[michigan83]

OK guys... I was over on the U.S. forum trying to convince someone of the benefits of the Grand Rapids/West Michigan area, and they asked a question about the Traverse City area.

Since I've never been to Traverse City (unthinkable, I know), I thought I should defer to the experts.

So, if anyone wants to take a stab at answering, here you go:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/city-...where-not.html

[freespiritsprite]

Hey! Thanks for putting my question over here. I appreciate it and any help ya'll can give me.

[michmoldman]

Never been to GR, but I have heard great things about it. I have been to TC, and it is awesome! The great thing about TC is, it is closer to the U.P, and all the other great "northern lower" areas. There are a ton of lakes and rivers, and beautiful forests. Even though GR probably has more job opportunities, i think the TC area is more for the outdoors type. The whole area around TC is gorgeous! Actually we love the area also, and will be moving up that way within a year or two. I CANNOT wait!

[magellan]

For quality of life, I'd say they're pretty similar. But that's where the similarities end. Having spent a lot of time in Traverse City, and living in GR for 14 years, Grand Rapids is more of a "city". It has large wards of older neighborhoods, multiple business districts (each with its own identity and feel), is more diverse, huge suburban areas with highways, massive neighborhoods and malls (Traverse City has not one highway, one small mall), a bigger downtown with some fairly large employers (although TC's retail offerings downtown beat Grand Rapids'), and an economy of about $39 Billion a year (compared to TC's $2.6 Billion).

I would say outdoor amenities are pretty similar. There are a lot of camping, hiking, canoeing, biking, hunting, fishing and boating opportunities in Grand Rapids or within an easy 15 - 20 minute drive. But the scenery is more picturesque in TC, and the big lake is closer (although you do have to drive over to the Empire area to actually be on Lake Michigan). Grand Traverse Bay being right across from downtown TC is a big asset.

[Jswee]

Traverse City has very little violent crime compared to Grand Rapids. There are virtually no parts of TC that I would be uncomfortable walking through at night, can't say the same for GR.

Traverse City has an excellent public school system and tons and tons of outdoor recreational opportunities. (Where do you go skiing in GR?) Small town atmosphere with a lot of big city amenities, the perfect mix for raising a family.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by Jswee

Traverse City has very little violent crime compared to Grand Rapids. There are virtually no parts of TC that I would be uncomfortable walking through at night, can't say the same for GR.

Traverse City has an excellent public school system and tons and tons of outdoor recreational opportunities. (Where do you go skiing in GR?) Small town atmosphere with a lot of big city amenities, the perfect mix for raising a family.

Cannonsburg and Pando are just North of GR, and Bittersweet and Timber Ridge are within a 30 minute drive. Cadillac is about a 1:20 minute drive.

There are a few areas of Grand Rapids that aren't safe to walk through at night, but it's maybe a 3 - 4 block area. It's a city. It's not a town. It will have crime/gangs/shootings in the poorer areas. There are some dirt-poor rural areas in Grand Traverse County that I wouldn't recommend getting out of your car either.

Oh, and I can't forget golf. Both areas have a ton of courses. Traverse City beats GR in the number of breathtaking courses, whereas Grand Rapids wins hands down for a larger number of affordable courses.

I will also say for healthcare, I meet a lot of people here in GR from Northern Michigan who have to come down here for certain types of care. I know for certain there are certain specialties that don't exist in that area (actually, anywhere North of Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw). It's a good 2 hour drive from Traverse City to Grand Rapids, just fyi.

It all depends on what you are looking for. Personally, I think Grand Rapids is a bit too small of a city. It could stand to be 50% larger, IMO.

[YAZ]

For a career move, I'd do Grand Rapids.

For a retirement move, I'd do Traverse City.

Both are great towns.

[suydam]

Originally Posted by YAZ

For a career move, I'd do Grand Rapids.

For a retirement move, I'd do Traverse City.

Both are great towns.

Jackpot!

As much as I'd love to live in TC, I spent years looking for any sort of high-tech employment up there (software, IT management, etc) and gave up eventually.

GR has that type of work, I found a job, moved here, and don't see myself leaving (unless forced out) at this point.

[scolls]

I made the mistake of moving to Northern Michigan. It seems great when you vacation up there, but it's not the type of place to live year round. Crime is worse than people think. I was exposed to the same drugs and everything else as I was when I lived in Detroit or here in Harper Woods. Are you going to get murdered? No, but they still have a lot of property theft and drugs up north. Traverse City, however, is about the best you can get up north. At least they have a shopping mall.