Young Family moving to GR--Help us pick a neighborhood! (Grand Rapids: crime, houses)

[oneleven]

Our young family of 3 is hoping to move to Grand Rapids later this year, and we'd like to buy a home when we do. I'm just in the "dreaming" phase of looking at houses, but we're getting closer to actually moving, so I'm beginning to seriously look into what neighborhoods we might want to live in.

I've lived in GR before (during college) so I know the area a bit. I love the restaurants and shops of Eastown, and the safety/family-friendliness of EGR. I've considered both of those areas, as well as Heritage Hill, Ottawa Hills and Alger Heights (all for different reasons--home affordability, walkability, proximity to restaurants/shops, safety, etc.)

I know this has been discussed ad nauseum here, but if you'll indulge me...

Of the neighborhoods I listed (EGR, Eastown, Heritage Hill, Ottawa Hills, Alger Heights) which would be good for a young family, and which might you avoid? Are there any other neighborhoods I should seriously consider, given the factors I listed above (affordability, walkability, safety, proximity to great restaurants and shops)?

[BoomRShine]

Are you looking to live in the city of Grand Rapids proper, or suburbs as well? You listed the "neighborhood" of East Grand Rapids as a possibility, but EGR is not a neighborhood of Grand Rapids. In fact, it is not in the city of Grand Rapids at all, it is a separate city.

[oneleven]

Sure, technically, EGR is a separate city (and it certainly is in terms of taxes and city services). My "neighborhood" description was strictly in a geographical sense. EGR is essentially a neighborhood-sized city within the city of GR, and thus I'm thinking of it in the same way I'd think of Eastown or Alger Heights. Still, the benefit's of EGR's separate taxes/services are something to consider (and for the most part, I consider that a plus).

Suburbs are okay, but I'm not in love with typical suburban life--I don't want to drive everywhere, or live in a neighborhood of mass-produced 90's houses. The quiet and safety of the suburbs sounds nice, but my first choice would be living in GR proper (or EGR).

[Jandur]

The answer to that question partially depends on what you plan on doing for your child's schooling. GR public schools aren't so hot. If cost isn't so much an issue EGR is probably the "safe" bet or whatever. The other neighborhoods are good areas, but you would probably end up shelling out money to send your kid to a private school.

[oneleven]

Private schools are likely regardless of what neighborhood we end up in, so schools aren't as big of a consideration as safety, affordability and walkability.

[Zenstyle]

For walkability, Eastown can't be beat. There are walkers and bicyclists galore here.

[oneleven]

Thanks--Eastown is definitely an ideal location for being close to all my favorite things in GR. I'm just a bit worried about the noise (being so near Aquinas, there are lots of college houses) and safety (I know Eastown isn't a dangerous neighborhood, but it's probably not the safest, either). Maybe I'm wrong about those things, though. That's just speculation based on previous experiences in Eastown.

[actinic]

Originally Posted by oneleven

Thanks--Eastown is definitely an ideal location for being close to all my favorite things in GR. I'm just a bit worried about the noise (being so near Aquinas, there are lots of college houses) and safety (I know Eastown isn't a dangerous neighborhood, but it's probably not the safest, either). Maybe I'm wrong about those things, though. That's just speculation based on previous experiences in Eastown.

No need to speculate - CrimeMapping.com - National Map

[Jandur]

Originally Posted by oneleven

Thanks--Eastown is definitely an ideal location for being close to all my favorite things in GR. I'm just a bit worried about the noise (being so near Aquinas, there are lots of college houses) and safety (I know Eastown isn't a dangerous neighborhood, but it's probably not the safest, either). Maybe I'm wrong about those things, though. That's just speculation based on previous experiences in Eastown.

All pretty true still. It's not unsafe, but your car might get broken into etc etc. Generally speaking it seems a lot safer north of Lake.

[alexleigh]

EGR is a great place in Grand Rapids to live. It's close to Easttown and downtown, but you don't have to worry about the crime as much. None of the areas are "bad". Grand Rapids is a fabulous place to live, especially as of lately! It's growing to be a nice city, it's conservative, there is so much to do in the surrounding areas, and it's a great place to raise a family.

I would suggest EGR if you're picking out of just the ones you mentioned. Otherwise, I have found that people have their noses in the air just a bit more than others. And it's SUPER expensive. There are some beautiful homes off of the East Beltline and in Ada. I grew up in the Northview school district just south of Rockford. Very affordable, good school, and safe and close to everything. Rockford is fabulous as well, little pricier, but very safe and homey.

Hope this helped!