Grand Rapids - please advise (Detroit, Holland: wages, work, home)

[flaneur]

Hi,

I may be moving to Grand Rapids within the next few months. One can find a lot of posts telling how conservative and religious the city is, on the other hand the city was named one of the "bohemian bargains" by Forbes, which I guess, assumes more of a laid back attitude. I am a professional of European origin (foreign born that is) and completely, utterly un-religious - and so are my wife and kids. So I was wondering if we move to the area, especially one of the suburbs (for the sake of a good school) - are we likely or not to encounter some "cultural" issues with the neighbors and in the school? Especially I am concerned whether kids might feel somewhat alienated at school. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

[cassy1]

Just moved to NC from Rockford, MI - suburb of GR. You will be fine in GR, don't worry. People for the most part are friendly, and very open minded. I'm rather surprised that you are considering the move being with the state of the economy????? Anyway, lots of things to do, and if you are not religious don't worry, just don't move east of GR - lots of Dutch Christian Reformed live out there (Jenison and Holland, etc). Good luck!

[cassy1]

Originally Posted by cassy1

Just moved to NC from Rockford, MI - suburb of GR. You will be fine in GR, don't worry. People for the most part are friendly, and very open minded. I'm rather surprised that you are considering the move being with the state of the economy????? Anyway, lots of things to do, and if you are not religious don't worry, just don't move east of GR - lots of Dutch Christian Reformed live out there (Jenison and Holland, etc). Good luck!

Oh, oh I meant west of GR!

[mich2fla]

Originally Posted by flaneur

Hi,

I may be moving to Grand Rapids within the next few months. One can find a lot of posts telling how conservative and religious the city is, on the other hand the city was named one of the "bohemian bargains" by Forbes, which I guess, assumes more of a laid back attitude. I am a professional of European origin (foreign born that is) and completely, utterly un-religious - and so are my wife and kids. So I was wondering if we move to the area, especially one of the suburbs (for the sake of a good school) - are we likely or not to encounter some "cultural" issues with the neighbors and in the school? Especially I am concerned whether kids might feel somewhat alienated at school. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

The West Michigan area is very conservative.

If you are looking for a diverse school, look into Forest Hills Public Schools. They have over 75 different nationalities in the district. Our kids are friends with kids of many different race and religion background. I have never seen or heard any racial or religion slurs.

We live in Ada, zip code 49301. I'm sure you will feel welcomed in this area. If you have any more questions, post away or PM me.

[mike jones]

Good Choice.
You will not go wrong.
Good schools,family friendly.
Tons of Amway money tossed around= lots of community growth.
Very conservative town, plan on being in church every Sunday.

One of the few areas in this depressed miserable state worth re-locating to.

[kate_12]

Forest Hills has good schools, so does Rockford, Grandville, Caledonia, Byron Center, and many other suburbs of GR. All of the places I mentioned are within 20 minutes of Grand Rapids, so it wouldn't be a bad commute. I've lived in/around Grand Rapids my entire life, and I love it. Just be ready for some cooold weather! And I've never known anyone to look down on someone for not being religious. There are PLENTY of people who are not religious, and plenty of good, warm, welcoming people.

[Mark S.]

Will you encounter religious folks? Sure. Most likely quite a few. But as long as you respect their views, they'll respect yours.

[Jim Teague]

Great place to do business I would not live there. The business climate is great you can pay low wages, Charge high prices and make extreme profits. People are great to talk to. They will buy out dated products and don't understand whats going on. Stop buy we are always looking for the right people to work here. 5550 Clay Ave.

Good Luck

[aeroweb]

Grand Rapids is a great place to live. Slow pace of life (compared to Detroit and its sprawling suburbs) and friendly people. You will get a good exersize in religious tolerance as my experience has been that most people take it for granted that you go to church and are "Christian" or whatever. I just let it roll off my back...I do not attend church and have had no problems. The town is virtually closed on Sundays, however, except for abbreviated shopping hours. Restaurants are a very big deal here, so plan on trying many new places. Do research on home prices, tax rates and city layout. Once you narrow down the area you wish to live, finding a great home will be easy. You will most likely find GR a great place to be.

[Flyakuyt]

Hello,
Welcome to Michigan! I live in Hudsonville, one of those "conservative" areas west of Grand Rapids. We have good schools and very friendly neighbors. You will definitely meet other non-religious people here, besides those of us who attend church regularly. (There are lots of "in-betweens" as well.)
Could I make a suggestion? If you move here, why not try visiting a church or two? It might be an interesting experience for you and will help you to understand us better. Coming to GR without visiting a church would be like going to Japan without trying Asian cuisine - you can certainly do it, but you could be missing out on something really good. (By the way, I attend Jenison Bible Church.)