Grand Rapids, MI Reviews

Read for the TRUTH about GR - 11/10/2022
I've lived in Grand Rapids about 85% of my life and can confidently say it is a great place to live for anyone.
I know countless people who dogged the city, moved away, only to move back a few years later. From places like Chicago, Seattle and Atlanta.
In fact, last census we had a huge influx of people move here from Chicago.

Probably because it's safe, clean, updated, always has a strong economy (even the folks who reviewed GR poorly All say they moved here for a good job), is very family friendly and also has a great singles scene downtown.
There's always something going on downtown every weekend that's fun and often free.
Some people on here talk about the Christian Reformed church. There are churches here yes. Many different kinds. Just like everywhere, but it's never forced on the culture of the city. Plus, though I am not a church going person, I respect and appreciate people of faith. Not a fan of those who don't if I'm honest... So if Read More

The Actual City Is OK...The Rest Stinks - 7/5/2021
Grand Rapids proper - the small city - is fairly OK. Nothing special stands out about it when judged against the nicer areas of the US, but it has some decent dining and shopping, some nightlife, a variety of jobs, and is generally well-kept, with well-thought out long-term city planning.
That said, the surrounding "Greater Grand Rapids" areas are backward, dull as dirt and way too full of comically uptight right-wing Christian conservative types, who behave like out-of-touch, embarrassing bigots against anyone who is not of Dutch descent. If you are not a MAGA type, skip these places. 3 stars for the city, 1 star for the rest. Read More

GR- nationally recognized as a top place to live. - 1/24/2021
Wow. “bland Rapids and everyone is Smug, uptight and part of the Christian Reformed Church. “ Someone is accurately describing Grand Rapids in 1985. Much has changed since then. Bizarre that this person lives on the very edge of metro Grand Rapids in one of the most homogeneous boring suburbs- Byron Center. My advice to the Byron Center person - move 10 miles north to the city and live in east town- a radical difference from Bryon Center. Sure there a big segment of Christian reformed in western and eastern sides of town. They really dominated the GR vibe in the 1980s and 1990s. Back then the nickname was bland rapids. Since then, GR has attracted many young progressives, artists, and hipsters. Lots of progressive lifestyles in the city for sure. They have driven a huge renaissance in the art, coffee, and beer scenes ( over 50 brewers here and counting in the city of Grand Rapids. Lots of diversity in the neighborhoods of east town, near North Side and near west side. GR has some Read More

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 Read More

God Bless Grand Rapids!!! May it never change! - 10/3/2019
I am originally from Farmington Hills, Mi and moved to CA in 1988. Since lived in OR, FL, and NM. I am now retired and moving to Grand Rapids, for the reasons some mention here. God has always been a part of my life. Churches don't intimidate me. I tend to associate with Christians, as I am.

I worked here for EDS for four years. In/out road travel, as I lived in Farmington Hills. I was responsible for IT services at the GM/GMAC offices. I encountered no overwhelming religious bible thumping, or even communications between people. I also worked with the Steelcase people too. Again, no religious mentions. I happen to be an Episcopalian and although I don't attend church ever Sunday, I think it's a good thing being Christian. AND, I think freedom of speech, at bars, restaurants, fairs, parks ..anywhere is fine. I have heard discussions between couples, groups that I happen to sit in the area of. I could have gotten up and moved but it didn't intimidate me in the least. I Read More

Run! It's horrible. - 3/11/2019
I have lived in the grand rapids area most of my life and I personally hate it, even more so after living else where. There is a strong Calvinist and Christian reformed mentality in the worst kind of way here, it's boring, there is nothing to do with any kind of adventure and most of the people are uptight, irritable, arrogant, self righteous jerks. I can't wait to leave this place once and for all. Read More

Depends What you are Looking For - 7/24/2017
I moved here a few years ago and thought it would be the perfect place, everyone kept saying welcome. Then you live here. The size of the city is just about perfect and it is easy to get around. Although with growth over the past few years traffic is beginning to build. If you are a family with children and live in the right place East Grand Rapids, Ada, it is going to work for you, that's if you can afford those places, as friends will be made and life will look good. Also Grand Rapids is good for the 30's crowd, most of the population. And it is the Beer City, plenty of craft beers and nightlife. What also will be seen here is many in the 40's and 50's who are divorced, drink and talk religion. The city is very Christian, a church not only on every corner but in every plaza, old house or wherever else one can be placed. And conservative. Downtown has grown but in apartments and expensive ones. The city and surrounding areas are known for fairs and festivals, but after doing them 1 Read More

i got to go!!!!!! - 2/19/2016
grand rapids is cool been here 35 yrs and looking to relocate and start Read More

Mostly good, BUT.... - 2/12/2015
Lived in Grand Rapids 6 years (moved here for school and stayed for the job I got after graduating). For the most part, GR is great - when I first moved here I was absolutely in love. It's generally a very friendly and down-to-earth city, with a fair amount of culture and local activities (and many free downtown activities!). ArtPrize brings thousands of people in; great farmer's markets; several really nice museums; Van Andel Arena hosts great shows and hockey games; Frederik Meijer Gardens; outdoor ice skating downtown in the winter; neat old houses; distinct neighborhoods that each have their own "feel" and activities. Beer drinking is big here. And coffee. You do have to make a bit of an effort to discover what's going on, because things can be spread out, but if you just subscribe to the local newspaper or follow a few groups on Facebook it's not hard.
Stuff I don't like: It's an extremely Christian city. If you're a strong Christian, you'll love it here. If not, you'll Read More

Once was enough... - 10/27/2014
If you've never been to Grand Rapids, I can't say I suggest taking the effort to visit there unless your required to do so. After 15 minutes of arriving on a business trip, I was counting the minutes to my departure. One central theme dominates this entire region: God. Now, I've had the opportunity to travel to many corners of the globe, and have friends from many countries. What we have in Grand Rapids is more akin to a isolated bible camp that is hostile towards outsiders. It dominated every portion of my trip, from the bar, to the mall, to the Sunday drive. I was choked in bible stores, mini bibles in the office, prayer hands at the hotel room, I could go on. This hostility towards anything not conservative is obviously hurting the city both economically and demographically. No right minded college graduate would dream of staying in this region. Once was enough, and yes I made it out Read More