[NV4X4GAL]

My family is thinking of relocating to Michigan. I have lived in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, so I am famiar with the midwest weather. My mother just relocate to the Ann Arbor area, but we aren't sure if that's where we will end up. I have visited Kalamazoo and Portage and it seemed like a nice area. Where would you recommend living?

We are employed in the social work field.
Reasonable housing prices are important.
Good schools are important. Living near a college would be nice, but not necessary.
We like to camp and off-road. That is how we will spend much of our leisure time.
Good healthcare if very important to us.
We like the idea of possibly living in or near the woods.
We are willing to drive to go to the big shopping destinations.
We are familiar with the cold winters and hot humid summers.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[Michigansnowflake]

Surround yourself with beauty and water and woods, try Charlevoix! lol!

[cardwellave]

The most successful areas right now are Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Ann Arbor. That's where the most development is, at least for now, and where it is more likely you will find a job. Please, find a secure job before you move here.

Detroit is probably a little too developed for you, but there are some nice rural suburbs.

If you can find work there, there are some very wooded areas in Michigan of course! Someone mentioned Charlevoix. Nice place. Also Alpena, Harbor Springs, and the UP has lots of wilderness. Marquette is a college town since you mentioned it. The biggest city in the UP but it is still pretty small townish . Houghton also has a college, Michigan Tech. Kalamazoo in the lower peninsula is a college town, along with Ann Arbor, East Lansing, and several more.

[GlassPipe]

If you want reasonable home prices and still be around the outdoor type stuff, look into the Northern Lower Peninsula. County jobs are pretty stable up there. My mother in law works for the court system. Good health care, mediocre pay, but they live well.

Good luck!

[princesspeanut76]

I am also looking to relocate to Michigan. I currently live in Arizona and was raised in Northern California. I lived for 1 1/2 years in Pittsburgh, PA but it was a very mild winter. I am not use to winters at all as they are pretty non-existent here in Arizona. It may get a little chilly, but that is about it and that doesn't happen until the latter part of Jan. Even through December it is 60 degrees. I am a single mother, with two daughters 3 and 4. I also have a disability and walk with a cane and unable to walk very well. Where would be a good place to look to live? Any suggestions would be very appreciated. Thank you, Jill

[tym2retyr]

Traverse City is a great place to live as well as Charlevoix. Yeah we have some winters here that can be tougher than others but I like them all. The pace is slower up here, and that is the main thing I love so much. I love the outdoors and I don't have to drive three hours to enjoy any part of it. I just walk out my back door and its right there in front of me.

[kimba01]

Great to hear of all the people coming to MI!!! Welcome! It is a great state!

[mofromcheboygankalamazoo]

Originally Posted by NV4X4GAL

My family is thinking of relocating to Michigan. I have lived in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, so I am famiar with the midwest weather. My mother just relocate to the Ann Arbor area, but we aren't sure if that's where we will end up. I have visited Kalamazoo and Portage and it seemed like a nice area. Where would you recommend living?

We are employed in the social work field.
Reasonable housing prices are important.
Good schools are important. Living near a college would be nice, but not necessary.
We like to camp and off-road. That is how we will spend much of our leisure time.
Good healthcare if very important to us.
We like the idea of possibly living in or near the woods.
We are willing to drive to go to the big shopping destinations.
We are familiar with the cold winters and hot humid summers.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

welcome
looking at what you are looking for sure i'd recommend the northern lower as i am biased...BUT if you want to still be relatively close to your mother and still have some good opportunities i'd stick somewhere near kalamazoo-plainwell is a small town just north of kalamazoo that would give you many outdoor opportunities but place you relatively close to kzoo and grand rapids-check out the surrounding areas of kzoo
but if you fall in love with thenorthern lower then by all means move there!

[Iggs]

Wow we have lived in almost the same states. I grew up In MI, lived in Chicago and burbs and am now in Valparaiso, IN. My husband is up for a transfer and waiting to hear exactly where. It could be Ohio, Ft. Wayne or MI. It seems like Grand Rapids is thriving and offers a lot. I really liked growing up in Midland but sometimes I felt my parents were in the minority who DIDN'T work for Dow. Best of luck wherever you end up. MI is a great state and would be happy to move back there! : )

[MICoastieMom]

NV4X4GAL! How ya doing, darlin'? It's me, we talk on MyCG! Small world, huh? Funny you should show up today. I have been having the nicest conversation with a young Michigan gal who is considering a military career. Perhaps you could help me persuade her to check out the CG since my knowledge is second hand, I'm only a mom, after all! LOL