[magellan]

This from Michigan Radio:

MICHIGAN: Generation Y Michigan: Staying in Grand Rapids (2009-12-10).

94% retention rate of GVSU grads in West Michigan is more than just a "blip."

So is the problem of keeping people here in Michigan a "Michigan" problem? Grand Rapids and West Michigan have many of the same laws, tax structures, infrastructure, urban blight issues, etc. as the rest of the State. We also have the exact same legislature and governor.

[Specialbuddy]

Well Grand Rapids is nice and cost of living is pretty low. I think it's one of the nicest cities in Michigan and I would move back there if I could find a job.

[YAZ]

GR would be tops on my list if I ever moved back.

[beachmouse]

I like Grand Rapids and feel like it's on the right track, but have to point out that there's likely a selection bias with the Grand Valley numbers- the students who end up there instead of MSU or Michigan Tech (public peer schools in the state in terms of similar grades and ACT scores) seem to frequently select the school with the idea that it's a good place to attend if you'd like to be or stay in the Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo area in the long term.

Be interesting to see what the post-college in the area numbers were for students who went to high school in the GR area and then did go to Tech or MSU instead.

[Specialbuddy]

My wife went to GVSU and felt that most of the students there were from Grand Rapids. Put that together with the bad economy and it's no wonder why GVSU college grads are staying in Grand Rapids. They are probably just moving in with mom and dad. I got a job right out of school back in 2006 but today I can't say that would happen so most likely I would have moved back in with my parents since I had no money after school. I do love GR though.

[mackinac81]

I ALWAYS have one eye on GR. I'd move back there or Kzoo in a heartbeat.

[Bluefly]

Western Michigan is a lot younger - GR is a newer city. I think if Detroit could get an overhaul, that would really solve most of the problems for the state.

The rest of the state is actually pretty nice and stable.

[MittenDweller82]

Originally Posted by magellan

This from Michigan Radio:

MICHIGAN: Generation Y Michigan: Staying in Grand Rapids (2009-12-10).

94% retention rate of GVSU grads in West Michigan is more than just a "blip."

So is the problem of keeping people here in Michigan a "Michigan" problem? Grand Rapids and West Michigan have many of the same laws, tax structures, infrastructure, urban blight issues, etc. as the rest of the State. We also have the exact same legislature and governor.

Yes, even though GR may have a higher retention rate of its local grads, Michigan still exemplifies exit migration in all age groups. In the eyes of a younger generation, I can see why they would opt to stay though. Even though the high retention rate, college grads are still a minority in GR,(right around 27%) giving them the upper hand in the job search. When you compare this to Ann Arbor, which has nearly 70% holding a BS, the job search is extremely choked off by advanced degree holders, the same with East Lansing. Just as Ann Arbor is a niche for scientists, docs, lawyers and prof's, GR has a niche community for younger professionals and a supporting arts and nightlife to sustain it. I feel bad though, I haven't been to GR since 2003...I imagined myself with a Founders Breakfast stout in my hand at the brewery last night Maybe a trip is in order!

[danielj72]

GR used to be our states bright spot, but im afraid that the rest of the state is dragging it down too. More of that city looks like the division street ghetto than it used to.

[malamute]

Well I went there and I'm living far away. It seems to me that plenty of alumni from GVSU are living all over. They even have GVSU alumni associations in far away cities. Not mine though.