Best Places to Live in Michigan

Searching for the best cities in Michigan? Check out these seven great places to live in Michigan!

Looking to move to the mitten state? Well, you have come to the perfect place. Michigan has a population of 10.05 million and is known to be the 10th largest state by population. Due to this state being so large, it is known that you can show someone precisely where you live by using the palm of your hand since the state looks like a mitten.

This large state offers its residents a variety of places to live; whether it be near the sandy shorelines or the busy city life, it has it all. No matter where you choose to locate, you will be able to experience the amazing outdoor explorations and the beauty of this state. Michigan has it all, whether it be all of the fantastic recreation, different locations, excellent education, and many more things.

So if moving to Michigan sounds like something you are interested in, you are in the correct place. Moving somewhere can be stressful since there are many things to consider, especially where you want to locate yourself. Thankfully, our team has created this moving guide that includes some of the best places to live in Michigan so you can make your decision more accessible than before.

Here are the 7 best places to live in Michigan.

Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a city west of Detriot, in the Midwestern state of Michigan. This city is home to the famous University of Michigan and its globally inspired-cultural offerings. Ann Arbor has many things, whether it be the bustling university town, culinary hotspot, and a tech hub with a walkable downtown that includes world-class arts and culture.

Ann Arbor is in Washtenaw County and is one of Michigan's best places to live. Living here, the residents will experience an urban-suburban mixed feel while most of the residents will rent their homes. Ann Arbor is known for its openness and acceptance of people from all different backgrounds. However, the average home price in February 2023 was listed at about $499,000, which is higher than the national average. But, on the other hand, this fantastic city provides its residents with a place that they will love to call their home!

Local Favorites:

• Red Hark Bar and Grill: Locally minded joint for causal dining, microbrews, and cocktail in an open, airy brick interior. 
• HopCat: Woodwork-filled brew pub with a massive beer list offering creative pub fare and brunch items.
• Gallup Park: A 69-acre park with a walkway and bridges, playground, picnic sites, and canoeing/kayaking areas.

Okemos

Okemos is a suburb of Lansing with a population of 25,179 residents. It is located in Ingham County and is one of the best places to live here. Living here, the residents will experience a dense suburban feel while most of its residents own their homes. From its charming downtown area to its top-notch schools and vibrant parks, this town has a lot to offer everyone.

This area is located near the campus of Michigan State University and offers its residents many different restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. However, many young people do live in this area due to its location near the school. On the plus side, the cost of living here is lower than the national average, which people always consider when moving to a new place. You can not miss out on all the fun things to do here and experience the excellent education it offers!

Local Favorites:

• Red Haven Farm to Table Restaurant: Sleek restaurant with reclaimed-wood fixtures and a menu of New American small plates.
• Dusty's Tap Room: A laid-back tavern serving burgers, other classic American bar bites, and draft beer and wine.
• Hartrick Park: A 31-acre park of land that offers its residents sports fields, natural trails, pathways, ponds, and so much more.

East Grand Rapids

East Grand Rapids is a city in Kent County with a total population of 11,389. Living in this city, you will experience a rural feel, and it is known for its well-developed walking trails along the lake. The median home value price here is about $409,200, which is higher than the national average. However, it is ranked number 4 for Best Places to Buy a House in Michigan.

This vibrant area is northeast of Grand Rapids and features several enjoyable sights like the Gaslight Village and Reeds Lake, perfect for relaxation and a unique atmosphere. East Grand Rapids is also known as one of the wealthiest cities in Michigan and the United States since a typical household earns over $118,00 a year while the national household income is about $55,322. This city has some of the best schools, high-paying jobs, and low crime rates, so if you are looking for a place with a high quality of life, this is perfect for you!

Local Favorites:

• Rose's: A historic restaurant spot with a lakeside view that offers Mediterranean, Italian, and causal American eats.
• Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen: A causal, brick-clad stop with a patio offering Southern-style oysters, fried chicken, and cocktails.
• John Collins Park: A park that offers a boat launch, boathouse, fishing dock, lakes, picnic areas, and walking paths.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a northern suburb outside Detriot that is located in Oakland County. The total population of this area is about 20,103 residents. Birmingham is primarily known for its lively, pedestrian-friendly downtown area, offering one of the midwest's premiere shopping districts. This district offers almost 300 different retailed with a diverse assortment of shops, restaurants, spas, and more.

Birmingham offers its residents a dense suburban feel with a median home value price of $580,200, which is higher than the national average. However, the public school system is known to be highly rated. Overall, Birmingham is known to be number 12 of the best places to live in Michigan, so if you are looking for somewhere that has an excellent education, a diverse community, and low crime rates, then this place may be for you.

Local Favorites:

• Townhouse: An American restaurant that offers burgers, creative New American comfort dishes, and craft cocktails stars at this happening bistro.
• Streetside Seafood: A seafood restaurant offers an intimate 55-seat restaurant with a small menu of reinvented traditional seafood dishes.
• Booth Park: A recreation space with a castle-like play structure for kids, an artificial turf hill, and a trail to enjoy with friends and family.

Troy

Troy is a city in Oakland County with a population of 87,294 residents. Troy is the most populous city in the county and is the 13th most populous municipality in the state. This city is a northern suburb of Metro Detriot, located about 16 miles northwest of downtown Detriot. Troy is mainly known for it is the home of the Somerset Collection Mall, which features a skywalk and over 180 stores! 

Troy is ranked to be the number one best place to live in the Detroit area and is ranked highly on public schools, housing, crime, and diversity. The median home value price here is about $335,000, just a little above the national average price. If you are looking for a place to live where you can feel safe as a family while being near it all, this is the perfect location for you.

Local Favorites:

• Kona Grill: This American restaurant is a sleek chain with a broad New American many, including low-calorie options, sushi, and cocktails.
• Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill: A comfortable, lodge-like chain with an extensive menu of steaks and seafood and an innovative wine list.
• Raintree Park: A mixture of open and wooded spaces with an 18-hole disc golf course, sporting fields, and walking paths.

Northville

Northville is a city in Oakland and Wayne counties with a population of 6,119. This city is a suburb of Metro Detriot, located about 11 miles west of the city of Detriot and 17 miles northeast of Ann Arbor. Living in Northville offers its residents a dense suburban feel, and many retirees like to settle down here. This city is very small, which can either be a pro or con for you, but thankfully, even though it is small, it does have a lot to offer its residents. Northville truly has something for everyone; whether it be low crime rates, low cost of living, or great education, it can be a perfect place for you.

The median home value price here is about $374,407, which is a little higher than the national average but does offer its residents amazing public education and housing. On the other hand, Northville is ranked to be the number 1 best place to raise a family in Wayne county. If you are looking for a place to call your forever home, then this city may be for you.

Local Favorites:

• Lucy and the Wolf: brick and wood-accented bistro offering a globe-spanning menu, plus happy hour and desserts.
• Table 5: A cozy New American eatery and bar in an 1867 building with an eclectic wine list and outdoor seating.
• Millennium Park: A park that offers athletic fields, two playgrounds, and picnic pavilions with draws on a 34-acre park to enjoy with friends and family.

Rochester

Rochester is a city in Oakland County with a population of 12,711 residents. It is a northern suburb in Metro Detroit located 20 miles North of the city. This city is home to more than 350 shops, salons, restaurants, and professional service businesses. The natural beauty here is from the waterways surrounding the city with abundant green space and parks. This city is a perfect mix of historic and hip and attracts local residents to its downtown area, which you should not miss out on.

Rochester is ranked number 16 in Best Places to Raise a Family in the Detriot Area and has a median home value price of about $393,700, a little over the national average. This beautiful city has plenty of things that will keep its residents happy. If you are looking for somewhere to move to where you can feel happy and safe, then Rochester may be perfect for you.

Local Favorites:

• Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Rochester: A coffee shop that offers espresso, house-roasted coffee, and pastries served in a bohemian space with artwork.
• The Meeting House: A compact restaurant featuring New American dishes and unique cocktails, set against warmly chic decor.
• Rochester Municipal Park: Park with a winding creek, pond, a mile of paved walkways, and courts for tennis and volleyball.

Moving to Michigan - The Bottom Line

Michigan is home to many beautiful and diverse communities that fit any lifestyle you are looking for. This state offers its residents a beautiful outdoor environment, low cost of living, friendly residents, and so much more, so if you are considering a move to Michigan, you have many great options to choose from.

Michigan has the 13th largest economy, with the University of Michigan, the fourth-best public university, and many good-paying jobs throughout the large state. No matter what location you choose, you will enjoy all the opportunities it offers its residents throughout the state, which you should take advantage of. Finding the perfect place to locate you or your family can be difficult, but hopefully, this guide helped you determine whether or not Michigan is for you and exactly where you would fit in perfectly.

If you or anyone you know is interested in searching for homes for sale in Michigan, please get in touch with us here so we can connect you with one of our Realty Specialists to help make this transition for you go smoothly. No matter the location, price, or preferences, we are here to help you through every step of the home-buying process to ensure we can find the perfect home for you that meets your needs and lifestyle perfectly. Please feel free to contact us here today for any questions or help, and also check out our other local guides, like moving to Michigan and the cost of living in Michigan.