Neland Ave Church is a community staple for events in MLK Park.
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Kids can graduate high school with an associate degree
Students are zoned to attend Campus Elementary and Alger Middle School, both of which receive a C-minus grade from Niche. Ottawa Hills High receives a C grade and offers the Early Middle College program, which allows students to earn an associate degree with one extra year of school. The neighborhood is also less than a mile from the Grand Rapids Christian School – Iroquois Campus, which offers private, faith-based education for kindergarten through fourth grade.
Alger Middle School in the Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Ottawa Hills High School is a public school located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Local restaurants that give back to the community
Pretty much all of the restaurants and shops within walking distance of MLK Park are locally owned. Big Fish Wings & Things is a favorite for fried catfish, and 7 Mares has served authentic Mexican food for 25 years. Wishes Food Snack-And More has an unassuming storefront, but its flavorful burgers got it featured in the online magazine MLive. Hall Street Café is known for its fresh-baked pastries, and Last Mile Café has gourmet and ethically sourced coffee beans. Last Mile Café donates 10% of its revenue to local charities, and patrons can pick the cause they wish to donate to when they check out.
Hall Street Bakery serves up fresh made daily baked goods and amazing coffee to MLK Park.
Residents of MLK Park know to head to Big Fish Wings & Things for home-cooked food.
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Take a car, bus or bike 2 miles into the city
MLK Park is 2 miles from downtown Grand Rapids, usually a 10-minute drive. The city’s bus service, The Rapid, has several lines that run throughout the neighborhood. Most major streets have designated bike lanes, which cyclists can take all the way into the heart of the city. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is about 9 miles away, and the nearest hospital is Trinity Health, which is 2 miles north.
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
Alexander Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
Gerald R Ford International
21 min drive
Bus
Fuller & Alexander (Nb)
Bus
Fuller & Hall (Sb)
Bus
Eastern & Mlk (Nb)
Bus
Fuller & Temple (Sb)
Bus
Fuller & Prince (Nb)
Bus
Hall & Giddings (Wb)
Bus
Mlk & Kalamazoo (Eb)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
MLK Park
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in MLK Park, Grand Rapids sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in MLK Park, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $246,202, down 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fully renovated and ready to impress! This stylish Grand Rapids home is just minutes from Eastown hotspots, Hall St Bakery, and MLK Park. Inside, you'll find all-new electrical, plumbing, appliances, paint, and flooring. New furnace (Jan 2024), new water heater (Apr 2025), and a 5-year-old AC mean comfort and peace of mind. The stunning new primary suite features a walk-in closet and spa-like en
This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a great layout with plenty of room to spread out. You'll find original hardwood floors throughout, and updates throughout. A primary bedroom with attached full bathroom on the main level is a hard to find convenience in a house built in 1925.Enjoy the convenience of off-street parking, a nice backyard, and a layout that just makes sense for everyday
Discover the charm of this spacious 4-bedroom home located in the welcoming community of Grand Rapids' Southeast Side. Perfect for families or as a smart investment opportunity, this property boasts a blend of modern updates and ample living space. Inside, you'll find four generously sized bedrooms, each equipped with large closets, providing plenty of storage for all your needs. The inviting
Property Id: 444468Great 4 bedroom, 2 full bathrooms, updated home, hardwood floors, ceiling fans, Living room with fireplace, Kitchen with stainless refrigerator and gas range. Separate dining room, Full basement, washer and dryer, Garage in back, fenced backyard
This beautiful four (4) bedroom home has many great features! It includes 1 full bath, 1 half bath, one 1/2 bath located on the main level and the full bath on the second floor. Stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer, off street parking and garage with opener. Spacious rooms, and a great partially finished basement. Nice spacious back yard. One of the best things about this home is its proximity
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 Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,383
Median Age
32
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
31.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$49,351
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$68,179
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.8%
College Graduates
25.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.8%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
46''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
73/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
37/ 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.
