Greater Grand Rapids Regional Overview

Located in the heart of the Midwest, on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Greater Grand Rapids is the state's fastest-growing region. Known for its innovative companies and high quality of life, this growing community is within a three-hour drive of Detroit and Chicago, and within a day’s travel of most major U.S. markets.

With per-capita expenditures in education and R&D among the highest in the world, Greater Grand Rapids is ranked with such global leaders as Boston, Hartford and San Francisco on the list of Top Ten Sustainable, Knowledge-Based Economies. Companies here produce everything from wheel covers to software and surgical devices. In particular, we are experiencing tremendous growth in life sciences and patient care, with over $1 billion invested in less than a decade. Anchoring this growth is the Van Andel Institute, a world-class research facility focusing on the genetic and molecular origins of cancer.

A growing economy, outstanding health care, award-winning schools, and a low cost of living are just some of the reasons Greater Grand Rapids is also attracting professionals from around the world. Our increasingly diverse population is reflected in the breadth of merchants, restaurants, and community organizations you’ll find throughout the area. Greater Grand Rapids residents also enjoy a rich cultural environment that is rarely seen in regions of similar size. From some of the country’s leading arts and cultural institutions, to thriving professional sports franchises, to an array of international dining experiences, Greater Grand Rapids offers choices for nearly every taste.