Community Links
GRAND RAPIDS – THE PERFECT PLACE TO WORK & LIVE!
Live and Work in Grand Rapids – A growing economy, outstanding health care, low cost of living, award-winning schools and diverse cultural options are just a few reasons why people choose Greater Grand Rapids. Our region has a vibrant, big-city feel while retaining smaller-city charm in its neighborhoods, boutique shopping areas and tree-lined streets.
Grand Rapids Official site for Grand Rapids Michigan. Find out what is happening around town, look up property taxes, learn about parks and recreation, get your local library information, hear what the Mayor has to say, research city codes and ordinances, and much more.
Grand Rapids Police Department -The Grand Rapids Police Department shows leadership in developing collaborative working partnerships with all of our community and service providers so that each and every citizen may enjoy the highest quality of life. Personalized community service is provided through virtual decentralization of police services. Through our leadership, courage, and relentless pursuit of service excellence, the City of Grand Rapids leads American cities into the 21st Century. Our Mission is to identify and solve problems in neighborhoods by empowering police employees and holding them accountable to work in partnership with citizens, City services, schools, and other stakeholders.
Grand Rapids Crime Data – The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) crime mapping program provides public access to crime information for the City of Grand Rapids. The crime data is preliminary information from reports made by officers of the Grand Rapids Police Department. Future investigation and analysis may change crime classification and other information. The mapping database contains data from the past 90 days.
For more information about area resources, including area Hospitals, Schools, Shopping, Entertainment, Media Outlets and a selection of Cheryl’s Favorite Haunts and Community Institutions or Events, see the subpages in this section. Continue reading for a snapshot of the lovely communities that comprise the suburban Greater Grand Rapids area:
Greater Grand Rapids Surrounding Communities
Ada – This picturesque town with its country charm is located at the mouth of the Thornapple River flowing into the Grand. It contains a downtown area and adjacent mall, accented by colonial and country style buildings and small shops. As such, it is considered to be an ideal commuter suburb to the greater Grand Rapids area. Historically, this town was the site of a trading post set up by Rix Robinson from Massachusetts in 1821 – whom many consider to be the first settler to the western Michigan area. The Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad built a station here in 1853, which led to the further development and stabilization of the town during and after the lumber era.
Caledonia – This area was first settled in 1838 by Asahel Kent, who moved there from Ohio. Like many other communities in western Michigan, the township was named after a city in New York in order to attract people there to move to Michigan. The area grew with the coming of the Grand River Valley Railroad until in 1870, a depot and post office were built – named “Caledonia Station.” In 1884, the name was changed to Caledonia, with incorporation into a village in 1888. Once a farming community, Caledonia today has become significantly linked with Grand Rapids as a commuter city. At the same time, it has also retained its distinctiveness and economic growth. Situated in a hilly area on beautiful Emmons lake, this is an ideal place to live, with a delightful balance between country and city.
East Grand Rapids-East Grand Rapids is a small city on the east side of metropolitan Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan. The primary geography is residential homes, although there is a business district containing all the essential services, a selection of specialty stores and boutiques, and a world-class hospital within the borders. Valued for the excellent school systems, well-kept homes and unparalleled municipal services, East Grand Rapids is a favorite of families, singles and empty-nesters alike. The premier asset of East Grand Rapids is Reeds Lake, a true centerpiece for the community. From fishing on quiet mornings to an afternoon of waterskiing with family, Reeds Lake and the surrounding parks, woods and trails draw people from miles around to enjoy the outdoor landscape.
Grandville – The Grandville community is a special place where people support one another, take pride in their community and enjoy a sense of belonging. We have inherent values that provide the foundation for making this a positive place to live. By stating these common values, we want to ensure they continue to define and guide our community life. Faith, Family, Honesty, Caring, Respect, Responsibility.
Kentwood – Kentwood has beautiful homes, good schools, churches and businesses. There is an excellent mix of residential housing styles, the location is convenient to work, shopping and recreational activities are close at hand. There are beautiful parks, good roads, along with a thriving industrial and commercial base. In addition to these attributes, the City tax rate is lowest in the State for a city over 20,000 in population. The City has a wonderful selection of newer buildings with outstanding infrastructure, major interstate highways surround our boarders, and an international airport is at our main entry way. As important as any point, is the commitment this Government makes to its business partners. We are ready to assist and work with any enterprise that can bring good jobs to our area. Kentwood is open for business!
Rockford – Welcome to Rockford! We have so many great places to visit. Rockford has an abundance of good restaurants, wonderful stores and shops, beautiful parks and scenery, and of course our famous waterfront. If you’ve never strolled the Rockford Dam, you are in for a treat.
And it seems like there is always something fun happening in Rockford. Check the City Event Calendar and the News and Notes page to find out what’s going on.
Kent County – Located in Western Michigan, Kent County is the fourth largest population center in Michigan. Covering 864 square miles, the County is home to 604,142 people. The County is composed of twenty-one townships, five villages and nine cities. The County seat, Grand Rapids, has a population of 201,835 and is 150 miles west of Detroit; 180 miles northeast of Chicago; and 30 miles from Lake Michigan. The greater Grand Rapids area forms the urban center of the County. Grand Rapids is known for being the home of the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford. The Gerald R. Ford Museum is located in the City of Grand Rapids and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is located within the County.