Life in West Michigan
Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in Michigan and offers residents the opportunity for rich cultural and recreational experiences in a mid-size metropolitan area with thriving communities.
We encourage you to check out all that Grand Rapids has to offer, including:
- a 30-minute drive to one of the country's most beautiful lakeshores
- a thriving downtown area with an arena, convention center and performance hall
- an ever-changing skyline with new condominiums, hospitals and businesses
As the city of Grand Rapids continues to grow and change, people around the country are noticing Grand Rapids as a "a laboratory of urban renewal." The New York Times, Boston's Patriot Ledger and the Chicago Tribune recently wrote articles on the growth of Grand Rapids and its draws as a city.
New York Times, "Grand Rapids Lays Foundations for a Health Mecca"
The Patriot Ledger, "Why Can't We Be More Like Grand Rapids?"
Chicago Tribune, "Grand Rapids: A Relaxed Urban Getaway"
Grand Rapids has something for everyone – recreational venues, sporting events, sophisticated nightlife, diverse cultural activities, and affordable housing options. We invite you to click on the links to gain an even better understanding of West Michigan and encourage you to visit and explore Grand Rapids as part of your visit to Varnum.