West Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids, MI Area Guide

The present day town of Walker was formerly known as Walker Township before its incorporation as a city. In 1867, the area saw the addition of a township hall, which was, unfortunately, built upon a section of land annexed into the Grand Rapids area less than a century later. Therefore, the township of Walker was incorporated as a city in 1962 as an effort to prevent further annexation of the land. The city continued to develop and grow from that point on, eventually doubling its original population over the course of the following 50 years.

Although Walker does not feature any official museums, residents often travel to the neighboring city of Grand Rapids to visit locations like the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The facility offers an assortment of interactive exhibits, in addition to natural science exhibits, Native American artifacts, a fully functioning carousel and laser light shows.

A major distribution of nationally recognized restaurants and fast food chains dominantly comprise the dining experience in Walker. However, residents also enjoy a fair selection of independently owned specialty restaurants and bistros.

The Crooked Goose, located on Wilson Ave NW, presents a unique and distinct approach to the traditional American gastropub. The restaurant serves all of the classic tavern favorites, from delectable hot chicken wings to pizza pies and burgers. With plenty of dining space, helpful attentive staff, and a family-friendly environment, guests feel right at home at this cozy, laid-back pub. Make sure you try the Lumberjack Burger, a signature dish comprised of a half-pound of USDA ground chuck, applewood smoked bacon, crisp onion straws and smoked gouda cheese, with maple-bourbon sauce on a sesame seed bun.

One of Walker's most popular spots for the ideal sports bar atmosphere, Uccello’s Ristorante Pizzeria & Sports Lounge creates the perfect combination of entertainment and dining excellence. Guests enjoy a spacious and classically decorated dining area, and one of the largest football shaped bars in town stocked with HD flat screen televisions at every angle. Whether its a night out with a small group of friends, a simple lunch date, or a family get-together, the hard-working and dedicated staff at Uccello’s Ristorante Pizzeria & Sports Lounge can ensure that your experience is nothing less than outstanding. Try the pizza puffs, deep-fried bite-sized homemade pizza dough lightly dusted in a combination of spices and served with the restaurant's famous pizza and cheese dipping sauces.

Walker features a small selection of bars and pubs that residents frequent for nightly entertainment. Spots like Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids provide a laid-back atmosphere, where guest relish award winning deli sandwiches, a rich selection of specialty beers and live musical entertainment throughout the week. Most establishments are located along Alpine Avenue and Wilson Avenue NW.

A combination of cars and public transportation comprise the most common means of transportation in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, The Rapid serves as the area's primary form of public transportation, providing several bus routes throughout Grand Rapids. Although available, taxis do not serve as a common method of transportation for residents. Uber however, covers most of Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. Several major highways run throughout Walker, including I-96, US 131, M-11, M-37 and M-45. The neighborhood presents a fairly walkable atmosphere, but cyclists must exercise caution when riding in the city due to a lack of biking lanes.

Most parks in Walker bare a strong focus on nature and community rather than particular elements of entertainment. For just $4, Millenium Park on Maynard Avenue grants visitors access to a beautiful beach, splashpad and 20 miles of trails - great for hikes, bike rides or walks with your favorite furry family member. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park over in Grand Rapids showcases art in a truly unique fashion, providing a facility where guests can enjoy gardens, numerous sculptures and the natural serenity of the environment.

Be sure to catch Festival of The Arts, Western Michigan's biggest celebration of the arts, featuring a broad collection of food and artist booths, and live entertainment provided by local musicians and dancers. Best of all, entrance is completely free.

Walker incurs a cost of living 2 percent higher than that of Michigan. Residents travel to the city center costs as little as $1.50 via The Rapid. One-bedroom residences rent at an average cost of $606.08 per month while gas prices stand at around 19 percent lower than the national average. If you're ever near a local pub or bar, you can grab an ice-cold pint of beer for as little as $4.

Nationally recognized retailers dominate the shopping district in Walker, but residents travel to Grand Rapids to experience a wider selection of specialty stores and boutiques. The Woodland Shopping Center in Grand Rapids serves as a major commercial attraction.

Vertigo Music, located on Division Ave, offers the most extensive and reasonably priced collection of vinyl records in West Michigan. The store holds a reputation as a vinyl paradise, where customers enjoy a neatly organized environment complemented by the presence of a knowledgeable and amiable sales staff. Vertigo Music also houses a fair collection of both new and used CDs, and maintains a musical collection that bridges nearly all gaps in music genres and eras.

The Rock Paper Scissors Consignment Boutique presents a tidy and well-kept atmosphere packed with bargain upon bargain on a diverse selection of men and women's clothing. Customers love the warming ambiance they feel upon entering the establishment, thanks to gentle sounds of background music that emits through the facility, accompanied by the hospitable presence of the sales staff. Visit The Rock Paper Scissors Consignment Boutique for a superb selection of lightly used name brand clothing.

Penzey's Spices and Sobie Meats serves as Walker's local specialty grocery stores, while locations like GB Russo & Son International Grocery and Grand Central Market provide a more thorough and diverse inventory of groceries. The Fulton Street Farmer's Market serves as the Grand Rapids area's most highly regarded local market, with products ranging from baked goods and locally sourced meats, to the freshest produce.