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East Grand Rapids, MI

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East Grand Rapids, MI

East Grand Rapids is a city in Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the population was 11,371. The city is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area, including Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Township, but the city is administered autonomously. 

Originally part of Paris Township, East Grand Rapids was first settled in the early 1830s by the Reed Family from New York City, New York. Miss Sophia Reed and Miss Euphemia Davis opened a school in 1834 near Reeds Lake. Another schoolhouse was constructed in 1835 near Reeds Lake in the Grand River Valley, with Francis Prescott as its teacher. Residents voted to establish the Village of East Grand Rapids in 1891. The village was incorporated into a home-rule city in 1926 when the population was approximately 1,300.

East Grand Rapids saw tourism from the Grand Rapids area for both its geography and facilities. Reeds Lake attracted visitors as early as the 1870s as a destination for day trips and summertime activities. It had two established beaches of the time - Rose’s Bathing Beach and Swimming School was established in 1901 and Manhattan Beach was established in 1884. They hosted boat launches, a bathhouse, restaurants, and resorts. Four steamboats owned by the Poisson family operated excursion rides on the lake starting in 1882. 

Visitors to East Grand Rapids initially traveled by foot, stagecoach, or horse and buggy. In the mid-1870s, horse-drawn cars became available. Passengers would board in downtown Grand Rapids and transfer onto the Grand Rapids & Reeds Lake Railway. By 1877, a steam locomotive replaced the horse cars. Electric streetcars came into use in the early 1890s. They were replaced by buses as a mode of transportation in 1935. Interurban also brought residents from nearby cities to Reeds Lake.

The village's amusement park, Ramona Park, opened in 1897, a creation of the Grand Rapids Street Railway Company to increase the use of their services. The park included amusement rides, games, concession stands, and two large pavilions where activities from theater to roller skating were hosted. Ramona Park closed in 1955 due to disrepair and dwindling demand. The land was eventually repurposed for apartments and a shopping center.

In 1974 East Grand Rapids came to national attention as the legal domicile of Gerald R. Ford, 38th President of the United States, however, as a serving Congressman and Vice-President, Ford had resided in the District of Columbia area for the previous twenty-five years.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.39 square miles (8.78 km2), of which 2.93 square miles (7.59 km2) is land and 0.46 square miles (1.19 km2) (13.57%) is water. Reeds Lake and Fisk Lake comprise most of the water area.

East Grand Rapids places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. East Grand Rapids Community Center features a well-equipped fitness center, swimming pool, and a variety of group exercise classes for all ages. Serendipity Wellness Spa provides a tranquil retreat with massages, facials, and holistic therapies. MVP Sports Clubs offers extensive fitness facilities, including state-of-the-art equipment, personal training, and sports leagues. Seva Yoga hosts diverse yoga classes focused on core strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Restored Health Chiropractic Center emphasizes spinal health, pain relief, and overall wellness with various chiropractic services. Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. 

Top sites in East Grand Rapids, MI are Grand Rapids Public Museum, John Ball Zoo, and Meyer May House.

Population: 11,429 (2023). ZIP code: 49506. Area code: 616. Elevation: 748 ft (227 m). Area: 3.39 sq mi (8.78 km2).

FAQs

What are the demographics of East Grand Rapids, MI?

East Grand Rapids, MI is home to a population of 11.4k people, of which 98.8% are citizens. As of 2022, 4.32% of East Grand Rapids, MI residents were born outside of the country (492 people). In 2022, there were 34 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (10.5k people) in East Grand Rapids, MI than any other race or ethnicity. There were 310 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) and 185 Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is East Grand Rapids, MI expensive?

East Grand Rapids, Michigan's cost of living is 13% higher than the national average. East Grand Rapids's housing expenses are 72% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 3% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 1% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 1% higher than the national average.

What is the crime rate in East Grand Rapids, MI?

East Grand Rapids has an overall crime rate of 11 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in East Grand Rapids is 1 in 88. How does East Grand Rapids fare compared to other communities in Michigan of all population sizes? East Grand Rapids's crime rate is lower than approximately 40% of Michigan communities.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of East Grand Rapids

Data USA

Payscale

Neighborhood Scout

Grand Rapids Public Museum

John Ball Zoo
Meyer May House

East Grand Rapids Community Center

Serendipity Wellness Spa

MVP Sports Clubs

Seva Yoga

Restored Health Chiropractic Center

Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.