7 months of heaven 5 of hell.
-
11/9/2020
I have lived in the Grand Rapids Area for 95% of my life and I'm sad no one on this site is giving this city its due. The Natural beauty here is truly special. Most regions in the county have close access to some natural green oasis with lakes and forest, even down town. I have taken so many travel magazine worthy photos its unreal. It's an easy day trip to amazing and beautiful beaches, with in driving distances of two small but family friendly ski areas and access to bigger (for the mid west) ones up north for a weekend trip. Down town is a nice size that is accommodating in the ways you'd expect a mid size city would be. You have several malls, large concert venues, great bars (could use a few more dance clubs but theres a couple) people are generally friendly, most of it is incredibly safe even at night. Great medical facilities too easily some of the best in Michigan. Alright lets go to the down sides because there are a couple major ones. WINTER. I snowboard and like the outdoors but the winders here some years feel like they are trying to kill you. from the treacherous roads, hardly any sun for weeks on end, subzero temperatures and the chance of snow between october to may it takes its toll. People just stay inside and don't leave the house except for work and errands mostly. but we appreciate the hell out of the nicer months because we know whats coming. The evangelical community can be kind of suffocating here. If you find a church community you love and thats for you this is a positive. It wasn't for me. The cost of buying a house for what you pay for is gotten absurd in the last 5 years. We've gotten a lot of families moving over from the east side so theres almost no inventory.
Daniel | Rockford, MI