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Fulton Heights is a compact but fully featured neighborhood east of downtown.

It may be tucked in among a few areas with greater name recognition, but this Grand Rapids neighborhood certainly has a lot of value for a relatively small space.

Fulton Heights has multiple options for education. Besides the William C. Abney academy, there are also two private schools: Livingstone Academy and the Mayfield School, both of which back up to the largest open green space in the area.

Hillcrest Park provides a natural setting to relax and enjoy, and includes a large dog park with separate spaces to accommodate different types of play.

The rolling hills flow right into Fuller Park, which also offers plenty of opportunities for fun with baseball diamonds, basketball courts, and a playground

Just across the street is the hillcrest community garden; at four and a half acres, this is one of the largest remaining community gardens in the state of Michigan.

The garden has plots available for residents and the neighborhood association strives to maintain high standards for cultivating the produce and relationships within the shared space.

Another great local touch are the businesses with deep roots in the region.

If Schnitzel's Deli and Bakery, with their wide variety of sandwiches, sides, and snacks somehow aren't enough you can ask for something custom made just for you.

Whether you want to work up an appetite for next time, explore the neighborhood, or plan an epic adventure, the folks at the family-owned Grand Rapids Bicycle are ready to meet your needs.

Fulton Heights maintains the close, connected feel thanks in part to the neighborhood association that organizes the garden and coordinates other events and services throughout the year.

There are also a few key points of interest just across the street in several different directions, including the Fulton Street farmers market, the new Betty Van Andel Opera Center, and Aquinas College - featuring a beautiful campus that doubles as an arboretum.

Whatever your interests, Fulton Heights is a neighborhood not to be missed.

-Mike Smallegan