Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan, and is the seat of Kent County. The Grand River runs through the center of the city, giving Grand Rapids its name. Bridges strewn with light span the river, joining the city's impressive array of contemporary towers and historic structures. The downtown area features riverwalks, numerous parks, and an astonishing collection of modern and contemporary sculptures.
Every year in June, Grand Rapids hosts an annual festival of the arts that is known simply as Festival. This event, billed as the largest all-volunteer arts festival in the U.S., features several stages with free live performances, food booths, and art demonstrations. Other popular attractions in Grand Rapids include the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and the John Ball Zoo.
Grand Rapids has culture, professional sports, and nightlife galore. Whether you're relaxing in an Eames lounge chair, admiring the nation's largest gold leaf ceiling, or touring a Frank Lloyd Wright house, you'll notice that design matters in Grand Rapids. Design has always mattered here. You can trace it back through the city's old nicknames -- "The Paris of Furniture Design" and "The Furniture City" -- to 1837, when cabinetmaker William Haldane set up shop. Attention to aesthetics was evident even earlier in seasonal camps along the Grand River, where Ottawa Indians wove intricate birch bark baskets.
Lake Michigan is less than 30 minutes away, making Grand Rapids the perfect place to experience the nightlife of a city, but all the amenities of a big lake. And make no mistake, Lake Michigan is like an ocean, with waves and deep waters. With boating, swimming and skiing there is plenty to keep the whole family busy.
The city of Grand Rapids Michigan is a welcome getaway near the shores of western Michigan. With the real feel of a big city, this cultural marvel holds steady to its friendly midwestern roots. There is so much to see and do here, that it will surely keep you busy and entertained. As much as the city itself holds so many attractions, the great outdoors will more than feed your need offering spots for Michigan hiking and Michigan biking. Year round, the fun never stops. There are miles of area biking and hiking trails and parks, and the close Lake Michigan beaches and boating keep you smiling through the warmer months. In the winter, enjoy ice skating downtown, and just outside the city take a snowmobile excursion, or strap on the skis or snowboard for some great Michigan skiing.
Grand Rapids is a city that has truly won the hearts of its residents, and they do a wonderful job of spreading the good news! Come and see why so many people have made this place their home, and don't plan to ever leave!
Housing Cost
Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $121,100
Demographics
Estimated population in July 2006: 193,083. Grand Rapids covers 44.6 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 794 feet above sea level.
Area code: 616
Weather
Grand Rapids, MI climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 20's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 82.30 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 15.60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 21 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Grand Rapids is 37.13 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is September with an average rainfall of 4.28 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
