Michigan Oaks - Grand Rapids, MI Area Guide

This area has been inhabited for more than 2,000 years. In the late-17th and early 18th centuries, Ottawa tribes moved into this region and laid the groundwork for many settlements along the Grand River. Michigan Oaks was first developed as a residential neighborhood during the 1920s, as the Grand Rapids area grew. Today, it has one of the highest amount of college-educated residents in the city.

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on Beltline Ave North houses beautiful sculptures made by renowned artists, making it every local art lover's paradise. To learn more about local artists and their work, residents also visit Grand Rapids Art Museum on Monroe Center Street.

Founder's Fest takes place every year on Bartlett Street, features homemade arts and crafts. Founder's beer, live music, entertainment and food make this one of the most popular festivals in the region.

There aren't any restaurants within this purely residential neighborhood, but a 4-mile drive take you to downtown Grand Rapids, where you'll find yourself surrounded by enticing dining options.

Grove on Cherry Street represents a fun local dining experience. A warmly lit ambiance and friendly waiters welcome you to this place. Known for its tasty dishes, this restaurant uses only the highest-quality ingredients sourced from local farmers, and this freshness can be tasted in every bite. The most popular menu items include bay scallop ceviche, olive oil poached arctic char, grilled quail and the beef tartare and octopus duo. It also has an exclusive vegan menu for those who don't eat meat. Save room for the butterscotch pudding with caramel and sea salt, a must-have dessert here. Due to its popularity, this restaurant tends to be crowded all the time, so make sure you reserve a table before you get here.

Grab a quick bite while walking or biking at Trailhead Cafe on East Paris Street. Fresh food and great service make this a popular destination for Sunday brunch. You get a wide range of soups, salads, paninis and wraps for a low cost. It's located next to a bike shop, so you can drop your bike for a tune-up before hitting the trail.

To sample some Mediterranean fare, visit Marie Catrib's on Lake Dr. This Greek and Lebanese restaurant serves healthy Mediterranean dishes, including homemade hummus that alone makes regulars come back for more. Vegetarians also have a good variety of menu items to chose from, such as roasted root veggies and the sweet potato and quinoa burger.

Downtown Grand Rapids houses a wide selection of bars and clubs. The Meanwhile on Wealthy Street East serves locally brewed beers. Great drink specials happen all the time, and free Wi-Fi, a jukebox, pinball and arcade games, a summer patio and friendly bartenders make your night a memorable one.

Find another hip nightspot, Billy's Lounge, right across the street from The Meanwhile. This pub features live bands and DJs during the weekends, with fun local bands often performing here on Friday nights. Its '80s night, on Sundays, and '90s night, on Thursdays, attract large local crowds who groove out on the big dance floor to the retro tunes.

Bus routes connect Michigan Oaks with downtown Grand Rapids, and it costs $1.25 per ride. Proximity to interstates 96 and 196, coupled with the availability of abundant public parking spaces around town, make it convenient for people to use their cars. People walk and bike on the safe streets and foot paths during summer, but it's more for recreation and fresh air than a practical way of commuting or running errands.

Water-centric Richmond Hills Park on Richmond Street has a pond, a water slide and a swimming pool for summer fun, and it doubles as a nice sledding hill during winter. This public park also has open spaces for picnics, and kids love to run around on the open fields. John Collins Park has paved trails for walking and running, and dog-friendly Hillcrest Dog park on Lyon street is a good choice to bring your pets out for some exercise.

Michigan Oaks is an affordable community, as the cost of living sits about 9 percent lower than the national average. This low cost can be seen in all parts of life. A one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $560 per month, and a pint of beer costs an average of $4 at the local pubs in Grand Rapids. Gas prices sit about 9 percent lower than the national average, making driving around town more affordable than in other areas.

Woodland Shopping Center on 28th street has a good mix of retail stores, some of which have their only area presence in this mall, including an Apple Store, North Face and H&M. The mall's clean and bright interiors and large corridors facilitate crowds and make for a smooth shopping experience.

For a wide range of women's clothes, head to Rosa's Closet, also on Wealthy street. This cozy boutique sells branded clothes and uniquely designed garments that are hard to find elsewhere. Locals tout the reasonable prices and friendly owners almost as much as they do the stylish fashions.

For your grocery needs, head to Grand Central Market on Monroe street or D&W Fresh market on Wealthy street. During summer, get fresh produce at Fulton Street Farmers Market.