Any location trends for retirees? (Jackson, Marquette: real estate, property taxes, for sale)

[Hanne]

I realize most retirees don't move TO Michigan, but surely we're not going to be the only ones. What areas are retirees flocking to? What types of properties? Is an influx of retirees having an affect on property prices in some parts of the state? Where, and to what extent?
Thanks,
Hanne

[cardwellave]

Traverse City I would say is one.

[Wabbit]

Traverse, Charlevoix and Petoskey are magnets for Chicago retirees
(8 months of the year, anyway.). Probably because of the water, the wineries and the insane number of golf courses. Here's an good article. Myrtle Beach of the Midwest.
Michigan Golfer Magazine: Michigan's Myrtle Beach

I think Frankfort is a very nice 'down home' alternative if the others are maxed out or taxed out. (I.E. too expensive.)
Northern Michigan is an absolutely gorgeous place. Drive up and see for yourself.

[Hanne]

Wabbit and Card, thanks for the info. Wabbit we loooooooove Northern Michigan. My reason for asking where the retirees are headed was to possibly AVOID those areas. Oftentimes, when there is a huge influx of "outsiders" an area is spoiled in terms of having whatever made it special or unique in the first place replaced with strip malls and other suburban blight.
I'll check out the golf article.
Thanks,
Hanne

[npal]

Originally Posted by Hanne

I realize most retirees don't move TO Michigan, but surely we're not going to be the only ones. What areas are retirees flocking to? What types of properties? Is an influx of retirees having an affect on property prices in some parts of the state? Where, and to what extent?
Thanks,
Hanne

Hanne,
Many Michigan people retire around the lakes here, we live in St. Helen and we have a lake called of course Lake St. Helen. There is also Higgins Lake, and Houghton Lake about 13 miles from here each. So if you like fishing and boating this is a nice place to retire. Higgins Lake being the most expensive in real estate with Houghton Lake coming in second with St. Helen being the lowest prices. Lower taxes too! I have a home for sale here a nice 3-bedroom ranch with full basement with and attached 2-car finished garage with a second garage. If you would like you can reach me at my email address @ www.npal1942@sbcglobal.net and I will give you the info on the realtor we have the home with. We are moving back to the lower part of Michigan so we can be closer to our only son because of health reasons. St. Helen is a great place to live. Npal

[pjmiami]

Originally Posted by Hanne

I realize most retirees don't move TO Michigan, but surely we're not going to be the only ones.

You won't be the only ones; while my husband and I aren't yet to the point of retirement, it is our plan to retire in Michigan--probably Northwest Michigan. We are real oddities, (most people would say nuts!), because we live in Fort Lauderdale and want to retire in Michigan! Ideally, we'd like to keep a place here and have one in Michigan but if we have to choose one and only one place, it will be in our home state of Michigan. In my opinion, you just can't do any better for the price: the quality of life, the people, the unbelievable beauty of the landscape, the water, the water, the water, its all in there for us. So, don't feel too lonely; we will join you eventually!

[Hanne]

pjmiami, I'm not surprised at all that anyone would want to leave Florida. My family has all moved there over the years and if it weren't for family visits, we'd not be crossing the Florida line! Too hot. And too spoiled. Northward bound in 2 years!

[rotwein]

We also live in Florida but are seriously considering moving to the Marquette area. Jacksonville has too much traffic and the developers are trying to cover everything with houses. As retirees we are not looking for jobs, just a nice small town with decently priced houses. Also Marquette has entertainment, restaurants, sports, and a community bus service.

[Bridgett]

We moved back to MI after retiring to AZ. I admit that one of the reasons for returning is my ill mother BUT we were eager to return to home. AZ is hot, hot, hot, from April-Oct. The average price of a 1500 sq. ft. home is $350 (no basements). Right now there are a lot of homes on the market so prices may have dropped some. I sold my 1500 sq. ft. home in Phoenix for $365 and bought a 2800 sq. ft. home (with basement) for $328 in Plymouth. I love being back here and being allowed to speak my mind without being called a "bleeding-heart liberal". Also, it is so nice to be surrounded with culture and educated neighbors. Diversity is welcomed here, not "spit on". I am glad to be home but do miss the blue skies and mountains; I look at my photos often.

[12buttons]

Originally Posted by npal

Hanne,
Many Michigan people retire around the lakes here, we live in St. Helen and we have a lake called of course Lake St. Helen. There is also Higgins Lake, and Houghton Lake about 13 miles from here each. So if you like fishing and boating this is a nice place to retire. Higgins Lake being the most expensive in real estate with Houghton Lake coming in second with St. Helen being the lowest prices. Lower taxes too! I have a home for sale here a nice 3-bedroom ranch with full basement with and attached 2-car finished garage with a second garage. If you would like you can reach me at my email address @ www.npal1942@sbcglobal.net and I will give you the info on the realtor we have the home with. We are moving back to the lower part of Michigan so we can be closer to our only son because of health reasons. St. Helen is a great place to live. Npal

what are your property taxes like?
how tax friendly is Michigan to a retiree?
Iam in TN and there is no state income tax..and our property taxes are very low - on a 250k house on an acre, taxes are around 800. a year.