Need help- Moving to Grand Rapids area (Lansing, Kentwood: apartments, insurance)

[Cooley150]

Hi: I will be moving to the Grand Rapids area next year. I have no clue where to start looking for an apartment. My fiancee will need to find a job (he's a computer guy, information technology) and we're hoping to find something between GR and Lansing. I'm not quite sure of the businesses located in the area. I'm excited to move though. I'm looking forward to the active community and to go back to school (why we are moving).

I've done a ton of searches, but figured it may be easier just to post a completely new thread.

Can anyone offer any input on the best/safest places to live? We have some small animals... so they will need to be factored in. Are there many businesses in town in need of a technology buff?

Thanks in advance!

[jaybrad77]

Moving to Michigan? Why? There's no work in Michigan! Haven't you watched the news, or read the internet? Michigan is ranked 1'st with unemployment and home forclosures! Alot of people are leaving Michigan because of this. I'm not saying there isn't ANY work, just fewer than years past. I could of stayed in Michigan, but I would of made less money than what I was making. Chances are you'll find a job, but you'll make close to minimum wage, and a family, "if you have one", can't survive on minimum wage. "Isn't it great that this country sent jobs over sea's to help build relations and help stabalize those countries economy?" "Isn't it great that this country did so, so that the smart kids could go off to college and take up Government jobs and work in corp. america, and the poor kids who can't afford to go to college, or who aren't smart enough, have no choice but to enlist in the military and help keep our military strong so we can remain a world power?"

[magellan]

Originally Posted by jaybrad77

Moving to Michigan? Why? There's no work in Michigan! Haven't you watched the news, or read the internet? Michigan is ranked 1'st with unemployment and home forclosures! Alot of people are leaving Michigan because of this. I'm not saying there isn't ANY work, just fewer than years past. I could of stayed in Michigan, but I would of made less money than what I was making. Chances are you'll find a job, but you'll make close to minimum wage, and a family, "if you have one", can't survive on minimum wage. "Isn't it great that this country sent jobs over sea's to help build relations and help stabalize those countries economy?" "Isn't it great that this country did so, so that the smart kids could go off to college and take up Government jobs and work in corp. america, and the poor kids who can't afford to go to college, or who aren't smart enough, have no choice but to enlist in the military and help keep our military strong so we can remain a world power?"

Awkward

Cooley150, are you looking for something specifically between Grand Rapids and Lansing? A lot of people live in Portland, Ionia or Lowell who commute to the two cities, but they're small communities. Otherwise, if you live in GR, Lansing is at least 50 - 60 minutes drive away.

[nikkigirl]

I think you shoudn't move until you know where your going and have a job!!!

[jaybrad77]

[quote=magellan;2941843]
Awkward

Awkward? Why's that, cause there's no jobs in Michigan?!? And it's bull poo that ALOT of manufacturing jobs went to Mexico and India and so forth, and because of that the entire country has an economic crisis?!? So in order to survive you have to enlist in the military, or take a job making close to minimum wage. Honestly, can you pay a mortgage, pay insurance, property taxes, buy groceries, pay for gas, and heating and electric, and pay a phone bill and so forth making $8 an hour? The president of Nike said he doesn't want to open a factory in the U.S. because, and I quote, "Americans don't want to make shoes." Really, so the hush puppy factory in Rockford, Michigan isn't employing americans? What it is, is he doesn't want to pay what people are worth so Nike can make more money. Just my opinion. So anyway, I guess it's awkward.

[sjellens]

If your looking to find a great IT job I would go to GR and not Lansing. There are alot of Medical related buildings going up including a new hospital. I grew up on the SE side in Kentwood. It is still fairly nice and safe. I would suggest the further to the south. Caledonia, Byron Center. Or to the SW Grandville, Jenison, Hudsonville. If your to the SW or South your fiancee could also look for work in Holland which is a great city if your in the right area.

[allbusiness]

[quote=jaybrad77;2943591]

Originally Posted by magellan

Awkward

Awkward? Why's that, cause there's no jobs in Michigan?!? And it's bull poo that ALOT of manufacturing jobs went to Mexico and India and so forth, and because of that the entire country has an economic crisis?!? So in order to survive you have to enlist in the military, or take a job making close to minimum wage. Honestly, can you pay a mortgage, pay insurance, property taxes, buy groceries, pay for gas, and heating and electric, and pay a phone bill and so forth making $8 an hour? The president of Nike said he doesn't want to open a factory in the U.S. because, and I quote, "Americans don't want to make shoes." Really, so the hush puppy factory in Rockford, Michigan isn't employing americans? What it is, is he doesn't want to pay what people are worth so Nike can make more money. Just my opinion. So anyway, I guess it's awkward.

Somebody's off their meds....

Anyway...

I'm going to assume YOU are gainfuly employed, and it's just your fiancee who will be looking right? And, are you an attorney? (I took a stab at the 'Cooley" handle)

I so, that gives you a good base to work from and an IT job for your fiancee shouldn't be too hard to find in either city. GR probably has the most to offer simply due to size. Pay no attention to the nay-sayers. Manufacturing IS hurting due to the loss of high paying union-type jobs to other countries, but the GR economy is still cruising along despite the losses. We definitely will have our stumbles, but in the end, the West michigan area will be fine.

[Nickc121]

I live in Lake Forest apartments. They're on plainfield between fuller and 4 mile. Decent location, right off the highway. Good commute times to most places in GR. Very quiet. The apartments are a bit old but maintenance is good. You can get a two bedroom, 1 1/2 bath for $660 a month.

[kwhitt]

Plainfield has some decently priced apartments. I lived in Northview Harbor appartments for 2 years. I also made the drive between GR and Lansing often to see my sister...takes apx 1-1 1/2 hrs depending on traffic, weather and road work.

My husband is in IT. Finding a job in that field won't be easy but your fiancee might have better luck if he has a few years experience already and some extra certifications.

Lowel has my vote for buying a house. Good schools too.