[ssull]

I've visited the Midland area many, many times over the past 5 years and as towns go, it's right up our alley. I think it's a beautiful state in the summertime, even though my experience with various parts of the state are limited.

However, it's always been said that Michigan was dying and employment and real estate have been on a downswing for years.

Add to this I'm a southern girl and have lived in the North for 18 yrs. Longing to go south again, honestly.

But wouldn't you know, my husband is interviewing for a sales position in Michigan next week

So tell me: Why would we *want* to live in Michigan and where are some good areas? We are older working folks, I'm self employed and can work anywhere from home. We have grandbabies who will eventually visit (they are in Ohio) but no kids at home. We enjoy outdoor activities and are in good health.

And quickly browsing a few real estate listings (I used 25 mile perimeter of Ann Arbor as criteria--DH will be managing a sales territory if he takes this job so we can likely pick any central area to live) and it seems to me we can get a pretty nice house for the price range (we're downsizing a bit I think) of $225,000 to $250,000.

[nessatar]

Ann Arbor is a very nice city. If you want something a little less urban, try Saline. It's adorable imo. You can get something there in your price range.

[nicktMI]

That 250k will be worth 175k by years end. Watch out. And it will be very hard to sell. Be carfull what you wish for, you just may get it.

[nessatar]

Originally Posted by nicktMI

That 250k will be worth 175k by years end. Watch out. And it will be very hard to sell. Be carfull what you wish for, you just may get it.

Yes, Michigan is the only state suffering a housing crisis.

[ssull]

Declining house values are hopefully going to work in our favor. Presumably we wouldn't be moving again within the year! We're looking to settle til retirement, not flip something.

But thanks for the warning. The same is true in most states right now, including Ohio which is where we are leaving.

[jrmontag]

IMO, and I have been ALL over the state, the most desirable place to live in Michigan is Traverse City and that surrounding area. However, you mentioned Midland so I'll talk about that.

I'm from Saginaw and currently working in Midland. I really enjoy Midland. It has progressed a lot since I first moved up here. There is a lot more to do now. The ballpark they built a couple years ago is 1st class. I've been to a AA ballpark in Chattanooga...compared to that, this ballpark blows it away, especially for hosting single A games. Midland is also catching on to the fine dining scene. There's a lot of public events in the summer as well. Dow Gardens is beautiful. The library is very good if you like to read. There's a public farmer's market. There's plenty of parks and trails. Midland wasn't really built around the auto industry so it hasn't suffered as much as other areas of the state. My only gripe about Midland is that it has one of the most confusing layouts I've ever seen. Driving around can get really confusing if you aren't familiar.

As for Ann Arbor, I've lived there too. Didn't like it at all. Take away the university/downtown and it resembles just another suburb. The people that live there (not the students) are something else, let me tell you. You've never seen this many self-absorbed a$$holes. I've lived in Sterling Heights, Saginaw, Clarkston, Auburn Hills, and Ann Arbor and AA was definitely my least favorite place. Admittedly the downtown area is large and nice but it's just not worth it. Take a day trip instead.

[ssull]

Originally Posted by jrmontag

IMO, and I have been ALL over the state, the most desirable place to live in Michigan is Traverse City and that surrounding area. However, you mentioned Midland so I'll talk about that.

One of my best friends in jr. high lived summers in Traverse City. Her family owned a large cherry orchard. They lived in Fla. in the winter (talk about the best of both worlds!). I have always heard it was a lovely area, but it's nice to know it's a "nice" area to live and not just picturesque.

Actually my point was that Midland is pretty much the only part of Michigan I've seen I'm very familiar with the area as I used to spend one week per month there for almost 3 years, with a work project. I also have an uncle still living there who retired from Dow. I guess the reason I mentioned it is that I find it a charming town with lovely older architecture, so a similar area would probably appeal to us. Small town, semi-rural, low crime, friendly people. We like that.

I'm from Saginaw and currently working in Midland. I really enjoy Midland. It has progressed a lot since I first moved up here. There is a lot more to do now. The ballpark they built a couple years ago is 1st class. I've been to a AA ballpark in Chattanooga...compared to that, this ballpark blows it away, especially for hosting single A games. Midland is also catching on to the fine dining scene. There's a lot of public events in the summer as well. Dow Gardens is beautiful. The library is very good if you like to read. There's a public farmer's market. There's plenty of parks and trails. Midland wasn't really built around the auto industry so it hasn't suffered as much as other areas of the state.

Yes, I know just what you mean! I haven't made it around to many of the touristy places in Midland but I have used the library. My understanding is that it was Dow that *made* the town, not so much the auto industry. So maybe that's good news. I am amazed at the homes in our price range. I expected much smaller/older or run down.

My only gripe about Midland is that it has one of the most confusing layouts I've ever seen. Driving around can get really confusing if you aren't familiar.

Ain't that the truth? I think I know Midland so well now just from getting lost so darn many times!!

As for Ann Arbor, I've lived there too. Didn't like it at all. Take away the university/downtown and it resembles just another suburb. The people that live there (not the students) are something else, let me tell you. You've never seen this many self-absorbed a$$holes. I've lived in Sterling Heights, Saginaw, Clarkston, Auburn Hills, and Ann Arbor and AA was definitely my least favorite place. Admittedly the downtown area is large and nice but it's just not worth it. Take a day trip instead.

Well, thank you for the heads-up on AA. Since it's a gas stop for me on the way up from Ohio, I thought it looked like an attractive area, but you can't beat personal experience and insight, which is why I appreciate this forum.

[jrmontag]

I already know the current residents are going to come in here and argue with me on that, so just take it as one man's opinion. One man's unbiased opinion. And oh yeah, don't buy gas there from now on...it typically costs much more than any where else in Michigan. One of the sacrifices for the "luxury" of living there I guess.

And yes, Traverse City is a great place to live. It sounds like you'll have work no matter where you move so you should consider it. Depending on the proximity to the city though, it will probably cost a little more to live there. If you'd like to know more about it I'm sure we can answer your questions.

[MICoastieMom]

I happen to love Ann Arbor, but maybe because my family are some of the people who live there. Have you thought of looking towards the Adrian area? It is quite charming.

[ssull]

Hi MICoastieMom, never heard of Adrian, but I'll take a look. Thanks!