Grand Rapids Michigan is a diverse metropolitan area comprised of many local cities and communities that surround the city of Grand Rapids. The Grand Rapids metro area is the second largest city in Michigan with a population around 1 million.
West Michigan is a beautiful 4 season area of Michigan that has lots of hardwood forests, rolling hills, Lake Michigan beach shoreline, hundreds of lakes and rivers, and a thriving, diverse work environment with educated workers. We have 25 colleges and universities in our area, including the new Michigan State Medical School on the “Medical Mile” in downtown Grand Rapids.
Getting To Know Grand Rapids:
Since pictures speak louder than words, we have links to photos & videos of some of our local communities:
Ada Michigan is a small community southeast of Grand Rapids with an excellent school system and lots of suburban homes.
Caledonia Michigan is a small suburban community that has farms and a rural suburban setting.
East Grand Rapids Michigan is a city bordering on Grand Rapids that has lovely older homes, an excellent school system, and excellent city services, including community events, leaf pick-up in fall, and over 100 miles of plowed city sidewalks in the winter. And a quick commute to the downtown area.
Kentwood Michigan is a suburban community southeast of Grand Rapids with businesses such as Steelcase, one of the nation’s largest office furniture manufacturers. Plus lots of suburban housing subdivisions, both new and established, in addition to rental communities.
Lowell Michigan is a small community east of Grand Rapids with a vibrant business community, excellent school system, and a mixture of older homes and newer subdivisions, all centered around the Flat River.
Rockford Michigan is a small community north of Grand Rapids on the Rogue River. It is home to the global shoe manufacturer, Wolverine Worldwide, but has a small town feeling with unique boutiques, shops, and wonderful restaurants. Many newer homes, established subdivisions and older homes populate the Rockford area.
Quality of Life in Grand Rapids:
Grand Rapids Michigan Rated 5th Most Affordable Housing in US –Aug 21, 2009 – CNN Money has rated the top cities in affordable housing.
Top Schools in West Michigan – June 15-2009 – Six West Michigan public Schools were rated in the top 1500 schools in the nation by Newsweek.
Spectrum Hospital Ranks in Nation’s Top 100 – Nov 3, 2009
Fav Restaurants in the Grand Rapids Area:
Good Eats – Real Food Cafe – Nov 20, 2009 In Alger Heights and NorthlandDr locations offer great comfort food at great prices.
First Choice for Chinese in Forest Hills = First Wok – Dec 4, 2009 – Located inthe heart of Cascade, this Chinese Restaurant is one of our favorites.
The Grille Restaurant at Watermark Country Club – March 9, 2008 –
Serving fresh local foods when possible, this restaurant is always busy. Whether you stop in for a business lunch or have a quick meal after you play nine holes, you can’t go wrong here.
Vitale’s Restaurant & Pub – Aug 23, 2010 – Casual dining in Ada andother areas of Grand Rapids – a very popular place to get your pasta fix.
Recreation in Grand Rapids:
Art Prize – Sept 24, 2009 – Planned to be an annual event in Grand Rapids,
Art Prize took the city by storm this year with over $250K in prizes,
artists from all over the world bringing their art creations to GR.
Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey – May 11, 2009 – A Night at a Griffins
Play-off Game
White Caps Baseball Signals Spring – March 15, 2009 – Opening day
for the local AA Team is much anticipated in Grand Rapids.
Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park:
The Sculptures – Mar 9, 2008 Outdoor sculptures at Frederick Meijer Gardens
The Conservatory – Mar 9, 2008 The tropical conservatory at Meijer Gardens
The Children’s Garden – Mar 9, 2008 – The Children’s Gardens at Meijer Gardens
Butterfly Exhibit – Mar 9, 2008 Yearly special exhibit that draws thousands.
Meijer Gardens Summer Concert Series 2010 – April 26, 2010 – 12 concerts
held at the Outdoor Amphitheater.
Grand Haven – Aug 24, 2009 – Coast Guard City is a great destination for tourists and Michigan day trippers, like ourselves.
Roselle Park – Nov 6, 2009 – Natural Habitat Refuge on the Grand River with an observation tower, viewing deck, canoe/kayak launch, miles of walking trails.
Grand Rapids Golf – With over 900 courses in West Michigan, it could take a few years to play them all. A few local golf course articles & photos.
Real Estate Information for Buyers & Sellers:
You Want to Buy A House, Now What? – Oct 27,2010Buyer question and answers
Which Mortgage Do I Choose? – Key questions to ask yourself and lenders before you finalize your mortgage.
Buying Foreclosed Homes is NOT FUN! – May 6, 2008 – A few buying tips on foreclosed properties. Be Aware. Be Prepared. Use a SeasonedBuyer’s Agent.
Are you Looking for your Grand Rapids Dream Home? – May 13, 2008 –Lots of internet searches for the perfect home are being done right now.
Sellers Beware! Avoid 11 Mistakes That Could Cost You Hundreds, even
Thousands of Dollars! The difference between a profitable, seamless transaction and a break even, miserable experience is often a fine line.
Top Ten Questions You Should Ask Before You List Your Home – Crucial areas of expertise your Realtor should possess.
SEARCH for Homes in Greater Grand Rapids Area:
Grand Rapids Michigan- Homes for Sale
East Grand Rapids Michigan – Homes for Sale
Caledonia Michigan – Homes for Sale
Cascade Michigan – Homes for Sale
Kentwood Michigan – Homes for Sale
Lowell Michigan – Homes for Sale
Rockford Michigan – Homes for Sale
Grand Rapids – Condos for Sale
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live inWest Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts andentertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263