[RNfinally]

We are looking at Grand Rapids area for possible relo . My husband has a potential opportunity in that area.
If it works out what is the best area to live and how are schools?
I have one going into highschool and one looking at college and a 6 month old.
How are the hospitals to work in as far as patient ratios, pay ect.
any input would be great.
thanks in advance.

[erinp88]

I'm not too familiar with working in the hospitals anymore since I'm an LPN. I have heard that our pay here on the west side of the state is less than desirable.

Most staff RN positions advertise at $21-30/ hr if that helps. There is lots of development going on in health care in GR right now.

As far as school districts go, I would stay away from GR public schools right now. Last year they filed bankruptcy and they have been laying off a lot of staff.

Rockford, Forest Hills, East Grand Rapids are the "higher end" areas and seem to have booming school districts. They are good, but they are getting huge.

Lowell/Saranac is about 20-30 miles east of GR and are smaller/quieter towns. Lowell is growing fast, but still has that "small town" feel. Saranac is tiny and actually in Ionia County. Graduates about 75 students a class. Both are good school districts.

Byron Center is south of GR and is another rapidly growing area. Good schools.

Then there are a lot of options for private/Catholic/Christian schools.

Hope this helps, if you want you can send me a message. I know quite a bit about the local school districts.


Erin

[jenrninmi]

Three hospitals in the area. Spectrum Health is the largest, then there is Metro Health and St. Mary's. Metro Health is almost finished building a new facility opening up in the city of Wyoming the end of September. Near this new hospital is Byron Center and as the previous poster said, growing rapidly, but very nice area imo. Great schools too.
All the hospitals pay about the same. $21-30/hr to start. Cost of living is less over here than the east side of the state though. We like it here. Let us know if you have any more questions. :O)

[Bonny619]

We too are almost 99% sure we will be moving to the area. I've been looking at Rockford. The whole area seems great. I'm ready to get out of California!

[lakerette01]

how exciting! I am very jealous that you are moving ot GR.. That is where I am from and my SO and I have relocated to California about a year ago. The one thing with living in Rockford is that the drive back to the "city" can be a hard in the winter, and you have to allow for time to get to and from. It is a very nice town, with good, but competitive schools.

they have many colleges around the Grand Rapids area. From community colleges, to Universities, to small private colleges.

Grand Rapids is a great city.. I miss it terribly.. Good luck to you and your family..