There are many reasons why moving to Michigan is a good decision. This state has a beautiful landscape, plenty of recreational spots, and steady economic growth. In addition, the cost of living in Michigan is relatively affordable.
Of course, before moving here, it’s best to know some “living in Michigan pros and cons” so that you’ll have an idea of what you need to do to settle in this state. With this article, we serve you 9 essential pieces of advice to get the best experience once you are living in Michigan.
1. Learn About The Pros And Cons Of Living In Michigan
There will always be pros and cons no matter which city or state you live in. It is important to learn about the pros and cons of living in Michigan so you’ll know how to adapt to the new environment and community.
Here are some of the pros and cons that you need to know before heading to the Great Lakes State.
Pros Of Living In Michigan
Affordable Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in Michigan is relatively affordable. The affordability rates may differ from one city to another. However, you don’t have to worry because the cost of living across the different cities in Michigan is more or less around the national average.
Northern Lights
In Michigan, you may have a chance to witness the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon usually occurs at Lake Superior.
You can catch this beautiful sight only when the weather conditions are optimal. Northern Lights are often seen from August to April.
The Food Is Amazing
If you are a foodie, we’ve got good news: Michigan will serve you plenty of food options from all over the globe! Some food that you must try in Michigan are:
- The Wet Burrito;
- Olive Burger;
- Paczkis;
- Detroit Style Pizza; and
- Pasties.
Michigan is also home to huge food brands like Faygo, Kellogg’s, and Better Made. If you love alcoholic beverages, you must taste the local craft beer.
Cons Of Living In Michigan
Harsh Winters
During winter, the average temperature in Michigan can drop to 27 °F (-3 °C). In Detroit, the average snowfall is 43 inches each year. The winter season lasts from December to February each year. Some areas in Michigan can get 160 inches of snowfall every winter. So, it is crucial to check what winter is like in your destination city. This can help you to decide if you need thicker winter wear or not.
The Taxes Are Pretty High
Yes, the cost of living in Michigan is relatively low. However, the tax rate in Michigan is pretty high, with a flat income tax of 4.25% and a 6% sales tax. There is also a 1.64% property tax imposed on homeowners. This tax percentage is considered high compared to other states in the country.
Fortunately, this state is tax-friendly for retirees and does not deduct from the social security retirement benefit.
2. Find The Best Cities To Live In Michigan
Every city in Michigan has safe and affordable neighbourhoods., If you are looking for the best cities to live in, the following cities are the answers.
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County is considered one of Michigan’s best places to live. This city is home to students, young professionals, families, and retirees, as well as academics and eccentric creative people.
Ann Arbor offers the vibe of artsy life, with a bunch of thrift shops, galleries, bookstores, and music venues.
The overall housing prices in Ann Arbor are relatively high due to the growing tech industries. The median home value is $407,378, and the median monthly rent is $1,276.
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is the second-largest metro area in Michigan. Despite this, living in Grand Rapids gives you a small-town feeling.
Another great thing about the city is the community. In general, the people in Grand Rapids are friendly. It is not unusual for the locals to greet each other in the neighbourhood. There are also many festivals and community events you can attend all year round.
The housing prices in this city are also affordable. The median home price is $281,764, and the median monthly rent is $882.64.
Troy
Troy is one of the best cities to raise a family in the States. The crime rate is low in Troy, 10 per 1,000 residents.
This city offers the vibe of living in a dense suburb with excellent amenities such as parklands, coffee shops, and restaurants. Troy also provides amazing schools for your kids to enrol in.
In addition, Troy is a shopping and business destination with the upscale Somerset Mall Collection. It means the economy in this city keeps growing and this, in turn, creates job opportunities.
Considering Troy is a shopping and business destination, the housing prices are reasonable. The median home price in Troy is $380,312, and the median monthly rent is $1,191.
Besides the three cities above, you can also consider Kalamazoo, Rochester Hills, Traverse City, Holland, and Midland as some of Michigan’s best places to live.
3. Seize The Opportunities Michigan Offers
The state of Michigan has been seeing a steady increase in the economy. This can be seen by the decrease in the unemployment rate in Michigan, from 6.10% in October 2021 to 5.90% in November 2021.
Michigan also has a place for everyone from any sector, especially manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. Other promising industries expected to expand in Michigan are IT Data/information, healthcare, water technology, and energy.
So, do not be afraid to pursue a career in Michigan. There are opportunities for various educational or industry backgrounds.
There are many online sources that you can find to get a job in Michigan. If you have a friend or colleague in Michigan, you can ask for a recommendation or any information about a job opportunity there.
It is also best to find a job before moving to Michigan. This way, you do not have to worry about financial security when you move to Michigan.
4. Outsmart The Cost Of Living In Michigan
The cost of living in Michigan is lower than the national average. Only several cities with costs of living are higher than the national average in Michigan.
Those cities are Ann Arbor, Canton, Novi, West Bloomfield, and Westland, while the rest of Michigan have lower living costs. If you want affordability, choose a city with low overall living expenses.
Another way to cut your monthly expenses is by asking for recommendations from your local friends. Ask them where you can buy groceries in bulk at lower prices. You can also ask for shop and restaurant recommendations that fit your budget.
5. Learn More About The Education In Michigan
If you want to pursue higher education, you’re in luck as Michigan provides 93 colleges and universities. It is not challenging to find a university or college wherever you live in Michigan.
The top universities in Michigan are the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan State University in East Lansing and Michigan Technological University in Houghton.
The average four-year college tuition fee for the academic year 2019 – 2020 is $19,921. The tuition fee decreased by $2,323 compared to the academic year 2018-2019.
6. Join In The Vibrant Festivals
The best way to learn about local cultures is by participating in festivals or community events. Attend the festivals with your new friends!
Some of the festivals in Michigan that should be on your bucket list are:
- Tulip Time in Holland;
- Ann Arbor Film Festival in Ann Arbor;
- National Cherry Festival in Traverse City;
- Wolverine Lumberjack Festival in Wolverine, and many more.
Besides enjoying all the fun events, the food sold in festivals is also something you can look forward to.
7. Recharge Your Mood At The Parks In Michigan And Take Part In Outdoor Activities
Michigan has beautiful scenery and diverse landscapes. You will not regret going out and enjoying various activities in nature.
Below are four places that we recommend for your outdoor fun and adventure.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore includes the northeast shore of Lake Michigan as well as the South and North Manitou Islands. That’s why you’ll be able to observe the scenery of a lake and beaches in this area.
One of the must-try activities at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is walking the Empire Bluff Trail. Once you reach the top, you will be mesmerised by the view of Lake Michigan.
You should also try the scenic drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes to enjoy the view. However, do note that during winter, you’ll have to walk instead.
Ludington State Park
Ludington State Park occupies 5,300 acres between the shores of Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake. With the beautiful beach view, this state park is perfect for your summer vacations.
There are mini cabins in the campground area for campers. Ludington State Park also offers amenities such as electricity, showers, restrooms, a playground, and a recycling centre.
Besides camping, other fun activities you can do in Ludington State Park are swimming at Ludington State Park Beaches and taking a walk along the shore.
Grand Haven State Park
Grand Haven State Park is a recreation area on the shores of Lake Michigan on the south side of the mouth of the Grand River and harbour.
The outdoor activities you can enjoy in this area are water and winter sports, biking, hiking, and camping.
On top of that, you can enjoy the Grand Haven Musical Fountain every day during the summer evening. You will witness the display of a fountain moving in synchrony with lights and music.
8. Visit The Famous Landmarks In Michigan
Take pictures of the famous landmarks in Michigan. This state has buildings and structures that you should witness in person.
Some of the landmarks that you should not miss are:
- Gateway to Freedom International Memorial in Detroit;
- The Thinker in Detroit;
- The Guardian Building in Detroit;
- Michigan State Capitol in Lansing; and
- Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier in Grand Haven.
9. Make Use Of Public Transportation To Get Around
To travel around the state of Michigan, you have several options to choose from. You can take Michigan trains and buses, water taxis, taxis, or rent a car.
SMART is the bus transit provider in Michigan. You can track the bus arrival, route, and services on their official website. So, make sure to check their site before you move to Michigan.
Conclusion About Moving To Michigan
Before moving to Michigan, make sure to research what it is like living in Michigan and the pros and cons of living in Michigan.
Overall, Michigan is a fantastic state with a vibrant culture and great community. You have tons of amazing cities to live in Michigan. Some of the best cities are Ann Arbor, Detroit, Troy, Grand Rapids, and many more.
Residents of Michigan enjoy a relatively affordable cost of living, growing job opportunities, as well as tons of festivals, parks and landmarks so you know you’ll be able to work hard and play hard when you’re living in Michigan.
Before moving to Michigan, you should learn about their public transportation. Learn how to get around the city you live in and how you can travel to another city in Michigan.
Lastly, to ensure that your relocation to Michigan is stress-free, engage Sanelo to ship your belongings to your new city. It is important not to carry heavy luggage on your moving trip. You may get charged for additional weight, and you may accidentally damage your stuff.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Michigan
Does Michigan Pay You To Move There?
There is a campaign to encourage workers from Chicago to move to Southwest Michigan. The qualified recipients will receive up to $15,000.
What Salary Do I Need To Afford The Cost Of Living In Michigan?
The average salary in Michigan is $59,093 per year. Depending on your needs and lifestyle, a good annual salary to afford the living expenses in Michigan ranges between $59,093 to $65,259.
Can I Engage Sanelo To Ship My Belongings From Overseas?
Yes, Sanelo can help you to ship your belongings from your home country to Michigan. Our team will walk you through the whole process of your international move. You will find that paperwork, and custom clearance for the shipment of your belongings will not be painful with Sanelo.
How Do I Contact Sanelo Before Moving To Michigan?
You can contact Sanelo by phone or email. Feel free to consult your moving situation and find detailed information that you need. It is crucial to contact us about three or two months before your moving date so we can prepare the slot and essentials to ship your packages.
To find out more about moving to the cold cities in the States, you can check the following articles.
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