Lake Living in Muskegon, MI

Nathan Lambrecht

People who move to the Muskegon Lakeshore find themselves in the area for a variety of reasons – work, family, education or a combination of all three. But what keeps them here is the quality of life they enjoy in their new home.

Marla Schneider, president and CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development, moved to the area in pursuit of her current job.

Teri Genovese

In her role, Schneider oversees initiatives that support the community’s business growth. She also is responsible for cultivating partnerships with companies, elected officials, regional and state economic development partners, and other stakeholders to develop the vision and strategic plan for economic development in Muskegon County.

Muskegon Has Much to Offer

“Muskegon has a lot to offer as an ever-growing and changing community,” Schneider says. “I expect that many people will begin finding new opportunities as we increase the size and capabilities of businesses located here.”

The Fort Wayne, Indiana, native nurtured startup ventures in a business development role for nearly a decade before making her career shift. She says she wanted experience working directly with the private sector and small-business owners so her eventual return to economic development would help her better tune into the challenges that businesses face in phases of growth.

“Last year, I felt that it was time to return to economic development, where my true passions lie, and the Muskegon job seemed like a perfect fit,” she says. “Once I researched and visited Muskegon for the first time, I was very impressed with the momentum of the community and the willingness not only to change, but also to preserve the community’s brand personality and be authentic to the history and the residents who live here.”

Beachy Vibes

Nathan Lambrecht

Besides the new role, Schneider also was attracted to the region for its beachy vibes. She says the region for its beachy vibes. She says Lake Michigan is one of her favorite parts of the area.

“I’ve always loved West Michigan, and I have family ties in Ludington, so I was somewhat familiar with the Muskegon area,” she says. “Having so many beaches and shorelines in our community is very unique with our inland lakes and rivers. The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park is one of my favorite amenities with something to do every season of the year, such as zip lining, rock climbing, archery, hiking, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and, of course, the luge.”

Teri Genovese

Schneider says the community is a great place for families. Although her son is preparing to head to college outside of the region, Schneider says he will have many opportunities to have an engineering internship at one of the area’s growing firms. Summers at home will also mean they can enjoy spending time together during one of the most vibrant times of the year.

“There is always something to do in every season of the year, including festivals every week during the summer,” she says. “When I moved here, I took sailing lessons for something fun to do, and there are many opportunities to try new experiences.”

Among Schneider’s favorite places to patronize is the Muskegon Farmers Market, nestled in the heart of downtown near museums and restaurants. She also recommends Wonderland Distilling Co., Aldea Coffee, Cajun Cuisine by Us, Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, Nipote’s Italian Kitchen, Navarro’s in Muskegon Heights and Old Channel Inn located in Montague.

“There are so many different and enjoyable communities that will make you feel like home – it’s easy to find your place here,” she says.

Promoting the region is her job, and Schneider says while larger cities might be on more employers’ radars, Muskegon is West Michigan’s best-kept secret.

“I don’t think that it has quite caught on to the rest of the tri-state area that Muskegon has shifted from a heavy industrial city to an environmentally conscious, inclusive community with an abundance of natural assets, beautiful beaches, winter activities and advanced industries that are beginning to attract a diversified workforce,” she says. “It is sure to catch on in the next decade.”

Affordable Options Abound Throughout Muskegon County

There are great housing choices in every direction. Older homes across Muskegon are coming to market, as are brand-new properties in nearby Ravenna, Roosevelt Park, Whitehall, Norton Shores, Fruitport and Montague. Prices are competitive, and homes sell fast – often within 14 days, according to Redfin. “Add all that up with very affordable price points, and it’s easy to find just what you’re looking for,” says Thomas Serio, owner/broker at Real Estate West.

What’s the Muskegon County housing landscape like in terms of property style and age?

I would say that, overall, Muskegon is primarily older homes, those built in the 1940s and 1950s. However, now we’re seeing a lot of new construction in the city itself. That’s happening in many neighborhoods, with new condominiums on Muskegon Lake and across the downtown area. There are also larger developments, like Adelaide Pointe, a planned complex of luxury condos and a high-rise building near downtown, and Odeno, a custom-home community in Fruitport Township.

Sounds like this revitalization trend is enhancing the housing stock in many ways. Is that the case?

These are all kinds of properties in terms of style and size, so it’s adding a lot of variety. You can get whatever you’re looking for in any neighborhood you choose. This really is a unique time to be buying a home here. The historical district downtown is experiencing a lot of revitalization of older homes, for instance, while the lakeside area is seeing a lot of vacation and rental properties coming. And across the area, homeowners are renovating existing homes.

What would you say to someone who’s just beginning to explore the market here?

They have a lot of opportunity! If they like a more suburban setting, there are more choices now and coming than we’ve had for a while. It’s the same in the city of Muskegon – there’s a lot of growth in both the city itself and its outskirts. The city changed some zoning to accommodate building on smaller lots than was previously allowed, and so we are seeing a lot of new activity. Whether it’s a newly constructed home or an existing one, pretty much anywhere here you can find an affordable property, and you’ll get a lot more for your money than in the surrounding areas.

– Joe Morris contributed to this article.