The Local Expert's Guide to the Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, MI

I grew up near Grand Rapids and have visited the growing city and its surrounding area many times. It is a true jewel of southwestern Michigan and very close to Lake Michigan and many other great locales. The area has many great schools, hospitals, parks, and a whole lot more. If you are moving here or already live in Grand Rapids and would like to find a great place in a relatively affordable neighborhood, here are 10 great options.

Kentwood Makes It Easy to Get Around

Kentwood is located in the southeastern area of the greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is very close to U.S. 131, I-96, and State Highway 6. You can get on the 131 and arrive in Downtown Grand Rapids in less than 10 minutes by car. Lots of rivers and streams flow through the neighborhood, which makes it a great fishing area. You can rent large apartments starting at about $700 a month, which makes it great for growing families.

Wyoming Offers Outdoor Delights

Just west of Kentwood is Wyoming, which has Route 131 bisecting it to the east and the I-196 freeway running along its northwestern boundary. Highway 6 connects both and generally defines Wyoming’s southern boundary. You can get around very easily and reach Lake Michigan in about 30 minutes for a day at the beach.

Locally, there are several parks and the Grand River flowing in and near Wyoming, which is ideal for catching large steelhead and salmon during their annual runs. Bigger apartments are generally the most affordable in the area, but you can find studio and one-bedroom apartments for less than $1,000 per month.

South Hill Has Charming Rentals

South Hill is a small neighborhood that is situated due south and a bit east of Downtown, which makes it ideal for those working in the more urban settings of Grand Rapids. Madison Ave. runs north and south through the neighborhood and is its biggest street. Pleasant Park is due south of South Hills and is a great spot for spending time outside. Apartment rents in South Hill average more than $1,500 for a one-bedroom abode, but you can find them for less than $800.

Baxter has a Variety of Rentals Available

Baxter is located due east of South Hill and is much larger. Its boundaries are defined by Eastern Ave. to the west, Wealthy Street to the north, Fuller Ave. to the east, and MLK Jr. Street to the south. It’s a mostly residential neighborhood with rents for as little as $300 per month in some places. 

Roosevelt Park Makes it Easy to Get Around

Roosevelt Park is a narrow neighborhood that stretches out to the north and south while being located just west of Route 131. The neighborhood is very close to the Grand River and has Cesar Chavez Ave. running through its middle from north to south. Its easy access to the 131 makes it very easy to go wherever you need to be in the greater Grand Rapids Area.

It also is a terrific neighborhood with Roberto Clemente Park to the northwest and Roosevelt Park to the southwest. Lots of ethnic restaurants offer good and affordable dining and takeout. The neighborhood’s rental prices start as low as $300, and many are located in converted mansions and very large houses, which gives them exceptional charm.

Ottawa Hills Creates a Sense of Community

The Ottawa Hills neighborhood is located in southeastern Grand Rapids and is relatively close to East Grand Rapids. The community is laid out in a roughly rectangular shape that is tipped on one end with a bulge along its eastern boundary.

The neighborhood is spacious and has many great recreational opportunities at Pontiac Field and its surrounding park. Reed Lake is nearby, which is terrific for swimming, boating, and fishing. You can find many options in this area starting at around $1000. Some rentals though go for as little as $300 per month.

Fuller Avenue Bisects Eastern Grand Rapids

Fuller Avenue runs north and south through the heart of eastern Grand Rapids, and the Fuller Ave. neighborhood has lots of parks and recreational opportunities. The northeastern neighborhood has Huff Park, which is a large park with excellent recreational activities. A stream and local lakes also offer fishing and swimming opportunities.

The I-96 freeway is very close, which makes it easy to get around the greater Grand Rapids area. It's possible to find cheap rentals for under $500 a month in the neighborhood, which is great.

Oakdale Keeps Things Close

Oakdale is located due south of Downtown and a little to the east in the heart of southeastern Grand Rapids. Kalamazoo Ave. defines its eastern and northern boundary as it rises from the south and gently curves near the north before ending at Hall Street, which is the neighborhood’s northern boundary. Eastern Ave. runs along its western boundary, while the southern boundary does not quite extend to Burton Street.

The neighborhood is mostly residential, although railroad tracks along its southwestern section support local commerce. 

Eastgate Offers Classic Suburban Living

Grand Rapids’ Eastgate neighborhood is an L-shaped community situated southeast of Downtown and close to Reed Lake to the north and Calvin University to the east. Hall Street is located along its northern boundary and Burton Street along its southern end. Plymouth Ave. runs its entire length from north to south along the neighborhood’s western boundary, while Breton Road defines its easternmost end. 

Burton Heights Has Great Parks and Recreation

The Burton Heights neighborhood is south of Downtown and due east of Route 131, which is perfect for commuting to and from work for those employed in Downtown Grand Rapids. It’s a relatively large neighborhood with average rents starting at a little more than $1,500 for a one-bedroom unit, but you can find good ones for about $950 and sometimes less. Plaster Creek Family Park, the Grand Rapids Bike Park, and the Kroc Center Campus, including its fishing pond, are situated along the neighborhood’s southern end.

Garfield Park has Ample Room and Outdoor Recreation

Located due east of Burton Heights is Garfield Park and its many parks and recreational opportunities. Garfield Park is one of the bigger neighborhoods in southeastern Grand Rapids and has Plaster Creek flowing through its southern end. There are lots of great fishing, riding, jogging, and hiking to be done in Garfield Park. You can find one-bedroom apartments for around $1000 per month and two- and three-bedroom units for just a little more.