All Republicans and non union skilled trades. (My bread and butter) If you can live with that, it is 2nd largest area. Ann Arbor home of the Wolverines of Michigan yet 30 miles west of Detroit is the only suburb that has been unaffected by any depression due to hundreds of millions spent upgrading U of M and high tech growth around university. Add to it all the pipefitters work year round and it is Ann Arbor and its new high school with a Mcdonalds in it and quality of life not Grand Rapids. Why Grand Rapids? There are many areas in western Michigan close to Lake Michigan that are much prettier ( hills ect) such as Traverse City that seem to be where I would want to raise a family. Investing though is always “what does the next guy want so I can get rid of this when I need to, not what looks good or what spouse wants” .( 3bed room sfr with back yard for Little Johnny, in blue ribbon school district for 1k a month.)Not sure about Grand Rapids,just sure about 3 areas mentioned and I have 3 rentals all blue ribbon schools , all over 250k when bought. There is a area a co-worker invests heavily in-Chesterfield, Mi. Condos-1200 sf for 25k to 30k—puts 10k in each (granite cabinets ect and rents above 800 mo average (gets 950-1000. These are near i-94 . He has 5 and claims over 20 % plus return in area 30 miles north but east as well. No crime in Lake Orion as per comment , just ordinary crime. Like any suburb. Motown