Grand Rapids: Selected as one of the best cities to live in the country

U.S. News & World Report just released it annual list of the “100 Best Places to Live in the USA,” and included in the list’s top 20 is a city located in West Michigan: Grand Rapids!

According to the report, Grand Rapids is a city that stands out for its labor market, its access to affordable housing for its residents, its variety of recreational activities organized monthly and, of course, access to numerous outdoor parks.

The cost of living in Grand Rapids is much lower than other similarly-sized cities in the United States, allowing its economy to provide families access to better housing, while allowing them the opportunity of spending more time enjoying the area’s recreational activities.

Neighborhood associations in Grand Rapids are very active and innovative, with many of them creating different community events complete with music, food and art, encouraging neighbors get to know each other and in doing so creating a strong neighborhood family and community.

Although Grand Rapids is the second largest metropolitan area in Michigan, the city still maintains the warmth and harmony of a small city, which distinguishes it from other cities in the county in receiving this distinction..

Grand Rapids enjoys a robust craft beer industry, which paved the way for its recognition and designation as “Beer City, USA.” Each year, the city celebrates “Beer Month,” slated for February 15 to March 15, 2017. Over 40 breweries participate, offering select craft brews, brewery tours, sharing how how their beers are created (without divulging their secrets, of course) and giving the community to vote for their favorite beer. During this month, visitors from out of town are treated to a unique stay in one of the many downtown hotels and an organized experience intended to have them enjoy Beer City, USA in a unique and different way. Visitors to Grand Rapids are encouraged to request the special Beer City, USA map so they do not miss out on the craft craft beer experience.

Grand Rapids deserves the “U.S. News & World Report” designation: it offers activities for all ages, and overall a metropolitan city that maintains a spirit of community, brotherhood and closeness.