14 Best Cities in Michigan to Live and Visit

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Michigan is a beautiful state in the Great Lakes region, known for its vast forests and scenic lakeshores. It has numerous national parks that are well-preserved. Whether you are a resident or a tourist, there is plenty to see and do in Michigan.

The state has cozy towns and vibrant cities, along with breathtaking natural beauty and various outdoor activities. It is an ideal place to raise a family due to its charming environment. Many people choose to settle in Detroit and its suburbs, which are the cultural center of the state.

However, others prefer to establish their roots in charming cities like Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids, which are equally appealing.

14. Rochester

Rochester

Rochester is a suburb of Detroit that has become increasingly popular among families and young professionals. It is known for its good schools, job opportunities, and beautiful natural areas. The town has a rich history and many old buildings that add to its charm. The downtown area is lively with shops, restaurants, and nightlife options.

In addition to its educational and career advantages, people also choose to live in Rochester because of its lovely parks and outdoor recreation options.

13. Ann Arbor

 Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a highly desirable place to live in the state. It is an attractive and artistic town with a university. Located just 45 minutes’ drive from Detroit, it has beautiful parks and a downtown area that is easy to navigate on foot. The town also has a thriving dining, culture, and nightlife scene.

The University of Michigan campus is a central part of the town and contributes to its lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The campus hosts various festivals, cultural shows, and sporting events, keeping the city vibrant.

In addition to exploring Ann Arbor’s charming streets and watching football games of the Michigan Wolverines, there are numerous restaurants and bars downtown to try out. While living in Ann Arbor can be expensive, residents benefit from excellent local schools and amenities that compare to those in larger cities.

12. Grosse Pointe Area

Grosse Pointe Area

The Grosse Pointe Area, consisting of five towns, is becoming increasingly popular for people to settle in. These towns are Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Shores, and Grosse Pointe Woods. The area is located near the beautiful Lake St.

Clair, providing residents with stunning views and opportunities for outdoor activities. This charming suburban district in the eastern part of Metro Detroit is particularly appealing to retirees and families with young children.

People are drawn to the area because of its great public schools, safe streets, and the presence of scenic lakefront parks. The tight-knit community is another aspect that residents appreciate, along with the attractive old historic homes that showcase various architectural styles.

While there are enough grocery stores and cafes in the area, some believe there is a lack of diversity and a limited choice of nightlife establishments.

11. Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in Michigan, just after Detroit. It is situated on the Grand River and offers a wide range of neighborhoods, attractions, and amenities for both residents and tourists. In the past, it was famous for its furniture production but now it is known for its flourishing craft brewery industry.

Apart from visiting the numerous microbreweries, you can also explore art galleries, museums, theaters, and parks. One must-see area is Heritage Hill, located to the east of downtown, with its impressive architecture. The city is constantly lively and has so much to offer, making it a popular place to live.

The quality of public schools, safety, and housing options may vary across different districts, but overall, people in Grand Rapids enjoy a good standard of living at a reasonable cost.

10. Troy

Troy

Troy, a city in Oakland County, is a popular place for families to settle down. It is surrounded by Rochester and Berkley and offers great job and education opportunities at an affordable cost of living.

Troy is a large part of the northern Metro Detroit area and has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to peaceful streets and lively neighborhoods. Being an affluent area, it is considered one of the best places to live in Michigan with excellent schools and sports facilities. Additionally, downtown Troy is filled with unique shops and restaurants.

If you’re looking for more excitement, Detroit’s attractions, amenities, and entertainment options are just a short drive away.

9. Plymouth

Plymouth

Just outside of Detroit on the western side is a charming little suburb called Plymouth. It’s a very desirable place to live because it has a lot of shops and restaurants, as well as beautiful parks scattered throughout.

The community here is very close-knit, and many families choose to move here because the streets are safe and the public schools have great ratings. You’ll always be close to well-maintained green spaces, and it’s easy and convenient to commute to downtown Detroit and enjoy all its attractions and amenities.

Even though it’s mostly suburban, there are some lively bars and local shops here and there. In addition to the Plymouth Historical Museum and its amazing art and recreation complex, the biggest draw for people from out of town is the weekly farmers market.

8. Marquette

Marquette

Marquette is a large city in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, located in the middle of Lake Superior’s shoreline. It is known as a vibrant university town, offering beautiful beaches, parks, and viewpoints for both residents and visitors.

With its historical downtown area, Marquette serves as a major port and is filled with busy businesses, bars, and breweries. Many people choose to live here, including families and young professionals, because it has a low cost of living, good schools, and a lively nightlife.

The city hosts various festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Marquette is also an outdoor enthusiasts’ haven, offering numerous nature trails, waterways, and even ski slopes for people to explore. Some of its most popular attractions include Presque Isle Park and Sugarloaf Mountain, both offering breathtaking views, stunning scenery, and vibrant fall foliage.

7. Novi

Novi

Novi, located next to the current town, is considered one of the best places to live in Michigan. Although the town has become more popular in recent years, leading to higher prices and a larger population, it still remains an excellent choice for families looking to buy a house.

One of the main reasons for this is that each neighborhood in Novi has its own unique character and community, including public schools, parks, and other convenient facilities. Moreover, Novi boasts a strong job market, great sports facilities, and a vibrant nightlife, with various bars and restaurants spread throughout the town.

Even though downtown Detroit is just a short drive away, locals can find plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options without having to leave Novi. It is this combination of a suburban lifestyle and urban conveniences that makes Novi such an attractive place to live.

6. Saugatuck

Saugatuck

Saugatuck is a popular resort town located at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, right by Lake Michigan. It used to be a town focused on lumber, then became a port and eventually an art colony. Now, it is known for its extensive art galleries, unique stores, and beautiful harborfront views, which attract many tourists during the summer.

The town, along with its twin town called Douglas, has a variety of wonderful waterfront restaurants, cozy bed and breakfasts, and coffee shops for visitors to enjoy. Since there are beaches and nature areas nearby, you can swim and sail in the inviting waters or go hiking and cycling in the lovely landscapes.

People from the LGBT community in the Midwest have been vacationing here for years, along with families, art enthusiasts, and boaters from both Chicago and Detroit. The friendly and welcoming residents, combined with the stunning setting, make it a great place to live. However, it can become quite quiet outside of the tourist season.

5. Farmington Hills

Farmington-Hills-1

In recent years, many people have been moving to a city suburb located on the outskirts of Detroit called Farmington Hills. The residents of Farmington Hills enjoy living in a clean and safe environment with excellent public schools and job opportunities. The city is surrounded by parks and green spaces, which gives it a unique and beautiful vibe.

Downtown Farmington Hills is home to several art galleries, restaurants, and a vintage cinema. The downtown area also hosts various events and festivals, providing endless fun for its residents. The town’s main tourist attraction is the moving Holocaust Memorial Center.

Although the cost of living here is slightly higher compared to other parts of the state, the low crime rates, exceptional public services, and the stunning natural surroundings more than compensate for it.

4. Lansing

Lansing

Lansing is a great city to visit, live in, and raise a family. It serves as the capital of the state and is known for its cool and cultured vibe. It is located in the heart of the ‘Mid-Michigan’ metropolitan area, making it an important center for commerce, education, and government.

The city offers a diverse job market and has a multicultural population with numerous restaurants, shops, and nightlife options. Residents and tourists can enjoy a wide range of public facilities, including art galleries, museums, and theaters.

Despite its many attractions, Lansing is an affordable place to live, with excellent public schools and a thriving housing market. The city is enhanced by its natural beauty, with two rivers flowing through the center, scenic parks, and peaceful waterfront walks.

Another contributing factor to its vibrant atmosphere is the presence of Michigan State University, one of the top educational institutions in the country, which adds a lively student population to the city.

3. Farmington

Farmington

Farmington, located in Oakland County, is a peaceful and picturesque area with many enticing features. It is a dense suburban district situated to the northwest of Detroit and offers a variety of excellent amenities, eateries, and outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy.

Farmington is completely surrounded by the small city of Farmington Hills, which has recently revamped its downtown area to include numerous wonderful shops and restaurants. The district is also known for its beautiful Victorian-style homes, well-equipped public libraries, parks, and high-performing schools.

living in Farmington provides residents with a high quality of life and affordable living costs. Additionally, it is easily accessible to the sights, music scene, and sports teams in Rock City. Another advantage is the abundance of activities and events that take place regularly, including a weekly farmers market.

2. Berkley

Berkley

Berkley, a northern suburb of Rochester, is highly sought after because it is located even closer to the city center. People love living in Berkley because it has excellent schools, safe streets, and a charming small-town atmosphere. The housing in Berkley is affordable, and there are many parks available for residents to enjoy.

Additionally, locals can take advantage of the numerous cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars in the area. Despite being a suburban area, Berkley is just a short twenty-minute drive away from the museums and theaters in the nearby major city. The suburb is made even more appealing by its friendly and welcoming residents. It is conveniently situated along the Woodward Corridor, known as Detroit’s Main Street.

1. Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo-1

Who wouldn’t want to live in the beautiful city of Kalamazoo, which is located near a river? It is situated in the southwest of the state and not far from Lake Michigan. Additionally, it is only a short drive away from both Grand Rapids and Lansing.

Kalamazoo is known for being the home of the first pedestrian mall in the United States, hence its nickname as “Mall City.” The downtown area still retains local shops and restaurants that can easily be explored on foot. The city offers a vibrant arts, dining, and nightlife scene, as well as numerous parks and peaceful riverside walks.

Many people, including college students, young professionals, and families, choose to live in Kalamazoo because it offers a high quality of life at an affordable cost.

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