GCU News & Blog

Tag: Affordable Living

  • What is The Best City to Live in West Michigan?

    Is it too difficult to find a new house in a new city?

    If you’re doing it for the first time and struggling, you’re probably taking the wrong approach. Most people compare houses based on price and location, but living in Michigan takes more than that. You need to consider the community, climate, neighbors, transportation, parks, peace and quiet, and more.

    Let’s break down what really matters when choosing a place to live in West Michigan.

    Image Source: Canva

    Current Real Estate Market in West Michigan

    This part of the state is having a moment. Home prices are climbing, mostly because fewer people are moving out and new listings get snatched up quickly. It’s still much more affordable than coastal states though, which keeps things interesting for buyers coming from big cities.

    With unemployment at 4.2% and mortgage rates hovering around 7.13% for 30-year loans, it’s still possible to get a good deal, if you’re not holding out for perfection.

    Therefore, if you want to buy a home in West Michigan, you have to consult with expert real estate advisors. They have networks of prospects who want to sell a house in West Michigan. 

    Important Factors to Choose the Best City to Live

    You must consider certain aspects to decide the best place to live. It’s not random! Here are the key criteria you need to keep in mind.

    Cost of Living

    Living costs in West Michigan cities are significantly lower than in New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Tampa. This includes housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

    Lifestyle and Vibes

    West Michigan leans peaceful and community-driven. If a slower pace and friendly neighbors sound appealing, you’re in luck.

    Jobs and Careers

    Some West Michigan cities have limited career opportunities. However, agriculture, export, manufacturing, and healthcare offer prospective careers here.

    Food and Recreations

    If you compare the cost of food and leisure, you will be happy with its affordability. Be sure that cuisines, food festivals, wines, lakes, and beaches will keep you relaxed and happy.

    Social and Cultural Life

    Social life here feels more intimate. Less hustle, more connection. You might end up knowing your barista’s name and your neighbor’s dog’s birthday, and not hate it.

    Top Five Best Cities to Live in West Michigan

    Here’s a breakdown of the five best cities to live in across West Michigan, based on lifestyle, affordability, and long-term value for residents and potential real estate investors.

    Grand Rapids – “Beer City” with Big-City Perks

    Pros: If you love beer, clean air, cool places, good food, healthy lifestyle, you will love Grand Rapids. The place is perfect for living with family. Affordable housing, thriving industries, and good healthcare ensure happy living.

    Cons: Housing prices have been rising faster than local incomes, and winters can be long and gray. For bigger-city nightlife or international flights, residents often travel to Chicago or Detroit.

    Muskegon – Affordable Lakeshore Living

    Pros: Muskegon offers low-cost housing, quiet neighborhoods, and easy access to Lake Michigan. The city is especially appealing for retirees and families who prioritize outdoor recreation and a relaxed pace of life.

    Cons: Limited job opportunities and above-average crime rates are the main drawbacks. However, community involvement and targeted investments in downtown revitalization have improved livability in recent years.

    Image Source: Canva

    Norton Shores – Low-Key and Budget-Friendly

    Pros: In terms of cost of living and housing affordability, Norton Shores will help you save a lot! Public schools, healthcare, and native cuisines will offer you a decent lifestyle.

    Cons: If you expect a thriving lifestyle, you have to rethink. The career scope is also limited. However, you can save yourself from a highly competitive life and elevated expectations.

    Thriving Holland

    Pros: Holland’s Dutch heritage shows in its clean streets, strong local economy, and tight-knit community feel. Residents enjoy a low unemployment rate, quality schools, and events like Tulip Time that attract regional tourism.

    Cons: Tourist traffic during spring and early summer can strain infrastructure and increase rental prices. Winters are snowy and overcast, typical for the lakeshore.

    Youthful Kalamazoo 

    Pros: Kalamazoo combines the amenities of a college town with affordable living. It’s home to Western Michigan University, several hospitals, and a growing arts scene. Its location roughly equidistant from Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Chicago, adds appeal for commuters and investors..

    Cons: The city offers good education and healthcare, but the dense population is a drawback.  A considerable crime rate is another threat to a peaceful lifestyle.

    Takeaway

    West Michigan offers a wide range of livable, affordable cities for every stage of life. Grand Rapids leads for opportunity and amenities, while cities like Muskegon and Norton Shores offer low-cost alternatives with access to nature. Consider your job needs, family situation, and long-term housing goals when choosing the right city to call home.

  • Top Tips for Renting Out Your Spare Room for the First Time

    If you’ve got a spare room at home, why not rent it out and make some extra money on the side? Maybe it used to be your “home office,” which now just holds a defunct printer and a graveyard of tangled cords. Or maybe it’s the guest room that hasn’t seen a guest since pre-pandemic life. Either way, you’ve looked at that space and thought, “Shouldn’t this be doing something useful?“

    You’re not wrong.

    In a country where mortgage rates have been dancing like they’re on something, and rents in many cities are outpacing paychecks, homeowners are getting scrappy. A 2025 Eye on Housing report found that over one-third of U.S. adults have lived in a shared household at some point—and the number’s trending up. Means.. shared housing isn’t just a last resort anymore. It’s becoming a financial strategy.

    But don’t let HGTV fool you—renting out a spare room is not as simple as tossing some throw pillows on the bed and waiting for passive income to roll in.

    Here’s what you actually need to know before you hand someone a key to your house.

    1. The Room Has to Look Like Someone Wants to Live There

    Imagine you show up to a hotel and the room smells like wet socks and looks like someone’s storage unit exploded. You wouldn’t stay there. So don’t expect a stranger to pay rent for your “spare” room if it feels like an afterthought.

    Here’s what to do before you even think about listing:

    • Clear out all personal junk. No one wants to sleep under your old diploma or next to a stack of tax returns from 2010.
    • Add fresh, neutral linens. Think “IKEA catalog meets minimal effort.”
    • Make sure it has the basics: a bed (that doesn’t creak like a haunted ship), a nightstand, a lamp, and a desk if you’ve got the space.
    • Install a lock on the door. This isn’t optional—it’s called respecting privacy.

    According to DALTX listings with clear, well-lit, clutter-free photos get 2.4x more inquiries. Why? Because people like living in clean places that don’t look like serial killer lairs. Shocking, right?

    2. Boundaries Are Sexy. Make Some

    Source: tenor.com

    You’re not just leasing space—you’re letting someone into your home. Your fridge. Your Netflix recommendations. Your weird Sunday routines. If you don’t lay out ground rules, you’re just setting the stage for passive-aggressive Post-it notes.

    Ask yourself:

    Are overnight guests cool? (Or only if they’re hot? Kidding. Kind of.)

    What’s your noise tolerance? Midnight blender? Acoustic guitar in the living room?

    Who’s scrubbing the bathroom—and how often?

    45% of roommate conflicts come from unclear expectations around chores, guests, or noise. That’s nearly half. Don’t wing it.

    Write the rules down. Share them upfront. It’s not about being a control freak—it’s about avoiding future drama.

    3. Choose the Right Platform (Hint: Not All Are Created Equal)

    So, you’re ready to list. Now where?

    Some of the options out there are solid. Others are like the Craigslist version of Russian roulette. Here’s the lowdown:

    • Facebook Marketplace/Groups: Free and fast but chaotic. Expect lots of “Is this available?” messages from people who vanish mid-sentence.
    • Craigslist: Still kicking, but scams abound. Don’t meet anyone unless it’s in public and during daylight hours.
    • SpareRoom.com: A rising favorite. Think Tinder but for roommates—except with ID checks and fewer shirtless mirror selfies.

    The National Multifamily Housing Council reports that more renters today prioritize security and transparency over price. That means your listing should feel legit—not sketchy

    4. Don’t Catfish Your Listing

    Yes, marketing matters. But don’t be the person who posts angelic, filtered photos of a “sun-drenched studio” that turns out to be a converted broom closet.

    Be upfront. Be boringly honest. Your listing should include:

    • Rent, due date, and what’s included (utilities, Wi-Fi, parking, etc.)
    • Clear photos of both the room and common areas
    • Move-in date and lease length (month-to-month? long-term?)
    • A short vibe check—are you quiet, social, a full-time gamer?

    A 2025 Zillow study found that renters were 3x more likely to engage with listings that had both photos and a personal description. Why? Because “$900/month – no weirdos” doesn’t exactly scream “warm and welcoming.”

    5. Screen Like You Mean It

    This isn’t just a roommate, it’s someone who’ll share your Wi-Fi, your bathroom, and maybe your cereal if you’re not careful.

    So yes, background checks, references, and gut instincts are fair game.

    Here’s how to keep it chill (but thorough):

    • Have them fill out a short questionnaire. Ask about lifestyle, work schedule, pets, allergies—basic “Can we live together without silently hating each other?” stuff.
    • Do a video or in-person chat. If anything feels off, trust that little voice in your head.
    • Use legit platforms like RentSpree or Avail to run background checks (with consent, of course).

    Our tip: The wrong person will cost you far more in stress than any “vacancy.” Take your time.

    6. Don’t Skip the Legal Stuff

    Just because it’s a room doesn’t mean you get to skip contracts. Verbal agreements and good vibes are not a legal safety net.

    You’ll need a simple lease that includes:

    • Rent amount, payment due date, and method
    • Security deposit details
    • Notice required to end the agreement
    • Rules around shared utilities, guests, or damages

    Depending on where you live, you might also need a permit or have zoning restrictions to deal with. For example, in New York City, it’s illegal to rent out a room for fewer than 30 days unless the host lives there too. Big cities have big rules. Check with your local housing authority—or better yet, an attorney.

    This Isn’t Just About Money

    Sure, the extra income’s great. In many cities, renting out a room can bring in $700 to $1,500+ a month, depending on location. That’s real cash for paying off debt, saving for renovations, or just surviving inflation.

    But it’s not just about money.

    It’s about using your space intentionally. About adapting to a housing market that’s shifting fast. And maybe—if you do it right—it’s even about building a more flexible, sustainable way of living.

    So clean up the room. Set some boundaries. Be honest. And maybe—just maybe!—your spare room will become the most valuable square footage in your house.