OT: would I want to live in western MI?

[feekwine]

Thinking of making a life change. I find myself coming to western MI frequently because of its recreational oppurtunities. I love the beaches, and the riding. I currently live in the Chicago area and I am seriously thinking about living where I play. I work in healthcare so employment might be okay. Just wondering what the pros and cons are. thanks.

[ReidRules18]

DO IT! I recently am a Grand Rapids area citizen and I can't say enough good things about the West Side of the state (GR in particular). The downtown is amazing with great food, character, and its pleasing to walk downtown and view the sites. The surrounding area has many communities perfect that would fit whatever style of living you wish to accomplish (plush upscale, farm country, urban, or living downtown). With access to the beaches not far away (Grand Haven and Holland) its great in the summer. Also downtown Grand Rapids is called the Medical Mile, which in your profession you can't get much better. Not to mention the mountain biking locations are easily accesible and a blast to ride! Traffic isn't that bad if you are commuting to downtown and heading Up North is an easy hop on 131.

I moved to the Grand Rapids area 4 years ago from the Metro Detroit area and I can't express in enough words how happy I am here. With the parks, riding, xc skiing, and rivers for kayaking and fishing it's truely in my mind the best place to live and play in Michigan.

Grand Rapids isn't that far from Chicago for a weekend trip (either is the West Side of Michigan) so come up for a weekend and check it out. I thought that Metro Detroit was just full of strip malls and out of control urban sprawl and GR is a breath of fresh area even considering it is Michigan's number 2 populated city.

Okay enough

[Buck91]

I also just moved out to GR, came from Detroit area. Ironically there were more trails closer to me before (lived in Oakland county) but looking at other areas this appears to be unusual. Anyways, been working and traveling too much to comment much on the west side here but in general its been nicer than detroit area. Looking forward to seeing how the mountain biking is after this winter (and maybe once or twice during, depending on weather).

[printenv]

I just moved from GR to Traverse City. I lived in GR for 13 years and found that it really was a great city. For a small city there is a lot to do recreationally and around town. I would highly recommend it. Why did I move? We had a job change. I can't say about living in Traverse City yet, thought it is beautiful, more so than GR.

[bleve]

I can't give a complete answer as I don't live in GR but I did grow up metro Detroit and now I'm on the west side of Lansing and my wife's family is closer to GR so we visit occasionally. I would definitely pick GR over the Detroit area from a living standpoint. Less urban sprawl but you still have access to most of the chain shopping and restaurants (only thing that sticks out to me is no REI, but Apex is a decent outdoors store - and no IKEA if you're into that I've been to Art Prize the past two years which is really an interesting concept for exploring downtown. I'm not into bars and clubs but I've heard from many friends that GR has a good scene for those who are. As you noted the recreational opportunities are close by, whether it's large Lake MI beaches or the northwoods experience.