South East Community
Diverse, affordable, close to downtown
Neighborhood · Kent County
South East Community at a glance
A diverse, walkable neighborhood southeast of downtown Grand Rapids with affordable housing, historic cemeteries, and strong community identity through SECA.
- Median Price
- $227,000
- Median DOM
- 15 days
- Walk Score
- 80
- Population
- 5,733
- Median Income
- $38,000
- School District
- Grand Rapids Public Schools
- Tax Millage
- 33.63
Market data as of 2026-03. Population: Niche estimate (census tract approximation).
Overview
Overview
The South East Community, commonly known by its association acronym SECA, is a sizable neighborhood southeast of downtown Grand Rapids. With over 5,700 residents, it is one of the larger neighborhoods on the city's south side. The area is served primarily by ZIP code 49507.
SECA has a half-industrial, half-residential character. The residential portions feature a mix of housing types on a traditional urban grid, while the western and southern edges include commercial and light industrial uses. Madison Avenue and Division Avenue serve as the primary north-south corridors, with Hall Street and Burton Street providing east-west connectivity.
The neighborhood is one of the most walkable in Grand Rapids, with a Walk Score of 80. Its proximity to downtown (approximately 1 to 2 miles) and strong bus transit connections make it one of the more accessible neighborhoods for non-car commuters. The cultural diversity of the community is a defining characteristic, with a relatively young population (average age 30) and a rich mix of backgrounds and experiences.
Real Estate
Real Estate
SECA offers some of the most affordable housing within close proximity of downtown Grand Rapids. The median sale price is approximately $227,000, up about 14% year over year, reflecting strong demand in this price segment. Homes typically sell within about 15 days.
What to expect:
- Single-family homes: 800 to 1,600 sq ft, 2 to 4 bedrooms, with a mix of early 20th-century styles including bungalows, Foursquares, and modest Colonial Revival homes
- Multi-unit properties: Duplexes and small multi-family buildings are present throughout the neighborhood
- Lot sizes: Compact urban lots typical of early 1900s city development
- HOA prevalence: Uncommon
- Price range: Roughly $150,000 for smaller or unrenovated homes to $325,000 for fully updated or multi-unit properties
Approximately 61% of SECA residents are homeowners and 39% rent. The mix of single-family and multi-unit properties provides options for both owner-occupants and investors. The average rental price in the neighborhood is approximately $1,204 per month.
Schools
Schools
SECA falls within the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) district. The primary schools serving the neighborhood include:
- Cesar E. Chavez Elementary (K-5), serving most of the SECA attendance area
- Burton Middle School for middle grades
- Union High School for high school
GRPS offers Schools of Choice, allowing residents to apply to theme schools and Centers of Innovation throughout the district. The specific school serving a given SECA address can be confirmed using the GRPS Attendance Area Finder online.
The Madison Square Branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library, located at the intersection of Madison and Hall, serves as an educational and community resource for the neighborhood.
Dining
Dining
SECA benefits from its proximity to several commercial corridors. Division Avenue, which runs along or near the neighborhood's western edge, provides a variety of dining and shopping options. Hall Street, which cuts through the neighborhood, hosts local businesses including Hall Street Bakery, a bakery and coffeehouse known for fresh bread, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and soups.
The broader southeast side of Grand Rapids includes a diverse range of restaurants reflecting the area's cultural mix. Downtown Grand Rapids' full dining scene is approximately 1 to 2 miles north, easily accessible by bus or a short drive.
For groceries and everyday shopping, residents have access to stores along Division Avenue and Burton Street. The neighborhood's walkability means many of these options are accessible on foot.
Parks
Parks and Recreation
SECA has several neighborhood parks providing recreation opportunities across its boundaries.
Campau Park features a basketball court, splash pad, picnic areas with public-use grills, and a playground, making it a popular warm-weather gathering spot. Pleasant Park offers almost 2.5 acres of green space with a playground and a small hill used for sledding in winter. Dickinson Buffer Park provides a basketball court, playground, and picnic tables.
The parks are distributed throughout the neighborhood, giving most residents access to green space within close proximity. The broader Grand Rapids parks system and trail network are also accessible via short drives or bus rides.
Getting Around
Transportation
SECA is one of the best-connected neighborhoods in Grand Rapids for non-car commuters. The Walk Score of 80 means most errands can be accomplished on foot, and the neighborhood has solid public transit access.
Public transit: The Rapid provides bus service along multiple routes accessible from the neighborhood, including service on Division Avenue and Madison Avenue. The Silver Line BRT (Route 90) on Division Avenue offers frequent service (10 to 15 minute peak headways) connecting SECA to downtown and points south through Wyoming and Kentwood.
Major road access: Division Avenue (major north-south artery connecting to downtown and the Silver Line), Madison Avenue (north-south), Hall Street (east-west), and Burton Street (east-west arterial). US-131 is accessible via short connections from Division Avenue.
Commute times: Downtown Grand Rapids is approximately 1 to 2 miles north, a 5 to 10 minute drive or 15 to 20 minute walk depending on the specific block. Gerald R. Ford International Airport is approximately 12 miles southeast, an 18 to 22 minute drive.
Community
Community
SECA has a population of approximately 5,733 residents with a relatively young average age of 30. The neighborhood is culturally diverse, reflecting a mix of backgrounds and experiences.
The South East Community Association (SECA), headquartered at 1408 Madison Ave SE, is the neighborhood's primary community organization. SECA is a registered nonprofit focused on community development, resident engagement, and neighborhood improvement.
The Madison Square Branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library is a cornerstone institution within SECA, located at the intersection of Madison and Hall. Beyond its library services, the branch is committed to workforce development, community employment, and supporting local entrepreneurs.
The nearest Grand Rapids Public Library main branch is located downtown, approximately 1 to 2 miles from the neighborhood center.
History
History
SECA's history is intertwined with Grand Rapids' broader south-side development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The neighborhood's street grid and housing stock reflect this era of city growth.
Two historic cemeteries within the neighborhood boundaries mark important chapters in Grand Rapids history. St. Andrew's Cemetery, established in August 1852 on Madison Avenue SE, is the first permanent Catholic cemetery in Grand Rapids. Louis Campau, one of the founders of the city of Grand Rapids, is buried there.
Oak Hill Cemetery, located at 647 Hall Street SE with sections both north and south of Hall Street, was created in 1853 as a Jewish cemetery. Julius Houseman, who served as Mayor of Grand Rapids in 1872 and later as a Michigan representative in the U.S. Congress, is buried here. J.A. Baxter designed the original cemetery as a park-style burial ground with rolling terrain and curving drives. The city purchased the south section (formerly Valley City Cemetery) and merged the two sections in 1902 as Oakhill North and South.
These cemeteries serve as historical landmarks that predate most of the surrounding residential development and provide a direct connection to Grand Rapids' earliest settlement period.
Investment
Investment Potential
SECA presents one of the strongest investment profiles among Grand Rapids neighborhoods within close proximity of downtown. The combination of affordable entry prices (median around $227,000), strong appreciation (14% year over year), and proximity to downtown creates favorable conditions.
The rental market is active, with an average rent of approximately $1,204 per month. The neighborhood's mix of single-family homes and multi-unit properties provides multiple investment strategies. Duplexes and small multi-family buildings are available and can offer stronger cash flow than single-family rentals.
The Silver Line BRT on Division Avenue is a significant transit asset that supports rental demand by providing frequent, reliable service to downtown and employment centers to the south. Transit-accessible rental properties tend to maintain stronger occupancy rates.
Key considerations for investors: conduct thorough due diligence on older housing stock (most pre-1950), including lead paint compliance, foundation condition, and mechanical systems. The neighborhood's mix of residential and light industrial zoning means block-by-block conditions vary. Grand Rapids' short-term rental restrictions apply here as elsewhere in the city; underwrite to long-term rental income.
Nathan's Take
The local read.
SECA is where walkability and affordability intersect in Grand Rapids. A Walk Score of 80 and Silver Line BRT access make this one of the few neighborhoods on the south side where you can genuinely live without depending on a car for every errand. The median price around $227,000 means you are buying close to downtown at well below the citywide median.
The investment math here can work. Duplexes and small multi-family buildings are available in the $200,000 to $300,000 range, and rental demand is supported by transit access and downtown proximity. The 14% year-over-year appreciation reflects real buyer interest in this price tier.
Buyers should walk the neighborhood carefully. SECA is half residential, half industrial, and the experience varies significantly from block to block. Some streets have well-maintained bungalows with active homeowners; others border commercial or industrial uses. The historic cemeteries, St. Andrew's and Oak Hill, are actually neighborhood assets that provide green space and historical character.
For buyers or investors who want a foothold close to downtown Grand Rapids at an accessible price point, SECA is worth serious evaluation. The transit infrastructure, the walkability, and the price point are hard to match elsewhere in the city. Just spend time on the specific blocks you are considering before making a decision.
Location
South East Community on the map
Boundary of the South East Community area. Drag to explore the surrounding neighborhoods and commute corridors.
Listings
Browse homes in South East Community.
See what is currently listed in South East Community and the surrounding area.
Resources
Helpful links
Neighborhood profile with community information, parks, and local resources
District homepage, school directory, and enrollment information
Determine which GRPS school serves a specific address in SECA
GRPL locations, hours, and programs including the Madison Square Branch
Bus schedules, route maps, Silver Line BRT, and fare information
City parks information including Campau Park and Pleasant Park
Official municipal site including property tax estimator and planning resources
Visitor and resident guide with dining, events, and neighborhood profiles
More in Grand Rapids
Other neighborhoods in Grand Rapids.
South East Community is one of several neighborhoods in Grand Rapids. Each has its own character and price range.
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— Nathan Strodtbeck, REALTOR®