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Old 02-07-2014, 10:59 AM
 
1 posts, read 1,394 times
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Just want input from people who have experience with these cities as far as which would be best to raise our family. Ann Arbor seems to be quite expensive but has many of the amenities we are looking for. Grand Rapids seems to have those amenities as well but not sure if neighborhoods that are in our price range ($125,000 for a home) are great for a family with young kids. Ann Arbor seems to have better public schools but GR seems more affordable. ???? What are your opinions about living in either.
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Old 02-07-2014, 12:57 PM
 
1,648 posts, read 3,273,537 times
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On a budget - Grand Rapids is a much better choice. Lake Michigan is only 30 minutes away for activites, the cost of living is much nicer, and you have all the same amenities you would find in AA. AA is a great town - but if you want to raise a family on 125K home price w/o feeling like you're sacrificing - there's plenty of places in GR that can be a great reality.
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Old 02-08-2014, 05:07 PM
 
Location: Michissippi
3,120 posts, read 8,064,729 times
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I'd pick Grand Rapids and go with the lower cost of living. It's also a much better area for outdoor recreation (lakes, sand dunes, Leelenau Penninsula, etc.).
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Old 02-08-2014, 05:26 PM
 
Location: West Michigan
12,083 posts, read 38,855,962 times
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GR without a doubt. I like AA a lot, but on a budget; GR for the win.

Plus it has some very good schools. According to THIS, the #2 Middle/ High school in the State is in GR.
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Old 02-09-2014, 07:07 AM
 
Location: Grand Rapids Metro
8,882 posts, read 19,854,193 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pulp fiction View Post
Just want input from people who have experience with these cities as far as which would be best to raise our family. Ann Arbor seems to be quite expensive but has many of the amenities we are looking for. Grand Rapids seems to have those amenities as well but not sure if neighborhoods that are in our price range ($125,000 for a home) are great for a family with young kids. Ann Arbor seems to have better public schools but GR seems more affordable. ???? What are your opinions about living in either.
Are there (decent) neighborhoods in AA where you can find a home for $125,000?
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Old 02-09-2014, 10:09 AM
 
Location: Viña del Mar, Chile
16,391 posts, read 30,931,772 times
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Grand Rapids is definitely the better choice, even on a higher budget!!

Grand Rapids has some very good school districts. If you're on a budget, try looking into Kenowa Hills and Comstock Park.

I'd stay away from Forest Hills/Ada if you don't make a lot of money.
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Old 02-09-2014, 05:18 PM
 
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Depends what your looking for, recently Ann Arbor has become the "go to" spot in Michigan so obviously its better than Grand Rapids. You might not find a house here, property is pretty rented out.
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Old 02-09-2014, 05:39 PM
 
Location: Grand Rapids Metro
8,882 posts, read 19,854,193 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Heftafont View Post
Depends what your looking for, recently Ann Arbor has become the "go to" spot in Michigan so obviously its better than Grand Rapids. You might not find a house here, property is pretty rented out.
Huh?
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Old 02-09-2014, 06:47 PM
 
19 posts, read 24,882 times
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Originally Posted by magellan View Post
Huh?
Ann Arbor if you can find a good deal.
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Old 02-09-2014, 07:28 PM
 
Location: West Michigan
3,119 posts, read 6,605,145 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Heftafont View Post
Depends what your looking for, recently Ann Arbor has become the "go to" spot in Michigan so obviously its better than Grand Rapids. You might not find a house here, property is pretty rented out.
Ann Arbor is nice for a small college town, but it is no Grand Rapids. Take away the student population and GR is about 3 times bigger and more interesting also.
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