[gr to okc]

I live I grand rapids and and it seem like to me that the eastside of michigan dislikes the westside and vice versa. But it seems like the whole eastside dislikes grand rapids. Why is that?

[Bydand]

I don't get that feeling at all.

I think it comes down to those who were born and raised on the Eastside of the state can't imagine why you would want to miss the sunrise over Lake Huron, and those on the west side can't imagine missing the sunsets over Lake Michigan in favor of a sunrise. As for the Grand Rapids thing, I think for most of the east side of the State it is a shorter drive to Detroit, so they don't even think of going to GR when they feel the need for a visit to a bigger city.

[michmoldman]

Yeah, I have never heard anyone say that, nor I do get that feeling at all wherever I go.

[michsnowlvr]

lol funny as Ive heard nothing but good things about western Michigan. It seems (on here) that many out west act like the east side of the state is much more undesirable because of problems in inner city Detroit, which is a very foolish reason. the whole state has gorgeous areas.

[danielj72]

Originally Posted by gunrule

I live I grand rapids and and it seem like to me that the eastside of michigan dislikes the westside and vice versa. But it seems like the whole eastside dislikes grand rapids. Why is that?

I live on the northern edge of Shiawassee county, so Im in the middle of the state and do not assoicate with either an eastern Michigan or western Michigan identity.. From what Ive seen, the people in eastern Michigan are politicaly more democrat, and come from a more manufacturing based economy. (auto only) If you go to Flint, or anything to the east or south of there you will instantly know that you are in a pro union blue colar area. Western Michigan on the other hand is more religious, has a better economy which is more diversified and it has a very lard Dutch population west of GR. I think in some ways, people from the struggling areas of metro Detroit or Flint, Ann Arbor etc are a bit envious of western Michigans better job situation. Im not sure they dislike each other as you stated, but there is a difference between them no doubt. For what its worth I prefer to go to the western side if Im looking for a day in the city. Grand Rapids and Detroit area are almost the same amount of driving for me, but Grand Rapids is so much nicer. The trip there is easier too, I just hop on M57 and cruise over with very little traffic. Detroit is not so nice of a drive.

[MittenDweller82]

Originally Posted by gunrule

I live I grand rapids and and it seem like to me that the eastside of michigan dislikes the westside and vice versa. But it seems like the whole eastside dislikes grand rapids. Why is that?

Well, for some reason, I have met many people on these forums and in real life who are under the assumption that "west michigan" (have no idea why that term is necessary) has a far superior economy and more beautiful scenery.

My take? Many people who live in Michigan haven't traveled it completely, and base their opinions on media and the word of others. Michigan and the great lakes region all have similar glacial digs and features, and even more true is that the economy is absolutely no better in GR than it is in Ann Arbor or vise versa. There is no safe hidden magical utopia in this state that can escape the dogma of a 14.5% unemployment rate.

Now in regards to GR as a specific place, it has a long history of being termed "ultra conservative" and "bible belt" also may be mentioned. So, likewise, you won't find a large population of liberal granola yups as you would find in A2 or Royal Oak, Birmingham, leading to a sharp difference in the "type" of person you would find in each region.

Again, not one part of Michigan is "better" than another, really you just have different people that often find themselves looking for similar minds.

[Michigansnowflake]

I love All of Michigan.....yes, even SE Michigan...each area has their own special gems unique to our state!

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by michsnowlvr

lol funny as Ive heard nothing but good things about western Michigan. It seems (on here) that many out west act like the east side of the state is much more undesirable because of problems in inner city Detroit, which is a very foolish reason. the whole state has gorgeous areas.

As a person who is from the East side of Michigan, I've never heard that either - at least not from the East side of things in MI. I know many people on the east side of Michigan who love the west side just the same.

However, this is perhaps first time insight of learning that that isn't mutual!

[Bydand]

Born and raised on the west side of the State and personally I don't know anybody in this area who dis-likes the east side. I love the east side myself. Detroit area, not so much; but that is because I don't like traffic and large numbers of people. Same reason I don't hang out in GR a lot.

[Starrman69]

I haven't heard any preference for one side of the state over the other. I've been to events and concerts in Detroit, Lansing, Kalamazoo,Grand Rapids, Bay City, Crystal Mountain, Marquette and Traverse City. I've heard people mention with pride that they enjoy living in their particular area.
I had been sent to Marquette a couple of times for recruitment, but it seems that once a person gets over the bridge and spends anytime up there, they don't want to leave.