Possibly relocating to Grand Rapids, Michigan?

Question

Hello :-) I'm a 22-year-old, single female looking at applying to work at Zondervan. I was just wondering if someone could give some pointers on areas of the city to avoid/look for when looking at housing and any other general knowledge that might help. Is the cost of living very expensive? I just graduated college so I'm about to have very large loan payments and need to know if I can afford rent and such on about $30,000 a year -- probably $12,000 of that will go to loans. Thanks in advance!

Gary Smith · Accepted Answer

Kristine,

Congratulations on completing college. Sorry, I'm prevented by Federal and State laws from suggesting areas to live within Grand Rapids.

Try this website to check cost of living
http://swz.salary.com/CostOflivingwizard/layouthtmls/coll_metrodetail_65.html

I would check what your actual student loan payments will be and if you can get graduated payments or place some of your loans in forebearance.  Without a roommate, you might not be able to live in any Michigan city. Figure 30 percent taxes off your gross pay which would leave you around $750 a month total. (perhaps my math is in error)  Keep that in mind when negotiating your wages.

Once you relocate, FHA offers a "Kiddie Condo" program that may help.

FHA Kiddie Condo
 Allows Parent of Student to cosign.
 Student does not need 2 years employment
 Student does not need established credit. Parent will co-sign as non-occupying co-borrower
 Parents income used for qualifying ratios
 Student can rent a room out to produce income
 Student learns responsibility, builds credit
 Parents and student have an appreciating asset
 3% downpayment required – minimal investment with great return

Contact Mary B. a GR area lender 616.813.2384

Anonymous · Answer

Try these sites:

http://www.grand-rapids-relocation.com/
http://swz.salary.com/CostOfLivingWizard/layouthtmls/coll_metrodetail_65.html
http://www.bestplaces.net/city/profile.aspx?CAT=PEOPLE&subcat=DATA&City=Grand+Rapids_MI

I live near Grand Rapids, and its a pretty okay and safe place to live.

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Possibly relocating to Grand Rapids, Michigan?

2 Answers