[jtymes]

It's great to Grand Rapids, Michigan make this list! I live there and find it to be a nice area. The craft beer really is delicious, and there is plenty of it to go around[1]. It's not too far from a beautiful lakeshore (with exceptional beaches), and is a couple hours drive to Chicago or Detroit.

What I'll be interested to see is what the impact of a major data center will be on tech investment in the area from both the local community and from outside investors[2].

[1] http://www.experiencegr.com/things-to-do/beer-city/

[2] https://www.supernap.com/news/switch-confirms-plans-for-mass...

[wiremine]

I live in Holland, which is 40 minutes from G.R. I second the comments: Grand Rapids is a great city. I recommend visiting in the late Spring or Early Summer: it's heaven.

If you do happen to visit in Winter, and you're near Holland or Grand Haven (also on the lakeshore) you should check out the downtown areas: both have snowmelt systems that keep the downtown area roads and sidewalks dry:

http://www.downtownholland.com/green/snow-melt/