Ada
Rivers, woods, and village charm
Township · Kent County
Ada at a glance
Ada Township sits east of Grand Rapids at the confluence of the Grand and Thornapple rivers, with wooded lots, Ada Village, and Forest Hills schools.
- Median Price
- $639,000
- Median $/sqft
- $215
- Median DOM
- 12 days
- Walk Score
- 13
- Population
- 14,388
- Median Income
- $171,047
- School District
- Forest Hills Public Schools
- Tax Millage
- 28.76
Market data as of 2025-03. Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census.
Overview
Overview
Ada Township sits about ten miles east of downtown Grand Rapids at the confluence of the Grand and Thornapple rivers. The township covers roughly 36 square miles of rolling terrain, mature hardwood forests, and former agricultural land that has steadily transitioned into one of the metro's most sought-after residential communities. Ada is best known as the global headquarters of Amway Corporation, as home to the rebuilt Ada Village, and as a gateway to some of Kent County's most scenic river corridors.
Ada Village, the township's commercial center, underwent a major redevelopment starting around 2015. What was once a modest crossroads is now a walkable mix of restaurants, boutiques, a boutique hotel (the Ada Hotel), a general store, and riverfront green space along the Thornapple River. The village includes pedestrian pathways connecting shops, parks, and the historic Ada Covered Bridge. It has become one of the more popular dining and shopping destinations in the Grand Rapids metro.
Outside the village core, the township retains a distinctly semi-rural character. Residential lots are generous, many exceeding one acre, and mature tree cover is a defining feature. The Grand River forms the township's northern boundary, and the Thornapple River winds through its center, providing kayak access, fishing, and scenic overlooks. More than 1,000 acres of public parks and preserved land are maintained within the township, reinforcing Ada's identity as a community where green space is not an afterthought.
Real Estate
Real Estate
Ada has some of the most varied housing stock in the Grand Rapids metro. You will find newer suburban subdivisions with three- to five-bedroom homes on half-acre to one-acre lots, mid-century ranches on wooded parcels, riverfront estates along the Grand and Thornapple, and working farmhouses on multi-acre tracts. The median sale price has been running around $639,000, with individual sales ranging from the mid-$400s for smaller or older homes up to well over $1 million for custom builds on acreage or waterfront.
What to expect:
- Single-family homes: The dominant housing type. Expect 2,000 to 4,500+ sq ft on lots ranging from 0.3 acres in subdivisions to 5+ acres in the eastern portions of the township
- New construction: Active builders are developing former farmland, particularly in the eastern and southern sections. New builds frequently list above $700,000
- Riverfront properties: Parcels along the Grand and Thornapple rivers command premium prices and are among the fastest-moving inventory in the township
- Condos and townhomes: Limited inventory; most of Ada's housing stock is detached single-family. A few condominium developments exist near the village core
- HOA prevalence: Varies by subdivision. Newer planned developments typically have HOAs; older homes on individual lots generally do not
The owner-occupancy rate in Ada exceeds 94%, which is significantly higher than the Kent County average. This is not a rental-heavy market. Inventory tends to move quickly, with a median of roughly 12 days on market, reflecting strong demand and limited supply in the Forest Hills school district.
Architecture
Architecture
Ada's residential architecture reflects its evolution from a rural farming township to an upscale suburban community. There is no single dominant style. Instead, the township presents a layered mix of eras and approaches.
The oldest structures in the township include farmhouses and rural homesteads from the late 1800s and early 1900s, some of which survive on larger parcels in the eastern and northern sections. Mid-century homes from the 1960s and 1970s, predominantly raised ranches and split-levels, are scattered throughout established neighborhoods. These tend to sit on wooded lots with mature landscaping.
From the 1990s onward, Ada saw significant new residential development. Colonial, Craftsman, and transitional styles are common in the subdivisions built during this period. More recent construction leans toward open-concept floor plans with modern farmhouse, transitional, and contemporary influences. Custom-built estates on multi-acre parcels represent the upper end of the market, frequently incorporating natural materials, large window walls oriented toward wooded or river views, and extensive outdoor living spaces.
Ada Village itself includes a mix of newer commercial and mixed-use architecture designed to complement the township's small-town character. The Ada Hotel, completed as part of the village redevelopment, blends a modern boutique hotel with design elements referencing the area's agricultural and river heritage.
Schools
Schools
Most of Ada Township falls within Forest Hills Public Schools (FHPS), one of the highest-ranked districts in Michigan. FHPS serves approximately 9,000 students across 18 schools, including three high schools (Central, Northern, and Eastern), six middle schools, and eight elementary schools. The district consistently ranks in the top 15 statewide, with Forest Hills Central High School ranked 9th and Forest Hills Northern ranked 17th among all Michigan high schools in the 2024-2025 school year.
Ada Elementary School, located on Ada Drive, serves the village core and surrounding neighborhoods and ranks 28th among Michigan elementary schools. Knapp Forest Elementary, also within the FHPS district, ranks 6th statewide. Academic proficiency rates across the district run at approximately 66% in math and 74% in reading, well above state averages.
Small portions of the township's southern and eastern edges fall within the Lowell Area Schools district, and a sliver in the north is served by Northview Public Schools. Buyers should confirm the exact attendance boundary for any property using the FHPS enrollment tools, because district lines do not always follow obvious geographic markers.
Private school options in the area include Grand Rapids Christian Schools and several parochial schools accessible from Ada within a 15- to 20-minute drive.
Dining
Dining
Ada's dining scene is concentrated in Ada Village, which has grown from a few casual spots into a legitimate restaurant destination since the village redevelopment.
Myrth, from James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Berglund, serves pizza and pasta with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in a modern setting. It has quickly become one of the most talked-about openings in the Grand Rapids metro. The Rix, located in the Ada Hotel and named after Rix Robinson (Ada's founding fur trader), offers upscale American fare with a third-floor terrace overlooking the village. The Post Tavern, also in the Ada Hotel, serves locally crafted tavern fare and Michigan craft beers in a more casual atmosphere.
Zeytin brings Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine to the village, with a seasonal outdoor patio. Nonna's serves authentic Italian dishes including carpaccio, house-made meatballs, and wood-fired pizza. Schnitz Ada is a local favorite for sandwiches, burgers, and comfort food, open for lunch and dinner. Papa K's offers dine-in and takeout pizza, subs, and pasta.
For coffee and sweets, Jamnbean Coffee Company is a longtime Ada staple known for specialty coffee, gourmet popcorn, and hand-dipped ice cream. Scooper's offers more than 50 flavors of Hudsonville Ice Cream. The Ada General Store, housed in a renovated old red schoolhouse, stocks Michigan-made products, penny candy, and local provisions.
The Ada Farmers Market runs seasonally and features local produce, baked goods, and artisan vendors.
Parks
Parks and Recreation
Ada Township maintains more than 1,000 acres of public parks and preserved land, making it one of the best-resourced communities in Kent County for outdoor recreation.
Roselle Park (1010 Grand River Dr NE) is the township's flagship nature preserve, covering 240+ acres along the Grand River. The park features 2.6 miles of paved and mowed trails through wetlands, prairies, and forests, a river overlook, canoe and kayak landing, observation deck, a retired silo converted into a panoramic observation tower, a modern playground, and a rock climbing wall. It is maintained in partnership with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan.
Ada Township Park offers a 1.7-mile nature trail loop, fishing access, sports fields, and playground facilities. It is a popular spot for walking and family outings.
Covered Bridge Park, currently under construction as of late 2025, is a major 15-acre expansion adjacent to Leonard Field and the Ada Covered Bridge. When completed, it will include a splash pad, playground, pickleball courts, dog park, veterans memorial, kayak launch, scenic river overlooks, boardwalks, and a pedestrian bridge. The park will connect to existing trailways around the township and into the village core, adding nearly three miles of new walking trails.
Leonard Field Park and the Ada Covered Bridge area provide river access along the Thornapple, with the historic covered bridge (originally built in 1867, rebuilt after a 1979 collapse and subsequent fire) now serving as a pedestrian crossing and local landmark.
The broader trail network connects Ada's parks to the village and surrounding communities, with connections to the Kent Trails system and river-adjacent paths.
Getting Around
Transportation
Ada Township is a car-dependent community. Most daily errands, commuting, and school transportation require a personal vehicle. The Walk Score for the township overall is 13, reflecting the rural and suburban character of the residential areas outside the village core.
That said, Ada Village itself is designed for pedestrian access, with sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, and a compact layout that makes walking between shops, restaurants, and riverfront parks practical for those who live near the center.
Commute times: Downtown Grand Rapids is approximately 15 to 20 minutes west via Fulton Street (M-21) or I-96. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is about 15 minutes south. M-21 is the primary state highway running east-west through the township, connecting Ada to Grand Rapids to the west and Lowell to the east.
Public transit: The Rapid bus system does not currently extend into Ada Township. Riders heading to central Grand Rapids would need to drive to a park-and-ride or transit hub.
Cycling: Ada's road network includes some bike-friendly routes, particularly along the river corridors, but dedicated bike infrastructure is limited compared to the city of Grand Rapids. The Thornapple River trail connections and Roselle Park paths offer recreational cycling options.
Community
Community
Ada Township operates under a Board of Trustees form of government, with the Supervisor, Clerk, and Treasurer directing daily operations. The Board meets publicly twice monthly at Township Hall (7330 Thornapple River Dr). The township's population of approximately 14,400 makes it one of the larger townships in Kent County by population, though it retains a small-town feel.
The Amy Van Andel Library and Ada Community Center (7215 Headley St SE), opened in 2019, serves as a civic hub. The library is managed by the Kent District Library (KDL) system, giving residents access to KDL's collection of more than one million items. The community center portion offers meeting rooms and event space for local organizations.
The Ada Business Association supports the township's commercial district and organizes community events. Ada Village hosts seasonal events including the Ada Farmers Market, Beers at the Bridge (a summer craft beer series at the covered bridge), Concerts in the Park, the Santa Parade, and the Ada Chili and Beer Festival. The Tinsel, Treats, and Trolley holiday event draws families to the village each December.
Amway Corporation, headquartered at 7575 Fulton St E, is the township's largest employer and a significant presence in the community. The Amway campus stretches one mile from east to west and includes the Amway Welcome Center, which is open for public tours.
Ada's community identity balances its corporate anchor with its natural setting. Residents tend to value the combination of proximity to Grand Rapids employment centers, access to high-quality schools, and the semi-rural character of the landscape.
History
History
Ada's recorded history begins in 1821, when Rix Robinson, a fur trader working for John Jacob Astor's American Fur Company, purchased a former French-Canadian trading post at the junction of the Grand and Thornapple rivers from Madeline La Framboise. The post served as a trading center with the local Ottawa (Odawa) community for more than a decade before European-American settlement expanded in the area.
Robinson made the first private land purchase in Ada in 1833. After the United States signed the 1836 Treaty of Washington with regional tribes, opening land north of the Grand River to settlement, Robinson purchased hundreds of acres around the mouth of the Thornapple for the Ottawa to continue living on. Ada Township was officially organized on April 2, 1838, and the community was named after Ada Smith, daughter of the second settler Sydney Smith and the first non-Native American child born in the village.
The Ada Covered Bridge, originally built in 1867 by William Holmes, became an important crossing over the Thornapple River. The bridge was part of the main road into the village until 1930, when the highway was rerouted. In 1979, the roof collapsed under heavy snow and the bridge was restored through private donations. Shortly after repairs were finished, the bridge was completely destroyed by fire. Citizens, with support from Amway Corporation, rebuilt it again. Today it is a pedestrian-only crossing and one of Ada's most recognized landmarks.
Amway Corporation was founded in 1959 by Jay Van Andel and Richard DeVos in the basements of their Ada homes. The company grew to become one of the world's largest direct-selling organizations, and its global headquarters remains in Ada. The Van Andel and DeVos families have been significant philanthropic forces in both Ada and the broader Grand Rapids community.
The most recent chapter in Ada's development is the village redevelopment that began around 2015, transforming the modest township crossroads into the walkable dining, retail, and green space district that defines Ada Village today.
Investment
Investment Potential
Ada's investment profile is shaped by its high owner-occupancy rate (above 94%), strong school district, and limited land supply for new development. This is primarily a buy-and-hold market for owner-occupants rather than a traditional rental investment market.
The median sale price of approximately $639,000 and consistent year-over-year appreciation make Ada one of the strongest equity-growth markets in the Grand Rapids metro. Properties here tend to hold value through market downturns better than lower-priced suburban areas, reflecting the combination of the Forest Hills school district, natural amenities, and limited inventory.
For investment-minded buyers, the opportunities in Ada are specific. Multi-unit properties are uncommon; this is overwhelmingly a single-family market. The strongest investment thesis is purchasing a dated home on a desirable lot (particularly wooded acreage or riverfront) and renovating or rebuilding to current market standards. The spread between unrenovated mid-century homes in the $450,000 to $550,000 range and updated or new construction above $750,000 leaves room for forced appreciation through strategic renovation.
New-construction investment on former farmland in eastern Ada remains active, with builders targeting the $700,000+ price point. Lot availability is tightening as the township prioritizes land preservation alongside development.
Important for rental investors: Ada's rental market is very thin. The overwhelming majority of housing is owner-occupied, and the township's zoning reflects a single-family residential character. Short-term rental regulations in Ada are governed by township ordinance. Investors should underwrite to long-term hold and appreciation rather than cash-flow rental income.
Nathan's Take
The local read.
Ada is where buyers end up when they want acreage and trees without giving up a real commute. Fifteen to twenty minutes to downtown Grand Rapids, fifteen minutes to the airport, Forest Hills schools, and a village center with legitimately good restaurants. That combination is hard to replicate anywhere else in the metro.
The tradeoff is price. The median is running around $639,000, and anything on the river or on significant acreage pushes well past that. Inventory moves fast here, with a median of about 12 days on market. Comps matter more in Ada than almost anywhere else in the county because the range between a 1970s ranch on a half-acre and a new-build on five acres is enormous. Two homes a mile apart can differ by $400,000.
Something buyers often underestimate: the Forest Hills school boundary is the price driver, not the Ada mailing address. A home technically in Ada but zoned to Lowell schools will price differently than one in the Forest Hills attendance area. Always confirm the district before you write an offer.
If you are looking for a semi-rural setting with strong schools, river access, and a community that has genuinely invested in its village center, Ada belongs on your list. Just be prepared to move quickly when the right property appears, because the buyer pool here is deep and motivated.
Location
Ada on the map
Boundary of the Ada area. Drag to explore the surrounding neighborhoods and commute corridors.
Listings
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See what is currently listed in Ada and the surrounding area.
Resources
Helpful links
Official township government site with parks, zoning, meeting schedules, and community information
Guide to Ada Village restaurants, shops, events, and the village redevelopment
District homepage with enrollment, school directory, attendance boundaries, and academic information
Local business directory, community events, and Ada commerce information
Ada branch library and community center with hours, programs, and event calendar
Parks directory including Roselle Park, Ada Township Park, and Covered Bridge Park
Trail maps, natural features, and visitor information for Roselle Park's 240-acre preserve
Visitor guide covering Ada dining, activities, and things to do
Millage rates, property assessment data, and tax information for Kent County
Visitor information for touring Amway's global headquarters campus in Ada
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— Nathan Strodtbeck, REALTOR®