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
Still a Conservative Town - 5/8/2006
17% of the population of Kent and Ottawa Counties are Christian Reformed; a very conservative, some might say victorian religion. While the majority of the population are Catholic, you'd never know it, as the CRC's walk around like they own the joint. Most young progressive college grads get out of town asap.
Also, you must remember that Grand Rapids averages 74 inches of snow per season.
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Too conservative - 5/4/2006
The majority of people with any political persuasion are very rich and very conservative. Because of this, the core "creative youth" tend to leave for larger, more progressive cities shortly after college. There is a large gap of politically liberal people over 30 years of
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Totally agree with lack of tolerance - 4/8/2006
GR and mostly surrounding towns are highly intolerant of other people from other places. You are totally correct. Of course, in the eight years I lived here, I met some very nice people, too. However, that CRC stuff is insane and the Dutch who formed it even have a saying, "If you ain't Dutch, you ain't much." Wow, made me feel welcome! GR is HIGHLY segregated and there is a HUGE "white flight" to East GR. If you want to be amazed, go check the population of African Americans in this area! Next to nothing. As far as weather is concerned, there is NO SPRING whatsoever (okay maybe two weeks), and it is dark almost every day except maybe a few days in the summer. The dreariest and darkest place I have ever lived (I've lived in eight states). Lots of women I have met want to leave because it is depressingly dark most days. On a scale of one to ten, I give GR and surrounding areas, i.e. Hudsonville, Jenison, Zeeland a 3 out of 10 in happiness and livability. p.s. I do have many friends
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as long as you're not in manufacturing.... - 2/27/2006
I've lived in grand rapids all 22 years of my life. I have always considered it to be the perfect size. There is a booming downtown district with opportunities to smell the fresh air of nature just short distances from the city. The city has placed a large investment in developing into a medical/health care town with its 3 major hospitals, strong educational opportunites, and along with many research
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shaverca - 2/27/2006
Looking for a community to move to in 2-3 years ... needs to be diverse, near universities, rivers,
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The Scoop - 2/8/2006
I'm 26 and have lived in this city for about 20 years.
Good
...accessible home ownership - you can find very nice "starter" homes in quality neighborhoods for $100,000.
...top-notch Christian colleges - Calvin, Aquinas, Cornerstone, & Hope.
...and on that note you will feel very comfortable here if you fall under the "Christian" (particularly CRC) religious banner. The world, yes world, headquarters of the Christian Reformed Church is located here.
...lots of minor league sports teams.
...recent revival of a stagnant downtown, largely driven by Van Andel Arena (great venue for concerst and sports).
...Lake Michigan is about a 45 minutes drive away. And if you're willing to put in the effort this is by far our best rec feature - swimming, boating, fishing, even surfing if you're willing to brave the elements (surf is generally only up in the fall and winter when the wind is gusting).
Bad
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Good but not good enough for me... - 2/4/2006
I was born and raised in Grand Rapids. It's a nice place to raise a family, but not too many opportunities are here for Blacks. I have lived on the SE side, the NE side and in Forest Hills. By far Forest Hills was the best...but DIVERSITY in Forest Hills is a negative! I hate the cold winters and enjoy the beauty of summers here, however I think I can find more promise in another state. The economy has plummeted and job security has become very shaky (as it is in many places). Our unemployment rate has us at the top of the list in "worst places for employment". If your looking for a conservative, family-oriented environment with a false sense of tolerance for minorities...this is the place for you! As for me my train will leave in the next 6
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My city - 10/6/2005
This is my city I was born and raised here. This city is really simple,party,money,music.
If any of these things intrest you. Then you will fit in fine here. Keep an open mind there stupid people every were.Find the good
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Warm and Friendly People - 8/24/2005
I moved to Grand Rapids a couple years ago, after moving around for 20 plus years because of my career. As soon as I visited the city I was impressed by the warmth and kindness of its residents. The first place I lived that I could actually feel comfortable about buying a house. It is a city with values and just a fabulous place to live and raise a family. I saw someone post about "Lack of Tolerance". It's too bad she had a bad experience with a church but you really can't judge an entire city and its vast population by a singular experience. GR is one of the Midwest's best kept
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