GR economy and Michigan (Detroit, Grand Rapids: find a job, living, restaurant)

[meadgrad]

Is the economy in Michigan reflected in GR? I know that Detroit is kinda an economic funnel, but how is GR doing? would the economy there be closer to whats happening in Chicago than Detroit? I know it kinda sucks everywhere across the country right now (I'm in Atlanta...kinda sucks here too), just wondering how GR compares to the rest of Michigan.

I would love to move back up to Michigan, but probably not back to the East side of the state...

[suydam]

Grand Rapids is a relative bright spot in the state.
Despite layoffs, the reason I say that is our economic diversity.
There are automotive jobs, parts suppliers and such that are tied to the automotive industry (though not just Detroit's Big 3).
There are other industries, however, that make and sell product across the country (Furniture, etc.).
There is also a burgeoning healthcare industry.

I don't think GR is tied to Detroit, but I also don't think you'll find cheerleaders right now. It's a tough time everywhere.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by meadgrad

Is the economy in Michigan reflected in GR? I know that Detroit is kinda an economic funnel, but how is GR doing? would the economy there be closer to whats happening in Chicago than Detroit? I know it kinda sucks everywhere across the country right now (I'm in Atlanta...kinda sucks here too), just wondering how GR compares to the rest of Michigan.

I would love to move back up to Michigan, but probably not back to the East side of the state...

Cost of living is lower than Atlanta, especially housing. Traffic is not even close to as bad as Atlanta, Chicago or Detroit. You can definitely make a niche for yourself in GR. A lot depends on your skills and experience. Unemployment rates here in GR are about the same as Atlanta (about 7%).

[mackinac81]

I'd say GR is one of the brighter spots in the state, as it's ups and downs mirror the national economy more than Detroit's. That said, it too is struggling with the national economy like everywhere these days.

[TimNovitsky9]

I would have to disagree. I don't know much about how hard it is to find a job in the rest of the state, but i have been unemployed since the end of September, and have applied to an average of 10 places a week since, and have only gotten 1 call back for an interview. This is part of the reason why I am going to be moving out of Michigan in a month and a half.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by TimNovitsky9

I would have to disagree. I don't know much about how hard it is to find a job in the rest of the state, but i have been unemployed since the end of September, and have applied to an average of 10 places a week since, and have only gotten 1 call back for an interview. This is part of the reason why I am going to be moving out of Michigan in a month and a half.

No offense Tim, but your past posts show that the most you've done is work 4 years cooking in a restaurant. What are you looking to do?

[suydam]

Originally Posted by TimNovitsky9

I would have to disagree. I don't know much about how hard it is to find a job in the rest of the state, but i have been unemployed since the end of September, and have applied to an average of 10 places a week since, and have only gotten 1 call back for an interview. This is part of the reason why I am going to be moving out of Michigan in a month and a half.

Unfortunately, anecdotes (as touching as they are... and I don't mean that condescendingly) aren't a very good way to get a picture of an area as a whole.

[TimNovitsky9]

however, its not just me, that's how it is for many people i know in the area.

[suydam]

Originally Posted by TimNovitsky9

however, its not just me, that's how it is for many people i know in the area.

About 7% of us in the area.

[allbusiness]

Grand Rapids is doing better than Michigan. Both are doing worse the the US on average, according to the lastest numbers for unemployment, manufacturing production and other economic indicators.

Although george Erickcek is making the rounds of all the West michigan chamber iof commerce breakfast meetings with updated figures, here the lastest date from his december forecast at the Upjohn Institute:

http://www.upjohninst.org/regional/Dec2008Busout.pdf