Grand Rapids, MI or Rochester, NY (Allendale, Grand Haven: university, live, bus)

[Yvaine]

I am considering a move to Rochester (University of Rochester) or to Allendale/Grand Rapids (Grand Valley State U). Will be there at least one year, possibly more. Where would you rather live... (also posted in Rochester-area forum)

[magellan]

Originally Posted by Yvaine

I am considering a move to Rochester (University of Rochester) or to Allendale/Grand Rapids (Grand Valley State U). Will be there at least one year, possibly more. Where would you rather live... (also posted in Rochester-area forum)

Have you visited both? What were your impressions?

I think in a lot of ways, Rochester and Grand Rapids are very similar (weather, river runs through both downtowns, history). I believe University of Rochester is closer to the downtown area than GVSU/Allendale, so that might have its pluses. But the GVSU/Allendale campus is growing like crazy, so it has a very nice vibrant feel to it (more than it did 10 years ago). And they have a very robust bus system between Allendale and the downtown campuses. Plus you're pretty close to Lake Michigan and Grand Haven, if you like beach towns.

[Glurknobia]

As far as GVSU, much hinges on wether you are in Allendale or GR. The Allendale campus is a little isolated while all the amenities of downtown are within walking distance of GR.

[Yvaine]

Thanks for the comments Glurknobia and Magellan. I have visited both Allendale and Grand Rapids as well as Rochester and you're right both areas have a similar feel. The GVSU (and GR city) bus system seems great. For both U of R and GVSU it seems like it would be helpful to have a car. Both seem to have thriving arts communities. And both campuses have nice main sites as well as satellite campuses downtown. Thanks again for chiming in