AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Grand Rapids, MI — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Grand Rapids neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,050/mo
Median Rent
198,917
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Spectrum Health
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Grand Rapids? What Renters Need to Know

Grand Rapids averages about $1,050 per month for a one-bedroom. Downtown and Forest Hills run higher at $1,400–$1,600 while neighborhoods like Creston and Westside offer options under $1,000.

Quick Facts

Population 198,917
Median Rent $1,050/mo
Top Employer Spectrum Health
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,050 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Grand Rapids median rent is $450 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Grand Rapids is Spectrum Health, making the Eastown area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Grand Rapids

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Eastown

Score: 86/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 8/10
#2

Heritage Hill

Score: 84/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 82
Avg Rent $1,150
Schools 7/10
#3

Downtown

Score: 80/100
Safety B
Walk Score 90
Avg Rent $1,400
Schools 6/10

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#4

East Hills

Score: 83/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 7/10
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#5

Creston

Score: 74/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 58
Avg Rent $900
Schools 5/10
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#6

Westside

Score: 78/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $950
Schools 6/10
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#7

Rockford

Score: 85/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 35
Avg Rent $1,300
Schools 9/10
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#8

Forest Hills

Score: 88/100
Safety A
Walk Score 28
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 9/10
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See All 8 Grand Rapids Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Grand Rapids Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Grand Rapids renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Grand Rapids.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Grand Rapids properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Grand Rapids

What is the average rent in Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids averages about $1,050 per month for a one-bedroom. Downtown and Forest Hills run higher at $1,400–$1,600 while neighborhoods like Creston and Westside offer options under $1,000.

Is Grand Rapids known for craft beer?

Grand Rapids is arguably America's top craft beer city per capita, earning the nickname Beer City USA. Founders Brewing, Brewery Vivant, Mitten Brewing, and dozens more are concentrated downtown, making it a destination for beer tourism.

What is the job market like in Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids has a strong and diversified economy anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and office furniture (Steelcase, Herman Miller/MillerKnoll). The city has seen consistent growth and routinely posts unemployment below the Michigan and national averages.

How are the schools in Grand Rapids?

School quality varies significantly in Grand Rapids. Forest Hills and Rockford public schools rank among Michigan's best, while Grand Rapids Public Schools overall face challenges common to urban districts. Many families in the city use Schools of Choice options.

What makes Grand Rapids unique?

Beyond beer, Grand Rapids is known for ArtPrize, one of the world's largest and most attended art competitions held annually in the city. The downtown arts scene is exceptional for a city its size, and the city consistently punches above its weight in culture.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.