A 2025 Year in Review — Why We Love West Michigan
Jan 06, 2026
There’s a reason so many of our Coffee with Steve & Margaux conversations circle back to one thing: place.
Over the past year, more than 40 guests—from creatives and entrepreneurs to community builders and small-business owners—shared what they love most about living and building life in West Michigan. When you listen to their voices back-to-back, a clear picture emerges: this is an extraordinary place to call home.
It starts with the seasons. Guests talked about crisp falls, snowy winters, lush springs, and sun-drenched summers—the kind of seasonal rhythm that keeps life interesting and grounded. Add in the abundance of water—from the Grand River to the shores of Lake Michigan—and it’s no surprise nature plays such a central role in everyday life here. Sand, waves, sunsets, and trails aren’t “weekend getaways.” They’re part of the routine.
Then there’s the ease of living, especially in and around Grand Rapids. Multiple guests laughed about the same thing: you can get almost anywhere in 10 minutes—and if you’re willing to drive 20, your options multiply. Downtown culture, family time, outdoor adventures, and creative spaces all coexist without the congestion of a big city.
What truly sets West Michigan apart, though, is its people. Guests described a community that’s welcoming, creative, gritty in the best way, and deeply connected. There’s an appreciation for art and culture here, but also for family dinners, great restaurants, and showing up for one another. It’s a place where ambition and kindness live side by side.
Over and over, our guests said the same thing in different ways: West Michigan offers the best of both worlds—peace and possibility, nature and culture, roots and room to grow.
And that’s why we keep having coffee with the people who make this place what it is.
These are the voices, stories, and moments that make West Michigan extraordinary.
Keywords:
West Michigan lifestyle, Grand Rapids living, Lake Michigan community, West Michigan culture, Coffee with Steve and Margaux, living in West Michigan