Traverse City, MI

A thriving economy, picturesque scenery and a welcoming community make Traverse City, Michigan, a top place to visit — and to live.  

Surrounded by thousands of acres of trails and endless miles of shoreline bordering brilliant turquoise waters, Traverse City is blessed with natural beauty and year-round outdoor activities. From hiking and biking to fishing, water sports and winter recreation, there are endless opportunities within this neighborly northwestern Michigan town.

“It’s easy to get up in the morning, knowing you’re going to drive along this gorgeous bay,” says Meg Zammit, Lead Northern Navigator at Michigan’s Creative Coast. “It’s so much better than being stuck in a 45-minute commute with traffic.”

Or, you can skip the commute altogether. Traverse City is a fantastic place to work remotely — and grow your career. The city offers a variety of co-working spaces, as well as networking opportunities that offer newcomers, locals and remote workers opportunities to mingle and connect.

The city also is attracting entrepreneurs and tech start-ups, thanks to resources like monthly pitch competitions, incubators and access to investors.

“I grew up in Michigan and didn’t realize all Traverse City offered until we started researching,” says Sarah Diaz, senior product marketing manager with Amazon. “It’s not the same city I once knew.”

Traverse City also offers a reasonable cost of living, with access to fresh, locally grown foods, year-round outdoor activities and a thriving arts scene, as well as a flourishing wine industry, award-winning restaurants and plenty to see and do.

If you’re looking for a permanent vacation spot with a high quality of life, Traverse City is the place for you.