According To CNN Money on May 7th, 2008; Grand Rapids, was ranked 8th in nation as the one of the fastest growing real estate markets with a projected appreciation rate of 1.9% by May of 2009, This is in sharp contrast to the other side of MIchigan in which CNN projects that The Farmington HIlls Market which is the only major Market to have negative 5 year appreciation of -7.5%, and is also projected to fall another 5.9% by May of 2009. It's very Difficult for people from other states to seperate the 2 metro markets but Grand Rapids is a positive market and is building into the future and the east side of Michigan  around the Detroit Metroplex is struggling.