[jgg38]

[SIZE=2]I’ve read through most of the questions and answers based on “Where is a good place to live in Michigan”, and thought I would put in my two cents worth. Seems like there is a lot of negative input on the poor old Wolverine state, but let me tell you that from a guy that has lived on this planet for almost 70 years now, and has resided in the Arizona deserts, the Colorado mountains, the Big Apple, costal Florida and most of the areas in between, Michigan, in my opinion, is truly the best place to live if you want a very good quality of life. I grew up in rural Michigan (thumb), and couldn’t wait to get out of there at the age of 18. I retired from Airline flying about 8 years ago and have been driving a big rig around the 48 ever since. I am going to return to Michigan and spend the rest of my life there. Can’t compare anyplace I have been to the exceptional quality of life that she offers. If money is your only goal in life, then the big metro areas in the southern and western US are probably the place to go, but if you want to raise your children in a sane atmosphere, and be surrounded by folks that won’t try to kill you or steal you blind, then rural Michigan is the place to go. After all, money comes and goes, but the enjoyment of a life well lived is priceless. Hope this helps some of you, and for those that don’t agree, we are all entitled to our opinion, and this is mine.
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[TwoSticks]

Originally Posted by jgg38

Searching for a good place to live? Try Michigan.

Hear, hear! I've traveled a good part of this country and overall, it's hard to beat a state like Michigan for all it has to offer. (Of course I was born there, so I might be a bit prejudiced.)

I've lived in Arizona now for 22 years and when I retire in a few years, I'm going back to Michigan. You don't realize how good it is there until you've been away a while. I can't wait to get back.

[TaxBait]

Hate to rain on your parade guys but you've been gone too long to realize what's happened here. I came back after only 12 years away and I barely recognized the place. Sure we still have great natural amenities but the government and political climate have gotten putrid. We desparately need a complete political revolution. Of the 4 states I've lived in, MI is by far the most disfunctional.

[Cliffie]

Good to hear SOMEONE has a positive slant on this fine state. Yeah we're in a slump but we'll come out of it.

[Bydand]

Hate to break the news TaxBait, but they are right.

I was gone for a bit, and when I returned it was like a breath of fresh air. Family concerns pulled me back away too quickly and I am literally counting the days until I return to West Michigan and sanity. I have lived in Texas, Maine, and a few others that cannot hold a candle to Michigan. Yes Maine is more scenic overall, but will eat you alive with taxes and expenses. Yes Texas has more jobs, but they tend to be lower paying and poor attitudes to go with it. Florida has "better" winters, but the bugs and heat in the Summer will drain you. I have been to almost all of the lower 48 for more than just a few weeks each and can tell you positively that there is no place that has it ALL, but can assure you that Michigan comes the closest. At least for me and my family, if you don't like it, find a place that better fits you (not directed at any one individual, just an overall statement).

I have family that have never left Michigan and when I talk to them they have the same attitude: Michigan stinks, MI is going down the toilet, MI cannot recover,... Blah, blah, blah. Once you are gone and seen other states and places, you realize what you had all along. And where was that? Oh right, Michigan. It may not do/have anything the BEST, but it does it all very well.

[amanda_2112]

Agreed! I have lived in Canada and MI. I am a Michigander so my opinion is biased, but I hated Canada, Nova Scotia. The people were so unfriendly and adults treated me as a huge outsider at the age of 11. Our politics and economy suck, but they will turn around. I've thought about moving elsewhere, but I love knowing that here there is little crime and the smaller areas are pretty safe. Most of the problems are teen pregnancy, drugs, and sexual misconduct and those things are happening everywhere. Most of us out here are helpful and pleasant.

[MainStreet]

Two days since this wonderful post and NO one has given this OP rep? Let me be the first!

Lovely post and speaks exactly how I feel about Michigan.

Quality.

Michigan is like a new coat...makes you feel good wearing it.

[TwoSticks]

Originally Posted by TaxBait

Hate to rain on your parade guys but you've been gone too long...

Well I have been back regularly since then, so I'm not totally out of the loop. But yes, I'll admit it's changed, but it was in the middle of a lot of that when I left. Everything changes; you should see what's happened to this place in twenty years.

I completely agree with you about the "government and political climate." They've just exacerbated most of the problems Michigan has been at risk for for decades now. All I'm saying is that every place has its plusses and minuses. Even Arizona, which has become the Promised Land for so many, ain't no Eden.

After having been here for these years, I've come to know that on balance, one place isn't much different than the other. Attitude is important too.

And yes, maybe a little revolution every now and then.

[TaxBait]

Originally Posted by Bydand

...It may not do/have anything the BEST, but it does it all very well.

I disagree. Many things about Michigan ARE the best. And many are/near the worst. That's probably why opinions are so polarized.

I only jumped on this thread because it was from people not even living here. I've spent 34 years of my life in MI so I thought I knew it too. I couldn't wait to come back and build a handicap accesible home for my wife. A custom home is a luxury or completely unattainable in much of the country. Unfortunately, I can't think of one positive observation or encounter with government in the six years I've been back. Turns out I did give up something besides 2/3 of my income. I don't know which threat is worse - fires, drought, & smog, or MI government. And I should mention I've had the displeasure of working close to government my whole life working in the construction and defense contracting fields. It's not attitude, its experience.

[debitaber]

I am 61 and have lived all but 5 years in michigan. I love this state, but , the gov. is just out of control, and the state is broke, fuel is sky high, food is sky high, everything here is sky high, and we are taxed over and above, it is crazy, and now the jobs have left this state.
I really love it here, but I think I might have to move out of this state, just to be able to live.