Good Lifestyle
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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 economy in general. The city is on the cusp of a boom in medical/healthcare/biotech that will likely spur other professional services jobs and entrepreneurial activity. There's also a lot of building going on -- always a good sign.
There seem to be more people moving in from other areas, thinning out the conservative, Christian Reformed and solid white masses -- there's a sizable Hispanic population which isn't well integrated but go to their neck of the words to get some great authentic Mexican food.
Shopping leaves a lot to be desired but you can always make a road trip to Chicago. Housing prices are good; houses are fairly well constructed (even though they tend to be very traditional).
We've found people to be very friendly and welcoming (but maybe that's because they feel for us for having lived in New Jersey!)
Final thoughts -- any where you live is what you make it. We think GR has what it takes to provide a good foundation upon which we can build a good lifestyle.
CJ | Forest Hills, MI