[Peter B]

Absolutely. TC is rapidly getting wide exposure thanks to the Film Festival, the Cherry Festival, which grows every year, the Epicurean Classic, etc. I live 10 miles out on Old Mission Peninsula near Bowers Harbor and it's a great place to live. Always something to do, very low crime, and a good quality of life.

Originally Posted by jrmontag

I've said it before and I'll damn sure say it again...TC is by far the most desirable place to live in Michigan.

[tuebor]

If you want to get in on the ground floor, consider the Muskegon area. The area is in transition. The city of Muskegon proper is trying to reinvent itself, relying less on industry and more on tourism, healthcare, and education for its economic base. The city is cleaning up its waterfront, the downtown is slowly reviving, and there is the germ of an art scene. Pere Marquette beach is one of the nicest municipal beaches you will ever see, and there are state parks close by. The adjoining communities of North Muskegon and Norton Shores have largely professional populations who might support a small organic food market. I don't think you would have much competition if you opened one; I think the local farmer's market and a specialty cheese shop ("The Cheese Lady") are about all there is along those lines currently.

[supermom0204]

Originally Posted by 925mine

Maybe Rockford? Not far at all from GR

I would not say that Rockford is Liberal if that's what you're looking for. I am more conservative, myself, but if you are looking for a more liberal area and like the TC feel, go with it. Other areas near there that are along the same line are Petoskey and Charlevoix. Frankfort is a CUTE town too, very much developing and not as big as TC. Adorable up and coming town though. I would say what you are looking for is along the NW shoreline of lower Michigan. That being said, when you consider what areas would like or at least be at liberty with their budgets to afford higher priced organic produce, you will need to consider that the housing and general cost of living is quite a bit higher than the Michigan standard. These areas are still growing due to a lot of "second home" owners and more prominent residents.

[AncientCoins]

Glen arbor , traverse city , elk rapids

[linniejean]

What about the small town of Alma, Michigan. It has a weekly farmers market and Alma College resides within its small boundaries, and the town could use a little help with its efforts toward progressiveness. Housing prices are depressed, and the Pine River runs through it with new walking paths for daily exercise. The closest health food store is in the next town, but the closest organic foods locations are in East Lansing and Mt. Pleasants. An organic and/or vegetarian restaurant would be an wonderful addition to the town (perhaps attached to the side of your establishment). This would go a long way toward the town's and college's efforts toward addressing obesity among youths. Its pretty, quiet, great concerts in the park series and the fun Highlands Festival in early Summer.

[greyhoundgirl79]

Mt. Pleasant is pretty liberal. It has Central MI University. The downtown area is very quaint, although, there is a co-op down there already. Their selection is not that good, and Meijer usually has a better selection of fresh produce. I would love a Whole Foods type store, though not as big. I would much rather support a local owned place than Meijer, but not have to pay through the nose and have someplace with a good selection. The housing market here is about the same as the rest of the state, somewhat depressed. Lots of homes that have been for sale for a couple years. It's a nice city and I like it here. My husband on the other hand, does not. He wants to move somewhere warmer and thinks that the rest of the country is doing better economically than we are. But he doesn't get it, it's not just MI. We personally are doing fine.

[WheredoIlive?]

Saugatuck and Douglas are known for being liberal and progressive, but they are expensive and full of tourists, there does seem to be a happening art scene and there are a lot of small shops.