[Patricia King]

Originally Posted by magellan

No kidding...unless someone works for Century21 in North Carolina.

Welcome to Michigan WillyUK! I actually think you'll enjoy your time here.

Southwest Michigan is a beautiful area. I've seen some scenic areas located in the country, of Coloma, east off north M63, about 3 miles in off Lake Michigan, which are 'picture card perfect'. I took a drive thru that entire area, two days ago. Rolling hills, small curved roads, lil lakes & streams. Horses out in the field, large beautiful old farm homes. It's so beautiful, it'd make children's eyes light up. It should be suggested by one of the travel magazines, as a route to visit anytime of year, but especially at Christmas. It's simply georgous along Lil Paw Paw Lake Road, where it turns into Riverside Road, which intercects with Clymer Road.
I'd lived in SE Michigan all my life, until the auto industry started looking grim, so I moved away. ( not far). But, I have high hopes of returning to and relocating in the beautiful area of Southwest Michigan.
N. Carolina has nothing on this paticular area.

[shannonMD]

Welcome to Michigan! I moved back from Kansas about 2 months ago. The market downturn is hitting that area now, where it started here in Michigan 2 years ago. Companies are suffering the same as the automotive companies in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City Missouri. Michigan is no different than the rest, the weather and economy across the globe are impacting all states and countries.

I whole heartedly believe live where you want to live and experience the different states. I am glad I lived in Kansas for 2 years, but am so glad to be home. I worked for a major trucking company and they are feeling the pain now of the economy and its questionable whether they will make it. I just wanted to be closer to my family and it was worth the risk to come back to Michigan!

The entire country will feel the pain, Michigan is just in the peek right now and possibly won't turn around for another year.

One thing about Michigan when you do move out of state especially to somewhere like Kansas is you really miss all the beautiful seasons in Michigan. Also, I completely missed all the lakes and water we have around Michigan compared to other states.

I hope you find a great place to stay while your hear in Michigan and will stay longer than expected. Its really a great state just going through a tough time currently.

[ErikU19]

Rent. DO NOT BUY.

Enjoy your stay here, the summers are beautiful...

[Cliffie]

Originally Posted by WillyUK

My wife and I will be moving to Michigan in the August-September time frame. My office will be in Auburn Hills and we are thinking of locating in Rochester, Lake Orion, area. We are not familiar with the area and haven't done much research yet. Any advice on buying a home vs. renting. We're probably looking at around 3 years there. Income/affordability is not the problem. Any input is welcome.

It's a buyer's market, my friend. Lake Orion is OK but a little 'down at the heel' in places. Clarkston is nice, Waterford and Highland are nice, Shelby Township and Rochester are decent, lots of places in the area are pretty OK. Just depends on what you want. I would recommend calling the banks to look at their foreclosure lists. Some great places are going for a song.

My main warning to you would be about home inspectors who don't actually inspect the homes in any meaningful way. They appear to be legion in this state.