If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you. There’s no place quite like the Great Lake State. 

Almost ten million people live in the state of Michigan. They come from all parts of the country, living alongside long-time residents of the state. They love Michigan for its natural wonders, industrial hubs, and educational opportunities. 

Many people know of Michigan through bad word-of-mouth. They hear jokes about Detroit, or they read articles about the “dying” automotive industry. They wonder why living in Michigan is such a good idea. 

But it is. Here is your guide on why you should move to Michigan. 

The Basics of Michigan Life

As its nickname suggests, the Great Lake State of Michigan is full of natural beauties. Michigan borders four of the five great lakes, so the state has more than 3,250 miles of coastlines. You can swim, boat, and fish whenever you want. 

The state also contains more than 100 state parks and recreation areas. They are located throughout the state, so you can find one wherever you live. You can hike, camp, and even mountain bike. 

The Michigan climate is mild, but the state has four distinct seasons. Winter provides snow, while summer provides sunshine. 

Michigan has been an industrial hub for decades. The automobile industry is running strong, employing more than 700,000 workers across the state. It contributes more than 200 billion dollars to the economy. 

But a lot of other things drive the state economy. The state is home to more than 500 medical device manufacturers. More than 900,000 people are employed in the state’s healthcare providers. 

More than 600 aerospace companies are based in the state. Nearly 2,500 businesses run in life sciences. Michigan also has more than 50,000 farms, making it the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the country.  

The University of Michigan has several campuses. If you live within the state, you can receive tuition at lower rates. The university offers hundreds of programs, including 100 separate doctoral programs. 

Whatever you like in nature, you can find it in Michigan. Whatever you do for work, you will find it in Michigan. 

Living in Detroit, Michigan

Detroit remains Michigan’s most populous city. More than 650,000 people live there. 

Detroit has had some troubles in recent years, even declaring bankruptcy in 2014. But the city has come out of them with resilience and creativity. 

The Midtown and New Center areas are premier destinations for art and culture. Midtown is the home of a number of museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. New Center contains New Center Park, which hosts outdoor concerts and food festivals throughout the year. 

Detroit has a vibrant music scene as well. The Detroit Electronic Musical Festival brings thousands of people into the city. Artists like Stevie Wonder and Eminem hail from Detroit. 

The city contains a number of top-tier schools. US News and World Report rank the University of Detroit Mercy as one of the 200 best universities in the country. The university has more than 50 extracurricular organizations alongside elite graduate programs. 

Detroit is also a big sports town. Its downtown district contains its major sporting stadiums for football, baseball, and hockey. 

Keep in mind that Michigan has several major cities. You can move to Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti. But if you’re looking for an underrated center of culture and industry, you should move to Detroit.  

Cost of Living in Michigan 

The first question that many people have when they consider moving to another state is what the cost of living is. Michigan may surprise you. 

Its cost of living is significantly lower than the national average. The median home cost nationwide is $231,200. In Michigan, that cost is only $151,400. 

Michiganians spend 14 percent less on health than the national average because of Michigan’s strong healthcare sector. They spend 7 percent less on groceries as well. 

A single adult with no children requires an annual income of $29,573 to live in the state. By contrast, the state of Minnesota requires an annual income of almost 31,500 dollars. 

Moving to Michigan 

You can arrive in Michigan through Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The airport serves over 140 destinations, so you can fly in from anywhere in the country. 

Many people can afford their Michigan home without having to take out too many loans. But you can consider some tips for a first time home buyer. Save up for your down payment and consider your different options for loans. 

Michigan is a safe state, so you can pick any city you’d like. Once you’ve moved in, spend some time going out. Get to know the area and meet your neighbors. 

When you register to vote, you must show proof of residence. You need a driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement. You must be a Michigan resident and a resident of your city for at least 30 days. 

To apply for a driver’s license, you also need identification. You must provide documents with a valid Social Security number. You must also pass a vision and written knowledge tests. 

The Perks of Living in Michigan 

Michigan is more than that state that looks like a mitten. It is a hotspot for innovation and creativity. 

Thousands of miles of coastline and dozens of state parks stretch all over the state. Detroit contains centers for music, education, and sports. 

Living in Michigan is one of the most affordable states. It’s easy to buy a home and move in. Be aware of its ID laws for voting and driving, and make sure you have money if you need a mortgage. 

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