[MI-curious]

My family and I are considering relocating to the west coast of MI, but as we're unfamiliar with MI, would like some feedback on places that would best suit us.

We are looking to start a small natural/organic farm (mostly greenhouses) and natural products business; and looking to provide a good portion of our energy use from solar & wind power. Therefore, we would like to know what areas are more agriculture-friendly/suitable, as well as green energy-friendly.

We would prefer an area that's not too densely populated and is culturally diverse & friendly as a rule. We have two middle and high school aged children, so decent schools are needed as well.

We love the water and beach, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities...hubby and I both grew up in Ozarks lakes' area...but hate long, sweltering, muggy summers. We do like snow and winter activities...hence our interest in MI west coast, as opposed to gulf or east coast (gulf coast now off the list anyway, for obvious reasons).

Thanks for any feedback and/or suggestions in advance.

[trinityjoy]

You better LOVE winter to wanna live here. We had 91 inches of snow last winter. That being said if you want a small town next to larger towns in the area good for farming try Berrien Springs, or outside of St. Joe. Schools are not a issue in MI because we offer school of choice. That means no matter where you house says you haveto go to school if you drive your kids they go where you want them to. The area I talked about Berrien Springs schools are okay (too militant for me I pulled mine out) but very diverse due to the university. I met people from all over the world there. And none of them knew how to drive. Lakeshore is the school to be in most of the so called "cool" kids go there. Personally I would put my kids in New Buffalow. That school has more money then they know what to do with because of the casnio so the kids are well taken care of. Stay out of Eau claire to small, and Benton Harbor, just a mess. Bridgeman schools are good with money to from the nuclure plant. you can im me if you wanna know more. Good luck with the friendly people part thats why we are moving to TN

[FromABuick6]

I would recommend the Traverse City area, because it is growing steadily, real estate prices are probably as low as they will ever be, it is a very attractive area, it has Grand Traverse Bay, numerous inland lakes nearby, a good school system, and attracts visitors with money.

There is a lot of outdoor recreation opportunities nearby. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has miles of hiking trails, 2 large islands in Lake Michigan, there are downhill ski areas within an hour or so. There is at least one large windmill in operation atop a hill west of the Bay. Lots of golf, wineries, fishing, beachcombing, maple syrup, cherries, forests, clean water.

It is well, well, worth a weekend or longer visit, just for a summer or fall vacation, let alone check out entrepreneurial opportunities.

[skyl4rk]

There is a big climate difference between southwest Michigan and northern Michigan. Berrien County and Van Buren County, the two southern counties along Lake Michigan, are very well known for their climate suitable for fruit crops. The growing season gets shorter and the heating season gets longer the further north you go. Land is relatively cheap in southwest Michigan as long as you go a few miles away from the Lake.

[thebreadlady]

if you are planning to sell locally, you need to scout out a good market first. organic is still a niche market in michigan, but there are some farmers markets that are better than others if that is your marketing choice. a market with other organic growers is better for all of you.
other than that, if you are buying farmland, buy the best soil for what you want to grow. Even if you plan now to grow in greenhouses, it gives you the option of growing outside, too. if you don't know what good land is, get help. the type of soil and drainage can make or break a farm. what the neighbors are growing and spraying can be issues also.
i farm on the sunrise side, so i can't help you with locations. i will echo that there is a tremendous variety in micro-climates in michigan from north to south.

[WheredoIlive?]

a rural part of Berrien county would be best. Too expensive in St. JOe and too much crime in Benton Harbor, {a bunch of women just got abducted at gunpoint in BH and surrounding areas] you will not have the country atmosphere you seek. Outside of South Haven? there is some poverty there. Up by Sagautauk and Douglas? Those are nice resort towns with high class tourists but there is land and farms outside of there.