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Post by acttwo on Apr 15, 2018 10:08:46 GMT -5
I am on a business trip that has taken me to the White Mountains in New Hampshire. It is mid-April and it is snowing. This fact and this location research thread have led me to wonder if I should change my definition of ‘Craplandia.’ The views of the mountains are spectacular. Snow in Aprl—not so much. You mean there are places where they DON'T get snow in April!?!? |
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Post by numbersix on Apr 15, 2018 15:28:41 GMT -5
Now is as good of a time as any in this thread to remind perspective judges of the importance of actually visiting a city before you commit to living in it for a few years. And yes, it could take that long. As for my class (June 2016) I did see a few transfer offers go out the month following our eligibility, and about six months after that. But most of my clasmates have not had an opportunity arise that they truly wanted.
I strongly recommend when It comes time to rank cities, you actually go and visit the cities you have yet to visit. That’s the best research. At least do this for your top 10. If you haven’t been to a city, rank it lower than a city you actually know you find tolerable enough to live in while you wait to go home, or until you fall in love with the city. After all, you might because you already find it tolerable/like it. Or, you may just need to go home. Both outcomes are totally legitimate. I love to do online research, but you don’t know how the city will make you feel until you have visited. Good luck to all!
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Post by Pixie on Apr 15, 2018 21:38:15 GMT -5
Interested to hear general thoughts on the offices in the Carolinas (specifically with relatively short transfer lists like Charlotte, Greensboro, Columbia, and Greenville...I know Charleston and Raleigh are popular transfer destinations). If anyone wants to provide insight on any of the particular offices, feel free to PM me. This winter has scarred me but I don't think I'm ready for the deep south climate. South Carolina is the Deep South; North Carolina is not. Pixie |
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Post by christina on Apr 15, 2018 22:03:05 GMT -5
Interested to hear general thoughts on the offices in the Carolinas (specifically with relatively short transfer lists like Charlotte, Greensboro, Columbia, and Greenville...I know Charleston and Raleigh are popular transfer destinations). If anyone wants to provide insight on any of the particular offices, feel free to PM me. This winter has scarred me but I don't think I'm ready for the deep south climate. South Carolina is the Deep South; North Carolina is not. Pixie I think he meant crazy humidity v partially crazy humidity |
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Post by privateatty on Apr 16, 2018 7:17:50 GMT -5
For me its the cost of living: housing, taxes and is there a Costco close by? Hard to beat the South and fly-over country.
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Post by christina on Apr 16, 2018 7:29:56 GMT -5
For me its the cost of living: housing, taxes and is there a Costco close by? Hard to beat the South and fly-over country. And a Dairy Queen! |
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Post by christina on Apr 18, 2018 19:17:48 GMT -5
#11) what's it like to live in Nashville, TN?
Nashville is famous for the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, aka the Mother Church of Country Music, and twangy honky-tonks, but music is just a byproduct of the larger city culture. Music City is home to a community fiercely driven by a desire to create.
Ask people what they do and it's likely they live in the area to help build something new like a health care information technology startup, an indie progressive rock band or a festival that celebrates all things tomatoes.
This innovation positively influences the lives of residents in nearly every respect. The metro area has a blossoming job market and an exploding entertainment scene fueling an appetite (and thirst) for all things locally sourced and artisanal in craft – everything from handmade marshmallows to small batch gin (hmm).
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
Nashville, Tennessee is ranked:
#11 in Best Places to Live
#35 in Best Places to Retire
7.1
Overall
SCORECARD
Desirability8.3
Value7.3
Job Market7.0
Quality of Life6.1
Net Migration 8.1
Nashville, TN Quick Stats
1,794,570
METRO POPULATION
$45,780
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
69.7° / 48.9°
AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS
36.3
MEDIAN AGE
$236,267 (wow)
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
47.3 inches
AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL
3.0%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
$899
MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT
27.0 minutes
AVG COMMUTE TIME
What's the cost of living in Nashville, TN?
Nashville is relatively affordable compared to other major U.S. metro areas, though the housing market has become increasingly competitive. The area has seen an increase in its population, as well as a rise in home values. Since Tennessee is one of the few states that doesn't tax wages, residents are able to keep more of their income, though there is a 6 percent hall tax on investment interest and dividends.
Value Index
WORSE
BETTER
Index Score: 7.3 /10
How we calculate this.
Nashville offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs this Year
Nashville
$236,267
USA
$222,408
Housing Costs Over Time
Data sourced from Zillow median home sale price data series. Additional data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Intermountain MLS, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors, and the Salt Lake Board of Realtors.
What's the weather like in Nashville, TN?
In general, the weather in Nashville is enjoyable, with more than 200 days of sunshine per year! With a relatively humid climate, summers in Nashville are hot and muggy (ehhhh), and at the tail end of September, temperatures cool as fall approaches(nice). In the winter, Nashvillians see more ice than snow and expect only a handful of days that stay below freezing each year.
Seasonal Temperature (Avgs)
39.9°F
Winter 58.8°F
Spring
77.9°F
Summer 60.5°F
Fall
Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs)
4.2 in
Winter 5.5 in
Spring
4.1 in
Summer 4.3 in
Fall
Monthly High and Low Temperatures (°F)
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
What's the best way to get around Nashville, TN?
If you live in Nashville, you most likely need a car. With a growing population, traffic has become more top of mind for residents, especially those driving from outlying areas for work.
Very few commuters use public transportation, which is bus service provided by the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority. The region also has a small commuter rail service connecting Nashville and Lebanon, Tennessee, with six stops along the route.
Certain parts of the metro area, such as Hillsboro Village (a hub for university students), are more pedestrian-friendly than others, like Forest Hills and Belle Meade, that have fewer sidewalks.
The Nashville International Airport is located just off Interstate 40 and is a 15-minute drive from downtown. Though Nashville isn't serviced by Amtrak trains, the metro area is connected to other destinations by various intercity bus companies.
Commuting in Nashville, TN
Means of Transportation
Driving 91%
Above national average
Bicycling 0%
Equal to national average
Walking 1%
Equal to national average
Public Transit 1%
Below national average
Average Commute Time
27.0 minutes
0.9 minutes more than national average
Average Commute Times by Zip Code
×
Who lives in Nashville, TN?
The average age of a Nashville resident skews slightly younger than the state average. With two prestigious universities (Vanderbilt and Belmont) in the metro area, there is a steady stream of students who move to the region. Nashville's not just a college town, though. It's also filled with families who choose to take up residence in the surrounding communities such as Mt. Juliet, Brentwood and Hendersonville.
Nashville is part of the Bible Belt, with nearly 60 percent of residents claiming religious affiliation, and a large number of those who are religious associating with the Baptist denomination.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
About the same number of single people in Nashville as national average
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
What is there to do in Nashville, TN?
Of course, music is a huge draw in Nashville. Located downtown, the Country Music Hall of Fame attracts more than 1 million visitors each year. Also nearby, many prolific musicians regularly take the stage at the Ryman Auditorium and the Ascend Amphitheater. In terms of nightlife, lower Broadway is honky-tonk central, with the Nashville sound pouring out of watering holes like Tootsies Orchid Lounge and Robert's Western World every day and night.
Food is also a really big deal. While known for traditional meat-and-three joints and hot chicken, Nashville has also become a creative incubator for many award-winning culinary white coats.
Residents also have a fair share of blue in their wardrobe as swarms of Tennessee Titans (NFL) and Nashville Predators (NHL) fans periodically take over the town on game days. The minor league baseball team Nashville Sounds also call the area home.
There are a lot of activities for families too. Centennial Park, the Adventure Science Center and the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere are often packed with strollers on weekends.
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Post by christina on Apr 18, 2018 19:22:43 GMT -5
I hopped over 12 cause I don't think there are ALJ offices in Grand Rapids.
13) What's it like to live in Raleigh & Durham, NC?
Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are known for their research/technology roots and collegiate rivalries. This tri-city region (known as the Triangle) is luring new residents every day with strong job growth and a high quality of life.
Many people who call the Raleigh and Durham metro areas home are young, friendly, diverse and educated. They enjoy dining out in local restaurants – many of which have earned national accolades – and gathering over craft beers in one of the region's many microbreweries. A strong sense of community is evident, as strangers are quick to provide a friendly conversation when standing in line at the supermarket.
Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill also encompass beautiful green spaces, family-friendly museums and a growing art and music scene defined by monthly gallery walks, summer concerts and music festivals like Hopscotch.
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
Raleigh & Durham, North Carolina is ranked:
#13 in Best Places to Live
#17 in Best Places to Retire
7.1
Overall
SCORECARD
Desirability6.8
Value7.8
Job Market6.5
Quality of Life6.7
Net Migration 8.1
Read how we rank places
Raleigh & Durham, NC Quick Stats
1,786,119
METRO POPULATION
$52,669
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
71.6° / 49.9°
AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS
36.2
MEDIAN AGE
$227,814
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
43.3 inches
AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL
3.9%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
$947
MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT
24.9 minutes
AVG COMMUTE TIME
What's the cost of living in Raleigh & Durham, NC?
The cost of living in the Raleigh and Durham areas is slightly lower than the national average, with home prices climbing significantly over the past few years. Housing costs will continue to rise as more people flock to the area in search of a career. However, relatively low property taxes make home ownership easier than in other major cities. Compared to other technology and research hubs like San Francisco, the North Carolina Research Triangle is relatively affordable.
Raleigh & Durham offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs this Year
Raleigh & Durham
$227,814
USA
$222,408
Housing Costs Over Time
Data sourced from Zillow median home sale price data series. Additional data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Intermountain MLS, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors, and the Salt Lake Board of Realtors.
Buying or selling a home? Find top real estate agents in Raleigh & Durham, NC.
What's the weather like in Raleigh & Durham, NC?
Summers here are hot and humid (yuck). Meanwhile, winter rarely calls for snow, but icy road conditions are known to happen (though salting roads is not the norm- FAR more fun to crash cars). Businesses and schools tend to shut early for winter weather advisories.
Seasonal Temperature (Avgs)
43.0°F
Winter 59.9°F
Spring
78.3°F
Summer 61.8°F
Fall
Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs)
3.5 in
Winter 4.1 in
Spring
4.7 in
Summer 4.4 in
Fall
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
What's the best way to get around Raleigh & Durham, NC?
The R-LINE and Bull City Connector buses provide free transportation in downtown Raleigh and Durham, respectively. The city centers are also walkable, though outside the downtown areas, walking is not very common as points of interest are more spread out. Public bus systems in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill provide an affordable (albeit somewhat slow) way to get around the cities and the surrounding suburbs. A commuter rail system connecting Raleigh and Durham and a light rail line between Durham and Chapel Hill are part of the area's urban expansion. However, for now, cars remain the quickest and most popular mode of transportation in and around the cities.
Traffic congestion is an issue during weekday rush hours, when getting between Raleigh and Durham can take well over an hour. Biking as a commuting option is slowly gaining strength as the local government invests millions of dollars in improving biking awareness and infrastructure within and between the two cities.
Commuting in Raleigh & Durham, NC
Means of Transportation
Driving 88%
Above national average
Bicycling 0%
Equal to national average
Walking 2%
Equal to national average
Public Transit 2%
Below national average
Average Commute Time
24.9 minutes
1.2 minutes less than national average
Average Commute Times by Zip Code
×
Average Commute
21.4 minutes
Who lives in Raleigh & Durham, NC?
The population in Raleigh and Durham is diverse, and the cities' international communities grow every day. Although the median age in Raleigh and Durham is roughly 36 years old, the area has a youthful vibe that's amplified by the presence of several universities.
The availability of good jobs and good schools makes the region a desirable place to raise a family. People under the age of 20 make up more than a quarter the area's population.
The majority of those in the metro area who identify as religious affiliate with the Protestant faith.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
About the same number of single people in Raleigh & Durham as national average
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
What is there to do in Raleigh & Durham, NC?
Living in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill means having access to cultural facilities like the Durham Performing Arts Center, the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Contemporary Arts Museum and the North Carolina Symphony.
Meanwhile, cafes and bars around the area's university campuses are enjoyed by students and residents alike. More than 20 craft breweries have made the region their home, further improving a growing food scene. Also, the area has the most live music venues in North Carolina.
This family-friendly area also has a children's museum, 200-plus parks and a 152-mile greenway system for safe biking and hiking. Raleigh and Durham is a great place for sports fans, with college athletics and professional hockey, soccer and baseball teams.
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Post by christina on Apr 18, 2018 19:26:15 GMT -5
#14) What's it like to live in San Antonio, TX?
San Antonio is as comfortable as an old pair of jeans (nice). It offers big-city amenities and world-renowned attractions coupled with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere(hmm). Most famously known as the home of the Alamo, the spirit of the region expands beyond its tourist labels, offering a community rich in Spanish and Old West heritage.
The pace of life in San Antonio can be as active or as quiet as one chooses. Living in a destination city has its benefits. Families appreciate having year-round access to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio. Foodies enjoy every genre of cuisine from food trucks in Southtown to the beloved Tex-Mex and barbecue fare. Theater, music and art aficionados can attend productions at the Majestic Theater and the Tobin Center or exhibitions at the McNay Art Museum. Sports fans cheer on their NBA team, the San Antonio Spurs.
San Antonio offers more than 50 major events and festivals throughout the year, including the Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony, the Texas Folklife Festival and the famous Fiesta, a spirited 10-day salute to the Spanish heritage with numerous events citywide.
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
San Antonio, Texas is ranked:
#14 in Best Places to Live
#3 in Best Places to Retire (whoa)
7.1
Overall
SCORECARD
Desirability7.2
Value7.0
Job Market6.6
Quality of Life7.0
Net Migration 8.0
Read how we rank places
San Antonio, TX Quick Stats
2,332,345
METRO POPULATION
$45,210
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
80.2° / 58.6°
AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS
34.4
MEDIAN AGE
$200,667
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
32.3 inches
AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL
3.6%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
$909
MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT
25.7 minutes
AVG COMMUTE TIME
What's the cost of living in San Antonio, TX?
San Antonio features a cost of living that's slightly lower than the national average, with the median home sale price below the national median as well.
Value Index
Index Score: 7.0 /10
How we calculate this.
San Antonio offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs this Year
San Antonio
$200,667
USA
$222,408
What's the weather like in San Antonio, TX?
San Antonio's sees approximately 300 days of sunshine per year. During the winter, below-freezing temperatures and snow are very uncommon (nice). But what about summer? Highs range from 87-96 May-September with July and August being the hottest months.
What's the best way to get around San Antonio, TX?
Most residents rely on their own vehicles to get around. Traveling by car is relatively easy with a developed infrastructure including three main highways and a major inner and outer loop. For such a large region, the traffic tends to move freely throughout the day.
The main public transportation service is VIA Metropolitan Transit, which offers numerous stops throughout the region and outlying areas. However, the system doesn't provide enough coverage to make it convenient to all residents.
The San Antonio International Airport is only 8 miles from downtown. The Amtrak Texas Eagle, Greyhound and Megabus offer ground transportation to neighboring regions and interstate destinations.
Commuting in San Antonio, TX
Means of Transportation
Driving 90%
Above national average
Bicycling 0%
Equal to national average
Walking 2%
Equal to national average
Public Transit 2%
Below national average
Average Commute Time
25.7 minutes
0.4 minutes less than national average
Average Commute Times by Zip Code
×
Average Commute
21.4 minutes
Zip Code 78216
Who lives in San Antonio, TX?
The reasons people move to San Antonio, raise families and stay for life are attributed to the warm climate, reasonable cost of living and a community that values neighborliness. The metro area also has a reputation for being family-friendly.
San Antonio's richest source of culture and community is derived from the Mexican-American population: Hispanic culture is showcased in the region's cuisine, music and entertainment. The metro area embraces bilingualism, with Spanish as the city's most widley spoken non-English language.
Even though the Spanish missionaries are long gone, the predominant religion in San Antonio continues to be Catholic. The oldest church, the San Fernando Cathedral, was founded in 1731 and is the longest standing, continuously operated church in Texas.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
About the same number of single people in San Antonio as national average
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
What is there to do in San Antonio, TX?
San Antonio's history as the site of five Spanish Catholic missions is palpable throughout the region, with sites like the Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Texas' first UNESCO World Heritage Site) harkening to times gone by.
But that doesn't mean the region is stuck in the past. Two of the most recent areas of significant revitalization include the Quarry Market and the Pearl Brewery. Originally the Alamo Cement Factory, the Quarry Market offers boutique shopping and trendy residences surrounding the original smokestacks. The Pearl Brewery is now home to The Culinary Institute of America and an impressive weekend farmers market.
With such amenable weather year-round, residents often take day trips to local Hill Country destinations, passing the time at weekend fairs in Wimberley, winery tours in Fredericksburg and tubing on the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels.
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Post by christina on Apr 18, 2018 19:37:15 GMT -5
oops, there is a OHO in Grand Rapids so I will backtrack to Grand Rapids at another time.
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Post by Pixie on Apr 18, 2018 22:40:30 GMT -5
Good write up on San Antonio, but don't forget, that is a hot town in the summer. The Hill Country is nice, but not high enough to be much, if any, cooler. Think Luckenbach, Texas by Willie and Waylon and the Boys. Everyone needs to go there at least once. I did, and I would go back given the opportunity. Pixie
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Post by stevil on Apr 19, 2018 7:47:54 GMT -5
Very large USAF presence in SA, so many military folk and military retirees. They dye the Riverwalk green for St. Patrick's Day. I'm hoping OMHA takes a serious look at SA, because much easier living than the Dallas metro area.
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Post by neufenland on Apr 19, 2018 8:41:53 GMT -5
Very large USAF presence in SA, so many military folk and military retirees. They dye the Riverwalk green for St. Patrick's Day. I'm hoping OMHA takes a serious look at SA, because much easier living than the Dallas metro area. I’ve been to SA three times, and the first two visits were courtesy of the US Air Force (ROTC summer training). Lackland AFB is very hot in July. |
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Post by christina on Apr 19, 2018 8:44:35 GMT -5
Very large USAF presence in SA, so many military folk and military retirees. They dye the Riverwalk green for St. Patrick's Day. I'm hoping OMHA takes a serious look at SA, because much easier living than the Dallas metro area. I’ve been to SA three times, and the first two visits were courtesy of the US Air Force (ROTC summer training). Lackland AFB is very hot in July. It is south Texas after all! |
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Post by neufenland on Apr 19, 2018 8:49:02 GMT -5
I’ve been to SA three times, and the first two visits were courtesy of the US Air Force (ROTC summer training). Lackland AFB is very hot in July. It is south Texas after all! They made us sleep out in the woods for a couple of nights and there were scorpions. I’m sure that’s a usual occurrence and they aren’t really that harmful, but it was the first time I had ever seen one. |
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Post by christina on Apr 19, 2018 8:58:03 GMT -5
It is south Texas after all! They made us sleep out in the woods for a couple of nights and there were scorpions. I’m sure that’s a usual occurrence and they aren’t really that harmful, but it was the first time I had ever seen one. Ehhhhh. better than a rattlesnake though! |
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Post by christina on Apr 19, 2018 12:11:31 GMT -5
# 12) What's it like to live in Grand Rapids, MI?
Grand Rapids has an affinity for public art, and its craft brewery scene is one of the best in the nation. A scenic spot perched on the Grand River – Michigan's longest waterway – Grand Rapids has evolved from its 19th-century roots as a hub of furniture production to the modern-day metro area that is attracting college students and young families with its healthy job market, affordable housing and outdoor recreational activities.
From the doctors and nurses working in the region's booming health care industry, to the strong LGBT community that hosts the much-feted annual Grand Rapids Pride event, to the numerous artists and musicians, the region is home to people from all walks of life. Grand Rapids' neighborhood associations are incredibly active, bringing the metro area's population together for community events such as the Eastown Street Fair, which draws people to the artsy neighborhood for food, music and more.
Midwest friendliness is no exaggeration in Grand Rapids, which, despite being the second largest metro area in Michigan, exudes small-town warmth-nice. Walk down almost any residential street in Grand Rapids, and you'll often be met with a wave and a "hello" from people caring for their lawns or hanging out on porches (presumably NOT during winter)
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
Grand Rapids, Michigan is ranked:
#12 in Best Places to Live
#4 in Best Places to Retire Wow and really, it would be cold for anyone with arthritis. Still, well worth noting.....
7.1
Overall
SCORECARD
Desirability5.5
Value8.1
Job Market6.6
Quality of Life7.7
Net Migration 6.3
Read how we rank places
Grand Rapids, MI Quick Stats
1,028,173
METRO POPULATION
$43,610
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
57.9° / 40.2°
AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS
35.5
MEDIAN AGE
$166,608
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
38.3 inches
AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL
3.4%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
$786
MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT
21.7 minutes
AVG COMMUTE TIME
What's the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI?
The cost of living in Grand Rapids is noticeably lower than in other major U.S. metro areas. While the city's average annual income falls short of the national average, you'll find you can stretch your dollar further in the region. Housing costs are below the national median, though prices are rising. And Grand Rapids residents spend less on daily necessities – such as groceries and health care – than those who live in other parts of the country.
Grand Rapids offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs this Year
Grand Rapids
$166,608
USA
$222,408
Housing Costs Over Time
What's the weather like in Grand Rapids, MI?
Of course, there are the infamous cold and snowy winters in Grand Rapids. Meanwhile, summers are often warm and humid. During the fall, the region's many hardwood trees display colorful foliage.
Seasonal Temperature (Avgs)
26.8°F
Winter 47.4°F
Spring
70.6°F
Summer 51.3°F
Fall
Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs)
2.5 in
Winter 4.0 in
Spring
3.8 in
Summer 4.3 in
Fall
What's the best way to get around Grand Rapids, MI?
During the warmer months, many residents pedal their way along the numerous bike lanes, and others walk the many pedestrian-friendly neighborhood streets. When it gets cooler out (or for trips between downtown and the suburbs), Grand Rapids residents frequently opt to drive their own cars. or cross country skis. enclosed snowmobiles. who knows?
There is also The Rapid, which operates bus lines that travel throughout downtown Grand Rapids and the immediate suburbs. The Downtown Area Shuttle, or the DASH, is another option and offers transportation to and from designated parking lots throughout the downtown area. Although it's free to ride the shuttle, you do have to pay to park in the lots.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (located in the southeastern suburbs of the region) connects Grand Rapids to the rest of the country, with approximately 300 arrivals and departures on any given day. The region is also serviced by Amtrak and by several charter bus companies, including Greyhound.
Commuting in Grand Rapids, MI
Means of Transportation
Driving 91%
Above national average
Bicycling 1%
Equal to national average
Walking 2%
Equal to national average
Public Transit 1%
Below national average
Average Commute Time
21.7 minutes
4.4 minutes less than national average
Average Commute Times by Zip Code
Who lives in Grand Rapids, MI?
Thanks in part to Grand Rapids' significant investment of resources in education and jobs, more and more people are wanting to call Grand Rapids home. The metro area is one of the fastest-growing areas in Michigan.
About half of the people who live in the Grand Rapids area affiliate with a religion. The area is home to large Evangelical Protestant and Catholic communities.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
About the same number of single people in Grand Rapids as national average
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
What is there to do in Grand Rapids, MI?
Grand Rapids' more than 1,200 acres of city-owned parks provide the setting for scenic walks and community kickball games, while the Lake Michigan shoreline (less than an hour's drive from downtown) becomes a popular gathering spot in the summer.
Locals can get a taste of the metro area's love for the arts at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, while families learn together at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. In the evenings, residents enjoy performances by the Grand Rapids Ballet – the only professional ballet company in Michigan – and other comedy and theater troupes.
The metro area is also home to a noteworthy craft beer scene; the Beer City Ale Trail leads to dozens of breweries offering tours and tastings.
So if you can brace or you embrace the cold. GR sounds great. And to add to GR's appeal, word on the street is that is a VERY well run OHO. The HOCALJ and management are fabulous as is the staff. The city itself is a fun, vibrant place to live. however, housing prices and availability are getting out of control. however, out of control by michigan standards or elsewhere? these housing prices still look like a bargain to me and they can climb up quite a bit before I'd balk.
Anyone care to elaborate on taxes in Michigan? how much are heating costs in the winter? can you get by without AC in the summer?
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Post by christina on Apr 19, 2018 12:17:33 GMT -5
#15 is Salt Lake City.
More to come!
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Post by tripper on Apr 19, 2018 13:29:58 GMT -5
# 12) What's it like to live in Grand Rapids, MI? So if you can brace or you embrace the cold. GR sounds great. And to add to GR's appeal, word on the street is that is a VERY well run OHO. The HOCALJ and management are fabulous as is the staff. The city itself is a fun, vibrant place to live. however, housing prices and availability are getting out of control. however, out of control by michigan standards or elsewhere? these housing prices still look like a bargain to me and they can climb up quite a bit before I'd balk. Anyone care to elaborate on taxes in Michigan? how much are heating costs in the winter? can you get by without AC in the summer? I think most people would say No. It's pretty hot and can be humid in July & August. |
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Post by JudgeKnot on Apr 19, 2018 13:54:08 GMT -5
Taxes in Michigan: personal income tax of about 4.25%, and sales tax (on non-food items) is 6%. Auto insurance is the highest in the country - something that these livability indices don't mention. It's a serious problem. The ZIP code 48227 in Detroit has the highest average annual rate in the U.S., at $7,415. Think about that: $600 per month for car insurance. Granted, that's an extreme outlier. Grandville (near Grand Rapids) has one of the lowest rates in the state, at $1,897 per year. The average across the state is $2,484. www.carinsurance.com/state/Michigan-car-insurance.aspx The Great Lake State’s average effective property tax rate is 1.83%, seventh highest in the country and well above the national average. In Grand Rapids, the average tax is $2,440 per year for a $250K home. I believe that considers what's called the principal residence exemption. If a property is your primary residence, you can pay much less in taxes compared to an equally valued home that is a second residence. If it's a second home, it would add another $2,250 to your tax bill. Heating costs really depend on how efficient your home is, the type of fuel you use, and the part of the state you're in. GR is in a warmer part of the state, and a/c makes a big difference in the summer. It also makes a difference in winter heating costs, obviously. An efficient home, heated with natural gas, can be comfortable on less than $100 per month even in the depths of winter. A 19th century farm home heated with propane could be several hundred each month. Have you ever heard of SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder. It's a real thing, and it's real sad. Short winter days, that are typically gray. A lack of sunlight is hard on the body and soul. Spending a summer day on a Lake Michigan beach really lifts the soul. Too bad the July sunlight can't be put in a bottle and pulled out in January. |
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