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Old 05-21-2009, 07:34 PM
 
5 posts, read 32,390 times
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I just got a job offer from a growing Michigan firm and i am going to have to move to either the Detroit area or the Grand Rapids area and will be spending time in both areas. I live in Boston now. Should i move to Grand Rapids or Detroit?
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Old 05-21-2009, 08:11 PM
 
Location: Metro Detroit Area, Michigan
1,107 posts, read 3,071,318 times
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I don't know too much about the West side of the state, but You will be close to the beaches on Lake Michigan which on the west coast of Michigan is consider to have many of the best in the state and close to Chicago if you stay in the Grand Rapids area.

In the Detroit area, you will be close to Toronto and will have the four pro sports teams and be a little bit more diverse in culture and food.
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Old 05-21-2009, 09:11 PM
 
316 posts, read 1,181,752 times
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I'd give the Detroit area a try. Ann Arbor is close by if you want a smaller town with a lot of diversity, or you can live in downtown Detroit and have a nice mixture of good food, entertainment at the casinos, and a great sports town.
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Old 05-21-2009, 09:30 PM
 
Location: Huntington Woods, MI
1,742 posts, read 4,002,488 times
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We really need to know more about you and what kind of place you are looking for. Detroit is much larger than Grand Rapids. Detroit has a metro area of 4-5 million vs. less than 1 million for Grand Rapids.
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Old 05-21-2009, 10:57 PM
 
67 posts, read 213,860 times
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Grand Rapids, is MUCH cheaper than the detroit area. Grand Rapids has lots of development coming in the future. Its much more artsy fartsy, nice beaches, only 3 and a half hours from Chicago. Just because the detroit area has more people does not mean it is the better area to pick. Grand Rapids, has a very nice and developing downtown area along the grand river. Detroit area, has very crappy downtown spots for the most part. I have lived in both areas personally, and if I could go back to grand rapids, I would go in a heartbeat. Grand Rapids region is also much safer than the detroit region. Just my 2 cents
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Old 05-21-2009, 10:59 PM
 
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I can get a 3 bedroom decent house, right next to downtown grand rapids, for around 600 a month, a decent 3 bedroom place in the general detroit area, would be 800 to 900 dollars. That is just renting, that doesnt look at housing prices, if buying.

Grand Rapids, has many universities within it or near it... Detroit area, the schools are spread out...

Grand Rapids has a very nice feel to it, you won't find elsewhere, more like you would find in Boston

Detroit is one big urban sprawl, Grand Rapids, is the opposite
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Old 05-21-2009, 11:20 PM
 
1,012 posts, read 2,560,354 times
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It depends on which city is a good match for you. Obviously living in Boston might make you more apt to settle in the Detroit Metro Area and the big metropolitan ammenities that go along with it. Both the Boston and Detroit Metro areas are similar in size I believe.

GR is waaayy smaller. You will have a much harder time finding things to do there. Although, the GR area is maybe a bit nicer and the people are nicer too. GR is trying to revamp its downtown area. GR is actually not bad for its much smaller size.
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Old 05-21-2009, 11:23 PM
 
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Why not compromise and go to Lansing? As the state capital, its a bit more diverse and 'lively' than your average Michigan city. An advantage is having Michigan State University next door in East Lansing.
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Old 05-21-2009, 11:31 PM
 
5 posts, read 32,390 times
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Quote:
We really need to know more about you and what kind of place you are looking for. Detroit is much larger than Grand Rapids. Detroit has a metro area of 4-5 million vs. less than 1 million for Grand Rapids.
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.

Last edited by GRowing; 05-21-2009 at 11:43 PM..
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Old 05-22-2009, 06:09 AM
 
Location: Charlevoix
749 posts, read 2,771,821 times
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Stay away from Detroit
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