[Grew up in Grand Rapids]

I cannot believe if home prices crash in Michigan further, particularly in
the Grand Rapids area, that there will not be a deluge of returning retired
baby boomers. They will not need a job. They may want to flee the places
they went to as young adults, but now may feel a wave of nostalgia for
the physical attributes of the places like Grand Haven. Conditions on the
coasts have largely deteriorated. Too many people. Why not pull up stakes,
do a reverse migration and trade a west coast home for a cheaper one to
stretch retirement dollars. There may be no growth spots left in this over
indebted economy anyway, why not just go back to your roots, especially
if you could get a bargain on a home.

[magellan]

I wouldn't say housing in West Michigan is "crashing", but your idea is a great one! I'd say in the desirable areas prices are only off maybe 10% max. Especially if you are talking about retiring in the Holland or Grand Haven area. Holland was named a top area for retirees not that long ago.

Michigan Retirement - Michigan, USA
Retirement Living - Best Places to Retire 2006 from Money Magazine

[conovercourt]

I graduated from Michigan State in 1979. This is one sunbelt Baby Boomer who is thinking of doing a reverse migration in a few years.

I think I can deal with the cold, but the endless gray skies of winter give me cause to pause!

[Northman]

I came back last June after living in the south for 27 years. Best thing I ever did.........they say you can't go back - but THEY are wrong! I got so sick of living in places that were devoured by transplants. They had no sense of community, no soul.......Michigan is the real deal for me.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by conovercourt

I graduated from Michigan State in 1979. This is one sunbelt Baby Boomer who is thinking of doing a reverse migration in a few years.

I think I can deal with the cold, but the endless gray skies of winter give me cause to pause!

That's me. I can deal with a few cold days -- not too many but I have to see blue skies and the sun pretty often.

How many retirees will trade turquoise skies and lots of sun to move back when they've become accustomed to living away?

Some will. I don't know how many though -- if parts of Michigan can become like parts of Florida or Arizona in attracting large numbers of retirees. I can see the summer residents though since Michigan summers are wonderful -- better than summers in many other places.

[suydam]

I'm sure a fair number will come.
It was only 18 months ago that Holland was named to Money Magazine's list of the best places to retire.
Money Magazine: Best places to retire 2006: Holland, MI snapshot

Truth is, even for job seekers in the right industries, West Michigan isn't a bad place right now.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by suydam

I'm sure a fair number will come.
It was only 18 months ago that Holland was named to Money Magazine's list of the best places to retire.
Money Magazine: Best places to retire 2006: Holland, MI snapshot

Truth is, even for job seekers in the right industries, West Michigan isn't a bad place right now.

One thing for sure -- Michigan has many lakes and for many people, retiring on or near a lake would be appealing.