Can anyone tell me about Holland? (Detroit, Grand Rapids: homes, lease, jobs)

[CoffeeAddict]

From what I've read online it seems like a great place. Smalltown-ish, but still active. Lots of stores downtown, parks. etc. Looks safe.

I'm wondering if anyone lives there and if so what do you think of it? How's the weather? Any tornados?

I know in metro detroit there's only about 4 months of really cold weather, not too bad. It's still pretty warm now and it's almost halloween. Is it much colder and for much longer, over there by the water?

Is it dog friendly?

Got any pictures of the downtown area? I can't seem to find many good ones online.

Thanks!

[bugbox]

I would check out Grand Haven or Spring Lake just 20 min north of Holland. They are cool resort towns close to Grand Rapids. Re: winter on the lake shore- more snow here compared to inland areas due to lake effect snow. Mid Dec through 1st of April. after that paradise.

[suydam]

Holland is generally a tad warmer and a lot snowier than Detroit. Proximity to the big lake increases precip but also the relatively warmer waters of the lake keep the temps moderated.

Holland is a great small city. As mentioned, Grand Haven and Spring Lake are nice too. Go check them all out before you decide where to move. All three are within 45 minutes of downtown Grand Rapids (jobs), sit on the lakeshore, and are within 30 minutes of each other.

[CoffeeAddict]

I'm taking a quick day trip down there tomorrow (tuesday) so if anyone has some suggestions on what I should see I'd be very greatful.

Sorry for the short notice, it's just a spur of the moment idea since it's only 2 hours away from me.

I'll be leaving at 10am

[suydam]

Originally Posted by CoffeeAddict

I'm taking a quick day trip down there tomorrow (tuesday) so if anyone has some suggestions on what I should see I'd be very greatful.

Sorry for the short notice, it's just a spur of the moment idea since it's only 2 hours away from me.

I'll be leaving at 10am

8th St. is the main drag downtown. Be sure to wander around a little. It's a great little downtown with some nice shops, cafes and restaurants. I'm partial to Butch's Drydock for food and JP's for coffee.

If it's nice outside, grab a coffee at JP's and walk along 8th street until you get to "Boatwerks" restaurant where you could have some lunch. I also like the food at The Curragh and New Holland Brewery (which are both on 8th Street, across the street from each other).

If you don't frequent Lake MIchigan, I think the state park is worth a drive. You'd head north out of downtown on River and turn left on Douglas. It's about 15 minutes to the lake from there.

The historic district just south of downtown surrounding Hope College is pretty neat if you're into old homes.

Heck, Hope College itself is a jewel. A walk around might be worth your time there too.

[deslok]

Be prepared for a very conservative atmosphere in Holland. The area is primarily dutch, and skeptical of most folks not blonde hair blue eyes, or clearly Caucasian

[suydam]

Originally Posted by deslok

Be prepared for a very conservative atmosphere in Holland. The area is primarily dutch, and skeptical of most folks not blonde hair blue eyes, or clearly Caucasian

That ceased to be true decades ago.

[allbusiness]

Originally Posted by deslok

Be prepared for a very conservative atmosphere in Holland. The area is primarily dutch, and skeptical of most folks not blonde hair blue eyes, or clearly Caucasian

What an ass!


When did you visit, 1948?

[Yac]

Calm down, please.
Yac.

[allbusiness]

Originally Posted by Yac

Calm down, please.
Yac.

Sorry. My town. 5 generations. Non-Dutch. No blond hair. No blue eyes.
Best small town in Michigan in my opinon!