Forbes publisher Rich Karlggard dubbed Grand Rapids a “Bohemian Bargain.” Grand Rapids is among 25 cities highlighted for having a “real” and lively downtown and a very reasonable cost-of-living, an environment very appealing to the young professionals. In addition, the community has a family-friendly feeling. Karlggard, in his book Life 2.0, surveyed communities across the country and defined Bohemian Bargains as a community from 150,000 to 750,000 with a reasonable cost-of-living and commitment to revitalize its downtown.

In “America’s Safest Cities” ranking, West Michigan is No. 7. The magazine Risk & Insurance looked at the area’s vulnerability to hurricanes, earthquakes, terrorism, winter storms, and severe thunderstorms. West Michigan rated predictably low when it came to earthquakes, terrorism, and hurricanes. The area was rated medium for storms, but scored well on being prepared for them. The point of the list is to emphasize that “businesses choose locations based on costs, which include the costs of insurance and the impact of closures forced by catastrophes.”