[EssAndDee]

My spouse is doing some contract work in Midland for the summer. We're both born and raised Michiganders but don't really know too much about the town, really. And we've been in the metro Detroit area for over 5 years so I'm afraid of a bit of culture shock. I'd love some advice on areas to focus on for:

-housing: we do get placement but I'd like to have some idea/input on where we end up. We have a dog which may or may not be a problem, but what neighborhoods generally are considered safe/desirable? No kids, if that matters. We don't need to live right in town.

-food/drinks: is it all chain restaurants out there, or are there some notable local places? I've been to Genji in Saginaw and thought it was decent, but I like to eat out every now and again and check out the local scene. Does one exist in Midland? And what about the bar scene - not looking for Bay City by any means!

-grocery: any farmer's markets or roadside stands?

-must-sees, must-dos: I've already heard about the baseball park, so we're excited to check that out. And then the gardens, right? But is there anything else?

Thanks!

[Brent85]

I live in Midland so I'll try to help you. The city has some great tree lined neighborhoods. The one by the new dow diamond is older and run down, but currently houses are being demolished there. Townhomes will take there places. The area by the mall is growing. Eastman and Saginaw Roads are the main roads. Midland overall is safe, you can tell just by looking at the stats. Bankrobberys have picked up, but all over Michigan they have also.

Personally I like the neighborhoods by the mall area. Going north on Eastman, there's Eastman party store. After that, left and right, off of Eastman take a drive in that area. It's mostly chain restaurants, expect for downtown Midland(try Molly's). Also there's two local chinesse places, Pi's and China palace, which are good. Downtown by the river, there's a farmers market on Saturdays. Loons games are very fun, especially on the weekends when it's packed. By the tridge off of M-20, there is a new dog park. Concerts are there in the summer. If you like biking, walking, etc., check out the rail trail which travels through Midland county, starting in downtown.

[Driller1]

I live about 35 miles north of Midland. Do most of my shopping there. You will love it!! It has not been hit as hard as some areas of Michigan with the economic downturn. If you find a place with a well, and need help, I will help you as must as I can on the forum.

[Rapunzll]

I've worked occasionally in Midland on weekends, and that farmers market in the downtown area is a really good one! There is a couple there who sell really great cinnamon buns and the maple sugar candy at another stand is very reasonably priced.

[tomnsara]

Midland is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. We love it!!! The town is just the right size, plenty of things to do in and around the town. Many nice neighborhoods, schools are all pretty good too. Many chain places to eat: Applebee's, Damon's, Ruby Tuesday's, Logan's Road House, and Bennigans to name a few. Saginaw is just a short 30 minute drive, they have some other places like an Olive Garden. The two Chinese places that are really good are Pi's and China Palace. One really good Mexican place Los Quatros Amigos and also a Pizza Hut Bistro which is neat, better than the regular Pizza Hut. Downtown has some nice little places to eat too. There are great parks in the area - and I suggest a drive up north on a weekend as you can, lots to see and do and worth the drive. And you have to try Great Lakes Ice Cream parlor it's the best. The owner spent 3 years studying ice cream and how to make it etc. all his flavors are just awesome!!! Enjoy your summer there, you'll have a great time.

[EssAndDee]

Thanks, all! I am now craving both cinnamon buns and ice cream

[EssAndDee]

Still working on housing...may have the option to look at some homes for rent instead of apartments, which would be nice since we have the dog.

Any particular neighborhoods/blocks/streets in the downtown area that we'd want to avoid?

[100%Michigan]

I never been to Midland, but heard it was nice. I will have to consider visiting it sometime.

[jrmontag]

Originally Posted by EssAndDee

Any particular neighborhoods/blocks/streets in the downtown area that we'd want to avoid?

Nope.

.

[wanderer74]

Originally Posted by EssAndDee

Still working on housing...may have the option to look at some homes for rent instead of apartments, which would be nice since we have the dog.

Any particular neighborhoods/blocks/streets in the downtown area that we'd want to avoid?

In general, avoid the area around Grove Park. It's close to downtown and there's often a lot of rental housing available there. As far as Midland goes, that's one of the areas that's highest in crime. Although Midland crime in any neighborhood is still minimal compared to places like Saginaw, there IS some crime in Midland that gets covered up. A lot of people believe there's no crime at all in Midland (and the city encourages that perception) but there still is some and it's important to be cautious.

If you have questions about specific streets, feel free to PM me.