Possible move to Grand Rapids, areas to consider.

[Jandur]

Originally Posted by apalmer8501

Here are the apartments I have been told to look at. Does anyone have good or bad information on these?

Hidden Lakes
Briarlane
Old Farm Shores
Walnut Hills
Woodbridge
Burton’s Landing
Oxford Place
Eastland
Glen Oaks East
Ridgewood
Burton Ridge Apartments

The only one that stands out to me is Burton Ridge. I would avoid that if possible. It's not un-safe persay but there is definitely crime back there. There have been car break-ins, muggings and a drug bust or two. It's not rampant, but it seems like every 3-6 months something goes on back there.

[suydam]

Originally Posted by magellan

There's an apartment complex in East Grand Rapids that face Reeds Lake that would probably be perfect. Lakewood Hills I think they're called.

That is the name, and yes there are others that are over 55 (though there are a few families in there too).

East Grand Rapids is exactly what you're talking about (walk out your door to a city park, a nice restaurant and around the corner into a small downtown).

[beachmouse]

I think a lot of the area between downtown and EGR would fit those parameters, and your housing dollar will go further in Grand Rapids proper, where you aren't paying a premium for a school district you aren't using.

[gr2008]

My wife and I moved to the Grand Rapids area three years ago from the Detroit area. I can say that overall we are very happy here, and have made some good friends, and love the area! In reading the other threads I can agree on a lot. The unique thing about the GR Metro area is that there are major differences from community to community. For example, GR proper as a whole is very diverse, urban, and has a great feel to it. Once you get to the outer areas, especially on the west side communities of Jenison and Hudsonville, that vastly changes. Those outer communities tend to be much less diverse, more closed minded, small-town like, and isolationist. I can tell if someone is from Jenison or Hudsonville after talking with them for about 2 minutes. The Dutch ancestry / CRC is very prevalent there, and does tend to keep people away. There is even a difference in dialect. For example, the term "We'll see once" is a term the Dutch use in those areas. I have never heard anyone use that term outside of those areas lol. Having said that, we do have some good friends from those areas. However, if someone is looking to enjoy the West MI experience I would strongly recommend not moving to one of the west side communities. Stick to GR, Kentwood, Forest Hills, Cascade, GR Township, Rockford, etc. etc. Avoid Ottawa county excluding the shore communities. Just my two cents!

[angbanjo]

Allendale is a great community on the West side that really isn't as conservative as many of the communities posted above. Much of Allendale is GVSU which brings young people, but there is also a great young school system bringing in young families. Much of Allendale commutes to GR.