Realtors in Grand Rapids, Michigan describe the community as a great place to live, with four distinct seasons, a diversified economic base and new growth.

"Grand Rapids is a friendly community offering the warmth of a small town with the employment and cultural opportunities of a big city," describes Realtor Bobbe Horton, "Only 30 minutes to swimming in Lake Michigan in the summer, or skiing down the hills of Grand Rapids in the winter. Take your pick of seasons and activities."

She advises, "With the very low interest rates buoying up demand, the market is strong and healthy. Coupled with Grand Rapids' diversified economic base, the local real estate sales will hold steady."

Say Realtors Harry and Lyn Jones, "Grand Rapids is home to a great diversity of people. We are fortunate to experience all four seasons. Warm Summers, colorful Autumns, snow-covered Winters and springs that bloom!"

They advise, "We have seen good activity in the area this season. Low interest rates have kept the market comfortable."

"Grand Rapids has much to offer in different areas, says Realtor Marilyn Smith, "Grand Rapids City proper - demand for housing close in to businesses and services keeps the market fairly steady. Sales have been average to good with a huge demand for homes in the $90,000 to $120,000 range. There are some smaller, newer subdivisions going in but the city space is generally filled with houses that were built some years ago. Different areas have different age groupings."

She explains, "Northeast of Grand Rapids is one of the two fastest growing geographical areas around the city. The areas are Rockford, Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Sparta, Greenville, Belding, Sand Lake. By far, the area growing the fastest is Rockford. Subdivisions and subdivisions where the lot is larger than the average sub lot are springing up everywhere. The Rockford School district is a draw for many as well as the quaint little village with a river/dam running thru it. Downtown quaint little shops continue to be a tourist attraction. Meijer has plans to build a superstore at 131 and 10 mile which is three miles west of the village. The rest of the towns are more like small town communities. Closer into the city is Celebration City with an Imax theater and 20 some odd screens, eating and shopping areas, and a Meijers superstore across the street."

Smith continues, "Southeast of Grand Rapids, Ada, Cascade, Lowell, Kentwood, Caledonia, Hastings, Saranac, Ionia, Middleville, Gun Lake is the second group of areas of growth. Ada, and Cascade are enjoying quite a growth spurt with large subdivisions with homes from 170K to 500K. More rural, Lowell and Caledonia have become prime areas for people who want to get just a little farther out. Kentwood and south of Kentwood is also growing with again, large subdivisions. The Beltline is rich with doctors and service oriented businesses. Cascade road is growing profusely. 28th street from 96 to 131 is miles and miles of shopping and restaurants. A new interstate (496) connecting the SE and SW of GR will move traffic around the city and suburbs much faster; it is around the 68th street eastwest running road."

Northwest of Grand Rapids, Walker, Allendale, Coopersville, Kent City, Marne, is a large amount of land used for fruit or dairy farming thereby limiting the opportunity for expanding into the countryside, suggests Smith. "There are some new subdivisions springing up. There is even a new equestrian one where homes encircle boarding facilities, and services for their horses. This is around Ravenna. Alpine Road, near the junction of 96 and 131 is bringing traffic in with some new stores and quite a few new restaurants and hotels."

Last but not least, southwest of Grand Rapids, Jenison, Grandville, Wyoming, Dorr, Hudsonville, has a big addition to the economy in this region, a two-tier shopping mall called Rivertown Crossings. "I call it a mini-Mall of America as it just lacks two more layers of being in comparison," says Smith. "It is a shopping experience and is pulling people in to shop and eat. Expansion unlimited usually follows such development."

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Published: January 6, 2003

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