Young adult moving to Grand Rapids - Need Info (Detroit: insurance, crime rate)

[bluemoon111]

I am a 21 year old female and will graduate college (in Green Bay) in May. I am looking for some kind of an office job or a job in insurance, and since I don't have anything too specific in mind, I thought I would find a city I like first and look for jobs in that area. I am from central Wisconsin and want to move somewhere that's not too far away but still a bigger city. I have been doing a lot of research into Grand Rapids, and though I have never been there, it seems like it might be a good choice. I heard the economy in Michigan isn't doing well. Does Grand Rapids follow this trend? Also, is the crime rate very high? Is it better to live right in the city or in the suburbs? How is the job market? My other concern is meeting people since I don't know anyone in the area. Are the people friendly? Would it be fairly easy to meet people my own age? My parents want me to go somewhere closer to home (Grand Rapids is about an 8 hour drive), like the Twin Cities. How does Grand Rapids compare? I also heard that the city is very politically Conservative. Is this true? In general, if you had to pick a bigger city in the midwest to live, would Grand Rapids be a good choice?

I have been reading other posts on this forum and have gotten some good info, but if someone could take the time to answer my questions, I would be really grateful. Thanks!

[Bhaalspawn]

You should read all of the threads in this forum first. The state of Michigan is dying with little hope for a better economy in the future. Do yourself a favor and stay away. If you live in Wisconsin, consider Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Have you considered Denver or Portland, Oregon? I don't know how their economies are doing; not so hot last I heard, but they might offer abundant recreational opportunities, though Portland might have a higher quality of life. Another option would be Salt Lake City if you can put up with the Mormons. Also look at Boise, Idaho.

You're young and you have your entire life ahead of you. Don't waste it by moving into a state that's becoming an impoverished, economic graveyard.

[blueyes 101]

Grand Rapids is a wonderful city, I have lived there most of my life, I moved there in 1976 and moved 35 miles north 7 years ago. I commute to GR everyday for work. Like any town, there are good and bad parts of town. There is a huge college Grand Valley State that has set up a campus downtown, and we have a large Community College as well. The city is growing like crazy, new buildings going up as we speak. The entire city is surrounded by cranes erecting buildings.

Yes, Michigan as a whole is kind of slow right now, but GR is the second biggest city in the state, and by far the best, have you checked for jobs in our area? Try, MLIVE.com. (not sure of that exactly, but I know I'm close)
The city is very conservative, we just had the burial of President Gerald Ford here this fall. I know it is kind of expensive, but you should take one of the ferrys across the lake ( lake express I think ) and come for a visit. West Michigan is a wonderful place, and I can't imagine living anywhere else. I was born in Detroit, lived there for 9 yrs and moved to St. Louis MO. for 3 then moved back. I have also traveled across the country for work, and I just love Michigan, and it seems our weather is very similar also, we just get the lake effect snowfall. I just joined this forum, so sorry about no profile, but if you have any other questions, I would be happy to help .

[Wabbit]

Originally Posted by Bhaalspawn

You should read all of the threads in this forum first.

You're right . She should read all the Grand Rapids threads in this forum. That way she would see how consistantly happy people from here are. Bluemoon, do yourself a favor and totally disregard any of that negative sludge that spews on here from Detroit. This city has nothing to do with S.E Michigan. Grand Rapids is positive and looking forward.
Bhaalspawn, Interesting how you feel the need to post on a thread requesting information about Grand Rapids, when you're from Detroit.
And spare me this garbage about you wanting to 'help' her.
I have a circle of at least twenty friends and family in this city, who have actually ventured around the country a bit, and not one of them wants to live anywhere else.
You and about five other Michigan haters on this site make up for about 90% of the bile. You keep claiming you're going to move but like
that old Motown song says 'You just keep hangin' on". Don't you know
everything perfect down south, what are you waiting for?

[Bhaalspawn]

Originally Posted by Wabbit

You keep claiming you're going to move but like
that old Motown song says 'You just keep hangin' on". Don't you know
everything perfect down south, what are you waiting for?

Right now I have a solid lower middle class job (though out of my field) that pays full health benefits covering myself and my wife and my wife is working on obtaining a nursing degree, and then there are a couple other issues that make it difficult for us to relocate right now. However, if my job were to suddenly vaporize, I'd be out of here; I don't think I'd have much of a choice.

I don't really hate Michigan; I grew up here and much of my family lives here. Heck, I'm even a Lions fan, as masochistic of an undertaking as it may be. What I do hate are being in locations that are economically depressed and that have a large oversupply of labor. I am a believer in the power of supply and demand, to a fault, so for me it's a big issue.

I must say that I am intrigued by Grand Rapids and would like to learn more about the Grand Rapids economy. Perhaps I'll start a thread for it.