Hi all, I'm retired and With a population of 10,966, Grand Haven is a small town. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
4 upvotes
12 Replies
Cooper
I've lived in Old Town for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The traffic scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Hannah W.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Alice J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like seafood.
No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Michelle A.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The healthcare scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Sophia E.
big facts right here
29 upvotes
Nova Gray
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Savannah R.
glad someone said it
23 upvotes
Oliver B.
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 14 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes 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 hit or miss. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Benjamin Cook
Totally agree!
15 upvotes
Danielle O.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Andrew Rivera
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is improving in most areas.
3 upvotes
Ezekiel Flores
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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