Universities in Grand Rapids, USA
- Rankings & Reviews -

PROS

• Grand Rapids provides a very affordable cost of living, which is mainly due to its average rent prices for apartments. The average rental price for a 2-bedroom apartment here is around $1,169, which is comfortably below the national average. Something to note is that the average monthly rate for a 3-bedroom apartment is around $1,350, making it overall cheaper when shared with two other roommates.

• The city takes pride in its craft beers, and by extension its bar scene. Those who come to live in Grand Rapids will find no shortage of nightlife and places to try local brews. For those who don’t drink or prefer spending time outdoors, there are the Provin Trails, the planetarium, and a number of important museums to enjoy.

• Many Grand Rapids residents agree that finding a job in this city is relatively easy compared to some other US cities. Some of the biggest employers in the city are Davenport and Calvin University, SpartanNash, Gordon Food Service, and Meijer.

CONS

• The city does not have a light rail service, and their bus service known as ‘the Rapid’ has too few stops, and leaves much of the city without coverage, according to residents. Common opinion is that it’s not realistic to live in Grand Rapids without a car if you’re living outside of the Downtown area.

• Many agree that the winter season in Grand Rapids can be long and challenging, not only because of the temperature but also because snowfall can create havoc when it comes to finding street parking, which forces many to use expensive paid garages. Additionally, the days are very short in the winter and this can have a negative impact on your social life.