With thousands of lakes, national parks, and lush forests, Michigan is a picture-perfect destination for both vacationers and its approximately 10 million full-time residents. Whether seeking an idyllic beach, a museum, or a small town to explore, there are plenty of ways to spend your free time in the Great Lakes State. Michigan is also a haven for sports enthusiasts — both professional and college level. Ann Arbor’s Michigan Stadium, nicknamed The Big House, is the largest athletic venue in the country and the third largest in the world, hosting many football, soccer, and hockey games.
And while traditionally, the manufacturing industry has been a leading employer in the state (General Motors and Ford Motor Company are both headquartered here), the technology and health care sectors, as well as financial services, have also been contributing to the state’s economy, attracting highly skilled workers.
So, if you're considering a move to the Great Lakes State, continue reading for the 10 best places to live in Michigan, according to local real estate experts.
Ann Arbor
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"Inclusivity and diversity are hallmarks of Ann Arbor," said Nancy Bowerbank, general manager and associate broker at Reinhart Realtors. This college city, west of Detroit, has an emerging culinary scene, a vibrant artist community, excellent Health care, and many parks and hiking trails. But access to quality Education is what really sets it apart. According to a report by WalletHub, Ann Arbor is the most educated city in America, with the highest percentage of bachelor's degree holders — 77.5 percent.
"There are some great neighborhoods at almost every price point. A few of them, including Burns Park, Ann Arbor Hills, Water Hill, and the Old West Side, are walkable to campus and downtown," Bowerbank explained. And here, median home prices are $479,805.
Bellaire
Pure Michigan
This idyllic northern Michigan village in Antrim County is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. It's home to seven golf courses and Shanty Creek Resorts, the region's most popular ski resort.
"We're fortunate to have almost 65 miles of waterways. Antrim County alone has 24 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, we have 45 inland lakes as well as roughly 44,000 acres of state land," said Stephanie Koppe, longtime Bellaire resident and broker for Real Estate One. Bellaire is the perfect option for retirees and those looking for a home with resort-style amenities.
Koppe explained that the village has many unique home styles, especially around Shanty Creek Resorts. "Schuss Mountain, for instance, has Swiss-style chalet homes that were built in the 1980s, while Hawk's Eye has homes with 2,000 square feet on the main floor, plus two or three stories with scenic views. We're also seeing a great deal of new construction go up throughout the area," she added.
Detroit
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Sitting on the Detroit River on the border with Canada, Detroit is the largest city in Michigan. Hannah Hoppough, a realtor at @properties Christie's International Real Estate, explained that people are drawn to Motor City for its quality of life that comes at a fraction of that in similar-sized cities. The city's culinary and entertainment scenes have flourished in recent years, and it's on track to have its lowest violent crime rate in more than six decades.
"Detroit has seen a rapid iNFLux of buyers from other cities moving for a much more affordable urban and vibrant Lifestyle," Hoppough added. Luxury buyers are flocking to the city, transforming it into one of the mostemerging markets in the country.
"Take a look at popular Brush Park, once filled with hundreds of 19th-century brick Victorian and Italianate homes. Some [of these properties] still exist and are situated between several blocks of new construction townhomes and dining and nightlife hot spots," Hoppough noted.
Grand Haven
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Zillow estimates the median home price in this Lake Michigan city is $342,638, a much more affordable figure than other lakeside communities. Grand Haven also has one of the best beaches in the country.
"Every season is filled with breathtaking beauty — the quiet of a new snow in winter, the abundance of wildflowers in spring, lake living in summer, and the vivid colors of fall have created this picturesque place to live and play," said Melissa Lundeberg, a realtor at Greenridge Realty.
Prospective homebuyers might be interested in Spring Lake, a community with a "lovely mix of history and history in the making," according to Lundeberg, thanks to recent investments in developing green spaces and small businesses.
Holland
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This charming town on Lake Macatawa's shore has a rich Dutch heritage and a main drag lined with boutiques, art galleries, and eateries.
"Holland offers a blend of small-town charm with year-round natural beauty. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from tulips to art to music," said Jill Beekman, a realtor with Greenridge Realty. The town's proximity to Grand Rapids and Chicago also makes it a perfect home base for remote city workers. And its real estate market reflects its growing popularity among new residents.
"The Holland market is currently very strong," Beekman explained. "The median home price in Holland was $387,336 in September 2023, up 15.01 percent from last year, according to Michigan Realtors. Homes are selling quickly, with an average time on the market of just 28 days."
She added that some of the most sought-after properties have lake views that "enhance any residence and lifestyle."
Birmingham
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This city north of Detroit offers many family-friendly amenities — highly rated schools, diverse dining options, dozens of parks and playgrounds, theaters and galleries, and an eclectic mix of home styles to fit every preference.
"One of the most desirable neighborhoods is Quarton Lake Estates. This community provides amazing walkable schools and parks, plus larger lots for families to really enjoy their homes and entertain as much as possible," said Alex Chapman, an associate broker at @properties Christie's International Real Estate. "We have seen historic prices rise year after year as the demand to live in this amazing community is ever so strong. We are seeing 10 to 20 percent increases annually, creating amazing returns for people who have purchased just a few years ago, and this certainly will continue."
The current median sold home price in Birmingham is $600,000, according to Realtor.com.
Traverse City
Pure Michigan
The Cherry Capital of the World is also among the best places to own a lake house in the U.S. and a preferred romantic getaway in Michigan. But according to Real Estate One realtor Lexa Ferrill, Traverse City is all about community and natural beauty.
"Our area is community-focused and welcoming while also offering an arts and culture scene comparable to cities much larger in size. Outdoor activities abound, no matter the time of year. Summers are for boating, beaches, hiking, fishing, cycling, and the National Cherry Festival. Winters offer skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, sledding, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and curling," Ferrill explained.
Downtown, Front Street, and Clinch Park are some of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city, offering historic Victorian homes and easy walking access to the best restaurants and shops.
Grand Rapids
Pure Michigan
As one of Realtor.com's top housing markets for 2023, Grand Rapids offers the charm and amenities of a midsize town as well as a steady home value appreciation. At the same time, real estate prices remain affordable, with the median home value at $262,000, according to Zillow.
"Grand Rapids' Heritage Hill neighborhood is one of the largest urban historic districts in the United States. It features a large concentration of 19th- and early 20th-century homes that were built by the lumber barons, lawmakers, and founders who shaped Grand Rapids," said Wyatt Martin, a realtor at Greenridge Realty. "There are beautiful examples of Greek Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne homes that have been preserved, as well as our very own Prairie-style Frank Lloyd Wright home."
Royal Oak
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This northern suburb of Detroit offers a prime location and big-city amenities while maintaining the appeal of a small town, according to local real estate agent Samuel Kaplunov of @properties Christie's International Real Estate. According to Kaplunov, diversity — in background, age, and income — is the city's greatest strength.
"Some of the highest valued and most sought-after properties are located in neighborhoods that surround the downtown area, Vinsetta Boulevard, and the Shrine neighborhood. Many of these offer some combination of walkability to downtown and larger homes or lots, plus they provide a homeowner the ability to spend decades in one home," Kaplunov added.
The current home value in Royal Oak is about $301,000, a 6.7 percent increase since last year.
Kalamazoo
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Kalamazoo is "the perfect blend of urban community with picturesque landscapes where residents can enjoy a bustling downtown, renowned educational institutions, an abundance of recreational activities, and a flourishing art scene," said Dan Jaqua, the owner of Jaqua Realtors.
The city also affords easy access to Lake Michigan and all its recreational activities, as well as larger urban areas such as Chicago, Detroit, and Grand Rapids. Kalamazoo attracts families with its Kalamazoo Promise program, which covers up to 100 percent of college expenses for public school graduates.
Those searching for a historic home are in luck. The city's Winchell, Westnedge Hill, and Bronson Boulevard neighborhoods are full of houses with character, but those looking for modern residences will also find plenty of options.
