Why Move to Central Michigan and Great Lakes Bay? Ask These Residents
A young professional woman with a burgeoning career and a father of two with an eye on his children’s futures have something important in common: They both found the good life they wanted in the Great Lakes Bay and Central Michigan region.
Whether it’s job opportunities, networking, the cost of living, education, kinder commutes or recreational activities, this region offers boundless opportunities and an outstanding quality of life.
“This is a very welcoming community, with a number and variety of jobs,” says Lexi Francisco. “I started my career here right after I graduated from college, and I have had ample opportunities to move up and meet so many wonderful mentors who helped me to be the leader I wanted to be.”
More House, Less Traffic
Lexi Francisco
Francisco first worked with students at Alma College before moving to her current position as assistant director of scholarships and financial aid at Central Michigan University. She and her fiancé, Michael Hyde, found the area easy to settle into, renting an apartment at first, then buying their first home in Mt. Pleasant and now owning his family’s home in nearby Edmore.
Housing has also been an important factor in Anthony Taylor’s life. He is senior vice president and chief operating officer of Tri-Star Trust in Saginaw, where he and his wife, Samantha, are raising two children, ages 8 and 5.
“The housing market here is exceptional,” Taylor says. “We live in a 2,000-square-foot ranch on a half acre, with a pool and three-car garage. I bought it in 2018 for $279,000, and 90 minutes south of here, it would cost $800,000 or more. If you’re looking to buy a house under $200,000, you won’t have any problem.”
Taylor also gives high marks to the area’s “glorious” traffic and family-friendly, safe and attractive neighborhoods.
Like Francisco, Taylor began his career in the area, and made the move to Central Michigan in 2006. He has benefited from the same robust professional ecosystem, leveraging the local chamber for networking and becoming deeply involved in community events and programs.
The Taylors are enthusiastic about local education options, which he says are varied and high-quality.
“Our kids are going the public-school route,” Taylor says. “There are a number of opportunities in this area, including a couple of advanced elementary schools for accelerated students, several parochial schools and so on. I interviewed close to five different school systems – all good.”
Active in Every Season
Both Francisco and Taylor wax enthusiastic about the many things they have found to enjoy doing.
Francisco lives adjacent to a nature trail in Edmore, where she and her fiancé walk their dog daily and enjoy running, biking and basking in “peace and quiet that takes you out of the busyness of life.”
Not so quiet and peaceful, she also relishes playing beach volleyball competitively, and she and fiancé Michael head to the local baseball fields for a game of catch.
Francisco finds there is plenty to do when it comes to entertainment, too. “We love going out to new restaurants. There’s a new escape room, indoor mini-golf and a golf center with a hitting range in the summer at Island Park.”
Anthony Taylor
Recreation is also a big part of the Taylor family’s life.
“We spend a fair amount of time outdoors,” Taylor says. “There is a tremendous park system, with walking trails, fishing and other things for kids. In the winter, there are a lot of different activities in the community. We love events like the Saginaw Spirit hockey games at the Dow Event Center and Outhouse Races, along with sledding and roller skating. One of the greatest things is going to a Red Wings game, just a day trip to Detroit.”
Perhaps the most important aspect of their lives in the region, Taylor and Francisco both speak appreciatively of the close relationships they have grown with friends, neighbors and colleagues in a supportive community.
“When you think about your ability to get to know people, this region tops most for opportunities to surround yourself with like-minded individuals,” Taylor says. “When I look at my friends, they’d give you the shirts off their backs. That’s how people are here. It’s that Midwestern attitude of reaching out to others in the community.”
Get to Know Great Lakes Bay and Central Michigan
Want to learn more about living and working in Saginaw, MI, and the surrounding communities? Check out the latest edition of Livability Great Lakes Bay – Central Michigan Region.