Grand Rapids Area -- Diversity? (Wyoming, Kentwood: new house, neighborhood, middle school)

[gatorlady]

As a former EGR resident, I would recomend it only if you're very white, very educated, and very $$ oriented. Having grown up there, it offered little diversity and knowledge of how the "real" world really functions. I would recomend the Forrest Hills areas as there is more diversity. It covers a much larger area (demographically and geographically) than EGR, but as for a school system, I don't know if you'll find anything in the GR area any better. I now reside in the Central FL area and what I wouldn't do to go home, but we'd starve with the unemployment rates y'all are suffering there. But, I love your housing prices.

[mph1971]

It may be late to add my two cents, but in the chance in provides some use to others, I thought I'd contribute.

Some background about me - White, originally from NYC, have lived in Phoenix, AZ for ten years, married to Asian woman. I live in the Forest Hills area, in a suburb of Grand Rapids, called Ada. I have been in Grand Rapids for nearly two years now. The first year, I rented an apartment in Kentwood.

I prefer Ada over Kentwood considerably - including the schools. I have two daughters ages 12 & 14.

The crime rate is hardly noticable as far as I'm concerned - and, no I'm not comparing it to Phoenix or New York. Like a previous poster mentioned, there are MAYBE a handful of streets I would hesitate to walk down after hours. Don't have any concerns about crime. To compare the GR crime rate to Detroit is ridiculous - laughable for my vantage point.

From my experience, jobs are quite difficult to get. I was recruited for a position, so it wasn't a problem for me, but my wife has had considerable difficulty. The job market is not good, and there seems to be a lot of competition from the MI lifers.

The diversity (if you want to call it that) is nearly nonexistant. A few ethnic restaurants here and there, and little in the way of culture. Seems like most people that live here, were born here and intend to die here - and have no real interest in seeing the rest of the country. I don't find the racism here any greater than anywhere else, just unfamiliarity with race and culture, and little interest in it. My wife however says it is worse for her here than anywhere else she has lived, but not terrible though.

I have found the people to be pretty well educated and decent. My experiences here have been good, but I wouldn't want to stay here for the long-term. Although you'd have a hard time finding housing that is more affordable, there are at least a dozen other places in the country I could think of that I'd rather be.

GR is central to some neat places to visit - Toronto and Chicago among them. They're just not close enough as far as I'm concerned. My wife and I regularly visit to Chicago to stay in touch with "the real world". If you like the small town atmosphere, with some of the convenience offered in more urban areas, Grand Rapids is a decent compromise - at least for a few years.

Just my opinions and perspective. Hope it helps.

[Wabbit]

I always find it interesting when people hold it against Grand Rapids for not being Chicago –as if that's some grand aspiration all medium size cities should have. To me, Grand Rapids is a city you can hold in your hand and that's why I love it. The idea that Grand Rapids is not a part of "the real world" because it doesn't meet some east coast elitist's criteria of livability is all the more reason to celebrate it.
I especially liked this disdain-dripping generalization:

"Seems like most people that live here, were born here and intend to die here
-and have no real interest in seeing the rest of the country. I don't find the racism here any greater than anywhere else, just unfamiliarity with race and culture, and little interest in it."

HA! –That sounds like a journal entry written by some 18th century explorer, describing the primitive nature of the indigenous tribe.
The only thing you forgot was a little cherry on the top, so I’ll add it for you.
“But what can you expect from fly over country”

Bottom line,
Grand Rapids is a ridiculously safe, clean, friendly, inexpensive place to live.
Sure it could use a shot of ethnic diversity, and especially Asians, but all things considered, it’s a great place to live.
And, yes, this uncultured, socially stagnant, (supposedly) diversity-averse Grand Rapidian could live, and has lived, anywhere I’ve wanted.

Oh yeah, ...Just my opinion.

[suydam]

Well put Wabbit.

Sweeping generalizations like those you quoted are mildly offensive, and completely ignorant.

[scottmi]

Originally Posted by Wabbit

I always find it interesting when people hold it against Grand Rapids for not being Chicago –as if that's some grand aspiration all medium size cities should have. To me, Grand Rapids is a city you can hold in your hand and that's why I love it. The idea that Grand Rapids is not a part of "the real world" because it doesn't meet some east coast elitist's criteria of livability is all the more reason to celebrate it.

I for one am glad GR isn't Chicago.

Chicago sucks 100%. That includes everyone in it. Yes, that's a generalization of the entire population of Chicago but in this case it's acceptable. Chicago in all ways sucks monkey balls.

And you can quote me on that.

[HotSauce]

My wife is Chinese. I am Caucasian. We have two children who have gone through the Forest Hills Northern schools (grade, 5/6, 7/8, and high school). They are excellent schools. My son has gone on to the University of Michigan. My daughter is still in high school. We live in a very small neighborhood in the north-east part of of Kentwood - southwest corner of Burton and Forest Hills Road (Forest Hills school district). Even though our neighborhood is very small (just 2 small streets), it is very diverse. We have 1 black family, 2 Chinese families (not counting our mixed race family), 2 Japanese families, 2 Indian families, 1 Bosnian family, and of course a few Dutch families. Grand Rapids is home to many Dutch people. We have lived in this neighborhood for over 10 years and we love it here. We would surely welcome your family into our neighborhood!

[HotSauce]

Originally Posted by colorado_sunshine

Folks, not to put a damper on your excitement, but I would seriously consider your move to Michigan CAREFULLY. There are no decent jobs and most of the state is crumbling quickly. GR is one of the highest crime areas in the country. We loved Michigan and loved Rockford where we left after 40 years, but with ZERO jobs and no future, everyone is leaving. It was the hardest thing we ever did. The grass may be literally green in Michigan and I know Texas is having its trouble too, but to go to Michigan is the biggest mistake you could ever make. Someone needs to re-org the state and start over then consider a move there. You have sooooo many more better options!!

Good luck and proceed with caution.

I guess it all depends on what you do for a living. Grand Rapids is thriving in some areas. Not too long ago the New York Times had an article about the fantastic growth in the medical and research sciences in Grand Rapids. Michigan State University is moving its medical school to Grand Rapids. There is tons of growth in that area along Michigan avenue. Have you been there lately? They are building like crazy. Then we have the world famous Van Andel Institute doing cancer research. I myself am a Software Engineer who telecommutes (i.e., I work at home with a global team - all over the US, India, Australia, and Brazil). I could live anywhere I want. And I choose to stay where I am in the Forest Hills School District in my very diverse neighborhood. Thank you!

[HotSauce]

One additional thing regarding crime in the Grand Rapids area. I grew up in the Detroit area - was there for the largest part of my life. Have been here in the GR area for 11 years. I have traveled all over the US. Have been to most of its major cities. Have also traveled across Canada - love Toronto. Spent a few weeks in Hong Kong - loved it there. I mention these places just as a perspective.

When we moved to the Grand Rapids area, I was surprised to see so many people leaving their cars unlocked - and windows open. I don't recommend that. But that was a pleasant surprise from what I was used to in the Detroit area. Yes as with all cities of any size, Grand Rapids has a few streets you would be wise to avoid. But if you want a safe place and a great place to raise a family, then the Grand Rapids area fits the bill.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by HotSauce

My wife is Chinese. I am Caucasian. We have two children who have gone through the Forest Hills Northern schools (grade, 5/6, 7/8, and high school). They are excellent schools. My son has gone on to the University of Michigan. My daughter is still in high school. We live in a very small neighborhood in the north-east part of of Kentwood - southwest corner of Burton and Forest Hills Road (Forest Hills school district). Even though our neighborhood is very small (just 2 small streets), it is very diverse. We have 1 black family, 2 Chinese families (not counting our mixed race family), 2 Japanese families, 2 Indian families, 1 Bosnian family, and of course a few Dutch families. Grand Rapids is home to many Dutch people. We have lived in this neighborhood for over 10 years and we love it here. We would surely welcome your family into our neighborhood!

It sounds like you moved here about the same time we did HotSauce, and your neighborhood sounds a lot like ours (we're in the NE in Forest Hills Eastern district).

Hello fellow Grand Rapidian!

[HotSauce]

Originally Posted by magellan

It sounds like you moved here about the same time we did HotSauce, and your neighborhood sounds a lot like ours (we're in the NE in Forest Hills Eastern district).

Hello fellow Grand Rapidian!

Hello to you too. Were you Northern or Central before they built Eastern? I've been at a couple events at Eastern high. Quite a nice facility.