Grand Rapids very quickly became Michigan’s second largest city, behind Detroit. There’s a lot to love here, but perhaps the best thing is that it’s a fast-paced, modern city. First, Grand Rapids is committed to sustainability. The city uses hybrid electric buses, the Rapid Central Station has a green roof, it’s home to the world’s first LEED-certified microbrewery, art museum and more, and is committed to eliminating net carbon emissions entirely by 2050. 

Second, the city is an impressive agriculture hub, featured every day at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. The agribusiness industry has been growing steadily for the past decade and GR is a great place to find local, seasonal produce. Lastly, the city is a bustling hub of activity and culture for western Michigan. In addition to being the location of the yearly ArtPrize competition, there are countless museums, theaters, and gardens in the city. Finally, and maybe most importantly to some, it is nicknamed Beer City USA because its over 80 breweries, many of which offer world-class brews. 

It’s a 21st century city

Best Part About Grand Rapids 

If you’ve never lived in the midwest you’re going to have a hard time adjusting to the weather in Grand Rapids. For what they lack in numerical heat, the summer makes up for in humidity. Whatever you do, do not start arguing with a local Michigander about the summers. They do not care if you’re from Florida, they will win the humidity argument. In the opposite season, the winters can be bru-tal. Lake Effect snow is no joke and the high precipitation the city sees turns to mountains of groan-inducing snow from November to sometimes March. If you’re not a fan of or are not used to the snow, it will be a hard adjustment. 

Here are several cons a local notes about Grand Rapids: *Harder to find good non-American/non-Americanized food (if you like Asian food/cooking you're going to have a hard time). Lack of diversity (Grand Rapids is very very white compared to Oakland County) with a more of the local population having a mentality of "my family is here so why go anywhere else" which is great for them but can make finding new friends to hang out with difficult*

*Standard of living and costs are about the same. Social life is what you make of it. There's definitely a bigger beer and bar scene here. Another nice perk of Grand Rapids is that it has it's own airport. Although it's definitely not as large as DTW, going through security is a breeze and usually only takes a few minutes. Plus the domestic flights that they do offer can be pretty cheap. Airport parking is also cheaper and easier.*



The weather is very…Midwest

Worst Part About Grand Rapids 

Grand Rapids is a fun, lively town with a lot of midwest charm and modern convenience. All four seasons means there are a ton of activities year round, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter, to biking and boating in the summers. Grand Rapids is known for many things, but the two biggest are going to be the art culture and the beer scene. The city is home to ArtPrize, the world’s largest annual art competition where the winners are chosen by the public. The fair has been going since 2009 and brings over half a million people to the city every fall. The winner receives a cash prize of $250,000 as well as the chance to have their pieces featured around the city. Besides the art scene, breweries are another thing Grand Rapids does well. The city has been voted Beer City USA multiple times and is home to many famous breweries like Founders, Grand Rapids Brewing Co., and more. 


 Lifestyle of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids used to be known for the large number of furniture companies that called the city home, even going so far as to be called “Furniture City” in its heyday. Now, the economy has shifted away from furniture and towards medical and retail. The city’s largest employer is Spectrum Health and there is a very impressive stretch of medical buildings called the “Grand Rapids Medical Mile.” 

It’s home to world class medical facilities that focus on health sciences, some of which are associated with state universities. Major headquarters in the city include Bissell, Meijer (your new favorite grocery store), and GE Aviation. In recent years, the expanding agribusiness industry has been garnering attention as it’s been growing over the past 10 years and the city now accounts for ⅓ of Michigan’s total agricultural sales. The lower unemployment rates, coupled with a lower cost of living make Grand Rapids a great place to work and live.  


Workstyle of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is what every city should be. The city is committed to sustainability, it’s LGBTQ+ friendly, there is a huge food and drink scene, and it’s a great place for everyone from young professionals to retirees. You should move now because there’s no telling how long it’s going to take for cities across the US to realize that Grand Rapids is the new standard for modern cities. 

On The Way Up!

Why You Should Move Here Now?

There is a huge nightlife hub in Grand Rapids, also dubbed “Beer City” and if you’re looking for a laid back, day-drinking, chilling with friends vibe, check out these neighborhoods:
- Midtown
- Eastown
- Westend


College Students

Midtown

Grand Rapids is a great alternative for anyone who graduated from a big 10 school in the Midwest and wants a city, but not a huge city like Detroit or Chicago. These neighborhoods have nightlife, are close to work, and have a variety of apartments and condos.
- West Grand
- Creston
- Monroe North


Young Professionals

West Grand

Grand Rapids is an extremely inclusive city with tons of community-friendly spots. Downtown tends to be the center of the scene and is home to the Apartment Lounge, Michigan's oldest gay bar. The whole downtown is fun though with plenty of LGBTQ+-friendly entertainment, dining and boutique shopping all within a ten-minute walk. Dance clubs, karaoke, drag shows, and general fun, alongside plenty of apartment, condo and housing options makes it the first neighborhood to check out. 
- Downtown

LGBTQ+

Downtown

Grand Rapids will give you a chance to start a family without giving up the excitement of a big city. There are plenty of areas that are under development and destined to be the new “it spots” in 5 or 10 years.
- East Grand Rapids
- Eastown
- West Grand


Young Families

East Grand Rapids

There are a ton of amazing neighborhoods with affordable housing and great yards. Grand Rapids has the perfect amount of things to do on the weekends, while also giving you that suburb feel.
- Knapp Corners
- East Grand Rapids
- Garfield Park


Established Families

Knapp Corners

Retirement never looked as good as it does in Grand Rapids. There’s enough to do that you will never get bored and family will be begging to come visit when they see how awesome the city is. You’re going to want great walkability, food options, and shopping.
- Heritage Hill
- West Grand
- Midtown


Retirees

Heritage Hill

Grand Rapids

**Best and worst things about living in Grand Rapids?**

I moved here in September and have loved it. Living in Heritage Hill I can walk to Farmers markets, bars, restaurants, and just about anything I want to do. Rent is pretty standard for living in a Michigan City(there are some really really cheap apartments if you have the time to look). Coming from living in Detroit proper it's really really nice to not have to drive most of the time. Most people are really friendly and there are a ton of events. I love being able to be at one of the million beaches on lake Michigan within an hour. If you have a job lined up I say go for it.

Here's a review of a recent transplant about living in Grand Rapids: *I moved here in September and have loved it. Living in Heritage Hill I can walk to Farmers markets, bars, restaurants, and just about anything I want to do. Rent is pretty standard for living in a Michigan City(there are some really really cheap apartments if you have the time to look). Coming from living in Detroit proper it's really really nice to not have to drive most of the time. Most people are really friendly and there are a ton of events. I love being able to be at one of the million beaches on lake Michigan within an hour. If you have a job lined up I say go for it.*

Best and worst things about living in Grand Rapids?

I moved to GR last may and i love it so far. There is always plenty of events going/ places to go/ things to do to occupy your free time. Rent is a little high in the trendier (downtown, east hills, east town and Heritage hill) areas but realistically if you get a roommate you can easily pay around 600 (or less) a mo for a place just about any where. The area is a tad religious conservative but in the "happening" spots that culture definitely seems to be waining. As for social im a 26 yr old single guy, i have made lots of new friends and have had no problems in the dating sphere (Bumble is on fire in west mi). To end this rambling, Lots of jobs, lots of opportunity, great beer, fantastic city. 

**Best and worst things about living in Grand Rapids?**

Also originally from the east side, Oakland County area. Moved here for work. Wouldn't be here otherwise. Following pros/cons list is in relation to GR vs OC so depending on where on the east side you're from, these may not be so true.

Pros:

Minimal traffic, even during "rush hour" times, means I have to tack a whole whopping 5-10 minutes to my 20 minute commute when traffic is really bad

Downtown area is safe and walkable and there's always something going on at Rosa Park's Circle whether it be festivals or ice skating

Close to Lake Michigan (an hour drive) which is great to visit both in the summer (for the beaches) and winter (for the ice formations) and much nicer than any of the lakes on the east side

Good bars and restaurants are easily accessible and it's pretty easy to find free parking downtown

Easier access to the great outdoors due to lack of traffic and more parks, beaches and forests

Cons:

Harder to find good non-American/non-Americanized food (if you like Asian food/cooking you're going to have a hard time)

Lack of diversity (Grand Rapids is very very white compared to Oakland County) with a more of the local population having a mentality of "my family is here so why go anywhere else" which is great for them but can make finding new friends to hang out with difficult

Malls here aren't as nice (Great Lakes Crossing is really hard to beat...)

Standard of living and costs are about the same. Social life is what you make of it. There's definitely a bigger beer and bar scene here. Another nice perk of Grand Rapids is that it has it's own airport. Although it's definitely not as large as DTW, going through security is a breeze and usually only takes a few minutes. Plus the domestic flights that they do offer can be pretty cheap. Airport parking is also cheaper and easier.



**5 Pros & 5 Cons of Living in Grand Rapids Michigan & things to know before you move to Grand Rapids**

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Beer City

Looklyloo Score: 86

We're on it!