Apartments for Rent in Grand Rapids, MI

Located about 158 miles west of Detroit, Grand Rapids is Michigan's second largest city. Nestled along the Grand River, Grand Rapids is surrounded by natural beauty. Residents have easy access to a plethora of parks like Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and Millennium Park, which has a beach and lake, making a great spot for boating. The city's thriving downtown district and an active arts scene bring an urban feel to Grand Rapids. The city has something for everyone with a variety of styles available for rent. Grand Rapids has everything from modern houses to high-rise apartments with river views.

The affordable housing and rental market contribute to the lower cost of living in Grand Rapids, with housing costs approximately 30% lower than the national average. Those living in the area rely on personal vehicles for commuting, so transportation costs tend to be slightly higher than the national average. An abundance of high-quality healthcare options translates to Grand Rapids residents paying a bit less than their national counterparts for health-related expenses.

Consistently ranking as one of the nation's best places to live, Grand Rapids provides a strong economy and beautiful scenery to those who want to call Grand Rapids home. It is an artistic city, complete with public art, events like the Eastown Street Fair, and one of the nation's best craft brewery scenes. Grand Rapids is home to the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) and the West Michigan Whitecaps (MiLB), and the city continues to thrive with a diverse array of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. The cost of living remains competitive, making it an attractive option for new residents.

Once you move to Grand Rapids, you'll be surrounded by art and culture. To enjoy natural beauty, be sure to visit Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park to explore a variety of gardens, including a butterfly garden and a Japanese garden. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a modern structure filled with 19th and 20th-century artwork. Other great destinations include the John Ball Zoo and the Downtown Market, both of which continue to be popular attractions in the city.

Grand Rapids was once called Furniture City and was a renowned leader in office furniture production. The city still features several furniture companies, including Steelcase and Herman Miller. The area also hosts a thriving healthcare industry with top-notch hospital systems like Spectrum Health and Mercy Health. Grocery store chain Meijer has its headquarters here, while Spartan Stores has merged with another company and operates under the name SpartanNash.

Students in Grand Rapids have several colleges and universities to choose from, including Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, and Calvin University. Other universities, such as Western Michigan University, Ferris State University, and Michigan State University, have campuses in the area. Sports teams include the West Michigan Whitecaps, the Grand Rapids Gold, the Grand Rapids Griffins, and the Grand Rapids FC.

The Lake Michigan shoreline is a popular destination, especially during the summer. In addition to nearby beaches, Grand Rapids offers several parks, gardens, and Michigan's Adventure theme park. Several museums and performance venues provide indoor entertainment, while the Grand River, Michigan's longest waterway, is ideal for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.