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Welcome to Grand Rapids!
Located on the banks of the Grand River, in Kent county, Grand Rapids is known for being safe and clean, having Midwestern charm and friendly residents. Grand Rapids is a great ‘walking’ city and has plenty to offer visitors and residents alike, from a new, state-of-the-art convention center in downtown, to restaurants and Lake Michigan beaches. Grand Rapids is also known for its cultural events, plays and museums as well as a world-class botanical garden.
Job Market/Employment
The furniture industry has been the main contributor to the economy of Grand Rapids for over a century. It is currently home to some of the world’s largest furniture companies like Steelcase, Herman Miller and Knoll. The metropolitan manufacturing base is one of the largest employers in the county. Other products that are manufactured in Grand Rapids are automotive parts, industrial machinery, printing, and plastics and chemicals. Additionally, international trade and tourism comprise a growing sector of the economy. Commute times are reasonable with most people driving 10- 25 minutes to get to work. You can find an apartment for rent near your employer in Grand Rapids using our search tools.
Cost of Living/Housing
Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second largest city with a metropolitan population of 1,302,372 with a housing density of 1747 houses/condos per square mile. Approximately 40% of the population rents their homes in Grand Rapids compared to 26% for the state of Michigan overall. Most apartments in Grand Rapids are 1 or 2 bedroom units and have a gross median rent of $639 per month. Grand Rapids is noted for it’s affordable quality of life and affordable health care costs.
Demographics/Neighboring Towns
The city of Grand Rapids has a slightly higher female population (51%, 49% are males), a median age of 30.4 years old and an estimated median household income of $38,229. Neighboring cities include East Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Comstock Park, Northview, Walker, Kentwood, Grandville and Cutlerville.
Recreational Activities and Attractions
There is a lot to see in Grand Rapids if you are a history buff or like the arts. The Gerald R. Ford Museum is completely dedicated to President Ford. You can attend a White House State Dinner and see the original Watergate burglar tools. There’s also the Public Museum of Grand Rapids that concentrates on the furniture industry, Michigan mammals and archeology, and Native American artifacts. If you like architecture, Heritage Hill is a great place to see. It is one of the largest urban historic districts in the country and is located near downtown. It contains more than 1300 structures in 60 architectural styles.
If you’re looking for culture, you can visit the Grand Rapids Symphony, Opera or Ballet. There is also the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, which is the second largest community theater in the country and Michigan's oldest community theater. The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts provides exhibition and performance space for concerts, performance art, lectures, and readings.
The 125-acre Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park hosts the largest tropical conservatory in Michigan, in addition to indoor and outdoor plant and butterfly gardens, nature trails, a boardwalk, three indoor art galleries, and the three-story-tall Leonardo da Vinci's Horse, plus 100 other world-class sculptures from classical and contemporary artists.
If you prefer to enjoy the outdoors and partake in sports and outside activities, Grand Rapids offers many opportunities to enjoy nature. There are numerous ski trails, both downhill as well as cross country. Year round fishing is another popular sport in Grand Rapids; charter boats are available for trout and salmon fishing. There are also numerous golf courses, tennis courts and baseball fields.
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Mecosta County
Newaygo County
Oceana County
