Click for the full report and methodology. Most like: of cities “It’s the best place to live” What Makes Grand Rapids’ Homeowners Happy? Our research shows that homeowner happiness boils down to a combination of three important factors: Affordable, well-functioning homes offering enjoyable accommodations 1. DWELLING A sense of diversity, safety and a strong neighborhood network 2. COMMUNITY Practical commutes and access to important attractions and services 3. ACCESSIBILITY average home age are happy with their home’s size and layout say they have adequate storage have renovated their homes “I feel that my community is racially diverse” “I feel that my community is religiously diverse” “I live in a community that makes me feel safe” “My community offers good fire, police and medical services” “I have neighbors I enjoy” “I trust my neighbors” “My home is my favorite place to be” “My home makes me proud” “I plan to stay in my community for the next 5 years” live and work in close proximity have a reasonable commute have easy access to highways live within one hour of a major metro area have access to shopping that meets their needs live close to body of water ACCESS TO ATTRACTIONS AND SERVICES COMMUTING AND TRAVEL TIMES Average travel time to work Average Home Price (M.S.A., U.S. Census) “The cost of living is reasonable” H A P P Y H O M E H A P P Y H O M E H o m e A d v i s o r ’ s 2016 8 out of 10 say: 44 years 65% 81% 56% 34% 40% 71% 72% 53% 68% DIVERSITY SAFETY NEIGHBORHOOD 1,038,592 Population (M.S.A., U.S. Census) 30 MINUTES $177,900 54% 56% 60% 72% 52% 60% 77% 80% 72% 64% Miami Greenville Top 25% 8th happiest city GRAND RAPIDS, MI GRAND RAPIDS, MI