Why Consider Moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan: Insights from Dumpster Divers LLC
Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a city with many faces, and this is evident by the catchy nicknames it has rightfully earned over the years. For a long time, it has been known as the ‘Furniture City,’ thanks to its rich history in furniture manufacturing, which has seen it become home to five world-renowned furniture companies.
On the other hand, its classic nickname, River City, still rings true as the glory of the Grand River is evident to anyone who visits this vibrant city.
That’s not all; most recently, the city has earned itself yet another title: the Beer City. This is not an easy feat, considering that up to 1996, the town didn’t have a single brewery. Today, it has more than 40 craft breweries widely celebrated for their unique and flavorful brews.
True to expectations, all these nicknames are but a glimpse of how amazing Grand Rapids is.
And who better to offer insights on living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, than us at Dumpster Divers LLC? As a local waste management company that has been in business here for years, we know the city and its neighborhoods like the back of our hands.
So, let’s dig deep and find out why you should consider moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Top 6 Reasons to Move to Grand Rapids, Michigan
There are so many things that make Grand Rapids a great place to live, work, and retire. You’ll particularly love it if you want the excitement of a big city with a small-town vibe and a strong sense of community.
Here are the top 6 reasons why moving and living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is an excellent choice for you and your family.
1) A Vibrant Economy
Despite the pandemic setback that led to a national recession, Grand Rapids has defied the odds to have steady economic growth. According to a recent study and forecast by Grand Valley’s Seidman College of Business, the city, and the greater West Michigan region are expected to continue faring much better than the rest of the nation.
Several factors can be attributed to this, including the uptick in the furniture industry, a boom in the technology and manufacturing industries, a steady automotive market, and a resilient housing market. The city further has an outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, which has led to many thriving businesses and steady labor force growth.
2) It's A College Town
Grand Rapids is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic college cities. Each year, it attracts thousands of students who want to further their education in an exciting but affordable city. Some of the universities and colleges in the city include Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art and Design, Calvin University, and Aquinas College.
In addition to these institutions of higher learning, the city’s educational excellence is rooted in its exceptional local schools, most of which have a rich history. As a family, you’ll love the ease of getting a good school, regardless of your neighborhood, and the diversity of educational programs offered.
3) Amazing Cultural Richness
The Grand Rapids lifestyle is largely defined by its cultural richness, active art scenes, scenic parks, and tapestry of historical marvels. There’s no shortage of what will excite you when living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as it has something for everyone.
If you want to love history, numerous historic sites and museums are here, including Grand Rapids Public Museum, Gerald Ford Museum, and the African American Museum & Archives. Equally, if you appreciate art, there are numerous art exhibits & competitions, theatres, festivals, and events in the city to keep you thrilled.
Most importantly, the city is known for hosting numerous events and social activities throughout the year. These are complemented by the abundance of dining options and numerous farm markets that the locals and visitors love in equal measure.
4) Lively Outdoors
One thing you’ll quickly notice when in Grand Rapids is its natural beauty, endless green spaces, and well-maintained parks that are always bustling with activities. The 75+ parks in the city are an integral part of the local communities, offering unlimited opportunities for year-round recreation.
If you like hiking, there are miles of trails to explore in locations such as Riverside Park, Aman Park, and Oxford Trail. The city is also big on healthy living and has an extensive network of bike lanes and paths to encourage walking and biking.
5) Close-Knit Communities
Despite Grand Rapid’s fast-growing population, which, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, stands at almost 200,000, the city is still characterized by its close-knit communities. For ages, this has been a huge plus for the families living in Grand Rapids as they get to stay in neighborhoods where people are united, friendly, and united for the common good.
As a trickle-down, this has resulted in less crime in most neighborhoods, lots of community-driven initiatives, and government input to ensure adequate public services and amenities. Therefore, if you are yearning for a city where you’ll instantly feel welcomed and easily raise a family, Grand Rapids, Michigan, is the place for you.
6) Excellent Environmental Initiatives
Thanks to joint initiatives by the government, local communities, and businesses, sustainability is at the core of Grand Rapids' current and future plans. It’s therefore not surprising that the city has earned recognition for being one of America’s Greenest Cities.
At Dumpster Divers LLC, we are invested in contributing to a greener Grand Rapids. For years, we have been at the forefront of fighting pollution by encouraging proper waste removal and disposal. We implement an effective waste management system that is aimed at preventing contamination of air, water, and soil. To achieve this, we seek as much as possible to reuse, repurpose, and recycle whenever possible.
Conclusion
It won’t be bragging to say Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a city of dreams as it offers it all. Whether you want to develop professionally, start a business in a thriving city, gain further education, raise a family, or retire, this exciting city with a small-town charm will meet and exceed your expectations.
Still trying to decide if this city is right for you? We encourage you to visit and get a taste of what to expect. When you finally make that big leap, Dumpster Divers LLC will be here to help with all your waste management needs.
Feel free to contact us today for any inquiries about our services and how we’ll contribute to making your new life in Grand Rapids, Michigan, stress-free.