Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Michigan’s nicknames, “Furniture City” and “Beer City,” hint at the diversity in this 45.6 square-mile metropolis on the Grand River. The city is home to five of the world’s leading office furniture companies, and about 80 breweries. Founded in 1850, Grand Rapids now has a median age of 31.2 (2022), and an economy driven by healthcare, automotive, aviation, information technology, and consumer goods manufacturing.

The city's home styles are as varied as its main industries. They include Prairie, Italianate, Colonial Revival, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, and Foursquare bungalow. The typical home value is $263,768, up 13.9% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). Enhancing the city's appeal are annual events that include the World of Winter Festival, the Michigan International Auto Show, and LaughFest, a comedy festival.

Grand Rapids' major highways include I-96, which runs along its northern and northeastern sides, and the east-west I-196. The city’s oldest residential district, Heritage Hill, is just south of I-196. It’s also adjacent to downtown, and where nearly every style of American architecture is represented. A little further south is historic Ottawa Hills, which is full of old-town charm and post-World War II homes. West of I-96 is Millbrook, a mainly residential neighborhood filled with modern and Mid-Century-style homes.

Grand Rapids especially appeals to young professionals and new families, who are drawn to its big-city amenities and action among a suburban vibe.