Life in Grand Rapids
Our hometown is Michigan’s second-largest city. Grand Rapids sits in the heart of West Michigan. Just 30 miles east of beautiful Lake Michigan, it’s a friendly, vibrant, diverse community with plenty to see and do.
SMALL TOWN, BIG AMENITIES
Featuring many amenities of a larger city coupled with the warmth of a small town, Grand Rapids offers easy access to an array of recreational activities and landscapes. Neighborhoods have strong public schools with reasonable home prices and cost of living.
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
It’s home to excellent restaurants, a bustling nightlife with live music venues, comedy clubs, karaoke bars and theaters featuring local productions and national tours, including Hamilton, Six, Come From Away, and Hadestown. Named ‘Beer City USA,’ Grand Rapids has 40 breweries within the city and surrounding suburbs.
SPORTS
Sports enthusiasts enjoy affordable access to the West Michigan Whitecaps (minor league baseball), the Grand Rapids Griffins (minor league hockey) and the Grand Rapids Gold (G-league basketball) as well as collegiate events at Grand Valley State University locally and nearby Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.
POPULAR GETAWAYS
Michigan is a state with a lot to offer, from stunning natural scenery to vibrant cities. There are plenty of great day trips and getaways to choose from, no matter what your interests are.
- Chicago and Detroit: The bright lights, pro sports, shopping and restaurants of Chicago and Detroit are both within three hours.
- Golf: Beautiful golf courses can be found nearby and across Michigan, including the Ravines Golf Club in Saugatuck, designed by Arnold Palmer.
- Ski: Enthusiasts can trek to Boyne Mountain, Caberfae and Crystal Mountain for great runs.
- Wine Country: Wine enthusiasts will enjoy the scenic drive to Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula, or the even shorter drive southwest to the Lake Michigan shore, where high-quality wineries await.
- Mackinac Island: A historic, pedestrian-only island accessible by boat. It is a great weekend getaway and gateway to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport: For longer trips, the easily accessible Gerald R. Ford International Airport is conveniently located on the east side of the city with nonstop flights to cities across the U.S.
Affordability
Housing prices and cost of living also provide a fair value relative to other locations, especially for the resources and amenities available in the area.
The average rent is about $1,100 per month (with more than 80% of available units ranging from $700 to $1,500), and the median home value averages $250,000. Food costs, restaurant prices and live entertainment are affordable and more accessible than in the larger cities.
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