[bluebird39]

Traverse City, Petoskey and surrounding areas. Many of the places mentioned are just extentions of Detroit. That whole Southern part of the state is just one big urban corridor linking Detroit and Chicago.

Here's a link:

9 Great Places You’ve Never Heard Of: Traverse City, Michigan

Good luck!

[jrmontag]

Originally Posted by bluebird39

Traverse City, Petoskey and surrounding areas. Many of the places mentioned are just extentions of Detroit. That whole Southern part of the state is just one big urban corridor linking Detroit and Chicago.

Here's a link:

9 Great Places You’ve Never Heard Of: Traverse City, Michigan

Good luck!

Ha, I couldn't have said that any better.

[bluebird39]

For selfish reasons, if TC is too big, consider the Gaylord area (I live 30 minutes away), and while there's one natural food store there, it's $$$. There's only 2 other grocery stores, Walmart being one of them (although Meijer is opening in Spring).

Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau

It's a much smaller town, but on the main interstate. It has a really nice downtown area, farmer's market and it's a really nice community. I'm sure the housing prices in Gaylord are cheaper than TC or Petoskey.

I'd LOVE to see mroe organic natural foods here. I'd support you!

It also has great schools, if that's a concern of yours.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by magellan

I've heard Fennville is just starting to become that way. What about small developing neighborhood districts in a bigger city? Like GR?

Fennville is definitely an option and someplace I overlooked. We had dinner at Journeyman's Cafe and lunch at their adjoining restaurant, Rye. Excellent food and the clientele was what I'm after for my business. Both restaurants utilize all fresh local ingredients and they both were very busy when we visited, a good sign. The proximity to Saugatuck and Douglas is a plus, but with much lower real estate costs.

[flyingwriter]

Three Rivers. There's definiely an interest in organic food here, and a store downtown would do really well. There is definitely alot of development happening here in downtown TR, several stores have opened in the past few months and apartments are being built above the stores. I actually live downtown in one of the new apts. above a refurbished old storefront.

This place is a very small town (about 8,000 people) surrounded by nothing but corn, soybeans, and Amish. Unfortunately (fortunately for you), it's also fairly liberal with a huge union influence. Real estate costs are very, very low.

If you're looking for the traditional "Michigan" experience, however, you might want to try somewhere farther north. T.R. is located about 14 miles from the Indiana border, and it's definitely more "Indiana" than "Michigan."

[Softballfan]

Downtown Three Rivers has development??? Why is it every time I drive through downtown, most of the business' are vacant?

[flyingwriter]

When's the last time you've been down here? While "most" remain vacant, but there have been some new businesses opening up, like Pub 21, the Riviera (reopened), and Safety Glasses USA. Downtown has a lot of potential.

[nessatar]

I think Marquette is more progressive than most U.P. cities if you are open to living so far north. They do have a food co-op and there is a small college there. I love it there! The U.P. in general is affordable, if you can get a job...

[jeanniepep]

Yeah, I was going to say Ferndale too. VERY liberal and progressive, lots of young hip people, definitely a place for an organic market (although they already have several). It's basically what Royal Oak used to be like, until Royal Oak turned into Birmingham.

[bem629]

Awe, I love Royal Oak! It's not anything like Traverse City. I like it better than Ferndale (also a good spot), mostly because Woodward Ave slices Ferndale in two and it's not as walkable. Royal Oak the same as Birmingham, please!? It's a bit younger, a bit poorer (in a good way), and very friendly. Give it a try!

Check out this blog on the Royal Oak lifestyle....
Urbane Reflections: The Loftstyle Blog