Michigan
Ever considered moving to Michigan? More than half of Michigan is covered by forests, making the state fertile ground for hunting and nature enthusiasts. The state’s craft beer scene draws tourists, while its charming cities lure many new residents, thanks to their walkable downtowns and fun annual events.
Foodies love it here, too, because you don’t have to look hard to find award-winning chefs serving up delicious cuisine in local restaurants. As for families, the state’s great schools, outdoor recreation options and affordability make it the perfect place to raise kiddos.
Automakers Ford and GM lead the top employers in Michigan, but the state is home to thriving industries, like aerospace and military equipment manufacturing, copper and ore mining, tourism and Christmas tree farming. Entrepreneurs are known for finding success here, too, as the state is home to several resources, helpful organizations and supportive communities.
Read on to learn more about working and living in Michigan, from the best places to live to details about education and careers to fun things to do.
Livability Muskegon Lakeshore Region
This digital edition of the Livability Muskegon Lakeshore Region is sponsored by Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce.
Quick Facts About Michigan
- Median Household Income
- $73,226
- Average Property Tax
- $2,894
- State Population
- 10,197,781
- Sales Tax Rate
- 6 %
- State Income Tax
- 4.25%
- Median Monthly Rent
- $919
Places We Love In Michigan
Cities in Michigan on Livability.com
- Adrian, MI
- Albion, MI
- Allegan, MI
- Allen Park, MI
- Allendale, MI
- Alma, MI
- Alpena, MI
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Auburn Hills, MI
- Battle Creek, MI
- Bay City, MI
- Beecher, MI
- Belding, MI
- Benton Harbor, MI
- Berkley, MI
- Beverly Hills, MI
- Big Rapids, MI
- Birmingham, MI
- Boyne City, MI
- Bridgeport, MI
- Brighton, MI
- Buena Vista, MI
- Burton, MI
- Byron Center, MI
- Cadillac, MI
- Center Line, MI
- Charlevoix, MI
- Charlotte, MI
- Chelsea, MI
- Clawson, MI
- Coldwater, MI
- Comstock Northwest, MI
- Comstock Park, MI
- Cutlerville, MI
- Davison, MI
- Dearborn Heights, MI
- Dearborn, MI
- Detroit, MI
- DeWitt, MI
- Dowagiac, MI
- East Grand Rapids, MI
- East Lansing, MI
- Eastpointe, MI
- Eastwood, MI
- Eaton Rapids, MI
- Ecorse, MI
- Escanaba, MI
- Fair Plain, MI
- Farmington Hills, MI
- Farmington, MI
- Fenton, MI
- Ferndale, MI
- Flat Rock, MI
- Flint, MI
- Flushing, MI
- Forest Hills, MI
- Fraser, MI
- Freeland, MI
- Fruitport, MI
- Garden City, MI
- Grand Blanc, MI
- Grand Haven, MI
- Grand Ledge, MI
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Grandville, MI
- Greenville, MI
- Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
- Grosse Pointe Park, MI
- Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
- Grosse Pointe, MI
- Hamtramck, MI
- Harper Woods, MI
- Haslett, MI
- Hastings, MI
- Hazel Park, MI
- Highland Park, MI
- Hillsdale, MI
- Holland, MI
- Holly, MI
- Holt, MI
- Houghton, MI
- Howell, MI
- Hudsonville, MI
- Huntington Woods, MI
- Inkster, MI
- Ionia, MI
- Iron Mountain, MI
- Ironwood, MI
- Ishpeming, MI
- Jackson, MI
- Jenison, MI
- Kalamazoo, MI
- Kentwood, MI
- Lake Fenton, MI
- Lambertville, MI
- Lansing, MI
- Lapeer, MI
- Lincoln Park, MI
- Livonia, MI
- Ludington, MI
- Madison Heights, MI
- Manistee, MI
- Marquette, MI
- Marshall, MI
- Marysville, MI
- Mason, MI
- Melvindale, MI
- Menominee, MI
- Midland, MI
- Milan, MI
- Milford, MI
- Monroe, MI
- Montague, MI
- Mount Clemens, MI
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- Muskegon Heights, MI
- Muskegon, MI
- New Baltimore, MI
- New Haven, MI
- Niles, MI
- Northview, MI
- Northville, MI
- Norton Shores, MI
- Novi, MI
- Oak Park, MI
- Okemos, MI
- Owosso, MI
- Petoskey, MI
- Plymouth, MI
- Pontiac, MI
- Port Huron, MI
- Portage, MI
- Richmond, MI
- River Rouge, MI
- Riverview, MI
- Rochester Hills, MI
- Rochester, MI
- Rockford, MI
- Romulus, MI
- Roseville, MI
- Royal Oak, MI
- Saginaw, MI
- Saline, MI
- Sault Ste. Marie, MI
- Shields, MI
- South Lyon, MI
- South Monroe, MI
- Southfield, MI
- Southgate, MI
- Springfield, MI
- St. Clair Shores, MI
- St. Clair, MI
- St. Johns, MI
- St. Joseph, MI
- St. Louis, MI
- Sterling Heights, MI
- Sturgis, MI
- Swartz Creek, MI
- Taylor, MI
- Tecumseh, MI
- Temperance, MI
- Three Rivers, MI
- Traverse City, MI
- Trenton, MI
- Troy, MI
- Utica, MI
- Walker, MI
- Walled Lake, MI
- Warren, MI
- Waverly, MI
- Wayne, MI
- Westland, MI
- Westwood, MI
- Whitehall, MI
- Whitmore Lake, MI
- Wixom, MI
- Woodhaven, MI
- Wyandotte, MI
- Wyoming, MI
- Ypsilanti, MI
- Zeeland, MI
Experiences & Adventures in Michigan
Winter Wonderlands: Enchanting Towns to Visit for a Hallmark-Inspired Holiday
Live out your holiday movie dreams! These 10 enchanting towns offer the ultimate Hallmark-inspired holiday experience.
5 Underrated Fall Foliage Destinations Across the US
Pack your coziest sweaters – here are five spots where autumn’s colors shine just as brightly beyond New England.
Small Towns, Big Lakes: 7 Lake Vacations You Should Take This Summer
These small seaside towns are just waiting for you to experience their summertime fun in the sun.
Food Scenes in Michigan
Traverse City Chef Shares Her Favorite Michigan Restaurants
Eat where this James Beard-nominated professional dines.
10 Unexpected Cities Serving Up Great Wine
We all know Napa Valley and Sonoma, but these are places you'd never suspect to find a glass of good vino.
The Official Food of Each State in the U.S
Eat your way through America the beautiful with our guide to the official food of each state.
Make Your Move to Michigan
Can Where You Live Shape Your Personality?
Have you ever wondered if the connection between place and personality influences where you live? Here's how your environment can influence your traits, values and worldview.
City Concierges Offer White Glove Service for Newcomers
These cities can't wait to help you make new friends and feel right at home.
Moving to Muskegon, MI? Consider These 11 Communities
Discover the lakeshore lifestyle in any of these idyllic locations.
Michigan: Where to Live Now
Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Midwest
These 25 Midwestern cities each have something special to offer residents.
The Results Are In: Why People Love Living in Michigan
Research reveals insights into what makes the Great Lakes State a meaningful place to live.
Best Places To Live in Michigan
Perched along the Great Lakes, the best cities in Michigan are affordable, accessible and loaded with beautiful scenery.
Education, Careers and Opportunity in Michigan
These Cities Are Helping Teachers Buy Houses
More and more teachers can't afford to live in their own school districts. These cities (and startups) are finding innovative ways to change that.
Why I Started a Business in Michigan, and You Should, Too
Hear from a local entrepreneur who is thriving in this Midwest state.
Why Entrepreneurs, Tech Start-ups Are Flocking to Traverse City, MI
The vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem is complemented by a supportive community.
Michigan: Love Where You Live
50 Things You Didn’t Know About the Olympics
Can't make it to Milano Cortina for the Winter Games and have some serious FOMO? Us, too! Here are 50 things you might not know about the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.
Why I Love Living in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
A local shares why she can’t get enough of life in the U.P.
Why Families Love Michigan
Find out why parents prefer to raise their kids in the Great Lakes State.