[allbusiness]

Since you've already made up your mind I won't go into why GR is a much better choice.

There are many nice places in SE Michigan, but basically stay out of the city of Detroit. It gives us all a bad name, nationwide and worldwide. It's sad but true.

We'll see you in five years when you get tired of crime, blight, political corruption and the economy.

[Bydand]

The Barney Fife and Andy Griffith Analogy really doesn't work. This person who came up with that lame argument, how much time has he spent in both cities? Both have their good points and both have their drawbacks, but personally I think the drawbacks in GR are much easier to live with than the ones Detroit has. Both are not my cup of tea, so I don't live in either; but, I would think if you are so upwardly mobile and have no ties anyplace, you might consider spending time in Both at first and then decide where to invest your future in a year or so. After really living and spending time in both of them you can more readily make an informed decision that fits you personally and not have to rely on a friends advice that to me sounds like a childish argument for one over the other, or on advice given by strangers over an internet forum.

[ladyblue09]

Originally Posted by GRowing

I offer my heartfelt thanks to all of those who responded no matter how racist, cliche, biased, ignorant, philosophically suspicious, or oddly supportive of Lansing they may have been.

People were trying to help you and you call them names? Try taking a stroll in downtown Detroit with that attitude and let us know how that works out for you.

[deslok]

Good luck in Detroit! If anyone is able to read objectively, you could clearly see that he is not insulting those that tried to help, merely pointing out that in many cases the pro-gr people were making some cliched, racist, biased, etc.. arguments.
I feel based on the op's personality and what he wants out of life, he has made the correct choice. I'd have to agree with Bydand that if it were me personally, I'd try to spend time in the area, both of them, if possible. If not, the next best thing is to gather information in the way that the OP did, through friends and other sources. Saying such things though as stay out of the city detroit, it gives us all a bad name, makes no sense to me. The openeness of the western Michigan people evidently only goes so far as to extending a hand if and only if you agree with the wm way of thinking completely.

[ferndc]

I've read through the posts on this thread and I don't think the OP had an attitude.

My opinion (even though you have made your mind up) if you visit both areas you will be quite aware of the differences in the Detroit Metro area (more liberal) vs. Grand Rapids (more conservative) and you will also see the differences of preference by people in those areas. If you are accustomed to Boston living...then I would assume you would prefer somewhat of a walkable community. Unfortunately, Detroit is not that walkable. You'll need to drive to the suburbs for a good grocery store and other essentials. However, Eastern Market is wonderful for groceries on Saturdays.

Personally, I love the Woodward corridor in Oakland County due to the close proximity of highways that can pretty much get you anywhere you need to go in a short period of time. You'll also find a few decent cities that have nice walkable communities.

The west side of the state is beautiful and is also a lot slower. You have some the most beautiful beaches (in the world) and nature preserves within your reach. You'll also be a lot closer to Chicago if you choose GR. It sounds like you are in a nice position to have the coveted getaway on the west side of the state, so I definitely second your move to Detroit or Metro area.

[beachmouse]

Wish I could find a copy online of the Grand Rapids and Detroit article that was in Dwell magazine a while back. Writer's take was that while Grand Rapids may be smaller, it actually seemed to have a brighter, more forward-thinking future than the still tied to the auto industry Detroit.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by deslok

Good luck in Detroit! If anyone is able to read objectively, you could clearly see that he is not insulting those that tried to help, merely pointing out that in many cases the pro-gr people were making some cliched, racist, biased, etc.. arguments.
I feel based on the op's personality and what he wants out of life, he has made the correct choice. I'd have to agree with Bydand that if it were me personally, I'd try to spend time in the area, both of them, if possible. If not, the next best thing is to gather information in the way that the OP did, through friends and other sources. Saying such things though as stay out of the city detroit, it gives us all a bad name, makes no sense to me. The openeness of the western Michigan people evidently only goes so far as to extending a hand if and only if you agree with the wm way of thinking completely.

I re-read all of the posts, and didn't see anyone "pro-GR" even talk about race, so I'm not sure where you're getting that information deslok.

Why don't we all talk about the areas, and not about each other.

[zthatzmanz28]

To pick one or the other would be exhibiting negativity towards the one I did not endorse.

If I say GR, then I am hatin on Detroit,

If I suggest Detroit I am hating on GR.

This is a loaded question and a no-win-situation.

Either way someone is gonna feel really bad about their city...

So I will pick JACKSON...centrally located between the two..

[supermom0204]

Originally Posted by GRowing

I'm looking for the best place! Before you call me cliche...I am 31 and i have spent most of my adult life grinding towards financial happiness. I have a lot of professional experience but not a lot of being happy. I grew up poor in Dorchester. I have lived very frugally since and I am now ready for life to begin. Tell me where I would be happy at! The country, the city and anything in between is fair game. I am considering all options and I hope to read some things that I don't have the experience to think of myself. Sorry if this seems difficult. I just don't know. If I live in the city or the suburbs I will probably be in the market for a vacation home if anyone has any suggestions. If I live in the country I would probably be in the market for a downtown loft or apartment. I want to live the good life that is why I am leaving for Michigan. I was doing alright in Boston but I this move to Michigan will allow my money to go much further.

Based on that answer, you will be much happier in GR. Trust me.

[deslok]

I wasn't referring to anyone specifically and did not make my post out to be that pro-gr people are making racist comments. Please don't paint me with that brush sir.
Perhaps it is the OP's opinion that the comments made were racist, as he brought it up to begin with. It is his post, and he has made his decision.