You have probably heard about the surreal hospitality, self-sufficient locals, and mesmerizing beauty driving the wonderful state of Michigan.
While life in the Great Lake State certainly has its unique adventures and many attractions, it’s not perfect—the blizzards tell good tales about that.
The thousands of annual tourists visiting the state might have only positive words about life here, but speaking with any one of the 10+ million residents could uncover some dark patches you never knew.
So, it’s time for some honest facts. Let’s highlight the pros and cons of living in Michigan and what life here really feels like!
Pros of Living in Michigan
Is Michigan a good place to live? Of course, yes! But what truly makes it a plus for families, individuals, the working class, and retirees?
Here are some of the best things to expect from life in Michigan.
Low cost of living: Let your dollar stretch
The first thing that will surprise you and really spark a good life in Michigan is its low living costs!
Life here is 4% more affordable than in other states. While things like food, healthcare, and transportation will make you doubt this affordability because of the high fees, the housing market is the standout.
Owning a home here is relatively easy and much less of a strain on the pocket. Don’t let Detroit rent bills or Ann Arbor’s utility expenses fool you; other larger cities like Grand Rapids offer luxury for a penny.
- Average House Rent: $1,400
- Median Home Value: $250,534
- 1-year Value Change: +5.1%
Picture perfect natural beauty
You can’t miss it, even if you try.
It’s hard not to come across at least one of the five Great Lakes, the breathtaking coastlines, sandy beaches, and 100+ serene state parks.
Let’s even try to forget the state’s biggest attractions — the Great Lakes — there’s a whole lot of other natural beauty to explore.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Eben Ice Caves, Canyon Falls and Gorge — the list could go on and on.
Basically, it’s an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise!
A never-ending recreational adventure
When you’re done taking those photos of the summer sun smiting the lakes or admiring miles of stunning coastline, get ready to have some fun.
There’s so much to do while in Michigan! If you’re not skiing on Mt. Holiday in the winter or paddle boarding on Lake Huron, then the long trails of Iron Belle would surely make a nice call for your hiking boots.
Just when you think you’ve had enough adventure boating and fishing on the lakes, the state’s sports scene hits you with its NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB pro teams and ever-devoted fans.
If that’s not enough, here are a few other activities to get involved in while in Michigan:
- Explore the SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium
- Drive over sand Dunes in an ORV in Silver Lake State Park
- Kayak in the Detroit Canals
- Go through the tunnels at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons
Prestigious educational opportunities
The University of Michigan and Michigan State University are some of the state’s best and most highly regarded in the country.
While the state’s educational excellence doesn’t get the highest praise it deserves, it truly is a master when it comes to diverse programs. Residents in the state are privy to the finest research institutes and quality education at both the K-12 and university levels.
For families with kids or young adults hoping to get back into school, Michigan’s academic excellence will surely have you beating your chest like a proud father.
Rich culture and elite craft beer scene
Why move to Michigan? If nothing else lures you into one of the large metro areas, the cultural heritage will!
From Detroit’s music legacy to its history of manufacturing and innovation in the automotive space and its unique artsy communities, you’ll fall in love from the get go.
Then, you flip your gaze to the breweries and wineries; it’s even much better!
Home to over 350 breweries and 150+ wineries, your taste buds are in for a treat. From Red velvet pours to chilled white wines and satisfying sours, there’s simply no reason to go thirsty while living in Michigan.
Feel the full four seasons’ effect
The pros and cons of living in Michigan won’t be complete without first stating just how good it feels to experience all four distinct seasons in a state where your pocket doesn’t need to run deep.
Each season comes with its unique feel and communal festivity that makes enjoying it much better.
Autumn foliage is a beauty to behold; summer’s warmth can be blissful; spring’s bloom is serene; winter’s cold brings out the snowboards and ski goggles.
Average Seasonal Temperature
- Spring — High of 70°, Low of 24.8°
- Summer — High of 75°, Low of 57°
- Fall — High of 70.9°, Low of 31.9°
- Winter — High of 28.3°, Low of -20.2°
Cons of Living in Michigan
As earlier stated, the Great Lake State isn’t perfect — it has its flaws. So, what are some of those things that might make moving to Michigan a not-so-good idea?
Road infrastructure is terrible: Believe it
Is it poor maintenance or the extreme weather conditions… which is precisely to blame for the terrible roads in Michigan?
It feels like there’s always construction going on the roads that never lead to anything worthwhile. As a driver in the state, you’ll quickly find yourself moving over potholes or falling concrete more often than you could imagine — it’s that bad.
Of course, there are good roads, especially in the large metros, but not as many as those in poor or fair conditions.
What’s worse is that when you decide not to drive, you discover the public transport system is also a challenge in most areas outside the major cities. Even in the larger metro areas, your options are pretty much limited.
Brutal weather conditions
Yes, the four distinct seasons are great and come with their own unique activities. But then, when the adrenaline rush fades, what’s left is the harsh and long weather, especially in winter.
Among the pros and cons of living in Michigan, the winter season is the worst! It’s long and harsh, coupled with some limb-numbing experience. Blizzards and icy roads are frequent daily disruptors and pose serious safety risks.
Then, there’s summer! Winter gets all the press, but those warm, humid months would get you begging for milder climates. Sometimes, it might feel like you got into a sauna, sparking health concerns, especially with mold growth.
Becoming food for mosquitoes
The bugs! You can’t even escape them once it’s their season.
Just when you thought you could enjoy the many sunny adventures or the warmth of summer, maybe not the extreme part, mosquitoes would turn your flesh into an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Just prepare for it. Depending on how close your residence is to the lakes, your experience with the bugs might not be as harsh, but it can be unbearable.
The money takers: Tuition and taxes
Remember the really good educational system in Michigan? You’re going to pay heavily for it.
Education isn’t cheap in the U.S. to begin with, but Michigan takes it to another level compared to other states. The average tuition cost edges over $6,500 annually, with some major institutions charging almost double.
Then, you’ll face taxes on income, sales, and property! These rates are a bit high in the state, and considering the job market isn’t the most diverse and welcoming in Michigan, it makes living here slightly challenging.
- Median Household Income: $68,505
- Income Tax Rate: 4.25%
- Sale Tax Rate: 6%
- Property Tax Rate: 1.64%
Final Take: Pros and Cons of Living in Michigan
It’s never going to be all rosy in Michigan. The harsh weather will test your resilience, the poor infrastructure will check your patience, and most of all, your income will feel the heat of taxes.
However, the low living costs, numerous outdoor activities, educational excellence, and natural beauty will balance the scales.
So, weigh the pros and cons of living in Michigan. If the cons are issues you can deal with, then the Great Lake State is the perfect place for you.
