[potzy81]

I currently live in Illinois (small town in north central, rural) and my job affords me to live pretty much anywhere within driving distance of an airport. It doesnt have to be a big one, just has to have a runway I would like to stay along the west coast of michigan and have heard many great things about it. I am looking for lakes, trees, rivers, and natural beauty. I am 30 years old and single, so some people around couldnt hurt. Does anyone have any ideas???

[Peter B]

If you're single, I'd say Traverse City.

[potzy81]

Is there a specific reason why?

[Bydand]

Well Traverse City has quite a bit for how small the numbers would make it appear. On the downside though, the traffic in the Summer can be a real pain. It sucked 30 years ago and hasn't gotten better. I prefer the Ludington area, but there really isn't much here, and can be quite slow during the winter months when it comes to "things" to do. If your idea of things, include outdoor activities, there is a LOT to do anywhere on the West side from Mackinaw City down to New Buffalo.

There is no real way to know without putting feet to ground and visiting. While I love my area, I know those who don't; on the other side of the coin I know those who think the sun revolves around Traverse City and I personally wouldn't give you a dime for the entire town.

Your description of Lakes, rivers, trees, and natural beauty can pretty much be applied liberally for the entire west side of the State. I would start at South Haven and work my way North through Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, Pentwater, Ludington, Manistee, Traverse City, Torch Lake, Charlevoix, Petoskey, and end somewhere around Harbor Springs. That way you can get a feel for the distances between acceptable airports, other towns and just a basic overall feel for each location that catches your eye.

[michmoldman]

Bydands right. Take 2,3,4 days, Start around Grand Haven and make your way on up. The ONLY way to know is to experience it for yourself. The whole west side of the state is gorgeous. What a tough choice with so many options!
Good luck!!

[flyingwriter]

Yeah, there are many great towns on the west side of Michigan. Also, even though they are not technically part of "West Michigan," I would suggest checking out towns like New Buffalo, Michiana, and St. Joseph, and then going north. Those towns are in extreme southwest Michigan, and close to airports in South Bend and Gary; and only 1 hour to Midway in Chicago.

Also, if you don't mind moving inland from the lakeshore, you could check out towns like Sturgis, Three Rivers, Plainwell, Big Rapids, and Cadillac. All are along US-131 in western Michigan, and are great small towns to live in. Sturgis and Three Rivers are in a region called Michiana, which is immediately south of West Michigan. Both towns are within 45 minutes of South Bend and Kalamazoo airports. Entering West Michigan from the south, you'll hit Plainwell, Big Rapids, and Cadillac. Plainwell is close to Kalamazoo, and Big Rapids and Cadillac aren't far from Traverse City.

You are so fortunate to have a job in Michigan. Let me know if you have any questions!

[needing more]

If you want in Michigan but still close to a airport.. then you have to stay within close distance to Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids or Traverse City. If it was me... I'd pick Traverse City. I grew up, "upnorth" and LOVED it.. Now any place north of grand rapids isnt "happening" so if you are into a big city bar scene then upnorth MI wont work well for you.. But Traverse City has a lot going for it. It does have a nice little airport and the people are very friendly. Its one of the up and coming cities of MI right now. There are lots of nice businesses, great wine district, very artsy, and has all the golf and outside recreation you could every want.. Not to mention the best lakes west of the mississippi (by my standards..lol) Look into Torch Lake.. Truely beautiful there!!

As far as Muskegon, South Haven areas go.. Its very seasonal. Saugatuck is very nice and more artsy, classy but more expensive too and still very seasonal too... But also a ways drive to any airport..

Petosky and Harbor Springs are very expensive to live by.

Extreme SW MI areas like Benton Harbor, St. Joe and Niles are still close to Chicago but the traffic is HORRIBLE.. Cant tell you how many times I have missed a flight @ Midway because 94 was backed up.. Not to mention those areas are hard hit right now with unemployment and crime rate is very high there.

Late spring is very beautiful in the west coast of MI.. Take a few days and drive along 131 and you'll probably fine that "right" spot.

[magellan]

Saugutuck/Douglas or Grand Haven.

[Wulf67]

Charlevoix. Well, it's more northwest Michigan. It has a small but nice airport, is close to Traverse City and Petoskey but still quiet without much traffic. Summer gets a but busier but still not as bad as TC or Petoskey. House prices are great in this area right now.

[allbusiness]

Well, don't drive along US-131, drive along US 31 (I-196), from St.Joseph all the way up to Ludington.

Holland is a 30 minute drive from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport: View Holland on Video! - Home