In a new study just out, SmartAsset has uncovered the best places for creative professionals to live and work, and the Grand Rapids-Wyoming metro area claims the number seven spot...in the country!

You're asking yourself, what is a Creative? The dictionary defines a creative as: relating to or involving the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.

Grand Rapids has just under 4,000 full-time creatives in its workforce, equal to about 72 creatives per 10,000 workers. While that is not the highest concentration of creative professionals in the SmartAsset study, the area’s low cost of living is very attractive. Grand Rapids’ cost of living is 10% lower than the national average, making it the third most affordable area in their top ten.

SmartAsset went on to say, "Graphic designer is the most popular creative occupation here, but another popular occupation which isn’t too common in other metro areas is commercial and industrial designer. In total there are 630 commercial and industrial designers in this metro area."

Details on the study, including full methodology and rankings, can be found here: https://smartasset.com/retirement/top-10-places-for-creatives-in-2018

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