Ridgemoor Park

Brick-home suburb, Forest Hills schools

Neighborhood · Kent County

Established southeast Grand Rapids neighborhood with brick homes, Forest Hills school district access, and proximity to Woodland Mall and the airport.

Median Price: $373,500
Median $/sqft: $257
Population: 7,167
School District: Forest Hills Public Schools
Tax Millage: 33.63

$220K to $625K

Market data as of 2026-02. Population: Niche / AreaVibes, approximately 2020 ACS estimates.

Overview

Residential streets in Ridgemoor Park area

Ridgemoor Park is a suburban residential neighborhood in the southeast quadrant of Grand Rapids, characterized by well-maintained brick homes set along tree-lined streets with manicured lawns. The neighborhood has a settled, established character, with mature shade trees overarching many residential streets. The topography features gentle rolling terrain, and the housing stock is consistently well-kept, giving the area a uniform sense of residential stability.

The neighborhood sits at a strategic location between several significant commercial and institutional anchors. The East Beltline Avenue (M-37) corridor runs along or near the eastern edge, providing access to a wide range of retail, dining, and service establishments. The Woodland Mall, one of West Michigan's largest enclosed shopping centers with over 100 stores, is located at the intersection of 28th Street and East Beltline immediately adjacent to the neighborhood's southeastern corner. Calvin University's campus is approximately 1.6 miles away, and Aquinas College and Cornerstone University are also in close proximity.

Despite its convenient access to commercial corridors on its edges, Ridgemoor Park's interior streets maintain a distinctly residential and quiet atmosphere. The neighborhood lacks internal commercial activity, with residential lots and homes forming an uninterrupted pattern throughout. The combination of established residential character, proximity to the Forest Hills Public Schools district, and convenient access to the 28th Street and East Beltline commercial corridors defines Ridgemoor Park's position in the broader Grand Rapids housing landscape.

Real Estate

Ridgemoor Park's price per square foot ($257, up 12.2% year-over-year) is one of the higher figures in the Grand Rapids metro, reflecting the established brick-home character and Forest Hills school district access. The median sale price is approximately $373,500, though small sample sizes in individual months can create volatile swings.

What to expect:

Single-family homes: 3-4 bedrooms, approximately 1,400 to 2,800 sq ft, with larger homes on premium lots exceeding 3,000 sq ft. Prices range from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$500,000s depending on size, condition, and renovation level
Condominiums: Some condominium options exist in and around the neighborhood
New construction: Minimal within the neighborhood; development is concentrated along the East Beltline corridor, including a 96-unit townhome project nearby
HOA prevalence: Generally uncommon for single-family homes; condominium communities may carry fees

Inventory is limited in Ridgemoor Park, as the neighborhood is fully built out with no significant vacant land for new subdivision development. New units enter the market only through individual resales. The housing stock is predominantly owner-occupied, with a smaller rental market and a median rent of approximately $1,135.

Architecture

New construction in the Ridgemoor Park area

Mid-century modern, ranch, and Colonial Revival styles are the most common in Ridgemoor Park. Many homes feature brick exterior construction, which is a defining visual characteristic that distinguishes the neighborhood from vinyl-sided developments elsewhere in the metro area. Well-maintained landscaping, mature shade trees along streets and property lines, and traditional mid-century floor plans with attached garages are characteristic of the housing stock.

The majority of homes were built from the 1950s through the 1980s, during the period of suburban expansion along the East Beltline corridor. Some homes date to the 1940s, with limited newer construction from the 2000s onward. Lots are moderately sized suburban parcels, generally ranging from 0.15 to 0.40 acres, with established street layouts that provide generous setbacks and yard space typical of mid-century suburban planning.

No designated historic districts exist within Ridgemoor Park. The housing stock is mid-to-late 20th century suburban development, reflecting the growth patterns that expanded Grand Rapids eastward along the East Beltline corridor during the second half of the 20th century.

Schools

Ridgemoor Park sits at the intersection of multiple school district boundaries. The primary district is Forest Hills Public Schools (FHPS), which serves over 9,000 students across 18 school buildings. Note that portions of the neighborhood may fall within the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) district; buyers should verify school district boundaries using the respective district boundary tools.

Within the Forest Hills district, Collins Elementary School (4368 Heather Ln SE, PK-4, enrollment approximately 358) and Meadow Brook Elementary School (1450 Forest Hill Ave SE, K-4, enrollment approximately 463) serve portions of the area. Forest Hills operates middle schools for grades 7-8 and comprehensive high schools including Forest Hills Central and Forest Hills Northern.

Private and charter options nearby include Calvin Christian School, Grand Rapids Christian Schools, and Calvin University (private, liberal arts, approximately 3,100 students, located approximately 1.6 miles from the neighborhood). The southern edge at 28th Street marks the transition to Kentwood Public Schools. Buyers should verify the specific school district for any property using district boundary finder tools.

Dining

Ridgemoor Park is flanked by two of Grand Rapids' most significant commercial corridors, providing extensive dining options within a short drive. 28th Street SE runs along the southern boundary with over 40 restaurants. East Beltline Avenue (M-37) runs along the eastern edge with a mix of dining, retail, and professional services.

Notable restaurants include Beltline Bar (an East Beltline institution known for wet burritos, a Grand Rapids original), HopCat (2183 East Beltline Ave NE, approximately 50 beers on tap with a pub food menu), Uccello's Ristorante (2630 East Beltline Ave SE, Italian specialties and pizza), Big E's Sports Grill (2321 East Beltline Ave SE, pizza and American fare with Michigan-made beer), Brann's Steakhouse (5510 28th St SE, sizzler steaks and small plates), El Arriero Mexican Grill (2948 28th St SE, extensive menu of specialty dishes), and Anna's House (East Beltline, scratch-made breakfast and brunch).

Multiple grocery options line the corridors, including Fresh Thyme Market (natural and organic), Meijer, Family Fare, Aldi, and Trader Joe's. The Woodland Mall at 28th and East Beltline features over 100 stores including recent additions Main Event Entertainment and a LEGO store.

Parks

Parks and Recreation

Ridgemoor Park (the park itself) is the neighborhood's namesake recreation facility, featuring bike trails, picnic areas, baseball/softball courts, basketball courts, and a playground. The park provides outdoor recreation for the surrounding residential area.

The neighborhood is accessible to the broader Grand Rapids trail and cycling network. The Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition maintains maps of area cycling routes. The East Beltline corridor and Burton Street provide connections to regional cycling infrastructure.

While no significant rivers, lakes, or creeks run through Ridgemoor Park directly, Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids is approximately 2 miles to the north, and the Grand River is approximately 5 miles to the west/northwest. Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation operates facilities throughout the city accessible from the neighborhood, and commercial fitness centers and recreation facilities are available along the 28th Street and East Beltline corridors.

Getting Around

Transportation

Ridgemoor Park is located approximately 5 to 7 miles northwest of downtown Grand Rapids, with a typical drive time of 12 to 18 minutes. Gerald R. Ford International Airport is approximately 4 to 5 miles southeast, an 8 to 12 minute drive via East Beltline Avenue and 28th Street, one of the shortest airport commutes in the metro area.

Major road access includes East Beltline Avenue / M-37 (eastern edge, major north-south arterial), 28th Street SE / M-11 (southern boundary, major east-west arterial connecting to I-196 and US-131), Burton Street SE (northern edge), and Breton Road / Forest Hill Avenue (western access). I-96 is accessible via the East Beltline/I-96 interchange approximately 2 miles northeast.

Public transit is available via The Rapid bus routes along 28th Street and East Beltline Avenue, operating at 30 to 60 minute headways. Rapid Central Station is approximately 6 miles northwest. Ridgemoor Park is primarily car-dependent, with some bike infrastructure available. The Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition maintains maps of area cycling routes.

Community

Ridgemoor Park is a neighborhood within the City of Grand Rapids, which operates under a council-manager form of government. The population is approximately 7,200.

The City of Grand Rapids maintains a Neighborhood Lookup Map recognizing Ridgemoor as an official neighborhood. The nearest Grand Rapids Public Library branches are the Ottawa Hills Branch (1150 Giddings Ave SE) and the Madison Square Branch (1201 Madison Ave SE). Kent District Library branches in Cascade and East Grand Rapids are also accessible, and GRPL cardholders can borrow from KDL locations.

The neighborhood's proximity to the Woodland Mall and commercial corridors provides access to seasonal retail events. Grand Rapids' broader community events, including ArtPrize and Festival of the Arts, are accessible from the neighborhood. The Fulton Street Market (Grand Rapids' oldest and largest farmers market, established 1922) is located approximately 5 miles northwest.

History

Ridgemoor Park's residential development was closely tied to the growth of the East Beltline Avenue corridor, which became a major commercial and transportation artery during the second half of the 20th century. The bulk of housing construction occurred from the 1950s through the 1980s, during the period of suburban expansion that extended Grand Rapids eastward.

Woodland Mall opened in 1968 at the intersection of 28th Street and East Beltline Avenue, establishing a major commercial anchor adjacent to the neighborhood that has operated continuously for nearly 60 years. The 2018-2019 renovation, which demolished the Sears anchor and added Von Maur and new retail, represented the most significant commercial investment adjacent to Ridgemoor Park in recent decades.

The North East Beltline Joint Development Plan established zoning overlay requirements for all land abutting or accessing the East Beltline between I-96 and Grand River Avenue, shaping development patterns around Ridgemoor Park's eastern edge. This plan specifies practical development standards, preserves the natural road edge, and protects transportation capacity along the corridor.

Ridgemoor Park's character as an established, well-maintained suburban residential neighborhood reflects the mid-20th century growth patterns that expanded Grand Rapids eastward along the East Beltline corridor.

Investment

Investment Potential

Ridgemoor Park's investment profile is shaped by its established, predominantly owner-occupied residential character. The neighborhood's limited rental inventory and high percentage of single-family homes mean opportunities are focused on buy-and-hold appreciation rather than rental income.

Development activity within the residential core has been limited, as the neighborhood is fully built out. The most significant nearby investment has been the Woodland Mall renovation and continued tenant additions, plus a 96-unit townhome project on the East Beltline corridor. Shake Shack and Portillo's have been confirmed for the Woodland Mall area, expected late 2026 to early 2027.

The North East Beltline Joint Development Plan provides a consistent development framework and zoning overlay for land along the corridor, specifying standards that preserve the natural road edge and protect transportation capacity. Grand Rapids' 2024 zoning code update increased flexibility for housing density in some areas citywide.

Short-term rental investors should note: Grand Rapids requires a Home Occupation Class C License for STRs, plus a Special Land Use Permit. New application fee is $598; renewal fee is $176. Licenses are valid for two years. Operating an unlicensed STR is punishable by fines starting at $500.

Nathan's Take

The local read.

Ridgemoor Park's price per square foot ($257, up 12.2% year-over-year) is one of the higher figures in the Grand Rapids metro, reflecting the established brick-home character and Forest Hills school district access. Buyers should be aware that small sample sizes in individual months can create volatile median-price swings in this neighborhood.

The Forest Hills Public Schools factor is significant. Properties in the Forest Hills district command a measurable premium over comparable homes in GRPS attendance areas. Buyers targeting Ridgemoor Park should verify the exact school district for any specific address, as the boundary between Forest Hills and GRPS runs through this area.

Ridgemoor Park's proximity to Gerald R. Ford International Airport (approximately 4 to 5 miles, 8 to 12 minutes) is the shortest airport commute of most Grand Rapids neighborhoods, rivaled only by the adjacent Cascade area. This is a practical advantage for buyers with frequent travel requirements.

The Woodland Mall's continued investment (Von Maur addition, Main Event Entertainment, confirmed Shake Shack and Portillo's) signals sustained commercial vibrancy in the adjacent retail corridor, which supports property values. The owner-occupied character of Ridgemoor Park, with mostly single-family homes and few large apartment communities, means buyers are entering a neighborhood with high home-maintenance standards throughout, supporting long-term property value retention.

Location