Can't find an apartment in GR! (Grand Rapids: apartments, for rent, condos)

[meganruth]

Ugh, my job is relocating me to the Grand Rapids area in July and I am looking online to try and find a place to stay. From my research, it seems like East of the river - Heritage Hill, Eastown, EGR - are our best bets for a neighborhood.

We are a young couple, mid-twenties, and want to be close to bars, restaurants, and the art scene. We are from South Bend, IN where you have to drive to everything, so driving isn't an issue, although it seems parking in grand rapids IS an issue.

We have never really visited, and are looking for an apartment (1-2 bedrooms, $1250 MAX) with absolutely no luck. Does anyone have any recommendations?

[mjlo]

Start with Craigslist, Grand Rapids is a Craigslist heavy city with hundreds of postings daily in and around the areas you're looking for. Also check out livedowntowngrandrapids.com They have new units coming online and are going to max out your budget but they might have something in your range.

Craigslist will probably be your best bet, you have to check it often and call quick. East Hills, Easttown, Heritage Hill, Cherry Hill, and Creston are all good neighborhoods. You also may have some luck on the Westside, which is just as close. Do a search for Union Square in the craigslist search box. The condos for rent are expensive but if you can handle a 1 bedroom it will likely be in your price range and the community and amenities are perfect for you. All within walking distance to the Brewery and Bar scene in downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The only place parking will really be an issue will be in Downtown itself or the Heartside. Other than that you will be fine and you can walk, uber, or take the bus system just about anywhere if you don't want to drive.

You can always do an apartments.com search and check out some of the places in the suburbs. However the complexes in the suburbs tend to have 3-4 month waiting lists even in the less desirable communities. Your best bet will be in one of the renovated multi unit homes, or new buildings in the center city area.

Hope this helps.

[Michigantown]

Originally Posted by meganruth

Ugh, my job is relocating me to the Grand Rapids area in July and I am looking online to try and find a place to stay. From my research, it seems like East of the river - Heritage Hill, Eastown, EGR - are our best bets for a neighborhood.

We are a young couple, mid-twenties, and want to be close to bars, restaurants, and the art scene. We are from South Bend, IN where you have to drive to everything, so driving isn't an issue, although it seems parking in grand rapids IS an issue.

We have never really visited, and are looking for an apartment (1-2 bedrooms, $1250 MAX) with absolutely no luck. Does anyone have any recommendations?

For people that can't or won't walk.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by meganruth

Ugh, my job is relocating me to the Grand Rapids area in July and I am looking online to try and find a place to stay. From my research, it seems like East of the river - Heritage Hill, Eastown, EGR - are our best bets for a neighborhood.

We are a young couple, mid-twenties, and want to be close to bars, restaurants, and the art scene. We are from South Bend, IN where you have to drive to everything, so driving isn't an issue, although it seems parking in grand rapids IS an issue.

We have never really visited, and are looking for an apartment (1-2 bedrooms, $1250 MAX) with absolutely no luck. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I know of a house you can rent. It's not necessarily in a "hip" neighborhood but you can ride your bikes to bars, restaurants, a Celebration Cinema, Meijer, etc. (a tad far to walk but a very short drive). 12 minute drive to downtown GR. Will be ready July 1st.

If you shoot me a message I can send you the address and contact info.