Top 15 Cities to Live in Michigan for Quality Living

Michigan is renowned for its pivotal role in America’s automotive industry, yet the Great Lake State offers a wealth of attributes that make it an exemplary location to reside. While winters can be challenging, long-term residents often develop a vibrant perspective on life here.

Firstly, Michigan is endowed with an impressive array of natural beauty that is difficult to rival.

No other state in the U.S. boasts as extensive a freshwater shoreline as Michigan, which features a remarkable 3,000 miles of coast and countless family-friendly attractions that promote an active, outdoor lifestyle.

Remarkably, every resident is situated within six miles of a stream or lake, a fact attributable to the state possessing approximately 11,000 inland lakes.

With millions of acres of forests, thousands of scenic trails, numerous golf courses and ski areas, over 100 parks and recreation areas, and nearly 10 million acres of public land, Michigan encompasses a diverse range of natural resources.

Furthermore, Popular Science magazine has recognized Michigan’s potential, predicting it might be the premier place to live in America by 2100.

Nevertheless, the allure of Michigan extends beyond its natural attractions.

The state features ample job opportunities coupled with a high standard of education. Michigan holds the distinction of having the 13th largest state economy by GDP and is home to the University of Michigan, which ranks as the 4th best public university in the U.S. according to U.S. News & World Report.

In addition to a robust educational framework, the state is abundant in well-paying positions across various sectors, including technology, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality.

Moreover, a cost of living amongst the lowest in the Midwest further illustrates why Michigan remains an attractive destination for visitors and prospective residents.

Below are the 15 most attractive locations in Michigan for individuals contemplating relocation to this Water Winter Wonderland.

1. Ann Arbor

Source: grego1402 / Flickr

This university town in Michigan is a culinary epicenter, topping our list as one of the most desirable places to live in the state. Renowned for its creativity, Ann Arbor offers a wealth of events, retail options, dining opportunities, and musical performances.

Home to the University of Michigan and boasting the largest football stadium in the U.S., colloquially referred to as “The Big House,” residents can partake in the annual Art Fair, which ranks as the largest art fair in the nation.

Accessibility by car is prevalent in Ann Arbor, although traffic congestion can be an issue during peak hours. For those without private transportation, the public bus service provides convenient options for residents. Additionally, Ann Arbor is known for being a safe, walkable, and bike-friendly community.

Finally, first-rate schools, appealing neighborhoods, and a vibrant downtown area further enhance Ann Arbor’s reputation as an ideal living destination.

Indeed, the livability of Ann Arbor has received recognition, as evidenced by its ranking as the number one Best City to Live in America in data company Niche’s 2017 assessment.

Recent accolades for the area include recognition as the country’s most educated city, one of the best cities for liberals in America, and an exceptional place to reside for both singles and families, along with being a leading travel destination in the Midwest.

Entertainment & Activities

Highlighted attractions in Ann Arbor include:

• Michigan Stadium
• University of Michigan Museum of Art
• Michigan Theater
• Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
• Kerrytown Market & Shops
• Hudson Mills Metropark
• Ann Arbor Farmers Market
• Leslie Science and Nature Center
• Ann Arbor Street Art Fair

2. Okemos

Source: Donald Schaberg / Wikimedia

Located in Ingham County, Okemos features a quaint downtown area with outstanding educational institutions and vibrant public parks, catering to residents of all ages.

While residing in Okemos, residents can enjoy the benefits of a picturesque community situated near Michigan State University. The city is also home to numerous award-winning dining establishments and local shops within the Meridian Mall.

Families can take advantage of a plethora of safe parks where children can play freely, a nature center with various hiking trails, and a historical village complete with a chapel for weddings, a general store, and a fishing pond.

Additionally, Okemos is conveniently located near small farms that offer an abundance of fresh produce, meeting nutritional recommendations.

Entertainment & Activities

Noteworthy attractions in Okemos include:

• Meridian Mall
• Harris Nature Center
• Meridian Historical Village
• Ferguson Park
• Indian Hills Golf Course
• Wonch Park

3. East Grand Rapids

Source: davidwilson1949 / Flickr

Situated only ten miles east of Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids ranks among the finest locales in Michigan to raise a family, having received accolades as one of the top ten cities for childrearing.

Residences in East Grand Rapids feature well-maintained homes, beautiful nature parks, and a thriving business district that fosters a robust community. The Gaslight Village business district, in particular, is a favorite among residents.

This district offers numerous walkable dining options. For outdoor enthusiasts, Reeds Lake provides an ideal location for kayaking, sunbathing, and fishing, making East Grand Rapids an attractive option for families who cherish nature.

Entertainment & Activities

Key attractions in East Grand Rapids include:

• Fulton Street Market
• Grand Rapids Public Museum
• Fish Ladder Park
• John Collins Park
• John Ball Zoo
• Grand Rapids Downtown Market
• Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
• Manhattan Park
• Reeds Lake
• Woodland Park

4. Birmingham

Source: Alexey Stiop / shutterstock

Positioned between Detroit and Pontiac, Birmingham stands as one of Michigan’s prime living locations, easily accessible via major highways. With a population approaching twenty thousand, the city retains a quaint suburban ambiance.

Downtown Birmingham offers a wealth of business and cultural endeavors within a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.

Moreover, Birmingham is rich in amenities, featuring over twenty parks that present numerous recreational options for residents. The wooded trail system includes convenient biking paths, complemented by the Rouge River, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Entertainment & Activities

Prominent attractions in Birmingham include:

• Emagine Palladium
• Birmingham 8
• Detroit Zoo
• Quarton Lake
• Cranbrook Art Museum
• Henry Ford Museum of Innovation

5. Beverly Hills

Source: Ken Lund / Flickr

Located near Detroit, the city of Beverly Hills has a population of around eleven thousand residents and features several attractive parks ideal for outdoor enjoyment.

Recognized for its cultural richness, Beverly Hills possesses various museums that reflect the community’s heritage. This remarkable city provides more than just urban appeal, offering big-city amenities in a suburban setting.

The homes in Beverly Hills exude charm, nestled within tree-lined streets and beautiful winding roads. To foster community spirit, there are special events, community parks, and riding stables available for residents.

Providing a secure environment, the likelihood of experiencing property crime in Beverly Hills is as low as 1 percent.

Entertainment & Activities

Highlighted activities in Beverly Hills include:

• Detroit Zoo
• Booth Park
• Beverly Hills Village Park
• Creative Arts Studio
• Diamond Jack’s River Tours

6. Novi

Source: Dwight Burdette / Wikimedia

Novi is recognized for having one of the most rapidly growing populations in Michigan. It is also home to the Suburban Collection Showplace, the largest convention center in the state.

Residents of Novi benefit from an array of educational institutions, making it a family-friendly locale. The city offers many recreational activities, including splash pads and parks during the summer months.

With exceptional schools and welcoming communities, Novi serves as an optimal place to establish a home.

Novi continues to thrive as one of the fastest expanding cities in Michigan, attracting top-tier employers such as Magna International and Ryder.

Notably, it also boasts a diverse community with the highest Japanese population in the state, exceeding 2,600 residents.

Entertainment & Activities

Top attractions in Novi comprise:

• Emagine Novi
• Twelve Oaks Mall
• Paradise Park
• Whirlyball Novi
• Lakeshore Park
• Novi Putting Edge
• Novi Bowl Family Fun Center

7. Troy

Source: Cadiomals / Wikimedia

If you are in search of a thriving environment for families and businesses, make sure Troy is a top contender for the best places to reside in Michigan. Troy is consistently commended for its high quality of life and is situated among Niche’s top ten best suburbs for living in Michigan.

Among the popular amenities in Troy is the Troy Community Center, which features workout equipment, an indoor aquatic facility, a dance studio, and a preschool area. The outdoor community space includes shuffleboard courts, walking and hiking trails, along with childcare options for members.

If quality of life, excellent schools, attractive homes, world-class dining, and plenty of attractions are high on your priority list, the affluent town of Troy might be the perfect fit.

Additionally, Troy has a historic village area offering workshops in log cabin cooking, woodcarving, and blacksmithing.

Entertainment & Activities

Popular activities in Troy include:

• Somerset Collection
• Troy Historic Village
• State Nature Center
• Rising Phoenix Archery
• Troy Family Aquatic Center
• Detroit Zoo

8. Farmington Hills

Source: Dwight Burdette / Wikimedia

Farmington Hills, recognized as the second largest city in Oakland County, is nestled within Michigan’s affluent suburbs. The city features over six hundred acres of public parks, including areas for dog recreation and splash pads.

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Farmington Hills Golf Club, situated on one hundred seventy-five scenic acres with trees, fairways, ponds, and rolling hills.

Farmington is also known for its pleasing neighborhoods and numerous shopping options, alongside a historic district. The city remains committed to growth and development, consistently preserving and enhancing its downtown area.

Add to this a variety of art galleries, a vintage cinema, and a lively downtown, and it becomes clear why residents appreciate living here.

Moreover, crime rates in Farmington are approximately 66% lower than the national average, creating a safer environment than 80% of cities across the United States.

Entertainment & Activities

Key activities in Farmington comprise:

• Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum
• Heritage Park
• Perfect Game Bowling Alley
• Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve
• Woodland Hills Nature Park
• Farmington Hills Nature Center
• Farmington Hills Golf Club

9. Farmington

Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstock

Farmington is recognized as one of the wealthiest cities in the United States and is one of the prime places to reside in Michigan. The city accommodates around ten thousand residents, with a median housing value significantly below the national average.

Farmington is renowned for its historic district, Victorian-style residences, and high-performing educational institutions, which have contributed to CNNMoney’s repeated feature of it in their Best Places to Live survey.

Living costs in Farmington exemplify Michigan’s high quality of life in relation to expenses.

Median home values here remain below average, offering more affordable rental options than the national average, indicating that the annual household income stretches further in Farmington.

The community has much to offer, making it a desirable suburb for potential residents.

Entertainment & Activities

Notable attractions in Farmington encompass:

• Zap Zone Amusement Park
• Zekelman Holocaust Center
• Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
• Detroit Institute of Arts
• Farmington Civic Theater

10. Midland

Source: rickyd48740 / shutterstock

Midland, with a population of 42,000, is located in Midland County.

If you are searching for an ideal environment that combines urban advantages with affordable living, Midland stands out as an excellent choice.

The majority of residents are engaged in white-collar professions, which sets expectations for a particular lifestyle in the area.

Contrary to expectations, however, Midland features a remarkably low cost of living, with median home values hovering around the price of a decent three-bedroom, three-bathroom family home, while rental costs are significantly cheaper, exceeding the national average by over $200.

The area hosts major employers, including Chemical Bank and Dow Corning, headquartered within the county seat.

Adding to its appeal is a low crime rate, which contributes to Forbes designating Midland as a premier small city for family life.

Entertainment & Activities

Key attractions in Midland include:

• Dow Gardens
• The Tridge
• Midland Center for the Arts
• Dow Diamond
• Emerson Park
• Midland Area Farmers Market
• Plymouth Park

11. Kalamazoo

Source: Michigan Municipal League (MML) / Flickr

Kalamazoo is situated within Michigan and is known for housing three colleges and universities, an excellent healthcare system, reasonably priced housing, and a clean, secure living environment. The city features ample parks, lakes, and golf courses.

Notably, Kalamazoo is a hub for top businesses, particularly in the medical science and craft beer industries. The local culture is enriched by a vibrant music scene, visual arts, dance performances, and theater.

Homes in Kalamazoo are available at prices considerably lower than the national average. The nightlife thrives, in part attributed to the presence of Western Michigan University.

The local dining landscape includes a wide variety of options ranging from cozy cafes to Michigan’s oldest microbrewery, with an active arts scene epitomized by the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, which features over 3,600 works.

For additional adventure, Air Zoo offers both an indoor amusement park and an aviation museum, where visitors can experience what a WWII bombing mission might entail.

Entertainment & Activities

Notable activities in Kalamazoo include:

• Kalamazoo Valley Museum
• Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
• Kalamazoo State Theatre
• Kalamazoo Farmers Market
• River Valley Trail
• Lawton Ridge Winery
• Gilmore Car Museum

12. Northville

Source: Michigan Municipal League (MML) / Flickr

Northville is characterized by picturesque neighborhoods, a bustling business district, and excellent educational institutions. The city provides its residents with an abundance of parks, walking trails, and historical landmarks.

For transit, the expansive network of city roads and bike lanes facilitates both exercise and commuting.

Offering exceptional schools, a low crime rate, aesthetically pleasing surroundings, a variety of attractions, and lucrative salaries, Northville is a historically rich suburb ranked the 20th best place to live in Michigan by Niche.

The city offers a diverse range of housing options, including stately Victorian homes and contemporary townhouses, with residents enjoying above-average incomes.

Art and culture enthusiasts will appreciate the Northville Art House, featuring gallery exhibitions and public art classes. The well-maintained parks offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming, biking, hiking, and fishing.

Entertainment & Activities

Highlighted attractions in Northville include:

• Maybury State Park
• Tipping Point Theatre
• Northville Downs
• Northville Art House
• Marquis Theatre
• Garage Grill and Fuel Bar
• The Northville Gallery
• Northville Farmers Market
• Maybury Riding Stable
• Rotary Park

13. Rochester

Source: Darren56brown / Wikimedia

Rochester, Michigan, is replete with natural charm, water features, and surrounded by scenic greenery. The area boasts over 350 shops, dining establishments, and professional services.

This Detroit suburb has a population approximating thirteen thousand and is recognized as one of the best locations to reside in the region. The city is noted for its arts and culture, professional sports, and an affordable cost of living.

Rochester achieves an A+ rating for education, A- for jobs, A- for outdoor activities, and A- for nightlife, indicating a well-rounded community.

Although crime rates could be lower, Rochester excels in family-friendliness, contributing to its strong performance in the “Good for Families” category.

Overall, it is a beautiful area with numerous engaging activities available for residents.

Entertainment & Activities

Key attractions in Rochester include:

• Yates Cider Mill
• Rochester Play
• Rochester Hills Museum
• Rochester Municipal Park
• Classic Lanes
• Hermitage Gallery
• The Village of Rochester Hills
• X-Golf Rochester Hills

14. Berkley

Source: BondRocketImages / shutterstock

Berkley is celebrated for its small-town charm and warm, inviting atmosphere throughout the neighborhood. In 2015, Berkley was recognized by Money Magazine as one of the top fifty best places to live in the United States.

This city continues to draw new residents due to its exceptional school system, diverse entertainment, business opportunities, and healthcare facilities.

With a number of high-performing public schools and low crime rates, it’s no surprise that families often choose to call this charming Michigan city home.

Entertainment & Activities

Popular activities in Berkley include:

• Detroit Zoo
• Detroit Institute of Arts
• Yellow Door Art Market
• Emagine Royal Oak
• Legoland Discovery Center Michigan
• Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
• Toledo Zoo
• Domino’s Farm Petting Farm

15. Plymouth

Source: Kenneth Sponsler / shutterstock

Plymouth concludes our list of the top 15 places to live in Michigan as a Detroit suburb with a population of about 9,000, located in Wayne County.

The city boasts highly rated public schools, which significantly contribute to attracting families to the area. Additionally, Plymouth features various outdoor attractions suitable for a town of its size.

The scenic Hilltop Golf Course is a favorite among golf enthusiasts, and Plymouth Riverside Park provides pristine grounds for relaxation or leisurely strolls. The weekly farmers market is a popular gathering place for the community.

Plymouth also hosts several engaging events, including the Taste of Plymouth and Art in the Park, alongside charming boutiques and delightful dining options.

It’s a remarkable community and a desirable place to reside, where home prices remain below the national average.

Entertainment & Activities

Recommended attractions in Plymouth include:

• Penn Theatre
• Plymouth Historical Museum
• Kellogg Park
• Plymouth Pub
• Plymouth Township Park
• Knockerball Michigan