2023 Best Places to Live in Kent County

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

• grade A+

• grade B

• Population 4,574

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: I love Eastown. It's a beautiful neighborhood with kind neighbors and easy walkability. There are lots of great local businesses nearby, and many of the folks who live here are community-oriented. A great area for queer families.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 6,385

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: Great neighborhood full of friendly people. Very walkable to everything you could possibly need… grocery store, farmers market, coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, boutiques, church, private schools, a college, huge park, dog park, the list goes on. People are starting to buy and fix up houses, which has significantly increased the value of homes in this neighborhood. They don’t stay on the market for more than a few days.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• grade C

• Population 1,515

• Suburb of Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  35 reviews

Current Resident: East Grand Rapids is quiet compared to downtown Grand Rapids. I currently attend a university near the East side and love to go into the heart of East Grand Rapids for walks. Reeds Lake Trial is a popular trial and would be highly recommended. East Grand Rapids is close to main chain stores and mom and pop shops, creating diversity. There is also a diverse population as well, giving people the opportunity to experience culture. I would consider it to be a wealthy suburb of Grand Rapids with a country feel. It is not congested in any way. It is also safe compared to many big cities. Extremely nice area to live in.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 11,381

• Suburb of Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 3.94 out of 5  79 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in this area, it is close to school, many jobs, grocery stores and all sorts of shopping! Great for children and super safe. Great area to bike, walk, run and get to know you're neighbors. Would totally recommend living in this area. Lots of children for kids to play with.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 28,327

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: It is a very nice neighborhood to live in and is right next to Martin Luther King Jr Park! MLK park has events all throughout summer and is a great spot to have fun and relax.... Read 1 review

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Population 1,727

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 3.56 out of 5  61 reviews

Niche User: Everywhere has some crime; fortunately we have relatively little.... Read 61 reviews

• grade A

• grade C+

• Population 11,973

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: It has gotten a lot better then it used to be. There are of advantages that make a great place.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• grade C

• Population 3,619

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

• grade A

• grade C

• Population 4,272

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 3.33 out of 5  9 reviews

• grade A

• grade C+

• Population 2,419

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 4 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: I love the beautiful historical homes however the heritage hill association is very strict on exterior repairs. The crime is also increasing.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• grade C

• Population 4,018

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: After close to 8 years in the neighborhood, it's relatively charming and safe. Even though it's close to a highway and right above downtown, you feel as though you are in a bubble in this neighborhood. Most of the people that you'll run into vary between college students, hospital workers, industry workers (Bar & Downtown), upper class condo owners on Fairfield Ave., and occasionally those living near Creston Plaza Apartments. It's a very mixed but comfortable community. LOTS of renters. Recently many of the houses have been bought up and rented out/tore down for further development. Belknap Lookout has often been compared to a lesser Heritage Hill, and has recently been for either renters or wealthy home owners. I've never really experienced any crimes or issues such as that. You'll have occasional car break ins, or drunken homeless coming in from downtown, or people doing whatever in the parks nearby at night, but that's it. This place was my home for many years. I love it.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• grade C

• Population 3,878

• Suburb of Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  67 reviews

Current Resident: Grandville is a great family oriented community! The public schools are exceptional and the location has a lot to offer, both right in the community and nearby. It is an easy drive into the city of Grand Rapids or west to the lakeshore.... Read 67 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 16,043

• Suburb of Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 3.96 out of 5  24 reviews

Current Resident: Caledonia, Michigan is a really nice area. It’s a suburb of Grand Rapids, Michigan, that’s technically still Grand Rapids. The neighborhoods are really beautiful, safe, and quiet. The surrounding schools are really good, too. They offer so many different classes and sports. If you’re looking for a place to move, this is definitely it.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 1,551

• Suburb of Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 4.3 out of 5  37 reviews

Current Resident: Byron Center, MI. Firstly, I'm a junior in high school so remember that this is my perspective of the town.The public schools give kids a lot of opportunities and are very fortunate for being here. I'm giving 4 stars because I do realize how nice of a place this is but, I will say there are definitely issues within the community. Also, there's not much to do right nearby but we're close to a lot of surrounding things. Tanger Outlets up on 84th is a popular spot. The residents are mainly conservative so that is something to consider based on your political views. Also, our diversity is very poor, it is predominately Caucasian residents. LGBTQIA+ community may not feel very accepted here (we hung a gay pride flag out during pride month and neighbors didn't like it). But it depends which people you surround yourself with. I definitely think it's a nice place to live with access to many resources, yet I have to note I haven't had nice experiences with close minded people.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 6,860

• Suburb of Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  81 reviews

Current Resident: Rockford, MI is the biggest little town in Michigan. Rockford has a population of nearly 7,000 and is located approximately 10 miles north of Grand rapids, MI. The city is made up of rural, suburban and downtown neighborhoods. Rockford has a rich history that was first visited and inhabited by Native American tribes, and eventually settled by Smith Lapham in 1843. Lapham came to the area to assist in the completion of a dam and sawmill to support the thriving lumber industry. Wolverine Worldwide has been headquartered in Rockford for over 100 years, now with multiple global operations. Rockford has one school district and is home of the Rams. Currently, there is one 10-12 grade high school, one grade 9 freshman center, two middle schools, one alternative high school, and seven elementary schools. Several seasonal festivals are hosted in the downtown area throughout the entire year. This has been a great experience visiting Rockford and I would highly recommend the visit to anyone.... Read 81 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 6,131

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: Alger is such a special place to live -- it truly reminds me of a small town in the middle of a big city. Neighbors are respectful, down to earth, and there is such a "community" feel. I get many groceries at Kens, go out for a beer at Brass Ring, grab takeout from Old Goat and Don Betos, get breakfast at Real Food, take my kids to Alger Peds, and get my hair cut at Urban Johnny's. The plaster creek trail that runs to Ken-O-Sha is always full of deer and is also such a special place 1/2 mile from our home. We love Alger!... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• grade C

• Population 4,943

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: Seems like the cops are doing a good job.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 7,455

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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• grade C

• Population 3,348

• Suburb of Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  39 reviews

Niche User: What I love about West Michigan, is the abundance and variability of fun things to do here. From artisan markets, beach visits, local and Broadway theatre shows, u-pick farm experiences, zoos and parks, hiking and biking trails, and fabulous local restaurants, West Michigan has a little bit of everything.... Read 39 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 14,361

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: Heartside is a diversely urban area with worlds of potential. On the corner of Cherry and Division, you have one of our oldest homeless shelters as well as some of our newest and nicest apartments being built. It's taken some time and will need a bit longer, but with the whole city working together, Grand Rapids will prosper beyond words.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• grade C

• Population 2,610

• Suburb of Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  106 reviews

Current Resident: The city of Kentwood is a suburb of Grand Rapids, but it is no small overshadowed crown. Kentwood has been big as long as I have called it home and it only continues to grow before our eyes. Home to many shopping centers and local hot spots, there’s always something to do. Not only that, but Kentwood and the surrounding suburbs make up a very diverse area. Home to the number one most diverse district in the state, Kentwood Public Schools, Kentwood is a perfect example of the melting pot that the U.S. is known to be!... Read 106 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 53,884

• Suburb of Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 4.02 out of 5  58 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Walker my entire life, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I enjoy living in a smaller town, and Walker has everything you could dream of. From restaurants to grocery stores to shopping malls, I am always able to find a store near home that provides what I want. Walker is a family friendly town, and there are always activities going on at the city for families to participate in. Overall, I would recommend Walker to anyone.... Read 58 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 25,149

• Neighborhood in Grand Rapids, MI

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  Rating 3.73 out of 5  15 reviews

Niche User: I love Grand Rapids! There are many great neighborhoods. There are a lot of local businesses/shops/restaurants. Great atmosphere and an awesome downtown area. Close to parks too. Within driving distance of lake Michigan.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade C

• Population 9,273

• City in Michigan

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  578 reviews

Current Resident: I have been living in GR for about 4 years and I love it. The city is the perfect size, not too big where it is overwhelming, not too small where it is boring. There is so much to do and I enjoy living where I can walk to restaurants but also get away to a small lake to relax. One thing that I would like to see change would be the amount of crime. I have experienced crime and know that there are places in GR that are not safe.... Read 578 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade C+

• Population 197,858