With its numerous lakes, national parks and lush forests, Michigan is a dream destination for both vacationers and its 10 million permanent residents. Whether you want to visit a quiet beach, a museum or an idyllic small town, there are countless ways to explore this Great Lakes state. Michigan is also a haven for sports enthusiasts — both at the collegiate and professional level. Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, also known as The Big House, is the largest sports venue in the United States and the third largest in the world. Many soccer, soccer and ice hockey games take place here.
Historically, manufacturing has been the largest source of employment in the state (both General Motors and Ford Motor Company are based here). However, the healthcare, technology and financial services sectors have also contributed to the state’s economy by attracting highly skilled workers.
If you’re thinking of moving to Michigan, the Great Lakes State, read on to find the 10 best places to live in Michigan.
Ann Arbor
The city west of Detroit is home to a burgeoning culinary scene, an active arts community, excellent health care and an abundance of trails and parks. But access to quality education is what sets it apart. According to a study by WalletHub, Ann Arbor is the most educated city in America.
There are some great neighborhoods in almost every price range. Some of them, including Burns Park, Ann Arbor Hills, Water Hill and the Old West Side, are within walking distance of campus and downtown. The median price for homes is $479,805.
Bellaire
Located in Antrim County, this idyllic northern Michigan village is a year-round recreation destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you’ll find seven golf courses and Shanty Creek Resorts, the region’s most popular ski resort.
Bellaire are fortunate to have nearly 65 miles of waterways. In Antrim County alone, there are 24 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 45 inland lakes and about 44,000 acres of state-owned land. Bellaire is the ideal choice for retirees and anyone looking for a property that offers resort-style amenities.
Home to Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire, Michigan presents more than a few different housing styles. Whether you’re interested in Swiss-style chalets from the 80’s or homes with an average square footage of 2,000 square feet and amazing panoramic views, Bellaire has it all.
Detroit
Detroit is located at the mouth of the Detroit River on the border with Canada and is the largest city in Michigan. By-far one of the most famous cities in Michigan, Detroit has had its fair share of ups and downs. That said, with current cost of living relatively low and quality of life higher than many hot spots nationwide, the city of Detroit is making a strong comeback in the way of local value and real estate appreciation.
More about Detroit
- The city’s dining and entertainment scene has grown in recent years, and the city is on the verge of having its lowest crime rate in more than six decades.
- Luxury buyers are flocking to the city, making it one of the fastest growing markets in the country.
Grand Haven
Zillow estimates that the median value of a home in the Lake Michigan town is $342,638, lower than other communities on the lake. Grand Haven also has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
“Every season has breathtaking beauty — the stillness of fresh snow in winter, the abundance of wildflowers in spring, the life of the lake in summer and the vibrant colors of fall have created this picturesque place to live and play,” says Melissa Lundeberg, a real estate agent with Greenridge Realty.
Potential homebuyers may be interested in Spring Lake, a community that Lundeberg says offers a “nice mix of history and history in the making” due to recent investments in green space development and small businesses.
Holland
This charming town sits right on the shores of Lake Macatawa, and has a rich Dutch history and an avenue lined with stores, restaurants and art galleries. Holland offers the charm of a small town and natural beauty all year round. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy a variety of events and activities throughout the year, ranging from tulips to music to art. The town’s proximity to Grand Rapids and Chicago is also a good starting point for workers who live far away. The real estate market reflects the city’s growing popularity with new residents.
Birmingham
This city just north of Detroit offers a variety of family-friendly amenities, such as top-rated schools, a wide selection of restaurants, plenty of playgrounds and parks, theaters and galleries, and a range of home styles to suit everyone’s tastes.
“One of the most desirable neighborhoods to live in is Quarton Lake Estates. This community offers great schools and parks within walking distance, as well as larger lots for families who really want to enjoy their home and entertain as much as possible,” says Alex Chapman, an associate broker at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. “Prices have risen year on year as the demand to live in this great community continues unabated. We’re seeing annual price increases of 10 to 20 percent, giving amazing returns to those who bought just a few years ago, and that’s sure to continue.”
The median price for a home in Birmingham is $600,000. According to the website Realtor.com.
Traverse City
The cherry capital of the world is also one of the best places to buy a lakefront home in the U.S. and a coveted destination for Michigan enthusiasts. According to Lexa Ferrill, a real estate agent with Real Estate One, Traverse City is all about natural beauty and community.
“Our region is community-oriented and welcoming while offering an arts and culture scene comparable to much larger cities. Outdoor activities abound, no matter the season. In the summer, you can go boating, beachcombing, hiking, fishing, biking and attend the National Cherry Festival. In the winter, you can go skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, sledding, snowshoeing, snow tubing and curling,” explains Ferrill.
Downtown, Front Street and Clinch Park are among the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, with the charm of Victorian homes and proximity to the best restaurants and stores.
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is one of Realtor.com’s most desirable cities for homes in 2023, offering the amenities and charm of a mid-sized city and continued home value appreciation. However, the cost of real estate remains reasonable with a median value of $262,000 (according to Zillow).
“The Heritage Hill neighborhood in Grand Rapids is one of the largest urban historic districts in the United States. It is home to a large number of 19th and early 20th century homes built by the lumber barons, legislators and founders who shaped Grand Rapids,” says Wyatt Martin, a real estate agent with Greenridge Realty. “There are beautiful examples of Greek Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne-style homes that have been preserved, as well as our own Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie-style home”
Royal Oak
The northern Detroit suburb is a great place with big-city amenities that still retains a small-town charm, according to local real estate agent Samuel Kaplunov of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. According to Kaplunov, the diversity of people — in terms of background, age and income – is the city’s greatest strength.
“Some of the most valuable and desirable properties are in the neighborhoods around downtown, Vinsetta Boulevard and the Shrine district. Many of them offer a combination of walking distance to downtown and larger homes or lots, and they offer homeowners the opportunity to spend decades in a home,” Kaplunov said.
The value of a home in Royal Oak is $301,000, up 6.7 percent from last year.
Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo The city of Kalamazoo is “the perfect blend of urban community and picturesque countryside, where residents can enjoy a bustling downtown, renowned educational institutions, an abundance of recreational activities and a thriving arts scene,” says Dan Jaqua, owner of Jaqua Realtors.
The city also offers easy access to Lake Michigan and all of its recreational activities, as well as major urban areas such as Chicago, Detroit and Grand Rapids. Kalamazoo is a popular destination for families due to the Kalamazoo Promise program, which covers 100% of college costs for public school graduates.
If you’re looking for a classic home, you’re in luck. There are many charming homes in the Winchell, Westnedge Hill and Bronson Boulevard neighborhoods, but those looking for a modern home will also find many alternatives.