Life in Grand Rapids

Explore Grand Rapids, Your New Home!

 

Aquinas College, located on the eastern edge of Grand Rapids, offers students the benefits of living in Michigan’s second-largest city. With over one million people in the area, students can take advantage of a thriving city that's frequently ranked among America's best mid-sized cities.

Grand Rapids features world-class concerts, arts, sports, and lakeside recreation. The city and surrounding areas offer a wide array of dining and cultural options, balanced by a small-town heart that beautifully complements the personalized education we offer.
(Explore the map of things to do around Grand Rapids)

---

 

Meet Your New Neighbors!

---

 

Experience Grand Rapids

Life in Grand Rapids - Transportation

 

If you’re an AQ student, it’s easy to get around Grand Rapids. You can choose from buses, bikes, scooters, or rideshare, so there’s something for everyone.Transportation

Sophia's Favorite Spot Off Campus

 

Aquinas College student Sophia Pavese shows you a walkable place to get coffee, hang out with friends, and study. Watch Sophia's video

Virtual Tour: Aquinas College

 

Want to get a better glimpse of Aquinas College? Visit our on-campus virtual tour to discover 10 different spots Aquinas has to offer. From scenic outdoor areas to classrooms and the Moose Café, imagine yourself at AQ while exploring from anywhere!VISIT GRAND RAPIDS

Something for Everyone

 

From shops, museums, and local eateries to a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities year-round, Grand Rapids is special. Find something for you!  Experience Grand Rapids is an excellent resource while at Aquinas.Experience Grand Rapids website

 

---

 

Accolades for Grand Rapids

• #1 Aquinas College earns Best College Location in Michigan (Niche, 2025)
• #1 "City on the Rise" in the U.S. where hiring is accelerating, job postings are surging and talent migration is reshaping local economies (LinkedIn News, 2025)
• #1 Safest Cities in Michigan (Wallet Hub, 2022)
• #1 Best Cities to Raise a Family in the U.S. (Rocket Homes, 2022)
• #2 Top 10 Remote-Ready Cities in the U.S. (Livability, 2021)
• #2 Most Beautiful and Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. (Travel + Leisure, 2023)
• #10 Top Cities for Young Female Professionals (Pheabs, 2023)
• #16 Best Places to Start a Career (Wallet Hub, 2026)
• #18 Best U.S. Cities for starting a Career After College (Coworking Cafe, 2023)
• #20 Best Place to Live in America (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)

---

 

MAP of Grand Rapids & Aquinas College

View the map full size