Tell me about the Forest Hills school district area

[dadr]

Thanks, Magellan. If we go with Forest Hills (vs. EGR), what are the best neighborhoods that are close to bike paths, elementary schools, etc.? Preferably we would have sidewalks but I realize the exurban nature of the area. I like yards but don't need an acre plus...I would rather have neighbors around us. Basically, what neighborhoods in Forest Hills might have some of those walkable characteristics of EGR? Honestly I'd love EGR but am not so sure about the schools for our special needs child.

[canewbie]

There are really nice parks with playgrounds in the area. Check both Cascade Township park and Grand Rapids Township Park.

There are some neighborhoods with pools but many people use Forest Hills Aquatic Center or use the community school pools through East Grand Rapids Parks and Rec Department. There is also a very nice pool at the Kroc. Many pay private membership fees to pools like East Hills, Orchard Hills, or MVP.

There is a lot in this area for kids under 7, but they tend to be described differently than in other parts of the country. GR has pretty much everything, it is just a question of knowing how to find it.

There is also a really nice special needs playground called Frog Hollow out towards Rivertown Crossing.

[canewbie]

More info on Frog Hollow...

LandscapeOnline.com :: Article : Frog Hollow—a Great Place to Play, Hop, Laugh and Sing

It is only 3 acres, but it is nicely done.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by dadr

Thanks, Magellan. If we go with Forest Hills (vs. EGR), what are the best neighborhoods that are close to bike paths, elementary schools, etc.? Preferably we would have sidewalks but I realize the exurban nature of the area. I like yards but don't need an acre plus...I would rather have neighbors around us. Basically, what neighborhoods in Forest Hills might have some of those walkable characteristics of EGR? Honestly I'd love EGR but am not so sure about the schools for our special needs child.

Wow (and I'm probably going to sound contradictory), there are a ton that are near the schools and bike paths. And many have sidewalks IN them.

A lot depends on your price range. If you like a big neighborhood, Clements Mill, The Orchards, Arbor Hills, Blackberry, Flowers Mill and Flowers Crossing, Ada Moorings, Grand Valley Estates near Eastern High School, the whole area around Thornapple Elementary and the camelback bridge, West Village, Ada Woods, there are a couple off of Forest Hills Ave that the names escape me (Pulte neighborhoods).

There is a neighborhood pool right here that I've always wondered about. Must be exclusive to that neighborhood around Greenbrier?

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=thorn...higan&t=h&z=17

We live in one of the neighborhoods I listed above, but frankly there aren't any homes for sale in our hood (out of 180+ homes I think there are now). Its very bizarre. Homes go in about a week around here when they do go on the market. There are two lots left I think in the last section being built out, and that's it. If I hear of any of our neighbors getting restless to move, I'll let you know.

I did forget about the FH Aquatic Center. Pretty nice place. My kids had swimming lessons there years ago. The Forest Hills Fine Arts Center next door is spectacular. Might be one of the nicest fine arts venues in the region.

[canewbie]

I can't remember the name, but there is a nice family neighborhood that backs to Cascade Township Park. It is Forest Hills Schools and the bike path runs through it... The OP might consider checking it out.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by canewbie

I can't remember the name, but there is a nice family neighborhood that backs to Cascade Township Park. It is Forest Hills Schools and the bike path runs through it... The OP might consider checking it out.

Oh yeah, this one here:

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=casca...15029&t=h&z=15