is wealthy street n.e. in grand rapids MI safe (Allendale: crime, house)

[Mamadp]

My daughter is a college student looking for a renatl house in grand rapids. They'd like to be near downtown. I've heard differing opinions on Wealthy St N.E. Some say it's really improved, some say bad area, gangs, drugs etc. I know it has been improved over the last few years but is it safe for two college girls to live near Wealthy St?

[Jandur]

Yes.

It's hit and miss at some points. But it's safe. Lots of college students, young families etc.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by Mamadp

My daughter is a college student looking for a renatl house in grand rapids. They'd like to be near downtown. I've heard differing opinions on Wealthy St N.E. Some say it's really improved, some say bad area, gangs, drugs etc. I know it has been improved over the last few years but is it safe for two college girls to live near Wealthy St?

Wealthy Street is a long street, and there technically isn't a Wealthy St NE (only Wealthy St SE). It would probably help if you provided an intersection near where they are looking. It's definitely an up-and-coming street, with a lot of new businesses, but it still resides just North of a pretty crime-ridden area.

[Mamadp]

My mistake-you are of course right. I'm thinking Wealthy S.E. somewhere between Division and Diamond?

[Mamadp]

Also they'd be using the bus system to reach GVSU in Allendale so the walk to the bus would need to be relatively safe also.

[allbusiness]

My daughter survived two years in the neighborhood while in school. A good landlord helps. Good roommates help. As does practicing safe behavior. If she's a smart girl with good instincts, she'll probably be fine. I appreciate you worrying though. I did.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by Mamadp

Also they'd be using the bus system to reach GVSU in Allendale so the walk to the bus would need to be relatively safe also.

That area isn't bad. A couple blocks South and it gets sketchy crime wise. Going North it gets into Heritage Hill and Cherry Hill, some of the nicest parts of the city.

FYI, the #50 GVSU/Rapid bus to Allendale doesn't pass that area on Wealthy. They'd have to take the #5 (I believe) to the Central Station and make a transfer to the #50. It does add some time.

Schedules & Maps | www.ridetherapid.org

[Mamadp]

Thanks for the input. She did the bus transfer thing this year so that's ok just wondered if there was a stop near there to take to the transfer? She had to walk a distance this year. I had heard south of Wealthy wasn't good so wondered if Wealthy itself was ok especially walking to the bus. She does have good instincts but I worry about safe practices as she always thinks nothing will happen!

[magellan]

Originally Posted by Mamadp

Thanks for the input. She did the bus transfer thing this year so that's ok just wondered if there was a stop near there to take to the transfer? She had to walk a distance this year. I had heard south of Wealthy wasn't good so wondered if Wealthy itself was ok especially walking to the bus. She does have good instincts but I worry about safe practices as she always thinks nothing will happen!

It stops almost every block on Wealthy St (almost annoyingly). Wealthy/Woodland Mall | www.ridetherapid.org

Wealthy is fine. There are restaurants, bars and coffee shops like Winchester, Wealthy Street Bakery, Johnny Bz, Rowsters, Meanwhile, Electric Cheetah, and a whole bunch more with outdoor seating on Wealthy. Always lots of pedestrians and cyclists. Just advise them not to walk alone in that area at night.

[Mamadp]

Thanks. Are the Heritage Hill, Eastown, Midtown areas the only areas you would recommend that are close to downtown? They are the only areas I am at all familiar with. Anywhere on the N.W. side good or should they just stick with HH or Eastown, and Midtown? They seem to think those are the only good areas but I'm not sure if they really know or are just not familiar with any other areas.