East side or west side? (Detroit, Grand Rapids: real estate, job, houses)

[travelling_paws]

I moved to MI 4 1/2 years ago. Lived in Grand Blanc, then Flint (and wierdly enough, I prefer Flint to GB.) Anyhow, I don't care for SE MI much - at least not the parts I can afford to buy real estate in.
I've spent some time on the west side of the state - Muskegon, Grand Rapids, etc. I really like Muskegon. The whole west side has a different "feel" to it. Seems more outdoorsy, a bit more progressive, perhaps.
I think it is prettier too. I know it's economically more stable, but I've been looking online at some real estate and there's sure a lot of affordable property around Muskegon.
So you long-time Michigan people, what's your take on east side vs west side? Are they really that different?

[DEvans]

I think the west side is better. It's more of a "hometown" feel in each area. Holland is a great place to live as well, if you are looking around that area.

[travelling_paws]

Thanks DE - I haven't been to Holland yet - in fact I just had to check the map to see exactly where it is! (Remember I'm relatively new to Michigan & haven't spent much time on that side of the state except for driving through.) Looks like a nice location. Is that where you live?
If I end up moving to that side of the state, I'd want to be right near the lake. I spent a weekend recently at a dog event and stayed up in Whitehall, that was real pretty too.

[mich2fla]

I have lived in Michigan all my life...most of it in Grand Rapids. I have lived for 2 yrs in Big Rapids, 5 yrs in Holland, and now 7 years in Ada (just east of GR). I have many relatives in the West Bloomfield area. The east side is different from West Michigan. The whole state has a lot to offer.

You didn't say if you're retired or what you do for a living. Are you single or do you have a family?

You are probably aware that Michigan job market isn't that great right now and unemployment is little over 7%. Maybe it's not an issue with you.

[travelling_paws]

Single with Rottweilers.
I'm self employed, so location isn't critical - wish I could afford to retire though!

[kate_12]

I've lived my entire life in Western Michigan, and I think its great. There is plenty to do, especially out towards the lake. In addition to Holland, look into South Haven, its a small little town thats right on the lake. Its a nice place. Grand Haven has the pier and lighthouses, etc. All these are about an hour from Grand Rapids, which has other stuff to do to. But all those towns have great places to take walks (w/ your dogs!) etc.

[mhogan10010]

Lived in MI for 22 years. All in Surburban Detroit. If you don't need to be near major sports teams, then the West side of the State may be the ticket for you. Of course I now live in NYC and am biased toward big cities.
To each his own.

[travelling_paws]

Kate - I've heard that Grand Haven is real nice, I do some business with someone who lives there. I guess I should take a weekend & do a little driving around out that way. When I stayed in Whitehall I was able to take a walk with the dogs on a really beautiful trail. Lots of people were walking and biking. This is something I've never seen around Flint. There's nice parks here, but they are empty and there just doesn't seem to be a culture of getting outdoors & being active around here. Coming from Colorado, this is strange to me!

mhogan - I barely know the difference between a basketball and a football. Watching sports isn't my thing at all, so that doesn't matter! NYC is great, I love visiting. Along with SF and Chicago, it's one of the few big US cities I could enjoy living in. Except I can't afford it...

[hyltoto]

If you believe Christian values are important in your personal dealings around the community, the West Side around Holland is very nice.

[mich2fla]

Lots of unique towns along Lake Michigan. I like Pentwater, Grand Haven, Holland, Saugatuck, and South Haven. Ludington is not too bad either.