Grand Rapids???? (Holland, Grandville, East Grand Rapids: homeowners insurance, how much, house prices)

[xtranaut]

I have heard many good things about Grand Rapids. Ten years ago, just the opposite. Hard to believe that AMWAY could make that much difference but I gather they are solely responsbile for revitaling the town - along with tax free zones on certain downtown areas. DC did this and it has worked beautifully.

I am interviewing in GR Monday. Problem is that I interviewed in RENO last week. Not that RENO is paradise but there are good aspects. Weather isn't super cold - twice as much sunshine a year as GR and it doesnt snow that much. It is high desert so the scenery can be MOON-LIKE unless you get out of town and go into Calfornia for GREEN.

I like the Lake Michigan area. I lived in Chicago for a year in the early 90s but it is somehow different enduring frigid weather when you are in a big city and there are lots of choices to esacpe to.

How is life in Grand Rapids...is it hip, progressive and cultural or putting on a face to attract growth? How are house prices, car insurance, rents. Where are the best areas to live (with two big dogs) if you are goingto work downtown? Is HOLLAND a better place to live?

Somebody give me a clue and put yourself in my place. I have a house I have to keep in Tennessee (and pay on) but I have to go where the money is for work so am paying double to live.. I think the salary will be about the same in both places....but RENO costs more to live although it doesnt have a state income tax... I have heard that Michigan (anywhere) is a little depressed because of high unemployment, hosuing is reasonable, yet things like homeowners insurancer and car insurance are high.

If you had the choice -- RENO or GRAND RAPIDS???

[xtranaut]

OK... I will simplify my inquiry. Somebody tell me what is so grand about Grand Rapids? I might have to live there. Have a job interview this week.
Had one in Reno last week. May get both offers. The money is probably the same so the better town wins. Your help is appreciated..

[xtranaut]

OK... I will simplify my inquiry. Somebody tell me what is so grand about Grand Rapids? I might have to live there. Have a job interview this week.
Had one in Reno last week. May get both offers. The money is probably the same so the better town wins. Your help is appreciated..

[abhimulamalla]

Grand rapids is rated in top 10 outdoor cities in usa. top 10 for fishing. its pretty conservative. nice area to raise children.lot of things to do from skiing to pub hopping.

[kate_12]

I wouldn't say that GR is hip and happening, but I also wouldn't say that they're putting on a face. Just an average city, not quite the night life you'll find in Reno. So if thats important...then, there ya go. But there is plenty to do if you go out and find it. As for where to live, that would depend on how far of a commute you want, how much house, land, etc. Holland is about...half an hour from GR? Maybe a little more/less, I'm not sure. However, Holland is closer to the lake, so if you like water sports, then maybe that is the place for you. I hope this helped a bit.

[mikhail]

I would describe Grand Rapids as slowly progressing towards "progressive" (one would hope). It is conservative but has become more cosmopolitan. The DeVos and Van Andel families have investing a lot in the downtown area. The real shame is the economy (worst in nation), unemployment (hovering around 7%), and the fact that the economy may not be adequately "retooled" for some years. Notable neighboring towns within the metro area are East Grand Rapids, Rockford, Ada, Cascade, Grand Rapids Township, Caledonia, Grandville. I think that the governor is on the right track and that the state will need to rethink the reliance on some traditional sectors of the economy and full reinvest in technology, education. To give you some idea of the opposition to education, Grand Rapids failed to pass a fairly significant millage in 1997 or 1998 that would have bolstered education and provided computers for every student in the district. One senior local interviewed for the Grand Rapids Press voiced his opposition by saying that this would be a waste as he had never had the need for computers in school. Obviously, this type of disconnect from the reality of the modern, global economy has not served the city well because nearly ten years later, the city has reaped what it sowed. Sad. Hope this helps.

[hockeytown]

Grand Rapids is a very conservative area. I've lived here for about 5 years and will be leaving soon. It wasn't a bad place to live in, but it's not my cup of tea. It's a medium sized city trying to be a big city. They have minor league sports here which is nice and lots of outdoor activities. Don't forget about lake effect snow. I also found it very hard to make friends with those who have lived here all their life. Others I've talked to have said the same thing - people just don't let you into their circle often.

[deeme]

Ok ... I'm born & raised in MI. Been in the Grand Rapids area for about the past 8 yrs. until last month, when we finally "got outa Dodge"! Hubby kept getting laid off, my hrs. went from 40 to 9 hrs. a week, no medical insurance when you draw unemployment... so your health suffers. I never thought I'd leave MI, but I sure am happy we did!

All you heard about was shootings & violence all the time. Half the stores in the Malls are closed. People are NOT friendly. The poster above is right on target ... people won't let you into their lives. It's really sad. I can tell you first hand, there are very nice people out there! I never want to go back to MI.

[cassy1]

Being as I was born and raised in Michigan and moved last year to a different state, I would tell you to take Reno! There is a lot to be said for the sun shine, and have you seen how much it rains in MI? Enonomy stinks and prices are very high, our car insurance was cut in half when we moved to NC! Cost of housing is high, as is homeowners insurance, food, gas, etc.........I would not make the move unless you are in the medical field! My daughter graduated with her degree in teaching and cannot find a job in MI. If it were my call, Reno here I come.

[Wabbit]

Just for a little perspective Cassie1
North Carolina gets ten more inches of rainfall a
year than Michigan. Here's the link:
http://www.betweenwaters.com/etc/usrain.html
Also, if you've ever been to Reno you know that
compared to Michigan its like living on the
moon. Sunshine is important, but try living without
any natural vegetation. If you're raised in a green
climate, you never get used to it.
Comparing the two is really like Apples and oranges.
I've lived in places like California (Thousand Oaks),
Texas (Ft. Worth) and Tucson and the happiest day
of my life was moving back to Michigan.
It all depends on your circumstance and preference.
That said, except for the Winters, Grand Rapids
in a walk.