Grand Rapids is known as a cool city with a flourishing art scene, an ever-growing economy, entertainment galore, and a staggering abundance of breweries, cideries, distilleries, and even a couple of meaderies. Oh, and it recently landed at #12 on U.S. News & World Report’s 125 Best Places to Live in the USA.
Whether you’re starting a new career, college bound, or shortening up a long-distance relationship, relocating to Grand Rapids may be the best move you’ll ever make.
Take note, soon-to-be Grand Rapidians: here are 20 things you need to know before you pack up that moving van:
1. The job market is hot.
No matter your industry, but especially in healthcare and manufacturing, Grand Rapids is a solid place to work. With lower than the National average unemployment and one of the fastest growing economies, career prospects are looking good.
2. It costs less to live here.
Simply put: your dollar goes further in Grand Rapids than in many US cities, whether it’s housing, healthcare, or groceries.
3. Our neighborhoods are distinct.
One of my fave things to do each morning is hunt for the best #coffee in each city we stop. @MadCapCoffeeGR is always top of the list for Grand Rapids!! ☕️ pic.twitter.com/LPh6QNtuqz
— Dan Bremnes (@danbremnes) January 7, 2018
Grand Rapids is split into several neighborhoods, each with its own character. From the painted ladies of Heritage Hill to the old-school vibe of the West Side to the artsy grace of Heartside to the state-of-the-art Medical Mile, there’s a place for everyone to feel at home.
4. But, it doesn’t get much cooler than Uptown.
Here you’ll find a funky mix of cafes, boutiques, galleries, and pubs. Try old standbys like Yesterdog, Billy’s Lounge, or the 80-year-old Pickwick—a classic dive bar. Or, take in a live performance, wander a street fair, or get on a shuttle for the annual Holiday Shop Hop.
5. Downtown’s pretty nice, too.
Easily walkable and safe, downtown has a booming business district, pocket parks, and the popular Rosa Parks Circle where many events are held, and Calder Plaza, where the famous La Grande Vitesse stands.
6. We celebrate culture and diversity.
Along with a number of diversity resources, Grand Rapids hosts an array of ethnic and LGBTQ-friendly events throughout the year. There are Asian-Pacific, Polish, Hispanic, African American, and Greek festivals, plus a traditional Pow Wow, Oktoberfest, and Grand Rapids Pride.
7. The lake effect is real.
We do get more snow than some other Michigan cities, but that’s thanks to Lake Michigan (about 30-ish miles west), and, trust me, you’ll be thanking Lake Michigan once summer rolls around. But, about that snow: don’t wait until the first blizzard to buy a shovel.
8. A river runs through it.
Grand Rapids, sometimes referred to as River City, is home to the Grand River, which winds through the city and provides for charming promenades that line both sides in the downtown area.
9. Art is everywhere.
Kendall College of Art & Design has made Grand Rapids a draw for artists since 1928, but, these days, visitors and residents alike also gravitate to events like ArtPrize and Festival of the Arts and destinations like GRAM, Avenue for the Arts, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and UICA.
10. History for days.
Our 38th US President was raised in Grand Rapids and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum commemorates his life and time in office. And, right across the street is the Grand Rapids Public Museum with its permanent and temporary collections, planetarium, and not-to-be-missed carousel.
11. Horticulture and sculpture thrive.
So peaceful, Frederik Meijer Botanical Gardens. pic.twitter.com/GkaI6ISCUu
— MicheleRenee (@eddiesnextwife) September 16, 2015
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is one of the top attractions in the city, with its sweeping gardens, tropical conservatory, and rotating exhibits. Butterflies are Blooming and the Summer Concert Series are favorites among Grand Rapidians.
12. Our music scene is alive.
Van Andel Arena brings in the big acts, while The Pyramid Scheme and The Intersection cater to mid-sized crowds looking for local and international flavor. There’s also DeVos Performance Hall and St. Cecilia Music Center for more refined tastes.
13. You won’t have trouble finding a place to eat.
New York. Barcelona. Grand Rapids? Oh, yes, we are known for our cuisine. No matter what your taste buds crave, you’ll find it here: from Vegan to BBQ, Ethiopian to Indian, fusion to comfort food, taquerias to food trucks.
14. You can take our farms to your table.
Grand Rapids is a bit of an urban oasis in the middle of agriculture country. That’s good news for foodies, who will find plenty of fresh, local produce at Fulton Street Famer’s Market and the Downtown Market, plus many u-pick orchards and farms.
15. We get crafty with our brews.
With more than 70 breweries in the West Michigan area, you might say we’re pretty serious about our beer. Find yourself a designated driver and hit the Beer City Ale Trail to see what we mean.
16. And by brews, we mean coffee, too.
Forget gas station coffee. Old timers, like Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. and Schuil stand toe-to-toe with newbies like Madcap and Rowster, roasting and brewing up a delicious cup for serious aficionados.
17. Bicycling is growing and the city is responding.
In addition to the many trails in and around Grand Rapids, the city has dedicated itself to improving the bike lane system and instituting policies to improve safety, accessibility, and conveniences for cyclers.
18. We love our parks.
Riverside Park shares the city with 38 additional parks throughout Kent County. Walkers, disc golfers, skaters, cyclers, and picnickers flock to these green spaces at the first sign of spring and linger until the first snow falls.
19. Marathons run rampant.
We’re known for the country’s largest 25K: the Fifth Third River Bank Run, but Grand Rapids also hosts the Reeds Lake Run, the Color Run, the Mud Run, and the Grand Rapids Marathon.
20. We get in on the action.
You don’t need to visit Detroit or Chicago to see a great game. Grand Rapids is home to the Griffins (hockey), the Drive (basketball), Whitecaps (baseball), and Grand Rapids Football Club (that’s soccer to us).
