East Hills-Cherry Hill Moving Guide

With new investment pouring into rejuvenated business districts, historically significant housing stock, and a passionate civic spirit, the East Hills-Cherry Hill district is rapidly emerging as one of the more desirable areas to live in metro Grand Rapids.

The community is recognized for its racial diversity, artistic creativity, and convenient location close to the cultural center of downtown. What's more, the area also offers its own wide variety of restaurants, entertainment, and residential space. And it's all priced relatively affordably.

The district defined
The district is actually made up of seven neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and character. They include:

• Wealthy Heights (south of Cherry, north of Wealthy, east of Diamond, west of Fuller)
• Fairmount Square (south of Cherry, north from Wealthy, east from Eastern, west of Diamond)
• Cherry Hill (north from Wealthy, south from Cherry, east of Union, west of Eastern).
• Fitch Corners (Union, Fulton, Eastern, Cherry)
• Diamond Gate (Diamond, Fulton, Fuller, Lake)
• Congress Park (Eastern, Fulton, Diamond, Cherry)
• Orchard Hill (Diamond, Lake, Fuller, Fairmount)

The area contains three of the city's five designated historic neighborhoods, Cherry Hill, Fairmount Square, and Wealthy Street. The recent historic designations essentially triggered a full scale economic and cultural revival in the East Hills-Cherry Hill district. The honors also have driven heightened interest in community involvement, as well as dramatic increases in property and resale values.

This is especially true in Cherry Hill, which is located immediately adjacent to the prized real estate of the Heritage Hill district, one of the nation's largest urban historic districts. Cherry Hill received historic designation in the early 1990s, and that has helped attract new investment to once-forgotten homes and storefronts. Cherry Hill's success also is propelling similar, spillover changes in nearby Fairmount Square and Diamond Gate.

An affordable, convenient place to live
Not too long ago, a handful of disinterested slumlords controlled much of the property throughout East Hills and Cherry Hill. But dedicated property owners and local activists pushed to rebuild quality housing opportunities as well as restore the traditional urban character and neighborhood pride. Today, the influence of absentee landlords is waning and the neighborhood is experiencing an influx of new residents and rising rates of home ownership.

Places to learn
Families considering a home in the East Hills-Cherry Hill will find several schools in the area. Grand Rapids Public Schools manage Congress Elementary and Henry Padia Academy, which offers classes through eighth grade. Older students typically attend Central High School in the nearby Heritage Hill district.

Grand Rapids Public Schools offers bus service for elementary students. But high school students generally receive vouchers to ride the city bus system.

A place built for walking
East Hills is evolving into one of Grand Rapids' more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. With more than 150 individual businesses residing in its boundaries, most of the districts shops and restaurants are easily accessible by foot. Whether residents seek a quick cup of coffee, fresh corn from the farmers' market, a novelty gift, or a meal, it is all just a short walk from the front porch.

Films, brew, and festivals
Wealthy Theatre is one of the more unique cultural gems in East Hills. Originally built in 1911, the theatre for decades served as the epicenter of the neighborhood. In the 1920's people came by foot and car to see Charlie Chaplin and Frederico Fellini films. Reopened in 1998 as a community arts center, the theatre hosts musical and film events, with a strong emphasis on documentary programs.

"The East Hills area continues to grow," says K.C. Caliendo, a member of the East Hills Council of Neighbors. "If people are looking to secure a home or business in the neighborhood I strongly encourage them to stop by the neighborhood association office to see which of the many unique areas are a good fit."

Directions to East Hills-Cherry Hill

From the North:
Take US-131 South and merge onto I-196 via Exit 86A on the left toward Lansing. Continue to Exit 78 College Ave and turn right onto College Ave NE. Turn Left onto Fulton St E and then turn slight right onto Lake Drive SE. Arrive in East Hills-Cherry Hill.

From the East:
Take I-96 West toward Downtown Grand Rapids and take Exit 79 for Fuller Ave. Turn left onto Fuller Ave NE and then right onto Michigan St NE. Turn left onto Diamond Ave NE and arrive in East Hills-Cherry Hill.

From the South:
Take US-131 North toward Grand Rapids and take Exit 84B for I-131-BR toward Downtown. Turn left onto Ionia Ave SW, then right onto Fulton ST E. Turn slight right onto Lake Dr SE and arrive in East Hills-Cherry Hill.

From the West:
Take I-96 East toward Grand Rapids and merge onto US-131 South via Exit 31A toward Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo. Continue and merge onto I-196 via Exit 86A on the Left toward Lansing. Take Exit 78 for College Ave and turn right onto College Ave NE. Turn left onto Fulton St E and then slight right onto Lake Dr SE. Arrive in East Hills-Cherry Hill.

Take I-196 East toward Grand Rapids. Continue to Exit 78 for College Ave and turn right onto College Ave NE. Turn left onto Fulton St E and then slight right onto Lake Dr SE. Arrive in East Hills-Cherry Hill.