Grand Rapids, Michigan is a fast growing city on the Grand River and around 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. It’s a lively city with huge horizons and a very optimistic mindset.

It’s home to a little over a million people and is regarded as the economic hub of West Michigan. It has a lot to recommend it and is widely regarded as an up and coming place to live.

History of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids was originally occupied by the Hopewell culture, followed by other cultures, and finally, the Ottawa people settled several villages in the region.

Settlers arrived in 1806 when a trading post was set up around where the modern city is now. It wasn’t until Isaac McCoy arrived in 1824 that a permanent European settlement was founded.

Initially, it was a missionary station but soon after turned into a small town including a blacksmith and trading post. From there, the settlement grew slowly, formalizing eventually 1838 as a formal village.

The early economy was made from furniture and the country’s first hydro-electric generator. From there, the economy slowly diversified into other industries but furniture remained strong until the late 20^th century.

The modern city now includes health, retail, manufacturing and education as contributors to its success.

Transport in Grand Rapids

As the second largest city in this part of Michigan, getting around Grand Rapids is easy.

You’ll probably use Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) if you arrive by air. It’s a few miles southeast of the city with bus shuttles into the city on a regular basis.

Amtrak runs rail services into the city each evening as part of the Chicago Pere Marquette service. There is no real commuter rail service in the city.

Bus services are run by Greyhound, Indian Trails, and Megabus. Local buses use a Downtown terminus and are known as The Rapid.

Roads are our main form of transport with I-96, I-196, I-296, US 131, M-6, M-11, M-21, M-37, M-44, M-45 and A-45 being the main routes in and out.

Major employers in Grand Rapids

Major employers in Grand Rapids include University of Michigan, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, General Motors Warren Tchncl, Spectrum Health Hospitals, University of MI Health System, MSU Tech, Henry Ford Hospital, Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Bronson Health Group Executive, Henry Ford Health System, Ascension Genesys Outreach Lab, Sparrow St Lawrence Campus, St Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, Valassis Communications Inc, General Motors Co, Munson Medical Ctr, Uwm Holdings Corp, General Motors Proving Grounds, Bronson Methodist Hospital, Little Traverse Area Bay Band, Alticor Inc, Covenant Healthcare Sleep Ctr, DTE Energy Co, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort and Ferrellgas.

Neighborhoods of Grand Rapids

Neighborhoods of Grand Rapids include Michigan Oaks, Ridgemoor, John Ball Park, Westside Connection, Eastgate, Highland Park, Millbrook, Midtown, Creston, Heartside, Ottawa Hills, Fulton Heights, Creston, Garfield Park, West Grand, Westside Connection, Norteast Citizens Action, Roosevelt Park, Millbrook, Eastown, South East End, Swan, Belknap Lookout and Alger Heights.

Popular attractions in Grand Rapids

Popular attractions in Grand Rapids include Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Blandford Nature Center, Meyer May House, John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids Symphony, Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve, Brewery Vivant, Graydon’s Crossing, Fulton Street Farmers Market and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts.