[Mary 12]

I am wanting to move to the area and I would prefer to be in a small town but close to Muskegon. Can anyone tell me the better areas that have good schools and great to raise kids?
Also where would be the best place to work as a CNA until I finish college?

[tuebor]

The first question comes up fairly often. Norton Shores, North Muskegon, Spring Lake, and Grand Haven are the usual answers. If you're a student, Norton Shores is probably your best bet because housing is cheaper there than in the other places. Use the search button and you'll find several other threads that talk about these places and the Muskegon area in general. As for the CNA question, I can't say which is best, but you should be able to find something at one of the hospitals or nursing homes in the area.

[Mary 12]

Thank you. I will definately check thoses out starting with Norton Shores. Interms of the job, I am in the process of getting one at Mercy Health. I also notice I have a better chance of getting housing if I get a job first.

[magellan]

Spring Lake.

[mjlo]

I'd say Spring Lake/G-haven too

[Mary 12]

Thanks so much for all the replies

[PinkyTuscadero]

Spring Lake...lock the thread!
Beautiful area with excellent schools

[tuebor]

SL and GH have attractive downtowns, but SL and GH are more expensive and significantly farther away from Mercy Health. The Mona Shores district is just as good as those of the other two* and the population is more diverse. Rather than having to commute on the highway every day and pay higher rent/mortgage payments, it would be better to live in Norton Shores or Roosevelt Park and visit the other two occasionally.

*I am open to correction on this point if someone can provide data. My perception is based solely on hearsay since I do not have kids myself.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by tuebor

SL and GH have attractive downtowns, but SL and GH are more expensive and significantly farther away from Mercy Health. The Mona Shores district is just as good as those of the other two* and the population is more diverse. Rather than having to commute on the highway every day and pay higher rent/mortgage payments, it would be better to live in Norton Shores or Roosevelt Park and visit the other two occasionally.

*I am open to correction on this point if someone can provide data. My perception is based solely on hearsay since I do not have kids myself.

I don't really think of Mona Shores as a "town," it's more of a bedroom community. Is there a downtown?

[tuebor]

Mona Shores is the school district that comprises Norton Shores and Roosevelt Park. Norton Shores is technically a city (pop. over 20k) but has no city center to speak of. It has two large commercial zones which include the biggest mall in the greater Muskegon area and several major national retailers, but no real downtown. But it has homes in safe neighborhoods within biking distance of the beach and walking distance to a bus connection to central Muskegon for under $100k. The enclave of Roosevelt Park has a tiny downtown that is basically an offshoot of one of the Norton Shores commercial strips. There are also factories in Norton Shores, so it is not simply a bedroom community, but I can see how one might get that impression.