Comparing greater GRapids areas (Detroit, Grand Rapids: work, housing, low crime)

[KAL]

Hi I wanted to see if anyone had any info that could shed some light on which areas to go just west of Grand Rapids? We're looking at Jenison, Grandville, Wyoming and Hudsonville to live. My husband will commute to Holland, and I stay at home and want to be by other young families, and are also looking at schools, and plenty of activities for the young ones and night entertainment as well. Additionally, any info on the best deals for updated 4 bed/2 bath homes? Thanks for the advice--

Katy

[bugbox]

I have lived in western Mich all my life so I guess I am a expert for your question. I recomend Grand Haven,Spring Lake area. Lake Mich beaches,fishing,golf,good schools,low crime, modest housing costs. Summer here will blow you away.Your selections you mentioned would not be my choice, come to GH and check it out.

[michiganmoon]

Originally Posted by KAL

Hi I wanted to see if anyone had any info that could shed some light on which areas to go just west of Grand Rapids? We're looking at Jenison, Grandville, Wyoming and Hudsonville to live. My husband will commute to Holland, and I stay at home and want to be by other young families, and are also looking at schools, and plenty of activities for the young ones and night entertainment as well. Additionally, any info on the best deals for updated 4 bed/2 bath homes? Thanks for the advice--

Katy

I agree with bugbox.

If your husband is already working in Holland, try living along the lakeshore, Grand Haven is a nice area and so is Spring Lake.

[cassy1]

Just stay away from Wyoming, the city is filling up with crime.

[KAL]

Thanks for the info-- we have a lot of family in SE Michigan though and wanted to keep our visits and theirs to a shorter drive, hence the western Grand Rapids area by the freeway. It's not the bottom line, though, so we will keep Grand Haven in the options with the realtor just to see what the homes/schools look like. I have heard the same from the Wyoming area, unfortunately, with schools and crimes...not like Detroit, but if it's a growing problem then I'd rather not even get in there right now. Grandville and Hudsonville looks better because of that. The water sounds great, along with the community, in Grand Haven. How are the schools? How long of a drive is Grand Haven from Grand Rapids?

[bugbox]

Hi Kal,

The schools in Grand Haven & Spring Lake are great,Spring Lake however I think is better. The drive from Grand Haven to Gr is about 1/2 hr on the freeway.
I'm sure when you compare the lake shore versus the gr subs you will stay in GH. Good Luck