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| Holland-Zeeland: A Second Look. A Nice Place To L - 7/20/2011
I wanted to write this helpful addenum to my earlier comment about the city I work in, and the comminity I live in, nearby. Earlier on,I was being a little too negative. Things have changed for the better for myself, and my family. So, I wish to set some things, clear. As far as gangs, this issue is now getting cleared up, streets are getting safer, and there are many local renovations going on in housing, etc. The only negative that I still see so far, some people still keep more to themselves, probably due to being scared of the future, and the economic downturn that a hard working, historical city like Holland has faced, in the past 8-10 years. If you already well educated, starting your career, or established in a career, or entreprenuship, you should do very well. Holland is a very religious and civic minded city, too. There is a lot of diversity, here, as well, and no one really is condemning anyone else. The schools, and nearby colleges and universities are great, and this is a big plus if you are raising a family, too. The overall area is very beautiful , and you are not far from the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan and summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold, as to be expected in a northern midwestern state. Spring and Fall is very nice, here. My place of work has a new customer-employee friendliness policy, and this is a very big plus! Nearby Zeeland, were I reside has undergone a big transformation, as well. This beautiful city located 5-6 miles east of Holland, and is very historical, lively, and always activiies going on for the very young to old, alike. There are also plenty of local sporting events, and lots of great scenic bicycle trails, as well. So, if you are lokig for a great place to come, retire or raise a family, you can't go wrong here.
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| More for the the younger marrieds, with kids, or p - 9/28/2010
My husband and I are childless,and have lived in this area for almost close to 17 years, and we have found that it is geared more toward younger couples , just married, with a stronger financial background, and who already have kids, or are planning on starting a family. There is not much to do here for people who are approaching retirement age, and if you like going to work, and just going home, after wards,that's all it offers. Very self-absorbed, yuppie, "me first" attitudes. We are definitely considering moving from here and not returning.Crime rate is very bad here, and getting worse. Gangs everywhere. Used to be a very nice place back in the early 90's.Unemployment is way higher than the national average, and the drivers need a lesson in road manners. We have not been able to secure any higher paying jobs, because we don't have an IN, and if are not 100 percent Dutch, which is very predominate, here. My advice? Live elsewhere!
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| Seriously, are you guys kidding? - 11/28/2007
Holland is an embarrassing place to admit that you grew up in.
If you think diversity is white people and the hispanic people that the white people pay minimum wage to, then this place is full of diversity!
Coming from a mixed race family, (neither white nor hispanic by the way) I can remember the looks the 5 of us got while walking downtown before we moved to Holland from the Detroit suburbs. And they weren't nice... they ranged from curious stares (yes, people of different races can have children together) to disgust.
In general, people from West Michigan love West Michigan and are proud of it and never want to leave. I am glad I'm not from Holland and I am glad that I left.
Summers are beautiful here though... but just as beautiful anywhere else along the Great Lakes.
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| Great place to raise a family - 6/18/2007
Holland, Michigan is physically beautiful as it rests on the shores of Lakes Macatawa and Michigan. The population is diverse with a large and growing hispanic community nestled alongside a strong and ethno-centric Dutch heritage. The economy is struggling to become post-industrial in a state that has depended on industry for decades for its economic vitality. If there is one drawback to this city, this drawback would be the lack of opportunity for economic growth. As I write this, the economy is working to diversify from strictly manufacturing to high tech, micro tech, medical and biotech industries. This is not an easy road to travel as ths situation involves changing a culture along with revamping the economic underpinnings of the area.
Summers here simply cannot be beat. There is nothing in the world quite like a boat, a guitar and a Lake Michigan sunset during the warm months. (The sunsets can also be enjoyed from the first class Holland State Park or several dunes along the shoreline).
If it were not for the struggling economy, Holland would be an idyllic place to "be from". Even with these economic difficulties, it is still a great place to raise a family and enjoy the wonders of nature. Far from destitute economically, the West Michigan region should be the first to diversify its economic roots as it is already more diverse than most areas of the state.+
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