A Guide to Relocating to Grand Rapids

After being nationally recognized as one of the most promising economies to enter with a young labor-force, the best place to raise a family and a top destination for millennial homebuyers, what’s keeping you from moving to our neighborhood? Why Grand Rapids, you ask? We’ve got big city amenities, a small town feel, midwest values, eight diverse neighborhoods, great school districts, top notch medical resources and so much more. Here’s some helpful tips that will make relocating to this wonderful city of Grand Rapids that much more exciting and painless.

1. Get Acquainted with the Neighborhoods

Downtown: Enjoy a huge range of entertainment, dining, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities, all within an easy, eye-catching 10-minute walk.

Heartside: Grit, growth, and great creativity characterize this downtown neighborhood, which boasts unique gallery, clever dining spots and many pleasant surprises.

Heritage Hill: One of the nation's top old-house neighborhoods – with 1,300 buildings dating back to 1844 – is just a five-minute walk from downtown.

North Quarter: The city's largest park, tiniest burger joint, oldest sweet shop, and newest best-bar winner are just a few of the pleasures that await visitors.

Westside: From camels and coffee to meat markets and Mexican restaurants, the West Side is a fascinating mix of old-school and up-and-coming.

Uptown: An eclectic mix of specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment venues reflect this area's friendly, funky, fabulous character.

Medical Mile: This world-class health-sciences corridor is spurring new retail and residential developments well beyond its namesake mile.

Southtown: Diversity is the hallmark of Southtown, with numerous ethnic groups contributing to a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, and events.

Don’t forget to look into surrounding areas like: Ada, Cascade, Comstock, East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, Wyoming and more!

Here’s a ranking of neighborhoods in Grand Rapids.

2. Get to Know our School Districts

Our school districts vary in size, academic and extracurricular offerings and more, you’ll be able to find just the right school for your family.

To name a few options: Byron Center Schools, Caledonia Schools, Comstock Park Schools, East Grand Rapids Schools, Forest Hills Schools, Grand Rapids Schools, Grandville Schools, Kenowa Hills Schools, Kentwood Schools, Lowell Schools, Rockford Schools & more!

Here’s a ranking of school districts in the area.

3. Get to Know the Demographics of the City

We are a diverse and inclusive community composed of individuals of all walks of life.

Here’s a look at what types of individuals make up this beautiful community. You’d fit right in!

4. Bring your Bike & Comfortable Shoes

We have a walk score of 55 & a bike score of 55, meaning we are above the national average in terms of walkability and bikeability! We also have a strong pedestrian safety policy that strives to protect and serve our walkers and bikers.

5. Safety

For a city of Grand Rapids’ size, it is remarkable how safe it is! Check out an interactive map on the safety reports in the area HERE.​

6. Things to Do

From sculpture parks and gardens to art museums and breweries, Grand Rapids has something for everyone! There’s great local eats, live music, conventions and events for all interests, hobbies and passions. Start planning out your weekends HERE.

The relocation process can be stressful, but working with a qualified professional can help things run so much more smoothly. Let us take some of that work off of your shoulders by helping you find the perfect neighborhood & school district for your needs.