Looking for some help (Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo: affordable apartments, loft, homes)

[missa619]

Im looking to move to Grand Rapids in July early August. I know its kind of far away as of now, but I want to start my researching now. Im moving by myself and I am very unfamiliar with the Grand Rapids area. Im looking at moving somewhere near the airport. Is the area around the airport safe or should I look into finding a place a little bit of a drive away? Im not worried about driving 30-45 minutes to work, as long as its a safe place for me to be

[magellan]

Personally, the only apartments sort of near the airport that I'd consider living in are Woodland Creek or River Oaks. Traffic is pretty non-congested in GR, so I'd expand your search. If you like the single life (coffee shops, galleries, pubs, clubs), the only place to even consider is downtown Grand Rapids. There are quite a few newer and loft apartments to choose from. Try Heritage Hill for apartments in historic homes.

[enigmaingr]

There is not much residential area around the airport. On the bright side, a 30-45 minute commute opens open much of the metro area for consideration. Along with downtown, if you are single and relatively young (<35), you should consider East Hills or East Town. Very trendy area. Also, you might find a nice apartment in an historic home in Heritage Hill to your liking. For perspective, you can get from downtown to the airport in 15 minutes.

[roxyh]

Citywise, Belkapp area have affordable apartments and its so close to everything. I would personally stay out of the westside (West of the Grand River) and Heritage Hills is in the middle of everything. If you don't want to live in the city, I would consider Alpine (North of GR) or Wyoming, Kentwood, or Grandville (South of GR). There are all about 15 miles from downtown, but have a slower, laid back feel. The Airport is in Kentwood (or bordering Kentwood) and you may have gotten the impression that there is nothing by the airport. Well, there isn't. The Airport is on the edge of the town when your leaving the Metro Area, and I mean the very edge. There are no expressways to the airport and is surrounded mostly by industrial parks and then farmland. Anything you are going to want to do is west of E Paris/E Beltline, including the beach which is an half hour away from the westside of town and really easy to get to.

[Chrono]

Well if you don't mind a 30-45 drive, I have a couple of recommendations southwest of the airport.

I'm from Dorr which isn't too bad if you don't mind a half hour drive to Grand Rapids. Its a town that's kind of in between GR and Kalamazoo right off the 131 highway. The Byron Center and Grandville [by the Rivertown Mall] areas seem better if your looking for someplace closer because they're along the Paul B Henry [M6] Highway and that highway will take you strait to the airport if you get off on Broadmoor Ave.

Just a couple of ideas. I hope I was able to help.

[xlabel]

I used to work in Kentwood and give a co-worker a ride home now and then. He lived at some apts on 44th St. SE and Breton Ave. They looked like nice apts. and I never heard him say he had any problems. I wouldn't go much further West on 44th St than Kalamazoo Ave, then your getting closer to S. Division and that area can be rough.