[Ambitious11]

Which Western nichigan town near the shore is the better place to relocate a family to? Important factors are schools, housing prices, safety and things to do.

I heard Holland has been having trouble with gangs. GH has better schools.

Also which parts of these towns are the best 'sides' to live on?

Where to go???

[tuebor]

I was in a similar position a few years ago and decided to move to Norton Shores because NS had better deals on homes. I don't have children, but I've heard good things about the Mona Shores district, especially their music program.

Here is the thread I posted when I was asking about the area.

[allbusiness]

I live in Holland -- right in town -- not in the suburbs. We do have some crime just like every growing town experiences, but very little. And any gang activity (again, very little) is gang against gang. Normal, everyday people, living their daily lives, are rarely, if ever, involved. If you run around town at 2:00 am looking for trouble you'll probably find it.

That being said...Holland public schools are second to none; always highly recognized in academics, arts and sports. The town is walkable, bikeable, and liveable. The downtown is one of the best in America. I would live nowhere else.

[Ynotdogood]

We have lived in Grand Haven for 11 years...our daughter graduated from GH high school last year. GH has excellent schools, as does Spring Lake... GH is a bigger district. The high school has almost 2000 students which is a both a positive and negative; they have a lot to offer (sports, clubs, events) but students can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. They began a district-wide initiative a few years ago called "Capturing Kids Hearts" in order to couteract this. The program helps staff connect with students so that they know they are cared for and noticed.
Good luck!

[michigan4ever]

I would choose either Holland or Grand Haven. Schools seem to be fine, and there seems to be little crime.