[debbys_trip]

No one has mentioned Jackson as a place to live in MI. We have lived all around Michigan in our time and so far have loved living in Jackson the best. The northwest area is still very rual with good housing but still close to town and easy to reach shopping areas. Northwest School district is smallish rural type schools, struggling with money as all public schools seem to be, but great cirriculum still with sports etc. Lots of jobs in stores/sales. Taxes not bad for country living. Myself not a city person but love the easy reach of the city. For medical people we have a small but growing hospital called Foote Hospital and loads of doctor offices advertising for help. I highly reccomend Blackman township for rual living. Plus only half hour drive to Lansing with a varity of small towns in between. Easy access to major highways for commuting for jobs also. For those that want a lot of land or just enough to feel country this is the place for you!

[ohannahbanana]

I've lived in Portage/Kalamazoo my whole life- but I'm moving to Texas this fall. I just don't handle winter driving well at all, and I like sunshine!

Portage is a great area. Lots of families, good shopping, tons of restaraunts! It's close to two main highways and Gr Rapids is only 1 1/2 hrs drive- plus Detroit and Chicago airports are easy to get to.

[Betsy2005]

Hi all:
My hubby and i are considering a move to MI. He enjoyes fishing at Lake Erie, the best. Does anyone have suggestions for a good town to be near Lake Erie? Also, i'd like to be near stores for shopping and a good community. Thanks

[msjbrent]

Oakland Co is a great place to live. It's in the Top 25 I believe for wealthiest counties in the country. Gorgeous homes, lots of nice restaurants and shops, sporting events...

Troy & Auburn Hills are my fav

[msjbrent]

Oh yeah, and anyone who has a negative oppinion about Detroit, Oakland Co looks and acts nothing like the city.

[ejbx2]

I am originally from Lansing. I have family in most of the bigger cities in Michigan. From visiting my family and living all over the state, I would recommend the Grand Rapids area. There is quit a bit to do and Lake Michigan is only a short ways. Of all of my family that still live in Michigan, the ones around the Grand Rapids area seem to be the happiest with their location.

[michiganmoon]

My favorite place in Michigan is probably Ludington. I love the small town feel, yet it does have a WalMart and a Meijer so a decent variety of groceries can be purchased. The lake is beautiful there and Ludington State Park and neighboring Nordhouse Dunes are breath taking. I love that long drive up the lake to get into the State Park. Winding trails around Hamlin Lake with all of the waterfowl. 2 pretty lighthouses, 1 you can even tour. Quite possibly the best nature in the state is there. I tend to think that Ludington is the way life should be.

[M TYPE X]

There are a lot of nice things to say about the western side of the state. Grand Rapids is my second favorite city (after Ann Arbor).

Oakland County won't be at the top of the wealth rankings anymore, if trends continue. I expect most of "Michigan's OC" to stay relatively safe from crime, but I think it is going to lose wealth and influence.

[MittenDweller82]

IF you must move to Michigan, and especially near lake Erie, you will most likely be seeking employment in the Detroit Meto or Toledo, both of which will be a struggle to do so. (If you do not have a job already)... Other than that, it is a great state for outdoor recreation, no doubt about that, just lots of struggling people in this state.

[Milabs]

I am in SW MI and love it. Small towns..simply living..farms and the Amish..doesn't get any better than this! Downtown Chicago ( Navy Pier) is exactly 2 hrs from my drivway...Ann Arbor is also 2 hrs..K zoo is just under an hour..I dont miss big city living one bit.