North East Citizens Action
Suburban Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Kent County 49503, 49505, 49525
Diverse home options with large yards
NECA has a mix of densely populated condos and more classic suburban single-family homes. Condo units range from $200,000 to $400,000, and most single-family homes cost between $200,000 and $600,000. Generally, streets are lined with sidewalks and shaded lawns. The average yard size is a quarter acre, some of the largest available this close to the city. Homes can date back to the 1920s, and a few are still being built today — though the majority are from the 1940s to 1960s. "One thing that makes us unique is how many residents are original homeowners," Hernadez says. "At our association meetings, when I ask how many people have lived here for over 35 years, 80% of the hands go up." But, she adds, the neighborhood has seen an influx of new buyers in recent years. "Since COVID, there's been a shift. We've seen more families and younger people moving in — and the dogs! So many people out walking dogs."Hiking trails and garden plots at Ball Perkins
The neighborhood's only park, Ball Perkins, spans 80 acres of preserved woodland. Its trail network is just over half a mile in one direction and passes through dense clusters of old-growth trees. Smaller trails branch off, encouraging visitors to get lost in this remaining slice of West Michigan woodlands. Wild turkeys, foxes and deer are often sighted and sometimes stray into the neighborhood, thanks to NECA's wooded backyards. "We see deer in our backyard almost every day, even though we have a four-foot fence," Hernadez says. "They just step over it! They do eat my plants, but they are so beautiful to watch." Gardeners can apply for a plot at Perkins Community Garden, also located at Ball Perkins Park.Two public school districts and a nearby magnet school
Grand Rapids Public Schools serves most of NECA, but several homes on the eastern edge are zoned for Forest Hills Public Schools. Forest Hills gets an overall A-plus from Niche rating compared to Grand Rapids' overall C-plus. For those within the Grand Rapids boundaries, students attend Kent Hills Elementary and Riverside Middle — both schools rated with a C-minus. Then it's on to Union High School, rated C. Alternatively, students could apply to attend a local magnet school, City Middle High School. The school is ranked the No. 1 best public high school in the Grand Rapids Area by Niche and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. NECA is also home to the Kent Intermediate School building, which partners with school districts across West Michigan to provide specialty courses for special needs learning, technical certification, and college credit.Get involved in NECA's community
The NECA Association (NECAA) was formed in the 1980s and remains an entirely volunteer-run organization with no dues for residents. "We want to preserve our neighborhood and keep it safe and vibrant," says Hernandez, the current president. "We do that by keeping an eye on any development and bringing the community together." Members hand-distribute a biannual newsletter and hold monthly meetings, often at the local Yankee Clipper Library., which also fosters community unity with book clubs, craft workshops and toddler storytime.Five miles to downtown and easy interstate access
The Rapid bus line connects from Lenard Street into downtown in about 20 minutes, making it possible to commute to the city activity and healthcare hubs without a car. However, the neighborhood's suburban spot, 5 miles from the city, means most residents run their daily errands by car. The neighborhood is less than a mile from entrances to both Interstate 196 and 96 for longer trips out to the airport or Lake Michigan. Homes with direct proximity to the interstates may experience some background road noise, but generally, the residential areas of NECA are quiet.A major shopping hub on the northeast side of NECA
On the northeast side of NECA, a major shopping hub surrounds the Knapp and Beltline intersection. Grocery stores include Meijer, Aldi and D&W Fresh Market. The Celebration Cinema is one of the city's largest theaters, offering reclining seats with built-in heaters. There are familiar chains like Panera and IHOP, as well as regional specialties like Bro's Doughs, which has made-to-order donuts. HopCat, a popular Michigan brewery, has a spacious location here, with a comprehensive craft beer selection, hearty burgers and specialty grilled cheeses. HopCat's vintage wooden interior pairs with vivid green walls and a mural made entirely from bottle caps.A high concentration of houses of worship and religious schools
Several houses of worship are local to NECA, including several Christian churches and the Sigh Sabha of Grand Rapids, the only Sikh Temple in Grand Rapids. The centrally located Beckwith Hills Christian Reformed Church donated part of its land to NECAA to form the neighborhood's only public playground. And this area is also known for its high concentration of Christian schools. "We don't have a public school located within the neighborhood, so a lot of families tend to move here for the parochial schools," Hernadez says. Among several faith-based elementary and high schools, NorthPointe Christian is ranked among Niche's top 10 Christian high schools in the Grand Rapids area. The neighborhood is also home to Cornerstone University, a private Christian college.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Laura Kelso
Kelso Homes LLC
(616) 425-5462
77 Total Sales
4 in North East Citizens Action
$235K - $360K Price Range
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Eldon Palmer
616 Realty LLC
(269) 430-2823
102 Total Sales
2 in North East Citizens Action
$194K - $254K Price Range
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Mark Brace
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate (Main)
(269) 430-2613
891 Total Sales
15 in North East Citizens Action
$151K - $425K Price Range
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Tanya Powell-May
Keller Williams GR North
(616) 202-5928
303 Total Sales
6 in North East Citizens Action
$74K - $327K Price Range
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Brock Fletcher
Keller Williams Lansing East
(517) 696-6275
298 Total Sales
1 in North East Citizens Action
$210,000 Price
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Pamela Merriman
616 Realty LLC
(269) 397-3819
218 Total Sales
1 in North East Citizens Action
$240,000 Price
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | North East Citizens Action | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 4 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 6 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 5 | 4 |
Robbery | 5 | 4 |
Burglary | 4 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
Larceny | 4 | 4 |
Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
North East Citizens Action Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in North East Citizens Action, Grand Rapids sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in North East Citizens Action, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $349,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Open Houses
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Sunday, Jun 151 - 3pm
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Sunday, Jun 151 - 3pm
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Sunday, Jun 151 - 3pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Some Transit
Transit 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.
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