Welcome to Grand Rapids, where history whispers through cobblestone streets, culture paints vibrant murals on every corner, and opportunity abounds. Nestled in the heart of Michigan, this city is more than just a destination—it’s a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, a canvas where the arts flourish, and a community where you’ll find your place among friendly faces and boundless possibilities. Whether you’re drawn by its rich heritage, booming job market, or simply the allure of affordable living, Grand Rapids promises a lifestyle that’s as warm and welcoming as a Michigan summer. So, pack your curiosity and join us as we uncover the tapestry of this remarkable city. Welcome to Grand Rapids—where every day is a masterpiece waiting to be lived.
As Treadstone Funding, your trusted mortgage experts, we’re excited to share with you the main reasons why you’ll never regret making the move from a bigger city to Grand Rapids.
The City & Its People
Grand Rapids was shaped by a conservative, Dutch, Christian Reformed influence. The city has become more progressive and diverse in the last 15 years, but some of those principles still dominate our culture. The culture of Grand Rapids is very humble, even though some of the wealthiest families in the country call Grand Rapids home. Flashy and obscene displays of wealth are not common in Grand Rapids. We are known for our midwestern values, including work ethic, help your neighbor, give back to your community, you’re only as good as your handshake, and the more the merrier mentality, qualities that have earned it the distinction of being the number one city in the country for philanthropy. Business here is personal!
Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan. Situated along the Grand River approximately 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. We are the economic and cultural hub of West Michigan, the fastest growing city in Michigan, and one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest. As of July 2024, the city has a population of 195, 118, while the greater metropolitan area has a population of around 1,077,370. A historic furniture manufacturing center, Grand Rapids is home to five of the world’s leading office furniture companies and is nicknamed “Furniture City”. Other nicknames include “River City” and more recently, “Beer City.” The city and surrounding communities are economically diverse, based in the health care, information technology, automotive, aviation, and consumer goods manufacturing industries, among others.
Climate & Outdoor Lifestyle
Grand Rapids offers a lifestyle appealing to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The city experiences all four seasons, each bringing unique charm and activities. In the summer, residents and visitors enjoy hot, sunny days perfect for swimming, boating, or fishing at nearby lakes such as Lake Michigan and Reeds Lake. Fall transforms the landscape with vibrant colors, making it the perfect time for hiking through the city’s various nature parks like Provin Trails and Yankee Springs Recreation Area. Winter turns Grand Rapids into a glistening wonderland, where locals can take to the trails for skiing and enjoy festive holiday events. Spring brings blossoms and pastel colors, inviting people to explore the extensive trails and picnic areas in Millennium Park. The Grand River, running through the heart of the city, offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and riverside walks, adding to the diverse array of outdoor activities that Grand Rapids proudly offers year-round.
Entertainment
Grand Rapids showcases an entertainment scene that caters to a wide range of interests and tastes. The city is home to 15 concert venues, hosting everything from local bands to internationally renowned artists. Our symphony, ballet, and opera companies offer world-class performances for a touch of sophistication. For those who love the arts, the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) features diverse collections and rotating exhibitions, while Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park combines nature’s beauty with unique one-of-a-kind sculptures. Sports enthusiasts can cheer on our eight pro and semi-pro teams, adding excitement to each season. The city’s nightlife offers late night fun, with a plethora of bars, restaurants, and 80+ craft breweries. Whether you’re in the mood for a night out at the theater, a lively concert, or a relaxing evening at a local brewery, Grand Rapids has something to offer everyone.
Education
Grand Rapids takes pride in its commitment to education, continually ranking among the nation’s top cities for high school excellence. The city is also home to 14 colleges and universities, providing a variety of higher education opportunities that fit countless academic interests. Institutions like Grand Valley State University, Calvin University, and Aquinas College are just a few schools that contribute to the educational landscape. These schools not only offer outstanding programs but also provide a strong sense of community involvement for the city. Whether you’re pursuing advanced degrees or professional certifications, Grand Rapids provides a nurturing environment for academic growth and lifelong learning.
Economy
Grand Rapids, recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies in the U.S, brings countless economic opportunities to the city. Its economic landscape includes multiple sectors such as healthcare, information technology, automotive, aviation, and consumer goods manufacturing. Corewell Health, the largest employer in West Michigan, holds a workforce of over 25,600. The city is also home to major corporations like Steelcase, Herman Miller, GE Aviation, Amway, and Meijer, offering plenty of benefits to its economy. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit, Grand Rapids is consistently ranked among the top five cities in the U.S. to start a small business. With commitment to community values and personal business interactions, Grand Rapids is an amazing atmosphere for both established businesses and new ventures.
How Treadstone Fits In
Treadstone has built a reputation throughout the city as a company who treats their employees well, gives back to the community, and lastly, is the most trusted lender in the state. This reputation is based on our commonsense lending approach, our personal experience throughout the process, and that everyone involved in the loan is local and understands the market. Everyone who works at Treadstone represents the brand in and out of the office. We work hard to hire and train the best of the best in our industry. The secret to our success is simple, it’s our leadership, our people, and our shared passion to be the best at every level. As your trusted mortgage experts, we’re excited to share with you the main reasons why you’ll never regret making the move from a bigger city to Grand Rapids.
FAQs
When is the best time to buy a house in Michigan?
When it comes to housing, there is more inventory in Michigan during the spring and summer, but wintertime offers a less competitive market, so you may get a better deal.
What area of Michigan is Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids is located in west central Michigan, about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan.
Is Grand Rapids considered a big city?
Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city with a population just under 200,000.
What’s the weather like in Michigan?
The weather in Michigan typically depends on the season, although the closer the time gets to a seasonal shift, the more the weather can vary. Generally, the temperatures are mild, and the state doesn’t get too hot or humid in the summertime, or unmanageably frigid during the winter. Michiganders enjoy that the state offers experiences true to all four seasons, especially in terms of the weather.
How big is Michigan?
Michigan might not look like too much on the map, but it’s actually the 10th-largest state by population and 11th-largest by area. From the bottom of Michigan to the top of the UP, the state stretches nearly 1,000 miles.
What is the sales tax in Michigan?
The sales tax in Michigan is 6%.
What time zone is Michigan in?
Michigan is in the Eastern Time Zone with Daylight saving observed, matching New York City.
