Grand Rapids
The second largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids rests on the Grand River, about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. Formerly known as the Furniture City, Grand Rapids is now nicknamed the River City as well as Beer City USA for its riverside locale and proximity to 40 craft breweries. Grand Rapids is also the hometown of former United States President Gerald Ford. Fans of the 38th president can learn more about his life and impact on American history at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Notable as an artistic haven, Grand Rapids hosts the annual ArtPrize competition, a 19-day affair drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and featuring artwork all throughout Downtown Grand Rapids. Frederik Meijer Gardens exhibits an expansive variety of sculptures and gardens both indoors and outdoors. Meyer May House is revered as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces. Located within an hour’s drive of Kalamazoo and Lansing, Grand Rapids is convenient to major highways and Gerald R. Ford International Airport, making for simple travels and commutes.
Commerce Township
Located in Oakland County, Commerce Township (or Commerce Charter Township) is a suburban community outside of Detroit. Its terrain is comprised of gentle rolling hills, sweeping farmlands, and many lakes. So many lakes encompass this neighborhood that Detroiters would travel here on vacation to spend their summers lakeside. As development grew, more and more people moved to the township full-time. The 61 year-old teal Commerce Drive-In marquee is famous and a hot spot for pictures. Residents enjoy numerous amenities like shopping and dining. The Shops at Commerce and Tim Hortons coffee is an excellent place to relax. In nearby Novi, Twelve Oaks Mall has nearly 200 distinct shops and restaurants to experience. Residents can travel to the mall with ease by way of Route 5 – or go beyond that for I-275, I-96, and I-696. Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and Huron Valley Schools service students in the area.
Walker
Nestled against the Grand River just outside of the city of Grand Rapids, Walker is a welcoming suburb filled with amenities, attractions, and a warm way of life. Millennium Park is one of the city’s largest parks, featuring beaches, wetlands, and hiking trails. But Richmond Park holds its own with sports facilities, walking trails, playgrounds, and an outdoor swimming pool. If family-friendly is what you’re looking for, then Walker has you covered, offering a central location to kid-friendly fun like the John Ball Zoo. Shopping in Walker includes home décor and goods, clothing, jewelry, and more. Enjoy the shopping and casual dining options at Green Ridge Square, or venture into Downtown Grand Rapids for fantastic local restaurants, breweries, city parks, riverfront views, live music venues, museums, and more. Commuters appreciate the unbeatable access to major roadways like Interstates 96 and 196 and Highway 45. International travel is just outside of Walker, with the Gerald F. Ford International Airport situated 21 miles southeast of town. Though riverfront recreation is available in Walker, you can find lakefront fun on Lake Michigan just 30 miles west of the city of Walker. Though there are conveniences within the city like retailers, restaurants, and parks, the city is mostly residential, offering affordable apartments and cozy homes along walkable, tree-lined streets.
