Best Places to Live in Michigan
As the state’s economy continues to rebound and budding industries begin to thrive, Michigan has been climbing national lists as one of the most desirable places to live. The State of Michigan plays home to many diverse cities, each luring residents for their own unique qualities. Whether you’re looking to move across town or relocate to a new state, here are five of the best places to live in Michigan:
- For growing families – Troy, MI
Troy was recently rated one of the safest cities in Michigan, making it a great place to raise a family. Troy also boasts an award-winning school district, which also makes it a great environment for children to learn and grow. Not only does the public school district feature 13 State Exemplary Schools, Troy High School and Troy Athens High School were recently featured in Newsweek’s “1000 Most Outstanding High Schools in the United States.” And, with math and reading MEAP scores for Troy Public Schools running about 35 percent above state averages, over 90 percent of students go on to higher education. - For young professionals and entrepreneurs – Detroit, MI
Detroit is full of entrepreneurial spirit. The city is home to many resource centers and business accelerator groups that provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the funding, mentoring and other tools they need to start their business. In recent years, many nationally renowned companies and startups have made the decision to move their headquarters to downtown Detroit and are incentivizing employees to live within the city limits. Named as one of the 15 Hottest American Cities for 2015, Detroit offers affordable housing options for young professionals seeking new and exciting career opportunities in the city. - For culture – Royal Oak, MI
If you are looking for a place to call home that is jam packed with nearby shopping, dining and entertainment, look no further than Royal Oak. With a vibrant downtown scene, Royal Oak is home to over 85 boutiques, salons and retail shops, plus 70 top-notch restaurants and bars. Supported by the city’s arts commission, Royal Oak has a vibrant arts scene featuring the Royal Oak Music Theatre and Landmark Theater, which lure internationally renowned musical and performing artists, as well as independent films. - For those who love the great outdoors – Traverse City, MI
Nestled in one of Lake Michigan’s larger bays, Traverse City was ranked in AOL’s Top 10 Beach Towns in America and has earned a reputation as a four-season destination thanks to its scenic landscape. From forest trails to sandy beaches, Traverse City has it all. The city offers year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, paddling, snowshoeing and skiing. Downtown Traverse City is also home to more than 100 specialty stores, award-winning wineries, microbreweries and restaurants. - Overall best place to live in Michigan – Grand Rapids, MI
Year after year, Grand Rapids is highly regarded as one of Michigan’s best cities. It is home to world-renowned art museums and historic sites, world-class golf, sandy beaches, microbreweries and a bustling urban atmosphere. Grand Rapids has been ranked highly by Forbes Magazine in their national comparison lists including the 10 Best Cities for Finding Employment, 15 U.S. Cities with Emerging Downtowns, 10 Best Cities for Raising a Family and the 10 Happiest Cities for Workers in the U.S.
When deciding where to live, it’s important to consider what your current and future needs might be. Do you want to be close to work? Do you have a family (or plan on having kids in the future)? Would you like to be in walking distance from desirable attractions? Is the community growing and prospering? It’s also important to spend time researching average home values, property taxes and cost of living.
Wherever you choose to call home, we’re here to make your home buying experience smooth and successful from start to finish. As one of the industry’s top independent lenders in the Midwest, we provide mortgage solutions through a network of offices located in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Florida.
