West Michigan

Discover all that West Michigan has to offer.

Best Places to Live

From city skyline and beach towns to quiet countryside, West Michigan has great places to live. The Grand Rapids area ranks as the 12th best place to live in America according to US News.

Craft Beer

Grand Rapids was voted Beer City USA in national polls and named Best Beer Town, and Best Beer Scene by USA Today readers (Experience GR).

Beach umbrella on beach with water behind

Scenery

Holland was named 2nd most beautiful small town in America by Impulcity (mLive).

Art Prize

Grand Rapids is home to Art Prize, an international art competition that is free to the public. It is one of the most attended annual public art events on the planet according to The Art Newspaper.

Short Commute

Average commute is only 20 minutes. (mLive)

Healthcare

West Michigan has access to excellent healthcare options including three award-winning community hospitals (Hello West Michigan).

Religion

Over 160 area churches are home to more than 40 belief systems.

Healthy Living

Ottawa County has been ranked the healthiest in Michigan since 2014 according to RWJF.

Here’s why Extol employees love living in West Michigan…

I love living close to the beach.

One of the things that I love about living in the Holland area is being so close to Lake Michigan. The beach is only a three-mile drive or bike ride away. Our family will often head to the beach after dinner to relax, listen to the waves, play in the sand and water, and maybe even catch the sunset. The sand between your toes, the warmth of the setting sun on your skin, and the soothing sound of the waves is the perfect ending to a day.

Kyle Harvey – Director of Marketing

I love exploring craft breweries.

One of the greatest things about living in West Michigan is the beer culture. We have so many craft breweries in the area, it seems like there is always a new one to explore. My wife and I will often grab a pint with friends after work at one of our favorite breweries or we’ll check out a new one. And there are so many to choose from, you can always find something you’ll like.

Jason Dornbos – Marketing Communications Manager

I love the family-friendly culture.

What my wife and I like best about living in Western Michigan is the family-friendly culture. We recently moved here from the west coast and have been thrilled with how welcoming this area is for families. Our kids love going to the zoo, the beach, and indoor playgrounds (in the winter), while my wife and I appreciate the wineries and the outdoor recreation options. We have found that Western Michigan really lives up to its reputation for being a safe, friendly place. The people here work hard, play hard, and put their families first.

David McCormick – Design Engineer

I love exploring the lakeshore towns.

I love that the West Michigan lakeshore is home to many quaint downtown areas with activities for everyone. Many of my weekends start off in Holland picking up fresh produce at the 8th Street Farmers Market, perusing the shops, or watching street performers. In the evenings, I frequent Grand Haven where I’ll grab a cone and listen to a band at the waterfront stadium or stroll the boardwalk out to the lighthouse.

Kelly Binnendyk – Applications Lab Manager

More information about West Michigan

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