6 Things You Need to Know About the Muskegon Lakeshore

Teri Genovese

If you’re new to the Muskegon Lakeshore, or on the cusp of moving here, there are some important things that should be on your radar, such as cost of living, transportation and local culture. Here is a quick guide to living in Muskegon, MI, and the surrounding communities.

The Muskegon Lakeshore Is Full of Local Culture

There are too many quality-of-life amenities to cover in depth but suffice it to say that Muskegon packs a serious punch when it comes to culture and recreation. There’s an incredible arts scene, with so many museums to visit and local artisans who put their work on display at galleries, fairs and festivals throughout the year. Outdoor recreation is also huge here, thanks to the many lakes, parks and trails. From water sports to biking to lounging on the beach, the people of Muskegon embrace the great outdoors with gusto.

You Can Afford to Live Here

The value proposition of living in the Muskegon Lakeshore is unparalleled, when you factor in the natural beauty, quality of life and affordability. The general cost of living in Muskegon is 16% lower than the national average and 8% lower than the state average. The average home value in Muskegon County is about $177,000 (Zillow, June 2025), coming in at 48% of the national average. Not only are real estate prices lower, but grocery prices and the cost to rent are significantly more affordable as well. To live in a place with four full seasons, some of the most gorgeous lakes you’ll ever find, combined with Midwestern food and friendliness, affordability puts the cherry on top of an already long list of reasons to love living in Muskegon. 

Score Excellent Health Care Close to Home

There’s no shortage of excellent providers in the Muskegon Lakeshore region, serving a multitude of medical needs for a variety of patients. The main hospital in the area is Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital, which offers comprehensive health care at its energy-efficient facility. For less emergent treatment, Corewell Health West Michigan – formerly known as Spectrum Health – has a robust network of treatment facilities in the area. For those needing specialized orthopedic care, the Orthopedic Associates of Muskegon has a team of highly trained specialists and incredible patient care. Finally, veterans will find access to the care and support they need at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. All in all, the health care bases are covered!

Thrive in a Great Job Market

While many sectors thrive in Muskegon County, manufacturing and health care are by far the main economic leaders in the area. Manufacturing makes up 21% of the employed workforce, while health care encompasses another 18%. Other industries with a notable presence in the Muskegon region are aerospace and defense and food processing and agribusiness. The companies that do business here are successful for a number of reasons, including a strong entrepreneurial spirit, infrastructure that’s workforce-ready and a well-qualified, educated pool of talent. Thanks to local technical programs and nearby universities, there’s a rich supply of candidates with the skills necessary to succeed in their given industries. On top of that, the local government is incredibly supportive of business development, making it a win-win for employers and employees alike.

Get Around Town (or Across the Lake) Easily

It’s easy to zip around Muskegon County, with its low traffic and short commute times. Whether you’re driving your own vehicle or taking advantage of public transportation, Muskegon County is extremely easily navigable. The Muskegon Area Transit System operates nine bus routes and three trolley routes, and for those looking to cross Lake Michigan, the Lake Express Ferry can take you from Muskegon to Milwaukee in about 2.5 hours, providing the most direct route. Muskegon is nicely situated in relation to larger cities, as well. It’s only 45 minutes to Grand Rapids, around 90 minutes half to Lansing and three hours from Chicago.

Experience the Region’s Outstanding Orientation Program

If you’re interested in learning even more about the Muskegon Lakeshore, consider signing up for Muskegon STARS!, the county’s community orientation program. It’s a three-hour class that covers the region’s history, geography, parks, restaurant, music venues, upcoming events and developments, and more. And as an extra bonus, you’ll receive an “Experience Pass,” which grants free admission to a handful of local museums. Overall, the Muskegon STARS! program is a great way to meet fellow residents, discover new businesses, connect with nonprofits and generally get more involved with the Muskegon community.