[BoCosmo]

Hello. My wife and I, each well into our sixties, wish to find a house in which to spend our retirement. We have a cat and two dogs; and we've invited my wife's elderly female companion to come and stay with us. Our ambition is to settle somewhere elevated, cool, spacious, etc, but within reach of, say, a curry house, fish and chip shop, branches of some major supermarkets, affordable gasoline, etc. And though we're considering moving to Maine or Wyoming, we now like the look of Michigan. For instance, my wife (a Missourian, raised in California) and I (an expatriate Englishman) are attracted to Holland in her case, and Grosse Point Shores, Oxford, Troy, Gaylord, Empire, Traverse City in mine: and we'd welcome some advice. We plan to move by the end of this year; and, into something like a 3-bed, 3-bath, 2-car home

[belleislerunner]

What is the budget you are consdering for your purchase? That will helps us find you some good deals. I'd vote for Holland, Grosse Pointe Shores, Traverse City and Empire from your list and drop the others. Add Petoskey to the list.

[BoCosmo]

Thanks for the tip. We hope to have available up to $ 300 000 in cash, and maybe some for an awd-vehicle to get us through the snow, etc

[Coldjensens]

I would agree with the PP but I suggest you look at Grosse Ile as well if you are considering S.E. Michigan (lots of retirees and more pleasant than Grosse Pointe IMO). However nothing in SE Michigan compares to TC or Holland really. Unless you want the amenities that go with denser population (pro sports, theater, museums, and more restaurants, people, etc), there is no beating the west side of the state and TC is pretty much the crown jewel.

$300,000 will get you a nice house most places. Probably not water front, but possibly water view or with indirect water access if you want it. If I were retired, I woudl consider a condo instead to eliminate yard care and snow removal.

[BoCosmo]

Thank you too. Living in an apartment may be easier than in a house. But I do think that gardening, is good exercise and good for the soul. And when I view images of Empire I'm impressed with the clarity of the air, colour of the sea, etc. The absence of haze on the horizon is delightful

[michigan83]

Originally Posted by BoCosmo

Thank you too. Living in an apartment may be easier than in a house. But I do think that gardening, is good exercise and good for the soul. And when I view images of Empire I'm impressed with the clarity of the air, colour of the sea, etc. The absence of haze on the horizon is delightful

The color of the water on Lake Michigan is especially breathtaking up in that area (Empire, Traverse City, etc). I don't know why, but it is a much more beautiful blue than in the southern part of Michigan. There is no trick photography in the photos you've seen. It really looks like that.

[michmoldman]

$300, 000 will get you a spot on most any lake in Michigan. Up this way, (Traverse City way) I have seen a ton of amazing houses on lakes for waaay less then that. Our waters are amazing, and our air is just as good!

[BoCosmo]

Thanks for your comments. The north of the main part of Michigan seems like a new world for us. And it is within driving distance of Detroit or the major cities. Next, we must look at the property tax: and we're keeping our fingers crossed. Meanwhile, why is it that, say, Gaylord or Troy just won't make the grade for some folks?

[Luzette]

Anywhere around the Traverse City area should be wonderful for you. Lake Michigan is beautiful throughout northern Michigan. Not only do we have the big lake, but there are many, many smaller lakes to enjoy as well. We've got vineyards, good shopping, great food, entertainment, social functions. As long as snow and cold during the winter aren't an issue then there is much to offer up here. Autumn is beautiful with the changing colors. One thing about this far north in the LP is it's not that far to go up over our "Mighty Mac" into the UP. Now up there you've got the spectacle of Lake Superior. Michigan is blessed to have these Great Lakes. Good luck in making your final decision.

[mostie]

Originally Posted by BoCosmo

Thanks for your comments. The north of the main part of Michigan seems like a new world for us. And it is within driving distance of Detroit or the major cities. Next, we must look at the property tax: and we're keeping our fingers crossed. Meanwhile, why is it that, say, Gaylord or Troy just won't make the grade for some folks?

We spent a winter in Gaylord, Waters, actually- which is right outside of town- we were in a cabin on Otsego Lake. The winter was heavy snow that year, over 200 inches- but I will say this- it is positively beautiful there, even in the winter, and I loved every minute of it. Well...except for the one night we were driving and had a whiteout, lol.

There is a Meijers and Walmart there, not sure about the types of restaurants you are interested in, though. I have to say, it is beautiful there-