Winter living and airport proximity (Grand Rapids, Kentwood: house, neighborhood, subdivisions)

[military spouse]

Hello all,

My husband and I are really needing a change, and have considered many areas, most of which are almost impossible to move to right now because of housing inventory issues. Anyway, how is Grand Rapids? I'm a bit fearful of winter driving (we've lived in somewhat mild winter climates, including Kansas and Pennsylvania). It seems as though many days a year commuting is an issue- e.g., icy roads, active snow, sleet. etc.

I fell in love with St. Paul, MN, but we were probably political outsiders and a bit concerned about the crime. It seems as though Grand Rapids may be a better fit.

Also, because of the winter weather, we would want to be fairly close to the airport as my husband would work from there (although only a few trips bi-weekly). We want a neighborhood feel, safe, beautiful decorations for Fall/Christmas, walking/cycling trails if possible. Should the winter weather dictate how close to the airport one lives?

About us: two adults, mid-50s, Christian, politically conservative, one gorgeous dog, price point under $500,000 (much lower would be ideal).

Any thoughts are super welcome...

Thanks!

[GrandRapidsNative]

We have a few different paved trail systems in the area. Kent trails is on the West side of Grand Rapids. Trailhead to the South is located in Byron Center and its Northern end is in Grand Rapids.
The White Pine Trail Southern trailhead is located in Riverside Park and ends all the way to Cadillac Michigan. Some 93 miles away.
There is also the M6 trails and Paul Henry Trails on the South side of Grand Rapids. Paul Henry starts in Kentwood and ends somewhere in Caledonia. M6 goes from Paul henry to Kent Trails. Additionally there is a paved trail section on the East side of Grand Rapids has the Forest Hills trails.
Along those trails you will find a decent home in that price range you mentioned.
I work in that industry and can tell you that we, like most parts of the country are experiencing multiple offers on homes in all price points. Our supply is low here too.
Most days the airport is a 20-30 minute drive to the surrounding communities. Its pretty easy to get to from Many parts of Greater Grand Rapids but areas like Ada and Cascade are real close to it.

If you are looking for trails on dirt or single track then the North East part of Greater Grand Rapid is where its at. The multi-use trails are in large numbers. Luton Park, Cannonsburg state game area, Cannonsburg ski area are all located in that area.

Feel free to reach out with more Specific questions about Grand Rapids.

[beachmouse]

A lot of the snow is lake effect and the further you get from Lake Michigan, the more that tapers off. The airport is toward the eastern side of the area, and thus you get less snow than you would in the western burbs. It will not be a huge house and probably won’t be HGTV-ready , but there are properties in the Ada/Cascade/Forest Hills area that are close to the airport and would fit your list pretty well.

South of the airport has some nice individual subdivisions but they don’t connect to each other as well by foot or bike.