From Surf City to Beer City: Brett’s Relocation to West Michigan

Moving from the sunny beaches of Huntington Beach, California, to the charming landscapes of West Michigan might seem like quite the leap. But for Brett and his family, the transition has been an adventure worth taking. With family ties to the region (his mom grew up in Wyoming, MI), Brett’s relocation to West Michigan brings him full circle in a way, reconnecting him with family and introducing him to a new community filled with Midwest hospitality.

For Brett and his family, the decision to settle in Grand Rapids was about more than just finding a new place to live—it was about finding a place to call home. All of their previous locations were larger, more expensive cities: Orange County, Phoenix, Boston, and most recently, Denver. ”We enjoyed each of them, but all came with their own issues and none felt like home,” said Brett. While in Denver, Brett and his wife were renters. They wanted to own something but felt like they missed the window. “A lot of people move to Denver for the lifestyle, but you’re actually 2-3 hours away from the mountains. You have to get up at 5:30 a.m. to get your ski runs in.”

The affordability of Grand Rapids coupled with its proximity to Lake Michigan presented an enticing opportunity. Brett and his wife considered moving to Raleigh, Nashville, Indianapolis, and Columbus. “We really liked Columbus, but didn’t want to be land-locked.” As self-proclaimed “water people,” the allure of lakeside living and outdoor recreation was a defining factor in their decision to put down roots in West Michigan. A convenient, international airport also checked an important box on their relocation wish list.

The relocation process itself was an eye-opener, especially for a family of four plus a St. Bernard puppy. “I definitely got indoctrinated to Michigan while white-knuckling it, driving a 26ft U-Haul on I-196 during a mid-January snowstorm.” However, the warmth of Midwest hospitality quickly thawed any initial concerns. Neighbors lent a helping hand with snow shoveling during the move, and the community rallied around the family during their move-in, exemplifying the spirit of camaraderie that defines West Michigan.

Moreover, the family-oriented environment and abundance of outdoor activities made Grand Rapids an ideal setting for raising their two daughters. The welcoming community resonated deeply with Brett and his wife, affirming their choice to relocate to this vibrant city. “People here in Grand Rapids will be the first to tell you that it’s a great place to raise a family—it’s almost the first words out of their mouths when I say I recently relocated!”

Professionally, Brett’s transition to West Michigan has been seamless, thanks to the flexibility and support of his employer, PNC Bank. While his role remains consistent, the move has allowed him to establish closer ties with his colleagues and embrace new opportunities for collaboration.

Brett’s background as a So Cal beach kid, growing up with the rhythm of the waves in Huntington Beach, might seem worlds apart from the Midwest landscape. Yet, his love for the outdoors, sports, and good food has found a new home in the heart of West Michigan. Whether it’s catching a game at the Van Andel Arena, indulging in tasty delights from Black Napkin Takeout, or enjoying the sandy shores of the beaches in Saugatuck, Brett has discovered a wealth of experiences that resonate with his California roots while embracing the unique offerings of his new home.

As Brett settles into his new surroundings, he’s eager to explore all that West Michigan has to offer. From uncovering hidden gems for dining and entertainment to immersing himself in the local culture, Brett is excited to continue writing the next chapter of his Michigan adventure.