Big Rapids

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Big Rapids, MI

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A classic college town with direct access to western Michigan’s lush natural beauty

College Affordable Nature Outdoors Hockey

Best known as the home of Ferris State University, Big Rapids is a small city on the banks of the Muskegon River in west-central Michigan. The university’s student population outnumbers the city’s permanent residents, giving the community a distinctive college town atmosphere – the downtown area around the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Maple Street is major walking district offering up a wide selection of specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and nightlife hotspots. Catch a movie at AMC Classic Big Rapids 4, then walk up the street for dinner and a pint at Raven Brewing & BBQ.

The local rental market caters to the student population with abundant budget-friendly apartments, condos, and houses all over town. The Ferris State campus on the south side of town is a major focal point for the community, especially when the Bulldogs are playing on home ice. The city is perched right on the edge of the massive Huron-Manistee National Forests, putting you in the ideal position to take advantage of the region’s unspoiled natural landscape.

Rent Trends

As of December 2024, the average apartment rent in Big Rapids, MI is $734 for one bedroom, and $865 for two bedrooms. Apartment rent in Big Rapids has increased by 0.7% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$734/month
524 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Big Rapids, MI

Transportation

40

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

51

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Riverview Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-4

421 Students

7
out of 10

Brookside Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-4

417 Students

5
out of 10

Big Rapids Middle School

Public

Grades 5-8

646 Students

4
out of 10

Big Rapids Virtual School

Public

Grades K-12

152 Students

2
out of 10

Mecosta-Osceola Education Center

Public

Grades PK-12

100 Students

Rating Unavailable

Big Rapids Middle School

Public

Grades 5-8

646 Students

4
out of 10

Big Rapids Virtual School

Public

Grades K-12

152 Students

2
out of 10

Mecosta-Osceola Education Center

Public

Grades PK-12

100 Students

Rating Unavailable

Big Rapids High School

Public

Grades 9-12

714 Students

6
out of 10

Big Rapids Virtual School

Public

Grades K-12

152 Students

2
out of 10

Mecosta-Osceola Education Center

Public

Grades PK-12

100 Students

Rating Unavailable

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Card Wildlife Education Center

Military Bases

Top Apartments in Big Rapids

Houses for Rent in Big Rapids

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