[Unicorn hunter]

Still researching possible retirement relocation areas. It seems like maybe Battle Creek has or is about to undergo a renaissance? Not being anywhere near Michigan, I can only research from afar and what I read in the local newspaper may or may not be biased, so reaching out to you locals.

Positives seem to be: affordability, small city size, good hospitals, lots of parks/green space
Negatives seem to be: safety, weather

Can't do much about the weather. I get that it gets cold and snows. What about crime? Is that improving? Are there areas to completely avoid? I would like to be close to the downtown area and there seem to be nice neighborhoods fairly close in.

Thoughts?

[Starrman69]

I lived in Lakeview (a neighborhood of Battle Creek) on Kensington Blvd and enjoyed to location as it was close to Meijer (IMHO the best grocery store and dry goods w/o being a Walmart)...there is the West Columbia Theaters if you like going out for movies....

[Starrman69]

As I tell folks that want to move to Florida; "Rent!" If you don't like the area you can move to another area. Same for BC, there are rentals available. Get into the area and find out what areas that you like and check out what's available for living space...I am surprised that no one from the BC area hasn't already spoken up over their favorite living area/activity in the Cereal City....

[Unicorn hunter]

Thanks for the responses...hope to see more! The issue with renting first is I have a dog and 3 cats.....makes it harder to rent, but I do understand what you are saying.....my biggest issue would be crime....but seems to be fairly safe.