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 ReviewsGet to know Grand Rapids with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Grand Rapids
what to say...Michigan going down hill quick!!!! - 6/4/2007
No jobs, bad weather, 500 cloudy days per year, why live here ....there are 49 other states. Years back I supposed it was ok to live here because there were jobs, but now, forget it !!!!...bye bye ..on this the motor state, no more baby, no
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Not what it seems - 1/16/2007
Yes this city does have a bit to offer the individual; however, the city cannot hide from the state of Michigan and its despair. If Mr. Devos didn't provide funding for many of the downtown developments, it wouldn't be anything near its present state. On a positive note it is at least not as ugly as most other cities in Michigan (except ann arbor). Mostly blue collar, very conservative and extruded. A lot of people looking for a job in a larger city makes for very difficult times setting foot in this town. The university (grand valley) had a nice campus but mediocre educational opportunities. The city has a lot of opportunities, despite its fate already sealed by the state and its continuous
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GR is pretty nice - 12/14/2006
Grand Rapids is a great city to live in. It's fairly afforable. I'm a recent college graduate and I have a job that allows me to have my own place, car and a little extra at the end. You can find anything at either end of the spectrum, from fancy to
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im 29 and...... - 9/19/2006
i have been in this small minded town for 29years, and i have never had a pleasant experience here. the city itself is not that bad but people, black, white, hispanic, or whatever can be stupid. the city of detroit is dying more and more each day which makes jobs here suck even worst than before. it is very conservative here, if u have issues with your kids other mate, i would NOT MOVE HERE. the court systems takes the sid eof the gaurdian, so child support can be up to 50% of your take home amount. it is very segregated here, i do not have a diverse set of friends like i did when i lived in chicago for 2 years. it is the middle of september now, and flakes of snow is already starting to fall. if you are between the ages of 22-35, i would not chosse this as a state or city to move to. i would really have to think long and hard about it if i was over 35 if i wanted to deal with it. real
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Too Many Religious Conservatives Here - 8/8/2006
This is a religiously conservative area. If you have progressive modern attitudes, you'd feel better living somewhere else. The economy is bad, and local news and weather is worthless. It is remarkable to notice in everyday life, the overwhelming percentage of stupid people here compared to other
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In comparison, It's okay! - 7/19/2006
Many call it the 20-minute city, for one can get to Holland, Lansing, Grand Haven, and Muskegon Michigan in, well, a short amount of time (not necessarily 20-minutes). However, like other cities, Grand Rapids, Michigan does have it problems, but overall there is plenty to see and do close by and the four seasons makes the next season worth waiting
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Good Lifestyle - 7/12/2006
After living in San Diego, Baltimore, Columbus (OH), Princeton (NJ) and other locales, we CHOSE to move to Grand Rapids. We were a little hesistant at first because it seems a little conservative (and definitely too high a proportion of Republicans!) but it really does offer a good lifestyle.
There are some decent urban amenities -- good restaurants, lots of art galleries, pretty interesting local wineries (they produce Pinot Grigio that is soooo much better than anything produced in California, as well as an abundance of outdoor activities (at Lake Michigan, on the many bike paths, etc.)
The weather isn't any more severe (or the days gloomier or darker) than any place else we've lived or traveled. It's pretty typical "midwest" weather and if you don't like the weather one minute, wait 15 minutes and chances are it will have changed anyway.
On the job front, manufacturing and other blue collar jobs are disappearing but that's the way of the US
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Every thing here blows - 7/6/2006
The economy has been dumping for about 6 years with no end in sight. The up side is doctors are in demand due to the large medical bases here and health care for the same reason - if you can afford it. It is down right cold in winter, and summer is way too short. Most jobd do not pay over $10 an hour. It jobs pay very low unless you get into a national company. Heat is expensive, wifi is limited, roads are terrible, businesses just keep leaving, companies expect a bachelors degree with 5 years experience to be worth about $30k - you cant live on that. As I said. Every thing blows
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