Grand Rapids inquiry (Flint, Holland, Forest Hills: sales, real estate, condos)

[maestro41]

Hi everyone,
I am new to the forum here and thought I would ask a question regarding Grand Rapids. My wife and I were considering a future move to the GR area. She works in the Veterinary field doing office work and I am a masters level therapist working in the mental health industry. I was wondering what condo living is like in this area as well as any comments at all regarding jobs in these areas. I am not at all certain where in GR but we live in Tecumseh and would like something close to downtown but not living in a downtown environment. Any feedback would be super. Thank you.

[njvree]

Regarding living in close to downtown but not downtown environment.

Would suggest looking into East Grand Rapids, Grandville, NW or NE GR, Standale, Forest Hills.

[HackettsHouses]

Hi Maestro,
GR is a great place to relocate. Been here for almost 11 years now and love it.
Condo living appears to be fine here. I am a real estate agent, and my clients that have purchased condos have not regretted doing so. Plenty of associations around town.
Regarding the working climate specific to mental heatlh. We have probably one of the best institutions that I have ran into. I have a special needs son; ADHD, ODD and a few other conditions that our therapist says have (or cannot) be identified "for sure" yet...but we take Mason to Pine Rest. They are FABULOUS! Christian organization with wonderful social programs and therapist that we are forever indebted too.
GR is a great place to relocate. If I can be of any further help, don't hesitate to shoot an e-mail back.
Good Luck!
Mike Hackett
616-516-8885

[magellan]

There are a couple of new townhouse style condos going up just outside of downtown GR:

Broadway and 1st Townhomes off of Bridge St on the West side, construction has not started yet, but should soon. Area is a bit rough, like Wicker Park in Chicago was 10 - 15 years ago.
Park Row Townhomes, which is in MidTowne Village on Michigan St at the East end of what everyone is calling "Healthcare Hill", sales are under way.
Fairmount Square at 920 Cherry St Townhomes, which is a hip new area in East Hills, between Heritage Hill and Easttown, construction should start this Spring

East Grand Rapids, while a little short on condos, has great housing stock, a great urban feel that is extremely walkable, anchored by a retail district called Gaslight Village. Great schools if you have kids, but not totally kid-oriented.

Hope that helps.

[cmulder]

Hi,

I lived about 20 minutes from Grand Rapids in Allendale. It is a small town next to the college of Grand Valley. We have lived here since 1983. It is a growing area. We like it because it is close to Lake MI but also close to Grand Rapids as well as Grand Haven, Holland, Jenison, Grandville, etc. It is a growing community. There are condos always being built. I love living in West Michigan. I grew up near Flint MI and it is a lot different on the West side of Michigan. Great place to live and raise a family. We have many hospitals here also. Not sure on the job market.

Blessings
cmulder