Grand Rapids, Michigan

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