CATEGORIES
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See below for questions and answers from previous visitors, or ask questions of your own.
I am planning on moving to holland. Are there places to rent apartments in the downtown neighborhodd?
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.
Hello, my wife and I are wanting to relocate to Holland and were wondering if its a good place to raise a family. Also I’d like to know if there’s a good abundance of jobs around the area?
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.
Hi,I have a question: Is Dutch a spoken language in Holland? I live in The Netherlands and I’m very interested in the culture of your city.
November 4th, 2010
A: It is true our City was founded and first populated with people from the Netherlands, and yes, every year we set aside two weeks, to celebrate the Tulip Flower and the City’s Dutch beginings, and every day you can still see some Dutch Architecture in our older buildings. However, we have blossomed into a wonderful multiculture city, with a strong Hispanic and growing Asian influence. 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.
Is there information somewhere regarding property taxes?
October 25th, 2010
A: All property tax questions are handled by our Assessors’s Department. While most information can be found on their website, their phone number is 616.355.1350.
I’m anxious about relocating, hope to find welcoming friendly community. I love Michigan. Seems that there are lots of activities. We are retired but hate hot summers so would live in Michigan most of the year and in Florida a few months. Thoughts? Catholic church in the area?
October 25th, 2010
A: Holland is a great place to live for people of all ages, but I get the distinct feeling that those who are retired enjoy it the most. From our wonderful downtown to the multiple opportunities to volunteer, if you are looking for a place to plug in and stay active, then Holland is it. I encourage you to check out www.evergreencommons.org to see first hand how other retirees are enjoying Holland. As for catholic churches, the one that comes to mind is St. Francis de Sales http://stfrancisholland.org/, which is located in our wonderful Historic Neighborhood.
Why aren’t there more restaurants in downtown Holland open on Sunday?
July 26th, 2010
A: One thing that makes Downtown Holland great is the variety of independently owned stores and restaurants; we have very few “franchise” businesses downtown. As such, these owners get to set their own hours, and some of them choose to take Sunday’s off. Please note that this issue is discussed often by the merchants during their meetings, and there has been a push to encourage more of these stores to open up on Sunday. And as we have seen over the years, more and more stores and restaurants are opening up on Sundays. To learn more about all of the dining opportunities downtown, please visit www.downtownholland.com and click on the dining tab near the top of the page.
We are a retired couple who want to move to Holland. One thing that concerns us is the snow. Can older people hire someone to shovel snow for them?
April 28th, 2010
A: It’s great to hear you are considering joining our community. And yes, there are several companies that can be hired to clear your driveway and pathways of snow in the winter time.
We will be in town April 29th 30 leaving on the 1st of may…will tulips be blooming then?
March 17th, 2010
A: That is a perfect time to come to Holland. Every year the City plants 350,000 to 400,000 Tulips with the hope that they will be in full bloom by the 1st of May. So to answer your question, yes, Tulips will be popping up all over the City during your time.
Do you need a permit to film in Downtown Holland?
February 12th, 2010
A: The simple answer is this. If your filming is done completely on private property, then no you don’t need a permit. However if your filming will be using our amazing downtown sidewalks, streets, and parks, well then yes you will need to coordinate this effort through our Transportation Office. They can be reached at 616.928.2400
Q: What’s Holland’s Racial Mix?
June 30th, 2009
A: The factual answer is that based on the 2006-2008 American Community Survey completed by the US Census, we are 78.5% White, 1.7% Black, .4% American Indian, 1.9% Asian, 14.9% Other Race and 2.6% Two or more races. With over 24.7% of people claiming an Hispanic or Latino Ethinic background. The better answer is this: we are a city comprised of many people with various backgrounds and histories. In the City, you are sure to find people who have lived here their whole life, as well as people who have just moved here from across the county, the country and the world. We are looking forward to you joining our Racial Mix.
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.
