Hey folks, I'm a college student here and It's a a small town city with about 11,394 people. Crime rate is something to consider -East Grand Rapids sits at 33.2 per 100K. With a population of 11,394, East Grand Rapids is a small town. The median home value here is around $488,500, which is pretty steep. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Thoughts? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
13 upvotes
8 Replies
Caleb Sanders
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Leah A.
I've lived in Old Town for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The public transit scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Reagan R.
noted, appreciate it
35 upvotes
Claire Hall
as a local I can confirm
34 upvotes
Arianna Howard
following this thread
14 upvotes
Violet N.
I'm a data analyst and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
1 upvotes
Ralph L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 11 years. Moved from Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not very walkable outside downtown. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
0 upvotes
Sarah Long
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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