Safe suburbs in Grand Rapids (Wyoming, Kentwood: best suburbs, to rent, townhouses)

[VasylP]

Hello!
We are family of four with two school-aged children moving to the area this summer. I’ll be working in the downtown.
We are interested in safe, quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods within 30 min drive from the downtown GR. Decent school district is also a priority. We will be looking for a 3-bedroom townhome preferably with a basement or garage.
What suburbs would you recommend?
Are there any neighborhoods within the city that meet the above requirements?
Thank you for your comments!

[mjlo]

Best suburbs for quiet, family friendly, 30 minute drive to downtown:

Rockford (Townships on the north side of the city)
East Grand Rapids
Forrest Hills (Cascade, and Ada Townships)
Byron Center
Walker
Grandville
Hudsonville
Georgetown Township
Jamestown Township
Cedar Springs
Lowell
Sparta
Grand Haven
Allendale
Caledonia

Any of these above places will fit your criteria, and are within a 30 minute drive to downtown. If you are looking for more of a community feel then Rockford, East Grand Rapids, and Lowell should probably be at the top of your list. There are a few good neighborhoods in the city, though the public school system may be a challenge. Which would mean you'd need a private school. If you have more criteria you'd like to add, post them and we can dial it down further.

[VasylP]

Thank you! This is very helpful.

Which of them are the most affordable? My budget can't exceed $2,000, including utilities.

[mjlo]

Are you looking to rent or purchase?

[VasylP]

I am looking to rent

[bartonro]

Agree with what mijo said. Would also add the panhandle portion of Wyoming (Grandville schools) and Northern part of Kentwood (Forest Hills schools).

Mainly adding the Wyoming part as I know a bunch of apts/townhouses have been built there in the last 20 years and are more likely to be in your price range(?).