A Grand Rapids suburb with a thriving Hispanic community
Since its settlement in 1832, Wyoming's identity has always been tied up with the next-door city of Grand Rapids. Located in Michigan's Kent County, Wyoming started as a stop on the Grand Rapids-Holland-Chicago Railway. The city's biggest period of growth began with the construction of a General Motors plant in the 1930s. Throughout the next few decades, homes were built quickly to accommodate a growing workforce. Wyoming officially became its own city in 1959 and is now the second most populated city in West Michigan, with Grand Rapids being the first.
Today, Wyoming is known for its thriving Hispanic population and has some of the best Latin American restaurants and international grocery stores in the Grand Rapids area. "The city is diverse, and it's got a very tight Hispanic community — I've had a lot of clients who are drawn here because they already have a friend in the community," says Eyddy Conde, a Realtor with Lake Michigan Realty Management who has sold more than 90 homes in Wyoming. Another draw to Wyoming is the affordability compared to Grand Rapids itself. "Pricewise, Wyoming is pretty affordable for families who want a larger home," Conde explains. "And it's only 15 minutes from Grand Rapids."
Wyoming has grown from its working-class roots into a sought-after Grand Rapids suburb.
Wyoming is home to Latin American supermarkets, such as Supermercado La Esmeralda.
Wyoming started as a stop on the Grand Rapids-Holland-Chicago Railway.
Rio Mexican Restaurant serves Wyoming diners a variety of margaritas and tasty Mexican cuisine.
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Cookie-cutter ranch homes at relatively affordable prices
As a general guide, Wyoming developed from north to south. The north side has older, unique homes from the 1920s. The center is made up of cookie-cutter ranch homes from the mid-1900s. "The city was built around the General Motors plant, so a lot of Wyoming was developed very quickly to meet the demand for housing," says Helena Rosenberger, a local Realtor with Premiere Group at Real Broker who lived there for 12 years. "That's why you'll see these neighborhoods with very similar ranch-style homes." The southwest side, sometimes called the "panhandle," was the last area to be developed. Homes here date from the 1970s to today and tend to be larger properties with bigger yards.
Wyoming's median single-family home price is $265,000, compared to Grand Rapids' average of $300,000 and the national average of $415,000. Wyoming's smaller ranch styles go for as low as $150,000, and new construction can fetch upwards of $500,000. Homes spend approximately 16 days on the market, and nearly 60% of the homes sold in August 2024 went for above the asking price. "The market here is pretty much just as competitive as it is in Grand Rapids," Conde says. "The real difference is the affordability." Rosenberger agrees: "It's the hot spot right now because it's affordable, very family-oriented, and people tend to feel safer there than in some downtown Grand Rapids areas."
Many Wyoming streets are lined with cookie-cutter ranch homes from the mid-1900s.
Many styles of new homes are still being constructed around Wyoming.
Cape Cod homes are popular in Wyoming.
Colonial-style homes can be found all over the city of Wyoming.
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Hispanic restaurants and car shows along the 28th Street corridor
Wyoming is home to over five Latin American supermarkets and the highest concentration of Hispanic restaurants in the Grand Rapids area. Among the tastes of Puerto Rico, Mexico and Peru, The Beltline Bar is billed as introducing the wet burrito to West Michigan, and Lindo Mexico is a local favorite. Marge's Donut Den, which has been open since 1975, is such a staple that the owner won an award for community impact from the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids. The city's most prominent shopping hub surrounds Rivertown Crossings Mall, which has a movie theater, over 50 stores, and nearby retail giants like Costco, Target and Meijer.
One of the most popular events in Wyoming is the 28th Street Metro Cruise, a three-day event of automobile parades, car shows and live entertainment. The event occurs across the entire 28th Street corridor, honoring its history as a significant Michigan thoroughfare. The city is working to bring life back to the 28th Street corridor, historically the bustling city center of Wyoming. With the construction of a new pedestrian bridge and millions of dollars in commercial and housing investments, the city hopes to create a walkable downtown area — something Wyoming lacks.
Wyoming's 28th Street corridor is home to the majority of its shops and restaurants.
Wyoming residents know Beltline Bar for its delicious wet burritos.
Marge's Donut Den has been a Wyoming staple since 1975.
RiverTown Crossings is a popular shopping destination for the residents of Wyoming.
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Recreation for all four seasons
The city has 21 parks and nature preserves covering nearly 700 acres. Whether it's fishing, biking or birdwatching, residents always have something to do at Wyoming's parks. One of the most popular is Lamar Park, which features a rock-climbing wall, a splash pad, and several fishing lakes. It also has regular outdoor concerts. The Department of Parks and Recreation's five-year master plan, unveiled in early 2024, has outlined plans for park improvement, including adding pickleball courts and increasing ADA accessibility across the city.
Wyoming's winters are long and cold, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from November to March. The city has several indoor recreation facilities that allow its residents to stay active in the colder weather. Wyoming Senior Center offers activities for older residents as well as youth classes and adult sports. The Wyoming Branch of the Kent District Library hosts events that range from story time to dance lessons. There are also several gyms, including the Spartan Nash YMCA. "The YMCA can get pretty crowded in the winter," Conde says.
Though it offers cross-country skiing in the winter, Millennium Park is the spot to be in Wyoming's mild summers. It has a six-acre beach and fishing lakes, just a few minutes out from the city. For a longer trip, the coast of Lake Michigan is only 30 miles away, about a 45-minute drive.
Lamar Park has large lakes with great fishing areas for Wyoming fishermen.
SpartanNash YMCA offers indoor activities during Wyoming winter months.
Wyoming bookworms love to head to the Wyoming Branch of the Kent District Library.
Wyoming Senior Center offers activities for older residents, such as adult sports.
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Early education support and dual enrollment in Wyoming Public Schools
Wyoming Public Schools serves most of the city. Niche rates the district an overall C-plus. The district has three preschool options: WPS Early Childhood Special Education, the state-funded Great Start Readiness Program and the federally funded Head Start program.
In recent years, WPS split its grade levels so that elementary schools serve pre-kindergarten to fourth grade. There is one intermediate school for fifth and sixth grade and a middle school for seventh and eighth grade. "There are fewer kids per classroom now, and overall, I think the shift changed the dynamic to put less pressure on the younger kids," says Rosenberger, who has four kids who have attended WPS.
The district only has one high school, which partners with Grand Rapids Community College to allow students to obtain an associate degree upon graduation. While there are no colleges or universities in Wyoming, eight are in nearby Grand Rapids.
Parkview Elementary School serves pre-kindergarten to fourth grade in Wyoming, Michigan.
Wyoming Intermediate School serves Grades 5 and 6 in Wyoming, Michigan.
Wyoming Junior High School serves Grades 7 and 8 in Wyoming, Michigan.
Kids can attend Wyoming High School and earn college credits.
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Commuting into Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is about 5 miles away, usually less than a 15-minute drive. The Rapid public transit system extends from Grand Rapids into Wyoming, with bus stops all over both cities. Wyoming's eastern border is also served by the Silver Line BRT (Bus Rapid Transport), which runs to downtown Grand Rapids and the Medical Mile. Wyoming is bordered by Interstate 196 to the west and US Route 131 to the east. Gerald R. Ford International Airport is 10 miles away.
Crime
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Wyoming's property crime and violent crime rates are lower than in Grand Rapids. However, they are higher than the national average. Violent crime has been on the decline in Wyoming since 2021.
The Wyoming Police Department takes proactive crime prevention action with their Community Service Unit. This unit works to plan a National Night Out and includes School Resource Officers stationed in local schools.
Major employers and new development
The manufacturing hub and University of Michigan Health West Hospital to the south of the city are two major local employers. Grand Rapids' "Medical Mile" of healthcare institutions and the city's multiple universities are some of the region's biggest employers.
And new life is coming to the former site of the General Motors plant that once sustained Wyoming's economy. A $80 million development from the healthcare giant Corewell Health and a $105 million facility from the German auto company Benteler Automotive are both in the early stages of construction in 2024.
Wyoming was built around the General Motors plant, which provides many jobs for its residents.
The University of Michigan Health West Hospital is a major employer of Wyoming workers.
MSU Research Center, north of Wyoming, boasts more than 100 research centers and institutes.
The Grand Rapids' "Medical Mile" of healthcare institutions is located near Wyoming.
Shuyan (Audrey) is an experienced realtor serving the West Michigan area since 2018. Prior to this, she has five years of experience working in a multinational company. It prepared and gave her the ability to work with team members and customers from various backgrounds. More importantly, she learned to connect and understand the uniqueness of each opportunity to better serve her customers. As a realtor, with a wealth of knowledge and genuine care for her clients, she has earned a reputation for providing excellent service and is a trusted advisor. She has the expertise and dedication to guide you through the entire process with ease. With a commitment to always exceed expectations and a passion for helping others achieve their goals, you can trust her to make your real estate dreams a reality.
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