See below for questions and answers from previous visitors, or ask questions of your own.
September 20th, 2011
A: Holland prides itself on the availability of post secondary education opportunities. We have a Grand Rapids Community College Campus located in our MidTown Center Building. We are also fortunate to be home to a Grand Valley State University Campus and a Davenport Campus. Also Muskegon Community College is locate 45 minutes to the north and Grand Rapids Community College Main Campus is located 30 minutes to the northeast. For more information click on the following link and explore. http://www.enjoyhollandmichigan.com/regional/
September 20th, 2011
A: Holland also likes to view itself as dog friendly. Walking downtown, or through our neighborhoods, one will always see people out and about taking their dog for a walk. However, as for “off leash” parks, we only have one in our community. The ”off leash” dog park is located on the north side of Lake Macatawa near the Ottawa County Fair Grounds.
August 17th, 2011
A: We really do have all four seasons here in Holland. In the spring time it is cool and the flowers are all in bloom. During the summer it gets warmer – not too hot, but hot enough that we all head to the beach on Lake Michigan for a quick dip to cool off. Fall brings bring crisp cool temperatures as the leaves begin to change, and then winter brings that wonderful white snow as front yards become home snowmen.
July 18th, 2011
A: As a person who moved here with my family over 10 years ago, I can say from personal experience that Holland is very open to newcomers. So open (and nice), it is safe to say that once you move here, you really can’t think of living anywhere else.
April 25th, 2011
A: Yes, art is very present in Holland. Whether you are walking downtown and looking at the many bronze statues or stopping in at one of our many art galleries, you will see that we love art. To learn more check out the Holland Area Arts Council for more information.
March 2nd, 2011
A: Depends on what you are looking to buy. However, hands down, our Downtown is by far the best place to shop, mingle, and hang out. The variety of the stores, the timeless architecture, and landscaping all add up to an exciting getaway. In addition to our downtown, we have pockets of neighborhood commercial areas throughout the City, such as Washington Square or South Shore Village. We encourage to check all of our commercial areas when shopping and gravitate to the one you like best.
January 28th, 2011
A: As for the number of people who still speak Dutch, I would say the number is very small. Once and a while you may hear someone speak in Dutch, but for the most part, English is the predominate language, with Spanish coming in 2nd. I would encourage you to check out the Holland Museum to learn more about our City’s Heritage and Culture.
January 28th, 2011
A: It’s great to hear you considering on moving to Holland. We feel that each of our school systems are top notch as well. Our City is home to One Traditional Public School, Two Charter Schools, and Two Private Schools. All of the schools excel at fostering an educated community. We encourage you to explore each school through our education web page. Have a fun time exploring our schools and feel free to check out our recreation and parks web pages to see where you kids will be playing.
December 13th, 2010
A: Short answer is yes. If you are specifically talking about our downtown along 8th Street, then there are apartments above our storefronts as well as two apartment buidlings called Srapyard Lofts and Centennial Park Place. Immediately adjacent to our Downtown are several single family and two family homes that are rented out as apartments. To search for available rentals, please go to the Holland Sentinel and look under their classifieds.
December 10th, 2010
A: It’s wonderful that you are considering Holland as a place to live! We have a terrific City that offers a lot. As a place to raise a family, our school systems are top notch, our parks and recreation opportunities are plentiful and well managed, and the people are as friendly as they come. Holland has historically been known as a place for families to start and grow. In regards to the economy, we are growing. In the past few months we have seen significant investment in new factories in the City as well as the surrounding area. We encourage you to check out this site, as well as check out our facebook page to learn more about our City.
My name is Ada Delgado
Holland is a hard working community with a great work ethic.
Coming from an island like Yobucoa, Puerto Rico, I just can’t imagine living somewhere that is not on the beach. Not only does Holland have an amazing beach, but it has great parks, schools, culture and community. It’s friendly, artsy and energetic. But what’s most important to me is that Holland is a hard working community with a great work ethic. To me, that's key.
My name is Chris Hart
Holland is a place that is poised to prosper and grow, well into the decade to come.
With my education, experience and success in hotel, restaurant and resort management, I have the fortune to be able to live just about anywhere (and did for 25 years). A few years ago I was approached to join in as the operating partner of Boatwerks Restaurant. Now at my two year anniversary I know I made the right decision. Holland is a place that is poised to prosper and grow, well into the decade to come.
My name is Glen Behan
It is comforting to know that there are people on my doorstep who are willing to work.
Coming from Dublin, Ireland, I know that Irish people believe in moral benefit and the importance of work and its inherent ability to strengthen character. All while being balanced with a strong social life. As the general manager of a Holland business, I have found that the workforce in Holland has a very similar work ethic. It is comforting to know that there are people on my doorstep who are willing to work hard for the business and maintain a high standard of quality.
My name is Meena Ariagno
Life is short. You have to love where you live. We do!
Nine years ago we moved to Holland from Chicago. Assessment: This is a caring community, just the right size, no traffic - everything one needs to simplify life. It's a college town, culturally alive and academically competitive. We have two children in a great school committed to preparing kids in a global world.This areas has an unbelievable work ethic, terrific spirit and strong values. Life is short. You have to love where you live. We do!
My name is Tony Castillo
I'm bullish on Holland!
Despite tough economic times, I believe Holland will lead the state in its efforts to diversify and strengthen the economy. Holland is a business-friendly community with a great work force that exemplifies a strong work ethic. Holland recognizes that diversity is an asset and this attitude will strengthen the community. There is a vibrancy in Holland, not only in the business community but also in our educational institutions. And what could be better than living on the lakeshore? I'm bullish on Holland!
My name is Larry Koops
This is an impressive region, the people here are the reason.
As the Senior VP of a large financial institution, I travel up and down Michigan’s West side. This is an impressive region, the people here are the reason. This is a place where people deliver on their word. There is a strong sense of ownership, strong legacy of public and private partnership, a broad respect for diversity, appreciation of collaboration and a great depth of leadership in community. Looking to the future, I like what I see.
My name is Jennifer Jones
Holland has great companies and great people.
I came to Hope College in 1992. I’ve been here ever since. This is a welcoming, safe, clean community that is open to all cultures and does a great job offering activities, programs and opportunities for people to connect and build friendships. Holland has great companies and great people. As someone who works in the non-profit field, we are blessed to have hard working companies who are willing to invest in and give back to the community and the youth.
My name is Adrienne Wallace
I am excited to be a resident and employee of The City of Holland.
I love the commitment that the City of Holland has made to creating community through people, parks and play. I’m always flattered to hear from tourists, visitors and even residents how beautifully maintained and generous our green spaces are for a city our size. Dedication to the full scope of a high quality of life makes me really excited to be a resident and employee of The City of Holland.
My name is Tyler Du
People work very hard here.
People work very hard here. Sometimes they forgot that taking breaks and working less hours can help promote creativity and productivity. So, what does that tell you about our work ethic?
My name is Jim Bishop
It’s the character of the people in Holland that make it a special place.
It isn’t just the sense of social responsibility that is displayed by so many within our community to help others in need, but it is the personal accountability of so many individuals and businesses that have continued to follow through on commitments to friends, customers, and business partners despite the challenges in the economy. This intangible value of character underscores all of my reasons for living and working in Holland.