Have you been considering a move to Grand Rapids? You see all the reasons why it’s a great place to live but not as many reasons why you shouldn’t move to the Grand Rapids area. Well, today we’re going to get into some of the reasons this area of West Michigan may not be for you.

There are Four Seasons

The first reason, you may not want to move to Grand Rapids is if you don’t enjoy having four seasons throughout the year. We get it; they’re not for everyone. Changing seasons can bring harsh winters, seasonal allergies, more wardrobe and equipment needs, and outdoor activity can be limited, but the changing climate also brings unique seasonal activities, fresh produce, and who doesn’t love sweater weather? If the vibrant fall colors, awesome snow sports, or the moderate climate aren’t enough to get you through the unpredictable weather, then West Michigan may not be the best place for you.

You Want to Stick to Public Transportation

If you need to heavily rely on public transportation, then you need to know that public transportation options in Grand Rapids are slightly limited. The city’s bus system, called The Rapid, does not cover the Grand Rapids area extensively and may not be as reliable or convenient as other public transportation systems in other major cities. This limitation can be a drawback for those who otherwise need a car or prefer not to drive. Most of our locals here do opt to drive or live and work in areas they could walk or bike to.

Housing Prices are Increasing

The cost of housing is increasing throughout the greater Grand Rapids area. Housing is still 12% cheaper here than the US average, but the area has seen amazing appreciation rates and expects more growth for years to come. Though this is great for current homeowners, this increase can make it challenging for first-time homebuyers or renters to find affordable housing. The competitive market can also lead to bidding wars, making the purchase process more demanding.

Limited Ethnic Diversity

While Grand Rapids is becoming more and more diverse every day, it still lacks the cultural and ethnic diversity found in larger metropolitan areas. The Grand Rapids Metro Area is 78% white, 8.5% Hispanic, 5% Black, 2.2% Asian, and then 4.5% a mix of other races. This can affect the availability of diverse cultural experiences, restaurants, and community events, potentially making it less appealing for those who seek more of a multicultural environment.

A Smaller Airport

While we love the Gerald R Ford International Airport, with only two concourses and 24 gates, it’s almost too easy to zip through our airport. But because it’s a smaller airport, you can only fly nonstop from Grand Rapids to 30 major US cities. Depending on where you’re headed, this may increase your cost of travel and travel times overall as more connections may be required. If you’re looking for a more major airport, you may have to look for connections through Detroit or Chicago.

Increasing Cost of Living

The cost of living is also increasing in the Grand Rapids area. While Grand Rapids is often touted as having a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities, it has been increasing steadily. Grocery prices are still 8% lower and quality healthcare is still 5% lower. However, utility prices are 3% higher, and public transportation and gas costs are 1% higher than the national average. Overall, despite rising prices, the cost of living in Grand Rapids is still 5% lower than the national average.

We hope we didn’t scare you off from living in Grand Rapids as we uncovered some of the reasons why you may not want to move to the area. You know we love this city and there are so many other wonderful reasons to come check out the West Michigan and Greater Grand Rapids area. If you’re thinking about moving here, make sure to connect with our team so we can help show you all of the wonderful things about this city!