North Grand Rapids Grand Rapids, MI

The region north of Grand Rapids saw its first major growth period in 1848 when the town of Childsdale grew around a lumber and paper mill. This town created a post office in 1900. Residents slowly began to drift up from Grand Rapids, transforming the small woodland communities into suburban housing areas.

Living in North Grand Rapids puts you just minutes from the area's museums, art galleries and cultural events, such as Festival of the Arts in downtown Grand Rapids. Explore the trove of music schools, dance academies, art supply shops and instrument shops without leaving the community.

North Grand Rapids keeps its dining scene hot with a wealth of upscale bistros, breakfast cafes, international eateries and rowdy sports grills. Take a drive along Plainfield Avenue near the crossing of the Grand River to savor a juicy burger while looking out over the lake.

Head to Real Food Cafe for French toast topped with Nutella and bananas or blueberry pancakes as big as your plate. Locals head to this spot to enjoy the best breakfast in town, with portions big enough to satisfy even the hungriest diner. Be sure to try one of the hefty omelettes for a meal that really sticks to your ribs, or go the healthy route with the Healthy Start waffle piled high with berries, bananas, yogurt and crunchy granola.

For a casual lunch on a patio overlooking the lake, stop by Blue Water Grill to dine on creative seafood entrées and decadent desserts. Be sure to try the mahi mahi tacos or the root beer rotisserie chicken, or stop by to try the vegetarian special on Meatless Mondays.

Pull up a chair at El Haragan to sip on a big margarita while chowing down on hearty Mexican eats. Be sure to get a basket of chips with queso sauce for a cheap starter, and don't forget to sample the sizzling fajitas. El Haragan also serves up some tempting tacos with the shells fresh-made at the restaurant.

If you're looking for a wild nightlife scene, take a short drive into downtown Grand Rapids to explore the area's biggest lounges, bars and nightclubs. For a casual night out, locals head to The Score to see live music while sipping on craft beer. This place becomes a hot spot in the summer for its tropical feel, with sandy volleyball courts by the lake, a tiki hut and tropical foliage.

Hop on U.S. 131 for a quick drive into downtown Grand Rapids, or drive down Plainfield Avenue to explore the community and discover a thriving retail scene. Enjoy an abundance of free public parking along the streets and in business lots. For a quick ride into town, call a Yellow Cab from the city, or send for an Uber driver.

The northern suburbs of Grand Rapids don't have access to an extensive public transportation system, so most residents commute by car. Although the White Pine trail crosses through the area for a quiet recreational ride during the warmer months, you don't find many bike lanes or pedestrian-friendly areas with amenities within walking distance.

Enjoy your day off with a bike ride along White Pine Trail or a visit to one of the area's beautiful public parks. Versluis Park on the lake is a community hot spot with its sandy beach and popular fishing pier. Jog along the paved path, or let your kids climb on the playground. You can also stop by to play a game of horseshoes or volleyball. This park charges a moderate fee per car, but residents can score a season pass at a great price.

For a more natural experience, head to Donald Lamoreaux Park, rustic space along the Grand with fishing areas and wooded trails. If you want to let your pooch romp off the leash, visit Covell Dog Park in the northwest of the area, at the intersection of Bridge and Covell.

The area north of Grand Rapids maintains a cost of living that falls a little below average for the Grand Rapids metro area. If you want to rent, expect to pay an average of $644.92 for a one-bedroom apartment. Gas prices generally hover 12 percent below the national average, keeping transportation costs for drivers on the low end. If you go out for a beer at The Score or another local bar, expect to pay around $3 to $5 for your favorite draft.

North Grand Rapids tempts shoppers with a charming retail scene more akin to a village's downtown area than your basic suburban fare. Take a drive down Painfield Avenue to discover bridal boutiques, bike stores, high-end jewelers and bargain-heavy thrift stores. The area also accommodates a selection of big department stores, sporting goods retailers and home improvement stores for all your basic needs.

Whether you're searching for a dazzling new Rolex watch or the perfect engagement ring, let the staff at Paul Medawar Fine Jewelry help you make your pick. Locals love that this store values customer service above all else, creating a comfortable environment for browsing certified white diamond rings, pendants and bracelets.

Find some trendy furniture for you new home at Jazzy Junk, a humble consignment shop for gently used home decor and furnishings. Pick up a leather couch, an old-fashioned writing desk or a modern dining room table without breaking the bank.

When you need to pick up your groceries, head to Meijer or Family Fare Supermarket to find all your staples. Be sure to stop by the Plainfield Township Farmers Market during the growing season for fresh produce from local farmers.