Trying to choose between Forest Hills and East Grand Rapids for your next move? You are not alone. Both areas on Grand Rapids’ east side offer strong schools, beautiful neighborhoods, and easy access to the city. This guide breaks down what feels different day to day, from schools and homes to taxes, commutes, and lifestyle, so you can match the right fit to your goals. Let’s dive in.
What “Forest Hills” and “East Grand Rapids” mean
Before you compare, get the map right. When people say “Forest Hills,” they usually mean homes inside the Forest Hills Public Schools (FHPS) attendance area, which spans much of Ada Township and northern Cascade Township. It is not a single city. Boundaries matter for taxes and services, so confirm an address on the official FHPS attendance map.
East Grand Rapids is very different in structure. It is a compact, incorporated city on Reeds Lake with its own municipal government and school district. If you want a small-city setting with a defined border, this is it. You can see city-level overview data in the U.S. Census QuickFacts for East Grand Rapids.
Schools at a glance
East Grand Rapids Public Schools (EGRPS)
- East Grand Rapids High School earns a 9 out of 10 on GreatSchools and offers advanced coursework, including AP and IB options. The district is smaller, with a visible single high school and active foundation support, which often creates a strong shared school identity. See more on the GreatSchools profile for East Grand Rapids High School.
Forest Hills Public Schools (FHPS)
- FHPS is a larger suburban district with three comprehensive high schools: Central, Northern, and Eastern. District materials note strong outcomes and broad course and extracurricular options across multiple attendance zones. Learn more on the FHPS district site and confirm boundaries on the FHPS attendance map.
What this means for you: If you want a compact, single-district feel with one highly visible high school, EGRPS checks that box. If you want multiple school options and a wider menu of programs across several high schools, FHPS offers that scale.
Housing and price snapshot
Inventory and prices shift with the seasons, but the character of each area is fairly consistent.
- East Grand Rapids offers older, established neighborhoods near Reeds Lake and Gaslight Village. Many homes date to the early 20th century and mid-century periods, with a walkable village core. Lakeside and village-proximate homes often command premiums. Learn more about the village setting in this Gaslight Village overview.
- Forest Hills spans a wider range of neighborhoods and lot sizes. You will see newer subdivisions, custom homes near the Thornapple River and in Ada, mid-century ranches, and larger suburban lots. The spread of options is broader than East Grand Rapids.
Here is a quick side-by-side to set expectations.
| Area | Typical home types | Price snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| East Grand Rapids | Early 20th-century to mid-century single-family homes, many renovated; walkable to Gaslight Village and Reeds Lake | Typical home values often land in the low to mid six-hundreds, with many sales between roughly 400k and 900k and higher for lakefront or village-adjacent properties (recent public portal snapshots place the typical value near about $630k as of Jan 2026) |
| Forest Hills (FHPS area: Ada/Cascade) | Newer subdivisions, custom and luxury homes near river corridors, mid-century ranches, varied lot sizes including larger parcels | Prices vary widely by zip and subdivision, with some Ada areas in the 600k-plus range and parts of Cascade and 49546 more often in the mid-400k to 500k band. Luxury pockets run higher depending on lot and build |
Note: Use recent MLS sold data for the most accurate, address-specific price trends. Public portal snapshots are helpful for context but do not replace current comps.
Taxes and cost of ownership
Property taxes in both areas depend on two things: your taxable value and the combined local millage rate. Millages include school, city or township, county, and special items that voters approve.
- East Grand Rapids is an incorporated city, so your tax bill includes city operating levies. The city also runs local millage questions, such as the 2024 street and sidewalk millage renewal. High-value lakefront homes will often show larger annual tax bills because of assessed values.
- Inside FHPS, the municipal share depends on whether the home is in Ada Township, Cascade Township, or Grand Rapids Township. FHPS voters have supported targeted items in recent years, such as community recreation and sinking fund millages. Two homes in FHPS can have different effective rates because they sit in different townships.
What to do next: Pull the most recent tax bill for the exact address and review any current local millages. You can also review recent local ballot measures by area on the Kent County ballot questions page. Avoid using a single “average rate” when comparing homes across townships.
Commute and daily life
East Grand Rapids
You are close to downtown Grand Rapids here. Typical off-peak drives to the city center are often under 15 minutes, and the distance is only about 3 to 4 miles depending on where you start. See a basic distance reference between East Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids on mapsof.net. The Gaslight Village area and the Reeds Lake path system make errands and recreation more walkable day to day.
Forest Hills (Ada/Cascade)
Drives to downtown tend to be longer in many subdivisions, often around 12 to 20 minutes in typical listing descriptions, with quick access to major highways like I-96, US-131, and M-6. You trade a few more minutes in the car for larger yards, newer homes, and a quieter suburban feel. Both areas are within easy reach of regional draws like Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Lifestyle and amenities
- East Grand Rapids: Small-city energy with a tight village core, Reeds Lake waterfront, paths, and regular local events. Walkability is the daily standout. To get a feel for the village setting, browse this Gaslight Village introduction.
- Forest Hills: More space and variety. You will find multiple small village centers in Ada and Cascade, plus river corridors and multi-use trails. Privacy and yard space are common priorities here, along with access to newer or custom builds. Cultural and dining options in greater Grand Rapids are a short drive either way.
Which is a better fit for you?
Choose East Grand Rapids if you want:
- A compact, walkable, lakeside environment with a visible village center.
- Short drives to downtown Grand Rapids and on-foot access to parks and paths.
- Character homes with classic architecture and a smaller single-district school identity.
Choose Forest Hills (FHPS area: Ada/Cascade) if you want:
- Larger lots, newer or custom homes, and more indoor-outdoor space.
- A range of prices across multiple neighborhoods and subdivisions.
- A large district with three high schools and broader program variety.
Your decision checklist
Work through these steps to confirm your choice with confidence.
- Narrow the map
- If you prefer East Grand Rapids, outline a walkable radius around Gaslight Village or specific streets near Reeds Lake.
- If you prefer Forest Hills, pick one or two target areas inside FHPS, like Ada Village or a Cascade subdivision, and confirm the township.
- Confirm school boundaries
- Use the FHPS attendance map to check the assigned high school for any Forest Hills address.
- Review the East Grand Rapids district overview on the EGRPS site. Always verify enrollment by address.
- Compare recent solds and inventory
- Ask your agent for a current 12-month MLS snapshot by micro-area. Focus on median sale price, days on market, and list-to-sale ratios. Seasonal shifts and low inventory can change the picture quickly.
- Check property taxes and special millages
- Pull the latest tax bill for any home you are serious about. Review city or township millages and any school or special levies that apply. For context on recent millage activity, see East Grand Rapids’ street millage page and FHPS millage coverage.
- Test the commute and daily loop
- Drive your likely school drop-off and work route during your typical time window. In East Grand Rapids, also walk the Reeds Lake path and village blocks. In Forest Hills, check trail access, yard privacy, and travel time to Ada or Cascade shops.
When you are ready to compare MLS data side by side or walk a few target streets, our team can help you dial in the right fit and the right offer.
Ready to take the next step or just want a second opinion? Ask us anything at Polaris Real Estate.
FAQs
What areas are included when people say “Forest Hills” near Grand Rapids?
- “Forest Hills” generally means the Forest Hills Public Schools attendance area, which spans parts of Ada Township and Cascade Township; confirm an address on the FHPS attendance map.
Are East Grand Rapids home prices higher than Forest Hills on average?
- East Grand Rapids often shows higher typical values, driven by its walkable village location and Reeds Lake proximity, while Forest Hills covers a wider range of price points across multiple townships and subdivisions.
How do commutes to downtown Grand Rapids compare between the two areas?
- East Grand Rapids is closer to downtown, with many off-peak trips under 15 minutes, while Forest Hills drives are more often 12 to 20 minutes depending on the subdivision and highway access.
What is the main school district difference between EGRPS and FHPS?
- EGRPS is a smaller, single-district community with one high school, while FHPS is a larger district with three high schools and a broader menu of programs across several attendance zones.
How do I confirm which high school a specific home will attend in Forest Hills?
- Use the official FHPS attendance map and check the exact address rather than relying on neighborhood names or assumptions.