The June 2008 issue of Money Magazine has an article which gives their projections of the what's in store for the next year in the 100 Biggest U.S. real estate markets. The projection for Grand Rapids is an increase of 1.9% in the next year and 8.3% in the next 5 years.
I wonder, as I read those articles, how the authors derive their projections. I am encouraged by the signs I see in the marketplace as buyers are realizing that the window of opportunity is here now! Mortgage rates have climbed upward in the last couple of weeks and buyers are losing out on homes that go to contract while they try to m
ake a decision. The first time home market seems to be moving which will translate into sales of other homes.
It's also exciting to drive through downtown Grand Rapids and see cranes dominating the skyline along Medical Hill. The Lemmon-Holton Cancer Center will officially open within days the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital is visible, the Michigan State Medical School facility is being framed and rising on the skyline, the VanAndel research center is expanding and much more is happening in the surrounding area. That all brings jobs and energy to our area. Add to that the addition of Metropolitan Hospital' s new campus at Byron Center and M-6 and all of the resulting growth there, it seems things are happening in West Michigan!
It's exciting to see the energy and vibrancy that all of this new constructions and activity has brought to our area and to realize that our economic base is changing and moving in directions that will provide stability and jobs for years to come.
One of the most frequent queries I get from my relocating clients is what there is to do in Grand Rapids and West Michigan. It's one of my favorite questions because I love to share my enthusiam about this area. Often it's hard to decide which direction to point because there is so much going on, especially at this time of year.
One of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday morning is with a visit to a Grand Rapids institution since 
1922 commonly known as "the Farmer's Market," the Fulton Street Market offers locally-grown fruits and vegetables, plants and home-made arts and crafts. The market is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and offers a feast for the nose, eyes and mouth. The diversity of the city is evident as you wander through the market and the knowledge and pride of local growers and artisans provides a learning experience as well as bags laden with locally grown produce.
From there I often stop at Wealthy At Charles where I find products "for those who desire simplicity, treasures for home and body". Local artists are featured and I love to wander through the garden and view the various items located there as well as in the shop.
A short walk away I am able to rest and refresh at the Wealthy Street Bakery where breads are baked in a stone hearth bread oven and the surroundings of this quaint space have been renovated to a warm, vibrant stopping place. Next door is Art Of The Table, another favorite, which features specialty food, beverage & tabletop items. I love the walk-in cooler with unique and varied beers from around the world!
All of these treasures are found within a short distance of one another and truly make for a delightful morning experiencing some of the diversity, talent, resources and unique opportunities in Grand Rapids. I hope you'll take time to experience all or some of these places as well!
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Grand Rapids, MI, Kent County, MI and Ottawa County, MI real estate consulting for home buyers and sellers. 25 years of real estate experience helping first time buyers, relocating buyers and sellers
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