2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Grand Rapids, MI vs Alpena, MI

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Highlights
Are people in Alpena older or younger than people in Grand Rapids?
- The Median Age in Alpena is 12.5 years older than in Grand Rapids.

Are housing costs cheaper in Alpena or Grand Rapids?
- Alpena housing costs are 42.5% less expensive than Grand Rapids housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Alpena or Grand Rapids?
- The average commute for residents of Alpena is 7.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Grand Rapids.

Things to do in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids, Michigan is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for everyone. Nature lovers can explore the banks of the Grand River or take a walk through one of the city's beautiful parks. History buffs should check out sites like the Gerald R. Ford Museum to learn more about Grand Rapids' past. Sports fans can catch a game at DeVos Place, while foodies can sample all kinds of delicious eats throughout town. Shopping lovers should head to The Shops at Centerpointe or Woodland Mall for good deals on all kinds of items. With its lively atmosphere and exciting activities, Grand Rapids is an amazing destination!

Things to do in Alpena?
Alpena stands out as Michigan's only natural deep water harbor conveniently situated near Lake Huron's Thunder Bay . With over 10000 inhabiting citizens this area provides tremendous recreational variety from boating expeditions to world class scuba diving dives & almost infinite outdoors fishing very popular among vacationers coming from all over United States .

 Grand Rapids, MIAlpena, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock10,181329,725,481
 Median Income$55,385  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock4438.4
 Avg. Home Price$247,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.35  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Grand Rapids    62 Reviews

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  More

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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  More

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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  More

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Reviews for Alpena    5 Reviews

One of the ten best places to visit in Michigan. I was born and raised in Michigan but now live in Seattle. I get back to Michigan frequently because my brother  More

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Over 12 years ago

Alpena is 740 ft above sea leval and gets 72 in. of snow every year. That's a good thing and Alpena is a winter wonderland for me . Clean and crisp with the lake frozen  More

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Alpena is a town for all ages, with plenty to do, more than one person could attend. I think the events are varied and offer something for everyone. The town is  More

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