Places To Live Based On Commuting Needs in Grand Rapids (Kalamazoo: apartment complexes, for rent)

[Jeff Nyman]

Greetings all.

I'm currently looking at a real good opportunity position for a company in Grand Rapids. Assuming I get through the interview process and get an offer, this is definitely something I plan on doing.

The business itself is located at around 1500 E. Beltline Avenue SE in Grand Rapids. I would be moving from the Chicago area.

What I'm curious to hear are some opinions on where it might make sense for me to think about living, given I would hope for a "reasonable" commute between home and work.

The initial plan is that I would probably get an apartment until my wife and I could sell our home here and, of course, find one in Grand Rapids.

Any thoughts? Even general suggestions are just fine as that will give me more to look into on apartment hunter sites and so forth. Right now I'm just looking for some thoughts because I have no reference points to go on. I haven't even been up that way yet but I'm heading in for my interview on April 1st.

[magellan]

I would definitely say East Grand Rapids, as it's a beautiful area and sits right next door. On warm days, you could even bike to work.

Although, I don't know of a lot of apartments in East. Maybe rent a house or townhouse (?) Be careful of some of the complexes around Woodland Mall. They might look OK during the day, but I wouldn't live in most of them. Burton Ridge might be OK.

[suydam]

I live in East G.R. I agree... very nice area and perfect for a commute to the 1500s on EBL.
There are almost no apartments, but plenty of homes for rent right now.

[enigmaingr]

You'll have some options for commuting. Kentwood, Forest Hills, SE Grand Rapids all come to mind. The East Beltline is a major road that accesses a lot of different communities.

I agree that you should avoid the apartment complexes immediately near Woodland Mall. You should check out the complexes on East Paris. I have a friend that lives in one that is pretty nice.

The great thing for you coming from Chicago is that your idea of a reasonable commuting time will open up pretty much the entire metro area. For instance, an hour commute to a Chicago person means travel from one side of the city to the other. In GR, an hour commute is from here to Kalamazoo. If you are willing to travel even 30 minutes, you could live as far away as Lowell.

When you are ready to buy a house, consider East Grand Rapids if quality of schools will be a priority. If not, the far SE side of Grand Rapids offers similar quality houses and neighborhoods for less price and taxes.

[Jeff Nyman]

Thanks to everyone for your responses here. You've put some names out there that have given me some search parameters I can focus on. Much appreciated.

I'm actually heading out to Michigan this afternoon so I'll be able to see a little bit of the area and I'll focus on checking out some of the places mentioned here.

Much appreciated.