Top 5 Reasons to Move to West Michigan

West Michigan is growing — both in popularity and population — and it’s easy to see why. Its exceptional quality of life is driven by a low cost of living, strong economy, beautiful natural landscapes, and plenty to do. If you’re thinking of moving to West Michigan, we say it’s a great decision! 

Five Reasons to Move to West Michigan

1) Access to Grand Rapids

With a population of just over 200,000, Grand Rapids is a major Midwestern city with lots to do, see, and experience, yet it never gets too busy to explore. Drive into town to take advantage of the arts, entertainment or dining scenes, take a self-guided brewery tour, check out the many kid-friendly attractions and activities, or catch a professional basketball, hockey or baseball game. 

2) Plenty of Outdoor Activities 

West Michigan is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream! There are so many natural landscapes to explore — both on water and land. There is, of course, the Grand River and its tributaries, which offer salmon and steelhead fishing, scenic river cruises, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. There’s even an effort underway to restore a 2.5-mile stretch of the original whitewater rapids, for which the city was named. 

There are several swimming and fishing parks, including Long Lake Park, Myers Lake Park, and Wabasis Lake Park. There are thousands of miles of biking and hiking trails to explore in warmer months, and plentiful opportunities to ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile in the winter. Along the shores of Lake Michigan, there’s sailing and Petoskey Stone hunting, among many other water-based activities.

3) Great for Raising a Family

West Michigan in the Grand Rapids area has a low cost of living, a high quality of life, and great schools that make it an attractive place to raise a family. Families will spend less on health care and housing here, so they can save more for wonderful activities and events. Visit the animals at John Ball Zoo, learn something amazing at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, or take a spin on the historic Spillman Carousel. When they’re not out having a blast, children are receiving a quality education in the area’s highly-rated schools. 

4) Best Place to Retire

Forbes recently named Grand Rapids the best place in Michigan to retire. The editors factored in cost of living, housing affordability, quality of life, activities, and attractions, and the Greater Grand Rapids area topped the list. In West Michigan, it’s so easy to enjoy hobbies, travel, recreation, and entertainment knowing that world-class health care is close and available when you need it. It’s the best of all worlds! 

5) Experience Four Seasons

West Michigan offers beautiful landscapes that change with the seasons. Residents love the snow-laced splendor of winter, exploding blooms of spring, lazy lake days of summer, and vibrant colors of fall. And in every season there are countless places to visit, events to attend, and natural wonders to see. Life in West Michigan renews with each wonderful season!

For more information on living in West Michigan, or on new home communities and available homes throughout the region, please contact us. We’re happy to be a resource!