The Great Lakes State of Michigan, with its natural beauty, diverse communities, and low cost of living. From the keys to the beaches, from uptown to downtown, Michigan is a great place for living. With tech-friendly cities, lakeside retreats, and everything in between- this diverse state appeals to everyone from families and retirees to young professionals and veterans.
We considered lifestyle, affordability, job market visibility as well as good schools and recreational opportunities to bring you the best places to live in Michigan.
1. Ann Arbor: A Smart and Sustainable City
Ann Arbor is frequently praised as one of the best places in the United States to call home and for good reason. Mixing collegiate energy with cultural depth (the University of Michigan rests here, after all). The town has some of the best public schools in Texas, a strong job market particularly in education and healthcare, plenty of green space, and (in case we did not mention) affordable rent.
Alexandria is full of bookstores, local eateries, music venues and art galleries to walk through downtown and enjoy. It is also a sustainable city with incredible bike paths and public transportation in Ann Arbor.
Why Live Here:
- Excellent education system
- High-paying jobs
- Eco-friendly lifestyle
2. Grand Rapids: The Craft Beer Capital
Grand Rapids is an energetic city located on the Grand River with a robust economy. This city strikes the perfect chord with an urban lifestyle at a pocket-friendly price, and also rises to fame for its craft beer scene, art culture and family-oriented surroundings.
It’s also, it’s a hotspot for like healthcare and manufacturing jobs, which hang on here it is any less expensive than your average city of equivalent size or most cities in the US. With lovely parks and museums residents all year round circus.
Why Live Here:
- Growing economy
- Low cost of living
- Great for families and retirees
3. Traverse City: A Lakeside Paradise
If you love outdoor recreation and scenic views, Traverse City might become your new favorite city. This picturesque town on Grand Traverse Bay is full of cherry orchards and vineyards, and offers some of the best sunset views in all of Pure Michigan.
Despite its size, Traverse City has the staples of life- great schools, sense of community and very good local entrepreneurs. It is the perfect place to get away from it all while still enjoying some high-class comfort and convenience.
Why Live Here:
- Proximity to Lake Michigan
- Wine country and outdoor activities
- Peaceful and picturesque
4. Rochester Hills: Suburban Comfort with Urban Perks
About 30 miles north of Detroit, Rochester Hills is consistently named one of the best suburbs in Michigan. Its offers high quality public schools, safe communities, and beautiful parks/trails.
For those residents in particular, the Rochester Hills area holds a lot of appeal for families and working professionals who are looking to live in an outward suburb while keeping themselves near enough to Detroit or the Belle Isle Park for work or entertainment.
Why Live Here:
- Top-rated schools
- Family-oriented community
- Suburban feel with city access
5. East Grand Rapids: Upscale and Family-Friendly
One of America’s wealthiest townships outside Grand Rapids is a gorgeous place to live, go to school and it enjoys plenty of community pride. Waterfront real estate on Reeds Lake provides a high quality of life in East Grand Rapids which is also known for its walkable downtown with shops and coffee.
It has an educated population and the advantages that come with high property values, drawing professionals, empty-nesters and families who want sophistication combined with warmth.
Why Live Here:
- Safe neighborhoods
- Recreational trails and lakes
- High standard of living
6. Marquette: A Northern Michigan Gem
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Marquette has an entirely different vibe than those to the south. Wonderful for the outdoors enthusiast with hiking, snow skiing (alpine or cross country) and lakefront living all year round.
Northern Michigan University is located here, giving the city a college-town vibe along with cultural events, coffee shops, and farmers markets. If you want a quieter, simpler life experience with outdoor living at an affordable cost.
Why Live Here:
- Access to Lake Superior
- Affordable housing
- Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts
7. Lansing: Affordable Capital Living
Situated in Lansing: A combination of political, academic and industrial activity as the home state capital. Located only two miles northwest of East Lansing, Michigan State University provides the area with a substantial educational presence and youthful allure.
More homeowners are in Lansing than other major Michigan cities, with full housing options available from downtown apartment suites to peaceful suburban family homes.
Why Live Here:
- Affordable living
- Strong job market
- State government and higher education hub
8. Birmingham: Luxury Living in Metro Detroit
One of Michigan’s wealthiest cities, Birmingham is Manchester County. Famous for its upscale shopping, charming restaurants and pristine streets, it is the top destination among professionals, executives, and retirees who seek a combination of sophistication and convenience.
Those same people may not realize that it also has some of the best schools in the state but that is true and as a pedestrian friendly downtown with boutiques, theaters, and bistros.
Why Live Here:
- Upscale real estate
- Great public schools
- Walkable downtown
9. Petoskey: A Small Town with Big Views
Petoskey, Picture perfect and nestled on the shores of Little Traverse Bay off of Lake Michigan. A beautiful little town, steeped in history with outstanding panoramic views, offering a great vibe for those looking to live life at a relaxed pace.
A four-season recreation paradise from golfing and boating in the summer, to skiing in the winter. It also had a cute little downtown area that had local art places, antique stores, and cafes.
Why Live Here:
- Lakefront charm
- Quaint and quiet community
- Strong tourism-based economy
10. Detroit Suburbs: Reinvented and Resilient
Detroit has been in the process of slowly becoming hip again, a tale that’s all too familiar at this point, but what might not know is its suburbs Royal Oak and Ferndale have been in the midst of their own resurgence as people flood in looking for walkable downtowns or diversity rather than bulldozed real estate and. well it’s better than King of Queens.
Interestingly, each of these three communities appeals to a broad range of home buyers by providing its own brand: arts bohemian-burb in Ferndale; nightlife-and-family playground Royal Oak; and rich history-fair-food paradise Dearborn. These suburbs are great for people who want the perfect balance of city and suburb life, while just a short drive to downtown Detroit.
Why Live Here:
- Diverse and inclusive communities
- Urban amenities without high costs
- Proximity to major employers
Thinking About Settling Down?
If you are not convinced that Michigan is right for you yet, perhaps the Best Places to Buy Land in Michigan will change your mind. With options available in every price range and secluded wooded acreage to lakeside real estate, Michigan has land buying opportunities for every budget and lifestyle.
Military Families and Veterans: A Welcome Home
With Michigan having a deep veteran population, the state has a strong proactive plan to assist those who have served. For those who qualify, apply for VA Loans in Michigan. These are loans backed by the government that help make homeownership possible and affordable for veterans, active-duty service members, and in many cases their spouses as well.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the cosmopolitan vibes of Ann Arbor or a small-town feel by the lake in Traverse City, the top places to live in Michigan each have something different to offer. Whatever the reason for your move, work, family, retirement, or simply a better way of life, Michigan welcomes you into any of its unique and close-knit communities.
Pairing affordability with natural scenery, along with a strong heritage of culture, you can be sure lots of people are proud to call Michigan home.