[AngelfaceAZ]

Ok, so I hate snow, and ice....and freezing rain. Dealing with any of them is quite low on my list of "favorites"....however, there is still something very alluring about West Michigan and there is more to it than just being "home".

There are times, (even in the middle of your worst snow storms) where I find myself missing it. the snow is a pain to deal with, but it is beautiful. In fact some of the most beautiful things I've ever seen have been in Michigan. Don't get me wrong, here in AZ we have the Grand Canyon which still blows my mind when I see it, and the desert is lovely, especially when everything is blooming....but nostalgia can be a very strong thing and the very abscence of water out here makes it diffcult to feel like home sometimes.

Now that we have a daughter I find myself missing the family friendly aspect of West Michigan too. Phoenix is not exactly the place I envisioned raising a family. I would much rather do it in Hudsonville, where my daughter could run around in a HUGE back yard and not burn her feet on the sidewalk. (did you know that the average lot size in phx is like 7,000sf?...no joke).

People can say what they want to about the East side of Michigan but I really don't think there is any kind of comparison between West Michigan and, well...Detroit. It is a shame that people (from out of state) don't really get exposed to much more than Detroit. It is certainly not the measuring stick for the entire state. Although, if every one knew how great the rest of Michigan was it would probably get over populated quite quickly...Ottawa County already is .

If EVER I can convince hubby to leave Phoenix (and the economy actually improves in Michigan) I would move back in a heart beat! Snow, ice, and sleep be darned, I'd come home...even from the warmth of the Southwest!

[Bydand]

I think it is a combination of many different things. The beaches, the lakes, the people, how family oriented the West side is. How you can be yourself and as long as you are trying, nobody cares if you are driving a new Volvo or a clapped out 69' beetle. The slower pace of life in general is hard to forget or overlook. Personally for me it comes down to the Lake. Awesome in a storm, beautiful sunsets, gentle and soothing rhythm on a hot summers day.

I have lived all over as well. I was born in Ludington, and spent many, many long summer days on the beach and many long winter days enjoying the snow. Now that I have kids of my own, I know that there is no place I would rather raise them than West Michigan. That is why in June we will be back in the Ludington area for good. NEVER to leave again. I plan on spending the remainder of my days in West Michigan.

[Coldjensens]

If you and a few million others would move back and bring some money with you, then the economy would get better.

[Bydand]

We plan on doing our part for sure! Home has always been West Michigan, no matter where my mail was being delivered.

[Michigansnowflake]

Originally Posted by Bydand

I think it is a combination of many different things. The beaches, the lakes, the people, how family oriented the West side is. How you can be yourself and as long as you are trying, nobody cares if you are driving a new Volvo or a clapped out 69' beetle. The slower pace of life in general is hard to forget or overlook. Personally for me it comes down to the Lake. Awesome in a storm, beautiful sunsets, gentle and soothing rhythm on a hot summers day.

I have lived all over as well. I was born in Ludington, and spent many, many long summer days on the beach and many long winter days enjoying the snow. Now that I have kids of my own, I know that there is no place I would rather raise them than West Michigan. That is why in June we will be back in the Ludington area for good. NEVER to leave again. I plan on spending the remainder of my days in West Michigan.

Amen, me too

[actinic]

Count me in as another who is 'coming home'. Chicago native here who has spent every summer at my folk's cottage in Pentwater with remembrances of golden sunsets walking the beach, boating, skiing, storm watching.

After 30 years in Arizona (Tucson) the time has come. I'll be relocating to Grand Rapids with affordable housing being a nice bonus. From there just a 90 minute drive to the cottage dreaming about taking it on one of those magnificent crystal clear fall days in the late afternoon.

Can't wait! I plan to spend the rest of my life in Michgan.

[bleppard]

I'm doing a 3 year "tour" for my company out on the east coast, and then I'm back for good. SW Michigan has the best quality of life in the US hands down. I've lived all over and if more people knew how good SW Mich is, it would be crawling with them.

[deslok]

Just depends on what you want out of life. I'd rather be someplace warm year around. The whole down home, doesn't matter what you drive atmosphere hasn't attracted young people for some time. There is a reason for that.
Personally I find the beaches very attractive, and the people in the area not so much. Just my two cents.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by deslok

Just depends on what you want out of life. I'd rather be someplace warm year around. The whole down home, doesn't matter what you drive atmosphere hasn't attracted young people for some time. There is a reason for that.
Personally I find the beaches very attractive, and the people in the area not so much. Just my two cents.

Well actually, West Michigan is drawing young people. GVSU, Kendall College, Calvin and the other smaller universities in West Michigan all are seeing record enrollment. GVSU's enrollment is nearly double what it was 10 years ago, and almost 24,000 students now. But with 10,000 or so college students graduating every year, it's hard to keep them all in this area, even though many would like to stay. I have neighbors who both work at GVSU, and tell me that many grads would love to stay in the area if they can find a job.

Several developers are building projects downtown specifically geared toward college students and young professionals, and are selling/renting very well. One developer has had 200 closings this past year alone on two of his loft condo projects (Union Square and the Boardwalk), even while the rest of the market was slow. And a loft conversion "student rental" project on the Southern edge of downtown is nearly sold out six months after opening.

And many people that move away look at moving back once they have kids and are starting a family.

(And before anyone jumps on me for claiming it's a "boomtown", when it's not, re-read my post again). Thanks.

[deslok]

I meant young working professionals not students in my post. Agreed it is a fact college enrollments are up.