$617,422Average Value$255Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Blooming gardens and high prices in Ottawa Hills
Just 3 miles from downtown Grand Rapids, Ottawa Hills is set apart by its pristine curb appeal and eclectic architecture. Development of the neighborhood began in 1922 on the site of the former Grand Rapids Golf Club, and today, the stately homes are said to still follow the paths of the former fairways. It's a place where lending libraries dot the streets and kids chatter away on their walks to school. In spring, blooming front yards draw quite a crowd for the annual Ottawa Hills Garden Tour. "It's a quaint, charming and very desirable neighborhood full of beautiful homes," says Janet Romanowski of Greenridge Realty's Romanowski Homes. But it's rare to see these one-of-a-kind homes hit the market.
Ottawa Hills Neighborhood with Downtown Grand Rapids in the distance.
Ottawa Hills is a small but affluent residential community in East Grand Rapids.
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Older homes in Colonial, Tudor and Georgian styles
Ottawa Hills' homes were built primarily between 1922 and 1950, and many have been renovated to complement the original architecture. "When people want historic charm, this is the neighborhood," says Romanowski. "You can't find houses like that anymore." Tudor-style homes with steep roofs mingle with sturdy brick-built Georgian estates and Colonial Revival properties with neoclassical touches. The lawns are landscaped, and the streets are green. In fact, the community has an initiative to plant enough trees that there will be 90% tree cover by 2040. Homes are typically larger than 2,000 square feet and range in price from $450,000 to $800,000, depending on size. In a city where the median price is $300,000, that's a premium price tag.
Tudor and Colonial-Style homes line Iroquois Drive in the Ottawa Hills neighborhood.
Georgian-Style homes on Cadillac Drive in the Ottawa Hills neighborhood.
French Eclectic, Colonial, and Tudor-Style homes in the Ottawa Hills neighborhood.
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An active neighborhood association sponsors annual traditions
Since its establishment in 1972, the Ottawa Hills Neighborhood Association has helped to maintain a long list of annual traditions. "It's a very active neighborhood — when you move there, you get added to their mailing list right away," says Cheryl Grant, an experienced Realtor with Re/Max of Grand Rapids. New neighbors can make friends at Happy Hour Fridays, hosted at a different house each month. There are garage sales, food truck events, and the Ottawa Hills Garden Tour. But nothing brings the neighborhood together quite like the Hollyhock Lane Parade, a Fourth of July celebration that draws visitors from across the city. What began as a bike procession during the Great Depression is now Michigan's longest-running Independence Day parade. Pretty much anyone who shows up is welcome to join in, including fire trucks, community groups, handcrafted floats, and one determined unicycle rider who has participated for more than 45 years in a row.
Trick or treating and other year-round family activities
Local kids have plenty to keep them occupied in Ottawa Hills. The neighborhood is one of the most popular spots in Grand Rapids for trick-or-treating on Halloween, with an estimated 400 kids crowding the streets each year. In the spring, the neighborhood association plans an Easter egg hunt at the local Pontiac Park. Although the park is used as part of Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School during school hours, it opens to the public during off hours. It's common to see after-school playdates and unofficial weekend sports games. Kids are also welcomed at the Ottawa Hills Branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library, which hosts toddler story times and craft nights.
Public school zoning and a local Christian Elementary
Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School's Iroquois Campus, which serves pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students, is located in the center of the neighborhood. Since the school is less than 10 minutes from all homes, it's an appealing option for local families. "Most of the kids who live in the neighborhood go to the private school system," Romanowski says. "That's a big draw." There's an active PTO, and the school's curriculum includes Bible study and STEM-integrated courses. In terms of public schools, the neighborhood is zoned for Grand Rapids Public Schools, starting at Campus Elementary and Alger Middle. Niche rates both schools C-minus. Older kids are zoned for Ottawa Hills High School, rated C.
Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School and the surrounding Ottawa Hills neighborhood.
Ottawa Hills High School is part of the Grand Rapids Public School District.
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Getting around in Ottawa Hills
Ottawa Hills is quiet, far away from railroad lines and major interstates. However, this neighborhood peace comes with a trade-off, as most day-to-day errands require a car. The city bus, The Rapid, is also an option, with several stops right along Hall Street. There is no grocery store within walking distance, and the bustle of downtown Grand Rapids is 3 miles away, usually about a 10-minute trip. For residents who work at the Corewell Heath Blodgett Hospital, the city's healthcare hub is only a mile north. Workers commuting out of the city face a longer trip, as it's a 4-mile drive just to connect with either Interstate 96 or 196. And for catching flights, the R. Ford International Airport is 9 miles away.
Grocery runs and lakeside dinners at Gaslight Village
Gaslight Village, just a mile away, is a go-to place for shopping and dining on this side of the city. Named for its flickering gas lamps, Gaslight Village dates back to the early 1900s, when Reeds Lake was home to a glamorous amusement park. Today, the shopping center is still a Grand Rapids hotspot, known for its quaint restaurants and lakeside views. Popular destinations include Rose's, a lakeside, family-run eatery that dates back to the village's amusement park days. Big Bob's Pizza is a casual spot with free popcorn and board games, and Bowdie's Chophouse is an upscale steakhouse. The nearby D&W Fresh Market provides a full-service grocery option.
Gaslight Village, has boutique shops and lakeside dining experiences otuside Ottawa Hills.
Shops and Restaurants of Gaslight Village, located just outside the Ottawa Hills neighborhood.
Wealthy Street in Gaslight Village, just outside the Ottawa Hills neighborhood.
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
Tanya Powell-May,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Remington Park
John Collins Park
Boating
Fishing
Lake
Mulick Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Cambridge Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Waterfront Park
Fishing
Lake
Picnic Area
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Oakdale Gardens Park
Sigsbee Park
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
Gerald R Ford International
21 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Ottawa Hills
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Ottawa Hills, Grand Rapids sell after 8 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Ottawa Hills, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $602,158, up 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous all-brick, 3-story, 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom Colonial Revival home located in the heart of Ottawa Hills, one of Grand Rapids' most beloved neighborhoods. Designed by a noted 1920s architect, this home is one of just three in the area with this distinctive floor plan and historic charm. Inside, you'll find narrow-plank hardwood floors, arched doorways, coved plaster ceilings, and a spacious
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tanya Powell-May,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,104
Median Age
39
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$106,713
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,445
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.5%
College Graduates
60.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
78.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
46''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
53/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
59/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
33/ 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.
