The second-largest city in the state of Michigan is Grand Rapids.
Currently, there are about 200,000 people living here.
It’s an amazing city that’s full of arts and culture, craft breweries, and much more.
Many people flock to Grand Rapids because there’s so much to offer.
But, besides the benefits of living here, there are also several drawbacks such as cold winters and a scarce nightlife scene.
If you’re considering moving to Grand Rapids, continue reading to learn whether this is a perfect match for you.
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Pros of Living in Grand Rapids, MI
Here is a list of the benefits of living in Grand Rapids, MI.
1. Craft Beer
Grand Rapids was given the nickname “Beer City, USA.”
This is primarily due to the significant number of craft breweries available here.
But, there’s nothing ordinary about the breweries in Grand Rapids.
They produce a variety of unique flavors and styles to suit your taste buds.
Some of the most frequently visited breweries in Grand Rapids are Brewery Vivant and Founders Brewing CO.
2. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Grand Rapids is very affordable.
Compared to other big cities such as Chicago, the cost of living in Grand Rapids is 44% lower.
Additionally, healthcare expenses, transportation, and food are also cheaper in Grand Rapids than in other cities.
The average cost of a home in Grand Rapids is $250,000.
Homebuyers favor Grand Rapids for this very reason.
And, if you’re looking to rent, you can still take advantage of the low costs.
The average cost to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Grand Rapids is $1,333.
3. Bustling Arts and Culture Scene
Grand Rapids is an epic center for arts and culture.
It is full of art galleries, museums, and much more.
For example, The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is home to several gardens, sculptures, and art exhibits.
Furthermore, the Grand Rapids Art Museum is also located here.
They have more than 6,000 pieces of art on display.
Finally, Grand Rapids has an excellent arts scene including Grand Rapids Ballet and the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra.
4. Beautiful Landscape
Grand Rapids, MI is known for its natural beauty.
If you’re looking for breathtaking views, you’ll be glad to know that the Grand River runs through the city.
Additionally, the landscaping is amazing.
You can take it all in at the various parks, lakes, beaches, and trails that Grand Rapids has to offer.
Furthermore, Lake Michigan is located less than an hour away.
5. Downtown Grand Rapids
Downtown Grand Rapids is full of life.
You can explore it with ease whether you choose to walk or ride a bicycle.
There’s plenty to discover such as the Van Andel Arena which holds various sporting events and concerts.
Also, there are a number of historic buildings including the Michigan Trust Building and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll be happy to know there are several dining options here as well.
6. Family-Friendly
Grand Rapids is family-friendly, which is a huge plus for those with children.
It’s unlike any other major city in the country when it comes to congestion.
Grand Rapids isn’t hard to navigate, so you won’t get a headache trying to push your children around in strollers.
Grand Rapids is considered a safe city with plenty of high-quality schools.
Furthermore, the communities here are extremely friendly and engaging.
7. Enjoy all Four Seasons
Another perk of living in Grand Rapids is being able to enjoy all four seasons throughout the year.
There’s nothing better than seeing snow during Christmas, relaxing beaches during the summer, and watching the leaves turn colors in the fall.
The weather constantly changes in Grand Rapids allowing you to get a taste of everything it has to offer.
8. Highly-Rated Hospitals
Some of the best hospitals in the country are located in Grand Rapids.
But, besides that, the hospitals exceed the quality of care in other major cities that are twice its size.
A couple of hospitals here including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and Spectrum Health hold high rankings for their specialties.
Metro, Corewell, and Trinity are also among some of the best hospitals in the city.
Cons of Living in Grand Rapids, MI
1. Somber Winters
Snow is a part of Michigan.
So, if you can do without, you may want to rethink your decision to move to Grand Rapids.
Winters here are pretty gloomy.
However, you can still enjoy the snowy winters if you snowboard or ski.
Michigan can stay this way from November all the way through March.
Besides just regular snow, Grand Rapids sees a lot of lake effect snow thanks to the close distance to Lake Michigan.
2. Limited Nightlife
Grand Rapids also has limited options for nightlife.
If you’re not a night owl, this shouldn’t be an issue for you.
However, it can be a major downside for those who enjoy a vibrant social scene full of restaurants, bars, and venues.
It can make it challenging for those looking to network and socialize with others.
If you’re looking for a town that has a little bit more to offer, you should look elsewhere.
3. Rainy City
Unfortunately, Grand Rapids gets a lot of rain, much more than the rest of the state.
On average, Grand Rapids sees 37 inches of rain each year.
This is much higher compared to 28 inches of rainfall, which is the national average.
The rainiest months in Grand Rapids occur between late April and early May.
It can last through September.
During this time, it’s not uncommon for residents to see a lot of heavy rain and flash flooding.
4. High Property Taxes
Grand Rapids ranks number 12 for the metro city with the fastest increasing property taxes.
This is mainly due to the continuous investments by the city including libraries, parks, public services, and public safety.
To help balance these extra taxes for residents, the city offers tax incentive programs.
This program was created to reduce the taxable value of a household by a particular amount.
5. Lacks Diversity
Grand Rapids lacks diversity according to the census.
More than half of the population identifies as White (non-Hispanic).
Additionally, Grand Rapids doesn’t offer other ethnic cuisines or cultural events here in the city.
With that being said, if you are someone who loves trying different cuisines or living in a town that is full of diversity, you will be highly disappointed to know that Grand Rapids lacks in this area.
6. High Crime Rates
According to statistics, Grand Rapids has higher than average crime rates.
Crime rates in the city are higher than the average in Michigan and in the United States.
However, when compared to the national average, it’s still considered relatively safe.
But sadly, the crime rate in Grand Rapids ranks second when compared to other areas in Michigan.
Furthermore, the most common type of crime seen in Grand Rapids is property crimes.
7. Highly Populated City
Grand Rapids is the second most populated city in Michigan.
There are more than 200,00 residents that reside here.
But, this can present a big issue for job opportunities and attractions.
Also, houses are closer together in Grand Rapids.
When you dine in, expect restaurants to be busier than normal.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a nice-sized backyard, you should probably avoid looking in the downtown or inner city areas.
8. A lot of Tourists
Tourism can be seen as a good thing for businesses looking for a profit.
However, when it comes to the residents that actually live in Grand Rapids, this could be one of the biggest drawbacks.
There will always be tourists present especially when there are festivals and events going on.
Ultimately, this could mean more traffic and longer wait times at bars, restaurants, and beaches.
Pros and Cons of Living in Grand Rapids, MI – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Grand Rapids, MI | Cons of Living in Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|
| 1. Craft Beer | 1. Somber Winters |
| 2. Cost of Living | 2. Limited Nightlife |
| 3. Bustling Arts and Culture Scene | 3. Rainy City |
| 4. Beautiful Landscape | 4. High Property Taxes |
| 5. Downtown Grand Rapids | 5. Lacks Diversity |
| 6. Family-Friendly | 6. High Crime Rates |
| 7. Enjoy all Four Seasons | 7. Highly Populated City |
| 8. Highly-Rated Hospitals | 8. A lot of Tourists |
Grand Rapids Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Grand Rapids Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Grand Rapids have a low unemployment rate?
Grand Rapids is one of the best cities in the country to look for work.
In fact, they have a low unemployment rate and ranked number 26 in the country for “Best Cities for Jobs in 2023.”
The unemployment rate in 2021 was similar to the national average.
But, various things such as economic trends, the job market, and changes in industries can affect these numbers.
What makes Grand Rapids a great place to live?
Grand Rapids was ranked the best city in the entire country to raise a family.
Also, Grand Rapids ranks high for safety, high-quality education, commuting, affordable cost of living, and affordable housing.
These are the main factors that people take into consideration when looking to move to a new city.
What are some of the biggest companies to work for in Grand Rapids, MI?
The top 10 largest employers alone in Grand Rapids employ more than 66,000 people.
Some of the biggest industries here include manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
Some of the biggest employers in Grand Rapids to work for are:
- Meijer
- Spectrum Health
- Amway Corporation
- Mercy General Health Partners
- Gentex Corporation
- Herman Miller
- Steelcase
What is the average salary for working people in Grand Rapids, MI?
In Grand Rapids, the average salary is $51,145.
This equals out to be $24.59 per hour.
This also adds up to $4,262 per month.
The majority of salaries in the city vary anywhere from $36,739 and $64,046 each year.
Furthermore, the amount you make each year will ultimately depend on your career and experience.
What are some great neighborhoods to consider in Grand Rapids, MI?
There are plenty of great neighborhoods in Grand Rapids.
Here is a list of them to consider:
- Eastgate
- Fulton Heights
- Eastown
- East Hills
- Ottawa Hills
- North East Citizens Action
- Midtown
- Michigan Oaks
The place has too much to offer, from a vibrant arts scene to beautiful natural surroundings. However, like any city, it has its ups and downs. It’s all about finding the balance that suits your lifestyle.
One of the major pros of living in Grand Rapids is the strong sense of community and the friendly people. But, like many places, it does have its fair share of cold winters, which can be a con for some.