[quietmum]

We looking to relocate in about 2 years, granted things improve. We like the holland area (i like west ottawa hs, not holland city schools) and I have read several posts recommending the Grand Haven area. Which is the better of the two for a young family? Are there others areas that would be worth checking out?

our criteria is simple, in order of importance...
1. good public schools w/ strong athletic programs
2. community close to the lake (within 5 min, preferably walking distance)
3. affordable housing, preferably not cookie-cutter subdivisions (200k for 3 bdrm)
4. close (within 15 min drive) to lots of restaurants and entertainment, fun atmosphere
5. low violent crime, property crime isn't as big of an issue

also, we don't have the be right downtown, rural is okay as long as we are close to civilization and still within the lines of the preferable school districts.


i am just curious what locals view as the pros/cons/of these and surrounding towns. Thanks.

[Bydand]

Like was mentioned before, school district lines in Michigan are a relative thing because we have school of choice. Your physical address may not be on a preferred schools bus routes, or in the district, but you can pick the school you want your children to attend. I have a friend that lives in Holland and has children, they really like it there. (Both the city and the schools.) It is NOT like the northeast where it about takes an act of God to have your child attend a different school district. Here it takes a piece of paper basically.

[michmoldman]

Here is one of a few videos that shows some of the beauty of the Holland area.
Holland Video - Holland Michigan

[quietmum]

I had to smile when you said it takes an act of God to switch schools in the northeast. That's where we're from and it's horrible! That's a great option to be able to send your kids anywhere. Thank you, that's great to know, I wish they'd adopt school choice here, although it wouldn't be enough to keep us here.

[allbusiness]

That other video is basically about the annual Tulip Festival. Here's the new "Move to Holland! video.

[deslok]

I have to laugh whenever I see that video. Not because I think it is clever, or that Holland is so wonderful, but because my experiences there have been quite different. I think part of the reason they came out with the video was to shadow the fact that a lot of the rest of the state thinks of Holland as the land of the dutch. I too would love to believe the items mentioned in the video, but have had far different experiences not allowing me to do so.
With that being said quietmum, you seem a perfect fit based on the criteria you selected for either area.

[allbusiness]

Those with Dutch ancestry in Holland, MI are in the minority these days. Even so, ALL of Holland's ethnic groups are valued and contribute to the wonderful diverse community that we are. The ONE thing the video doesn't show is WINTER!!! (it was produced last fall) ;-)

[quietmum]

Thanks for all the input! I like Holland and all the area has to offer, but I think I'm leaning toward Grand Haven and Norton Shores for their schools. Holland is close enough for visiting when we feel like it. I can't wait to come visit. We are hoping to rent a home out for a week at next yr to get a feel of the areas. Is there any time of year (not peak summer) you would recommend?

I also have to mention that we watched the Holland video. I think its made very well and there were plenty of great things to say and see about the area. I also speculate that its not entirely accurate and things aren't that picture perfect anywhere you live. I live in Vermont and know first hand its not aways as great as the brochures make it out to be. (true everywhere I suppose!) I'd like to see more info on winter, the majority of the info out there is geared toward tourism in the summer.

[suydam]

Quietmum: Winter is long and snowy. That can be said for much of West Michigan though. The trick is to learn to enjoy it. Snowshoes, cross-country skiis, ice skating, etc.... those are diversions enjoyed by 1,000s of people and make winter fun (at least until March.. it alternated between blazing sunshine and blustery snow today).

[allbusiness]

60 degrees at 10 pm last night....23 degrees at 10am today. brrrrrrr.....