How is Michigan's economy looking, particularly in Grand Rapids?

Question

We are looking to move to Grand Rapids, MI
Can anyone who is from there tell me how it is?

Answer 1

Actually, pretty decent. West Michigan (Grand Rapids/Holland/Muskegon area) is totally different than the rest of Michigan. There is quite a difference between the east and west parts of the state. Plus, West Michigan has beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, lots of lakes, forests, etc.

West Michigan job market expected to grow
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-30/1150210127136010.xml&coll=6
"This region has the healthiest economy in the state, and the outlook appears relatively rosy for future hires. That's the consensus of Manpower Inc. and its analyst, Joe Ross.

"Michigan's got two economies right now," Ross said. "One is West Michigan, and the rest of the state."

Ross sees it this way: "If it were a summer movie, we would call it 'Revenge of the West Side,' " Ross said. "West Michigan still is the bright spot in the entire state.""

Industrial market shows promise
http://www.mlive.com/business/grpress/index.ssf?/base/business-3/1152197660263330.xml&coll=6
"Donald Shoemaker, principal for Franklin Partners, said he bought the Siemens Dematic facilities, 4147 and 4247 Eastern Ave. SE, because the regional market has been strong.

"We're asked all the time, 'Why would you go to the worst economy in the nation to do business?' But that's with the east half of Michigan added in," he said.

In West Michigan, the outlook and demand are considerably different than the Detroit area, he said."

East meets west
http://www.mlive.com/mbusinessreview/west/index.ssf?/base/test/1154606455107770.xml&coll=12

Answer 2

Grew up there and that i bypass back on a notably widely used foundation. in the final 4 years there have been significant advancements to the downtown section. in actuality, i become taken aback to work out a thriving night cub/entertainment district being prevalent on Washington Blvd. all human beings is unquestionably downtown at night, something i do no longer remember transforming into up there. i think of the minor league baseball stadium has been a brilliant progression. They equipped that element approximately 15 yrs in the past, and on an identical time because it has taken awhile, progression has began to take carry. final 12 months they finished some blended-use condos for the time of from the stadium and that i had maximum of them offered in the previous the area become complete. Now, is it ever going to be Chicago or perhaps Ann Arbor? No, although that is recuperating and that i does no longer hesitate shifting back. while you're finding for stuff to do, check out the historic Museum, the Capitol construction or better yet, Omar's on Michigan. you will locate each and all of the State Senators there. city rankings ... hmm of 80,000 or extra citizens: a million, Ann Arbor, distinctive financial equipment, sturdy downtown, severe high quality housing inventory 2. Traverse city, view of the water, ok downtown 3. Grand Rapids, financial equipment, civic involvement, housing 4. Kalamazoo, college city, close to to Lake Michigan 5. Detroit, homes, background, human beings 6. Lansing, background, government, MSU, neighborhoods, downtown 7. Midland, clean secure and boring

Answer 3

It is quite nice in the Grand Rapids area.

Answer 4

A lot depends on the industry. Automotive, manufacturing, most service industries extremely poor. Ford just announced another huge layoff and plant closing plan last week. Michigan is getting hit really rough. Other industries are hiring but these ex-auto workers (white and blue collar) are competing with you. Good luck.

Answer 5

theres no jobs there. companies in grand rapids are moving out of that town fast due to bad economy there. dont move there