Grand Rapids, MI, known as "Furniture City," is famous for its rich history in furniture manufacturing and its vibrant arts scene. Located in the western part of Michigan, Grand Rapids is approximately 30 miles east of Lake Michigan and 150 miles northwest of Detroit. This medium-sized city offers a perfect blend of cultural amenities and Midwestern charm.
The climate in Grand Rapids features cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, providing a variety of seasonal activities. Residents can enjoy the city's many parks and outdoor spaces, including the scenic Millennium Park and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, which offer trails, gardens, and recreational opportunities year-round.
Grand Rapids is renowned for its dynamic cultural scene, with institutions such as the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. The city hosts numerous events and festivals, including ArtPrize, one of the world's largest art competitions, and the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, which celebrate the city's artistic and culinary achievements.
Education is a key focus in Grand Rapids, with several higher education institutions, including Grand Valley State University, Calvin University, and Aquinas College, contributing to the city's vibrant academic environment. The city's public and private schools are well-regarded, making it an attractive place for families. The strong emphasis on education supports a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.
Living in Grand Rapids combines the benefits of urban living with the warmth of a close-knit community. Residents have access to top-notch healthcare facilities, a thriving job market, and diverse dining and shopping options. The city's efficient public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, Grand Rapids offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Amenities
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Grand Rapids is a mid-sized city located in the state of Michigan. The city has a population of 199,417 inhabitants. With a population density of 4,454 people per square mile, Grand Rapids is well above the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (66% White). Given that fact, Grand Rapids could be considered less diverse than other cities. Grand Rapids tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 31 is far below the national average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 43% of the Grand Rapids population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Grand Rapids offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Grand Rapids is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Michigan, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Grand Rapids and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes commute, health & safety, education and other important metrics.
Grand Rapids has a livability score of 83/100 and is ranked #34 in Michigan and #692 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Grand Rapids ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Grand Rapids also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that Grand Rapids ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Grand Rapids does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Grand Rapids has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Grand Rapids has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Grand Rapids are: Gerald R. Ford Museum, John Ball Zoo, and Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Grand Rapids market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Grand Rapids is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Grand Rapids come in at $156,500, which is 22.5% higher than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Grand Rapids, the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 24% higher than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Grand Rapids | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 73.1% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.4% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.4% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.4% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.8% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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