Community› The Bump Local Boards› Michigan Babies
Michigan Babies
New Discussion

GR 'burbs?

ToBeMrsC6907ToBeMrsC6907
edited July 2021 in Michigan Babies

Hi Everyone!

I'm a Detroit (Royal Oak) bump-ie coming over to ask a question.  DH is interviewing for a job near Grand Rapids, on the West Side.  We are seriously considering a relocation and I thought I'd ask here- I'm looking for unbiased opinions and information about the suburbs of Grand Rapids.  I'm looking for great schools, close nature/bike trails, shopping/restaurants nearby, and a family-oriented community with large lots.  So far we've been recommended East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills (Ada/Cascade), and Rockford.  My main concern with Rockford is the distance, as DH's job would be on the West side and he'd like a relatively easy commute.  And EGR seems somewhat urban for our tastes- while we live in Royal Oak now and love it, for our next home we're looking for a little more land and privacy.

Any advice/info/input you may have would be VERY much appreciated.  Thank you thank you thank you in advance!  :)

Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
Report Reply to Post

Re: GR 'burbs?

  • BabyohmyBabyohmy

    I grew up in Sterling Hts and relocated to Hudsonville Mi in 2006.  We love it.  Great schools! It?s close enough to all kind of shopping and outdoor activities.  And we still have property and lots of room to play outside.  From our house it?s about an easy 20 minute drive to downtown Grand Rapids.  I?ll be the first to say, rush hour traffic in Grand Rapids in nothing compared to Royal Oak high ways.  Let me know if you have any further questions.  My sister-in-law lives near Rockford.  I really like that area also, however it is a longer drive into town. 

    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • Aaron&AmyAaron&Amy

    I grew up on the East side of the State and moved over to GR for college.  I met my husband over here who was borned and raised in Hudsonville.  That is where we live now and I love it.  Georgetown twp property taxes are low in comparison to other GR suburbs, my husband says the schools are great, you can find nice family friendly nieghboorhoods or land, and the commute isn't bad depending on how far into Hudsonville you live.  There are areas of Hudsonville right off of the highway that are really easy commutes into GR.  I live farther off the highway into Hudsonville and work by the airport.  My commute is about 30/35mins - not bad at all. 

    I think the other areas are great recommendations as well: East GR, Forest Hills, Rockford. Besides Hudsonville, I would also add in Byron Center.  Same benefits as I noted for Hudsonville and it is also known for having really good "blue ribbon" schools. 

    Report Reply
  • blessings1blessings1 member

    contrary to what others say Hudsonville is even farther out than Rockford.  I live in Rockford and the commute to Grand Rapids West Side is about 20 minutes.  I lived in the West Side last year in the actual city which is nice but not as open as you'd like.  If I had to give you advice I'd say Forest Hills or Ada.  They are both outside of GR and centrally located to highways to Grand Rapids.  It all depends on your budget but they are more 'upper class'

     

    hope that helps 

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Pregnancy Ticker
    Report Reply
  • kt_mb14kt_mb14
    Grandville is a great area.  I've heard a lot of great things about the schools.  There's a nice mall and tons of shopping and restaurants.  There's also the Kent Trails for biking and some very nice parks.  The newer parts of Grandville have larger lots than the older parts.
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"