What makes Grand Rapids Michigan such a special place to visit? And even better- to live? I am sure I can come up with a lot of wonderful attributes that make Grand Rapids a stand out but what I think makes it so special is #1 the friendly people and #2 the variety of things to do and see within a relatively small radius.
I will write a subsequent post about the later of the two but for this post I will focus mostly on the subject of the people in GR.
I would like to share with you an article that I came across, written by a visitor to GR, who agrees with me about the people here in our fair city. This person is admittedly not a world traveler but has visited other large cities across the nation. Her name is Joann Fizpatrick. She is the former editorial page editor for The Patriot Ledger, a Boston news source.
I am hoping you will take the time to read this article. If you live in or around Grand Rapids, it will definitely put a smile on your face and make you very proud to live here. If you do not live here and read it, be warned, it may cause you to want to live here.
In her June, 2007 Commentary- America's Heartland- Why Can't We Be More Like Grand Rapids? Joann explains that she visited Grand Rapids Michigan for a wedding. She was so impressed with the city of GR that she used words like; "friendliness," "helpfulness," "kindness," "gleaming," "a city representing good old-fashioned American values" and the like, to describe her experience here. She also compares the cost of living and cost of housing in Massachusetts verses Grand Rapids, giving Grand Rapids the applause for the better value. On a side note- there was a story on The Today's Show not too long ago that would agree with her on that. They too sited Grand Rapids for having such great housing values in comparison to other large cities.
While Grand Rapids may not compare in size to some of the other large cities (like those mentioned in the article and the Today's Show) it more than makes up for it by the size of it's heart. There's no place like home Dorothy. I'm stayin'!
Want to know more about the Grand Rapids area? Visit me on my website @ www.sueprins.com or email me @ sueprins@grar.com. I am happy to be at your service!
Real estate agent providing excellent service to sellers, new home buyers or those seeking relocation assistance in the Greater Grand Rapids Area
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Hi Sue: I know several people who either live or have lived in Grand Rapids, and they wholeheartedly agree with you. Grand Rapids is a really great place to live. Thanks for sharing such an uplifting post with us. Take care...
Sue: I just relocated a client from your area and they felt the same way. They are great folks, and I am sure a reflection of Grand Rapids!
Hi Karen, thanks for reading my post. I may be a little bias because I have lived in the GR area most of my life but I truly love it here for the reasons I mentioned. It is a very welcoming city.
Hi Brian - If you have never visited the Grand Rapids area, now you have a great excuse. Come and visit your clients and stop by and visit me too. If you like to cross country ski or perhaps drive along a gorgeous snow laden country side, GR offers beautiful scenery as well.
Hi Sue, Grand Rapids must be very nice to get that much publicity. I can't wait to read your next post about your home town. Nice post!
I agree Sue, I have traveled to a few places and still find Grand Rapids as a caring and friendly place to live. Thanks for spreading the word.
Hi Larry- Thanks for your comment. It truly is that nice of a place to live or visit. Come and see for yourself though sometime. You won't be dissappointed. And if you do visit, look me up so I can point out all the great things there are to do and see here.
Hi there Terry- Thanks for your comment. It is easy to write about the things you treasure. I am sure my pride is showing a bit but I am proud of our great city. I am heading to California for about 10 days for the holidays. I know I will no doubt like the weather there but I also know that I like coming home.