Rochester, NY or Grand Rapids, MI (Buffalo: job outlook, school, university)

[Yvaine]

I am considering a move to Rochester (University of Rochester) or to Allendale/Grand Rapids (Grand Valley State U). Will be there at least one year, possibly more. Where would you rather live... (also posted in Grand Rapids area forum)

[ckhthankgod]

It depends on what you are looking for. Rochester is more "liberal" and Grand Rapids is more "conservative" for starters. They are about the same size in terms of city and metro poulation. Rochester is probably more "diverse" ethnically and racially in terms of percentages of people. University of Rochester is a very good school and is private, while Grand Valley St. is a nice state school in Michigan. Grand Rapids is more "religious" too. So, it all depends on what you are looking for.

[loveautumn]

no contest....Rochester. I can't imagine why anyone would want to live in Michigan right now.

[TWHLover7]

I have tons of friends in Michigan and they are getting hammered with the economy. Also their winter has been tons of ice.

Having just relocated from PA to Rochester I would vote Rochester. I love it here so far and I've only been here 2 days. VERY nice people, easy to get around, keep the roads clear, etc.

[just_sayin']

Rochester (the city atleast) is probably much more cosmopolitan than Grand Rapids. Obviously, as everyone else who has responded, I'm a little bias; but I'd think that the typical college student with be much happier here than in Grand Rapids. Both cities definitely get their fare share of lake effect snow that's for sure!

[RottenChester]

Grand Rapids because at least in Michigan you won't get slammed with an 18% beverage tax.

[JoaniB]

Rochester is better snow-wise. SNOW yes ICE not so much as Michigan. Economy...probably better here. Airport: direct flights to NYC and many other places, Buffalo isn't that far for more choices too.

18% beverage tax? Who knew. But unless you're planning to pickle your liver in your spare time--yes I know it's college--but still, I suppose a case of beer a month or a bottle of wine a week won't cost THAT much more than Michigan.

That's a night of binging a week *one bottle or 6 beers* OR about a drink a day. That ought to be enough. And if it isn't...there are lots of good counselors here as well as addictions management programs...

Have fun.

JoaniB

[magellan]

A little dose of economic reality for you Rochester-ites:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Data

The employment picture in Rochester probably being the most telling:

[just_sayin']

That's no "dose of reality"...we all know that figure? I also know its BELOW the national average. The whole country has high unemployment now, nobody is trying to say the job outlook here is really good. What are the unemployment numbers in Grand Rapids like? I know Michigan has the highest unemployment of all the states.

[Yvaine]

Thanks for all the replies and thoughtful discussion!