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Best Places To Live in Michigan

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Best Places To Live in Michigan

Perched along the Great Lakes, the best cities in Michigan are affordable, accessible and loaded with beautiful scenery.

By Livability on October 6, 2023

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA downtown skyline on the Grand River at dusk.
iStock/Sean Pavone
Downtown skyline on the Grand River at dusk in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

With a 3,288-mile coastline — the longest freshwater coastline in the country — and plentiful forests, it’s no wonder that Michigan is an attractive place to put down roots. The Great Lakes are one of the true wonders of North America, contributing to the state’s reputation as a terrific place for scenery, recreation and wildlife. And, of course, Michigan is forever associated with automobiles, agriculture and Motown, too.

Michigan is made up of two peninsulas — Upper and Lower — and has a population of about 10 million, making it the 10th most populous state in the nation. The cost of living in Michigan is 3% lower than the national average, and housing is 14% lower than the national average.

Good paying jobs, high-quality educational institutions such as the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, plus the ever-changing seasons — including a lot of snow! — make the Great Lakes State special. Here’s a list of the best places to live in Michigan.

Ann Arbor

Grizzly Peak Brewing Company Downtown Ann Arbor
©Journal Communications/Heather Nash
A view of people enjoying drinks at Grizzly Peak Brewing Company in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Ann Arbor is a best city in Michigan.

Ann Arbor is a well-known college town geared to the 30,000 students at the University of Michigan on its 3,200-acre campus. In fact, the university is Ann Arbor’s largest employer, followed by the school’s health care system. The public school system is ranked as the best in the state, giving Ann Arbor a pipeline of talent, and the city is part of the second wealthiest county in Michigan. Ann Arbor has a population of almost 123,000 and was named as one of Livability’s Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2023 for its innovative economy, educational opportunities and high-ranking health care options. Companies like Domino’s Pizza, ProQuest, NSF International, Google and Nokia have a significant presence here and are among the numerous companies flocking to the area

But it isn’t all business in A2 (as locals call it!). There are plenty of ways to have fun here, including several annual festivals, like the annual Art Fair, which is the largest juried art fair in the country, held each July with more than 1,000 artists, and artistic institutions, like the University of Michigan Museum of Art, which is free and open to the public. With more than 20,000 objects from Western, Asian and African traditions and modern and contemporary art, you’ll want to visit this treasure trove repeatedly. The city is an excellent place for recent graduates, residents looking to raise a family or those wishing to experience living in an up-and-coming metro.  

Why is education so important in Ann Arbor?

The University of Michigan has 19 colleges and conducts research in several major areas, including medicine, management, education and science. Its graduate programs are also ranked highly. The school boasts the largest football stadium in the country, known as “The Big House,” which holds 107,601 fans. The university brings its share of culture to the community, too, with theater, visual art, music, museums and more available across the city.

Read more about living in Ann Arbor, MI.

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Michigan, skyline on the Grand River at dusk. Grand Rapids is one of the best places to live in Michigan.
iStock/Sean Pavone
Grand Rapids, Michigan, downtown skyline on the Grand River at dusk.

Grand Rapids is a best place to live in Michigan.

Life in Grand Rapids is, indeed, grand! In 2023, Grand Rapids was ranked as the second-best place to live in Michigan and the 20th-best in America, according to U.S. News & World Report. The nearly 198,000 Grand Rapids residents have easy access to golf courses, fishing streams, beaches and an airport. Plus, the downtown is hopping, with more than 200 restaurants, shops, performance venues and cultural sites. It’s a city where people and companies can flourish because of its low cost of living, bustling downtown area, attractive neighborhoods and overall quality of life. The arts, outdoor activities, a fun craft brewery scene and an environmentally friendly attitude with bike paths and hybrid electric buses make this city a winner. Summers are mild, but winter is snowy, with an average of 64 inches annually!

What are Grand Rapids’ major industries?

Once known as Furniture City due to the production of fine furniture, Grand Rapids continues to manufacture furniture and is now known as a world leader in office furniture production. But the economy is diverse, with companies such as Amway Corp., Grand Valley State University, Steelcase, Spectrum Health, Meijer, Lacks Enterprises and Herman Miller located here. But it isn’t just a spot for headquarters. Grand Rapids is also one of the most remote-ready cities in the country, making it an excellent place for digital nomads, as well!

Read more about living in Grand Rapids, MI.

Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA downtown cityscape and park at dusk. Kalamazoo is a best place to live in Michigan.
iStock/Sean Pavone
Kalamazoo, Michigan, downtown cityscape and park at dusk.

Kalamazoo is a great city to live in Michigan. 

Located in the southwest part of Michigan, what stands out besides its fun-to-say name (Ka-la-ma-zoooooo!) is being an industry leader in the pharmaceutical and medical science industries. Kalamazoo is the original home base for firms such as the Upjohn Co., Stryker Corp., Gibson Guitars and Checker Motors. A century ago, the city was known as “Celery City,” with the crop touted as “fresh as dew from Kalamazoo.” The city’s entrepreneurial spirit shines brightest through the robust local economy, which provides several growth opportunities. Today, a large percentage of bedding plants are produced in Kalamazoo County. Even better? Your dollars will go further here as Kalamazoo provides a hospitable environment for residents to insulate themselves from inflation

What does Kalamazoo have to offer?

The city has a low cost of living and an affordable median home value with single-family homes, urban condos and brand-new apartments. Kalamazoo has a hopping brewery scene in addition to a variety of music, dance and theater venues for all to enjoy. The downtown district features diverse cuisine, museums and lots of places to shop. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum attracts families (it’s free!) with fun, hands-on learning activities, and there’s a growing trail system to keep everyone active. 

Read more about living in Kalamazoo, MI.

Lansing

View of the State Capitol Building in Lansing, one of the best places to live in Michigan.
iStock/benkrut
View of the State Capitol Building in Lansing, Michigan.

Lansing is a best city in Michigan.

Lansing, located in the south-central part of Michigan, is both the state capital and home to Michigan State University and its 50,000 students. The city is known as a great place to raise a family due to its affordable housing and low cost of living, not to mention fun attractions like the Potter Park Zoo and Impression 5 Science Center that everyone will enjoy. Popular industries in the area include government and education, of course, along with health care, insurance, manufacturing, law and technology. The sixth-largest city in Michigan has a population of nearly 113,000 and, interestingly, was the birthplace of Oldsmobile. Lansing has a walkable downtown filled with a great mix of shops, restaurants and attractions. Lakes, trails, nature centers and parks provide all kinds of ways for residents to be active. 

What are the advantages of living in the state capital? 

Lansing’s two prominent institutions — the historic state capitol building and the campus of Michigan State University — bookend the city. So it’s no surprise that government and education top the list of industries and jobs here. The university certainly brings exciting cultural and sporting events to the city, and, as the seat of government, residents have easier access to state leadership.

Read more about living in Lansing, MI.

Muskegon

Visitors are surrounded by crashing waves on the sand dunes along the shore of Lake Michigan near the South Breakwater Lighthouse at Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon, Michigan.
©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins
Visitors are surrounded by crashing waves on the sand dunes along the shore of Lake Michigan near the South Breakwater Lighthouse at Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon, Michigan.

Muskegon is a best place to live in Michigan.

What’s not to like about lakeshore living? That’s what you get when you put down roots in Muskegon. Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake both lend a lovely ambiance to this city of nearly 38,000 people.

The beachy vibe also gives retirees a beautiful place to call home and provides residents with fishing, boating, sailing and water sports opportunities. Entrepreneurs will also find ample opportunities for startups, and job seekers can align themselves with the advanced manufacturing industry, known as a global leader in metals, furniture, plastics, chemicals and medical devices. The scenic downtown area is the heart of the city, with restaurants, shops and attractions and year-round events — all with a view!

How does living on the water add to the quality of life in Muskegon?

It’s hard not to fall in love with a place on the water. Nestled along the shores of massive Lake Michigan, Muskegon is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with boating, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, kiteboarding and more at your fingertips. Pere Marquette Park, located on a 2.5-mile stretch of beach, has a playground and is the perfect stop to enjoy a day on the city’s 26 miles of beaches with your family and friends. 

Read more about living in Muskegon, MI.

Rochester Hills

When temperatures heat up in Rochester Hills, MI — considered a suburb of Detroit — residents take to the water for kayaking and paddle boarding.
City of Rochester Hills
When temperatures heat up in Rochester Hills, MI — considered a suburb of Detroit — residents take to the water for kayaking and paddle boarding.

Rochester Hills is a great city to live in Michigan.

Rochester Hills has a population of just over 76,000 and offers easy access to Detroit (just 30 miles away) but has a quieter, safer quality of life. The city was ranked as one of the Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2023. Several colleges and universities are located here, including Oakland University and Rochester University, and Rochester Hills has a solid public education system. Automotive, technology and health care are the largest industries in the area, and the city is fortunate to have a couple of top-notch health care providers there — Beaumont Medical Center-Rochester Hills and Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital. The picturesque community is ideal for families, thanks to a variety of outdoor activities, fun attractions and events and a buzzing downtown area with more than 350 shops, salons, dining spots and professional businesses.

Why is Rochester Hills a good place for families?

Rochester Hills provides abundant green space for families to enjoy the outdoors, including several parks and trails. The splash pad at Brooklands Plaza is a great place to play during the summer, and Suburban Ice Rochester is one of the best sites for wintertime fun. The schools are ranked highly, and there are plenty of opportunities for learning outside the classroom, too.

Read more about living in Rochester Hills, MI.

Royal Oak

An aerial view of the downtown area of the city of Royal Oak, Michigan just before sunset. Royal Oak is a best city in Michigan.
iStock/Brian Sevald
An aerial view of the downtown area of the city of Royal Oak, Michigan just before sunset.

Royal Oak is a best city in Michigan.

This close-knit community, just 20 minutes north of downtown Detroit, is known for its excellent school system and plenty of green space. With a population of nearly 60,000, Royal Oak offers quiet neighborhoods and downtown condos, where residents can enjoy walking to eateries, galleries, boutiques and theaters. Most residents own their own homes here, and families who live here definitely enjoy the city’s nearly five dozen parks. Top industries in Royal Oak include health care, utilities, manufacturing and professional services. The Royal Oak Farmers Market is well-known for its array of produce, plants, specialty food products, food trucks, with an antiques and collectibles market every Sunday. Animal lovers will want to check out the Detroit Zoo, too. 

Why does Royal Oak have so many parks?

With 51 city parks, there’s no lack of outdoor activities to enjoy. Royal Oak parks include everything from playgrounds to picnic areas, as well as baseball fields, disc golf, fitness stations, volleyball courts, chess tables and even a fairy garden. One of the main reasons Royal Oak has so many parks is because the city’s tree committee’s goal was that no child should have to walk more than a half-mile or cross a major road to get to a park.  

Read more about living in Royal Oak, MI.

Traverse City

The Sleeping Bear Dunes in Traverse City, Michigan.
iStock/Gary Ennis
The Sleeping Bear Dunes in Traverse City, Michigan.

Traverse City is a best place to live in Michigan.

Traverse City, located in northwestern Michigan, is blessed with natural beauty and year-round outdoor activities. There are endless opportunities to enjoy this city, with thousands of acres of trails and endless miles of shoreline bordering brilliant turquoise waters. From hiking and biking to fishing, water sports and winter recreation, Traverse City has it all. In addition, the community has a thriving arts scene, a flourishing wine industry and award-winning restaurants. Yet, the area maintains a low cost of living, making it an affordable option. 

As the region’s economic hub, Traverse City offers several advantages to business owners, from an educated talent pool to an airport that makes it easy to come and go. Traverse City is seeing an influx of remote workers bringing their jobs to the area and an increase in entrepreneurs and tech startups planting roots in the city. It’s known as the Cherry Capital of the World due to its proximity to the five surrounding counties that produce 40% of the annual tart cherry crop in the U.S. 

What is there to do outside in Traverse City?

Recreation plays a critical role in why people choose to live in Traverse City. More than 28 natural areas and preserves offer hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, snowshoeing and so much more. In addition, there are sweeping vistas, Lake Michigan views and other activities like birding and biking. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is nearby, too, with its sandy beaches and towering bluffs overlooking the beautiful water.

Read more about living in Traverse City, MI.

Troy

Dusk view in Troy MI
Courtesy of Shane Gorski under a CC 2.0 license.
Dusk view in Troy, MI.

Troy is a great city to live in Michigan.

Named as one of the Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2023, Troy is a city on the move. The suburb, situated approximately 25 miles northwest of Detroit with a population of just over 86,000, offers highly-ranked schools, safe neighborhoods and a thriving economy with automotive technology and manufacturing at the heart of it. 

Troy was also voted the safest city in the state and has one of the lowest tax rates in Oakland County. And, if you’re looking to start a family, look no further. Thanks to highly rated schools, including a stand-out fine arts program, a college and branches of several universities, Troy is easily one of the best places in Michigan for families. If you love to breathe fresh air, you can find your fix at any of Troy’s many lakes, streams, parks, golf courses and nature areas. Shoppers and those who like to savor a cocktail and a delicious meal will delight in the vast array of stores and restaurants at Somerset Collection. 

What industries are important in Troy?

Troy is in the heart of “Automotive Alley,” with numerous companies involved in the automotive world. In fact, the city is a significant contributor to Michigan’s ranking as one of the largest high-tech workforce employers in the country. In addition, research and development, engineering, advanced manufacturing, financial services and health care all contribute to the city’s economy.

Read more about living in Troy, MI.

Thinking of Moving to Michigan?

Finding a great place to live in Michigan doesn’t have to be a chore. We have more resources for moving to Michigan and other best places to live in the Midwest. No matter where you want to live, we can help you decide where to move and discover the best places to live in the U.S.

Other Great Places To Live Near Michigan

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