Tips for Moving to Grand Rapids and West Michigan
Moving to a new home is a lot of work, no matter how far away it is. If you’re moving to a new city, it’s even more overwhelming.
If you’re moving to the Grand Rapids area, we’ve put together the ultimate list to help you navigate your new community. From neighborhoods to schools to places to play or restaurants to visit, we’ve got you covered.
Moving With Your Family Can Be Easier With the Right Help
Is your family moving to Grand Rapids? Whether you’re moving to the next town over in West Michigan or coming in from out of state, setting up in a new neighborhood is a lot of work!
If you’re trying to find a good fit neighborhood for you, use our handy scouting trip.
As parents who have all moved at some point in time in Grand Rapids, our team has gathered helpful information and resources for you on this page.
We are here to help make your move as seamless as possible, so take a look and share this page with friends who are on the move as well.
Which Neighborhood Will You Love Most?
There’s a Lot to Learn About Communities in and Around Grand Rapids
There are many different communities around Grand Rapids. Do you enjoy city-living and walkable neighborhoods? Check out things to do in the City of Grand Rapids and close neighborhoods.
Lakeshore lovers will find great resources in the Lakeshore Area (Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon, Zeeland).
Whether it’s the charm of downtown Ada or the beauty of Reed’s Lake in East Grand Rapids, there is much to love about the areas East of GR.
Find a quieter, suburban area in one of our 18 suburban communities. Make your house hunting easier and learn more about the following bedroom communities that surround GR: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, West.
Small town life that’s still only a short drive away from the amenities of Grand Rapids abound in southwest Grand Rapids (Wyoming, Byron Center, Wayland, Dorr).
Where to Find the Best Things in Grand Rapids
Where are the best restaurants in GR? Where are the best pediatricians? Where can I take my kids to play?
Grand Rapids’ favorite hotspots are listed in our annual Grandtastic Awards Guide and the best docs, dentists and more are featured in GR’s Top Health Care Providers.
If you’re looking for more of the grown-up options for fun, you can find great eats in with this map of Date Night Restaurants and adventure with 101 Date Night Ideas around Grand Rapids.
And be sure to sign up for our Newsletter. It’s a smart look at the next few days to help you plan. Short, sweet, and informative.
Find School Information and Childcare Resources
Looking for the right school for your kids? Maybe you want to find an experience-based program or language-immersion option. Check out our comprehensive Schools Guide, with info on nearly every school in Kent and Ottawa Counties.
Parents of preschoolers will love our Grand Rapids Preschools Guide.
Don’t let finding childcare stress you out. Our Childcare guide will help you find the right fit for your family.
Have you heard about “Schools of Choice?” Learn more in our Parent’s Guide to Schools of Choice in Greater Grand Rapids
Fun Places for Kids and Families to Play and Learn in Greater Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids has a LOT of places for kids to play indoors. See who’s featured in our Indoor Play Guide.
You’ll also love learning about the most popular parks around Grand Rapids and all the cool kid-friendly hiking trails.
Do your kids want to learn how to play an instrument or take dance classes? Find out where to find Music, Dance, Art, and Theatre Classes for Kids.
What’s it Like to Live in Grand Rapids?
If you are reading this post and preparing to move to West Michigan from outside the “Mitten,” you probably want to know more about what it’s really like to live here.
Be sure to read our informative Family Relocation Guide for information on what life in West Michigan is like, both the quirks and crown jewels included!
Welcome to Grand Rapids – we can’t wait to get to know you better.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to “like” our Facebook page and send us a message so we can “meet” you. Welcome!
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