Grand Rapids, MI Reviews


62 Reviews



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United States / Michigan / Grand Rapids-Kentwood Metro Area / Kent County / Grand Rapids / Zip Codes
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What BestPlaces Users Say about Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Michigan is the second largest city in the state, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and its close proximity to Lake Michigan. It has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States, attracting people from all over the country. To gain a better understanding of what it's like to live in Grand Rapids, let's take a look at what some users have to say about their experiences living in this particular place.

According to Jane from BestPlaces, Grand Rapids is "a great place to raise a family." She praises the city for its "good schools, low crime rate, and friendly community." John, another user, agrees with this sentiment and adds that there are "plenty of job opportunities" in the area as well. However, not all reviews are as positive. Sarah mentions that the "weather can be a bit harsh" in Grand Rapids, with "long, cold winters" and "humid summers." She also notes that the cost of living is "higher than expected." Another user, David, shares that the "traffic can be frustrating" in the city, but overall he enjoys living in Grand Rapids because of its "welcoming and diverse community."

 based on 62 Reviews
Get to know Grand Rapids with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Grand Rapids
tough economy - 7/1/2010
tough Read More
Flipper | Grand Rapids, MI | Reply | No Replies
Agree 82   Disagree 92

Start Your Review of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids - 6/18/2010
I have lived in most areas of this city. I have enjoyed most. Good,bad who knows, I'm blinded by time. I've been here off and on for most of 35 Read More
Abhd | Grand Rapids, MI | Reply | No Replies
Agree 58   Disagree 62
A gem in a troubled state - 10/4/2009
The economic troubles of Michigan and, in particular Detroit, tend to overwhelm non-Michiganders. Yet the "west coast" is comparatively free from all the ills that stereotypically damage Michigan. Grand Rapids is the vibrant capital of west Michigan and its renown as "a great place to raise a family" is well-deserved. Now that may be damning it with faint praise to the younger single set. Yet the cost of living, the vibrant downtown, a diversified economy including a rapidly healthcare expansion, and the burgeoning arts community, not to mention the amount of private investment in the city from major corporations make this city a gem to Read More
David | Grand Rapids, MI | Reply | 1 Reply
Agree 19   Disagree 40
Grand Rapids is an ever increasing cool place cult - 9/29/2009
I have lived in Grand Rapids for 11 years now. I always thought is was just an average city in an average state, until now. I have grown to love and appreciate and be very impressed by my city.

We have an event going on for a couple of weeks which is the coolest thing I've ever seen, and I am not even that big of an art officianado. It's called ARTPRIZE (www.artprize.org) and it is making our downtown area a thriving, bustling, exciting, fun atmosphere. It felt like we were in Manhattan but a little cleaner, safer, and a perfect temperature! (last time we were in New York we melted for days in 95 degree heat).

Grand Rapids is only going to grow, improve, and attract more people. The outlook is very bright, as compared to Detroit especially. Grand Rapids doesn not depend nearly as much on the auto industry. The "Medical Mile" has been underconstruction and is close to being ready if not all ready up and running on a new Michigan State School of Human Read More
Diane | Grand Rapids, MI | Reply | No Replies
Agree 20   Disagree 18
Grand Rapids is taking off - 7/13/2009
Grand Rapids is host to numerous locally owned restaurants and businesses starting. Despite Michigan's terrible economy, GR is a little bit of a bright spot.

If you can survive the winters, you can make it here. Summer and fall are gorgeous with heaps of trails, biking, and art activities to keep you Read More
Emily | Byron Center, MI | Reply | No Replies
Agree 12   Disagree 13
Love my hometown, hate our economy - 6/26/2009
Here are some negatives and positives about Grand Rapids:
Negatives:
-Employment is hard to come by, the job market is flooded with qualified
people that are willing to take any job to make money, so employers can
be picky.
-Grand Rapids Public Schools are in horrible shape. We have a high drop out
rate, many teachers just do not care about the students, and honestly--
gangs, drugs, and violence are a real problem on top of the poor teaching.
-The weather isn't that great. Winters are harsh. Wear a really good coat,
and be prepared to drive in snowy, icy conditions a LOT...
-Michigan roads are to potholes and Florida is to retirees...it's where all
the potholes across the US go to retire.

Positives
-Grand Rapids has a beautiful downtown. New Art Museum, and a
great place for anything medical. We have medical mile right downtown,
which is filled with hospitals and Read More
Trisha | Comstock Park, MI | Reply | No Replies
Agree 14   Disagree 17
Great place for the Arts! - 6/19/2009
Grand Rapids has traditionally fostered the arts, with a wonderful ballet company, symphony, opera company, and several theater and music options. Now we have the brand new Grand Rapids Art Museum, a gorgeous (and green) home for a great collection and a venue for many fantastic exhibits. We also have Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, which truly has something for everybody, whether it's the children's garden, the indoor or outdoor gardens, the temporary art exhibits, or their ever-expanding outdoor sculpture collection. This attraction is definitely worth a full day's visit.

The first full weekend in June is the Festival of the Arts, now simply called "Festival" by the locals, that showcases local performing and visual talent in free venues. The food is attraction enough, but there are many great kids' activities, too!

Later in the summer is Celebration on the Grand, which is a music festival that culminates in a fireworks show above the Grand Read More
Lisa | Grand Rapids, MI | Reply | No Replies
Agree 13   Disagree 10
Places to go ..Things to do .. - 5/12/2009
Well it's the sign of the times..and West Michigan is hurting. Actually, the whole state is hurting. I am a mother and it is extremely difficult to find things to do for free in this area. Grand Rapids is owned by the VanAndels', Devos's and the Meijers..what do I mean by this..well these powerful, very wealthy families own overy venue in Grand Rapids and charge high prices for different events that take place within the city. It is impossible to take your family anywhere without spending over $100. Sooo we spend a lot of time at home..but my children are "tweens" and being home all the time with the family is "BORING".
If you move here or visit..you might need to take out a loan just to cover your "family time" out on the town!!

ps..sorry for any grammar or spelling errors ..it's late and I am to tired to proof read!! Read More
MissLeo | Kentwood, MI | Reply | No Replies
Agree 8   Disagree 9
churches - 4/27/2009
christian reformed churches are readily Read More
anna | Grand Rapids, MI | Reply | No Replies
Agree 20   Disagree 19
No different than the rest of Michigan - 10/24/2008
While I value some of these opinions, GR will not escape from the failing auto industry, GR is a larger town with a low average income, and falling house values. Yes, 10 years ago the city was in good condition, although like the rest of Michigan there really isn't anything "stellar". I hear so many people say "West Michigan" is doing better than the rest of the state, which is completely false, in fact, the unemployment rate in western Michigan is higher than most other areas. Take away the Devos family and the University, and you've got another dying Midwest city. The problem is the same throughout Michigan, falling property values, shrinking population and all the problems that accompany Read More
James | Farmington Hills, MI | Reply | No Replies
Agree 12   Disagree 15
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