Greater Grand Rapids Area and
Western Michigan Real Estate
The nation's challenging real estate market has also affected Grand Rapids with approximately 70% of homes sold in December of 2008 were foreclosures. This number is expected to rise in 2009. Real estate prices are very competitive now. Some great deals from motivated sellers, foreclosures and short sales are available right now making it a good time to buy. Money Magazine recently listed Grand Rapids as one of the best cities to live in and invest in. In the last four years The Association of Realtors for Grand Rapids has lost 21% of it's real estate members with more expected to follow. Median price for a home is $96,218. Average price for homes in December of 2008 dipped below $100,000. It is perceived as a buyers' market there; however, some people are reluctant to purchase due to the current economic crisis as well as unemployment being higher than the national average there. Greater Grand Rapids will be avoided by big declines in commercial office and industrial markets; however, declines will be seen in retail. Overall, it is doing better that most other cities in the state. They didn't get into car manufacturing years ago like Detroit so are fairing better than east Michigan.
History
Grand Rapid's first settlers were Indians followed by the European settlers. After the completion of Erie Canal and statehood, more nationalities followed. With the population increase in 1850 Grand Rapids became a city instead of a village. The Grand River running through Grand Rapids had much to do their success, as it was essential for logging. The boats brought in cigar makers, brewers and, because of the large supply of wood, furniture makers made Grand Rapids famous nationally.Education
Although school math and reading tests scores for Grand Rapids are lower than the national average approximately 81% of students graduate high school. The average ratio is one teacher per 18 students. In 2006 there was 186 public and private schools. $7,058 is spent per student in public schools, which is higher than the national average. Public School students bring diversity from 53 countries and approximately 44 languages.
Population
Grand Rapids is Michigan's second largest city and is located in Kent County and covers 45 square miles. In 2007 the population was 193,083 which is 2.38% less than in 2000. The populations in the city consist of 63.45% being white, 21.10% Black, 1.94% Asian, 0.71% native American, and claiming other races are 12.08%. The median age is 32.4 years compared with the national average being 36 years old. The cost of living index in 2008 was at 81.3% out of 100. The median income a year per family is $55,681.
Grand Rapids has evolved into a regional reputation for major artistic and cultural events, stage plays and concerts, four museums, and a spectacular botanical garden and sculpture park.
Buying a home in Grand Rapids, Michigan? Search by gaining access to our Grand Rapids Area real estate listings. Browse real estate listings of surrounding larger cities Rockford, Grandville, Ada, Hudsonville, and Caledonia.
Five Star Real Estate, located at 4601 Lake Michigan Drive in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49534, will provide you with personalized service when looking for a home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their corporate and satellite offices are throughout Western Michigan. They are an independent brokerage with over 52 years experience and can provide home buyers and sellers with the highest level of service possible.
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