Moving To Michigan? What You SHOULD Know About Living In Michigan!
- Andrew McManamon
- 16 hours ago
- 5 min read
So, you’re thinking about moving to Michigan? Maybe you just got a new job here. Maybe your current state’s home prices are making you consider selling a kidney just to afford a garage. Or maybe—just maybe—you’ve heard about this state’s obsession with Vernors and lake life, and now you need to know what the hype is about.
The Ultimate Guide to Living In Michigan
Either way, this is your ultimate, no-BS guide to what it’s really like to live in Michigan. We’re covering everything from housing, jobs, and transportation to cost of living, hidden expenses, healthcare, schools, entertainment, and even how to pick the perfect Michigan city for YOU.
Plus, we’ll talk about some of the weird Michigan quirks no one tells you about—until you’ve lived here long enough to instinctively say “ope” every time you bump into someone.
Living In Michigan
Michigan Public Transportation
Let’s get straight to the point: yes, you do. Unless you love waiting 45 minutes for a bus that may or may not show up, Michigan is not a place where you can thrive without a car.
Public transit does exist in certain areas, but it’s not something you’ll want to rely on for a daily commute. Detroit has buses, but they’re not exactly known for speed or efficiency. Ann Arbor’s system is fine if you stay in town, and Grand Rapids’ The Rapid is decent. But if you’re anywhere outside these areas—whether it’s a suburb, a small town, or literally anywhere in the Upper Peninsula—you’ll be driving.
Living In Michigan
Driving In Michigan
And let’s talk about Michigan driving. Here's a meme I made that I feel captures what driving in Michigan is like (at least in Metro Detroit). Making jokes of course.
Winter here isn’t just a season; it’s a test of patience, skill, and whether or not you’re willing to risk your suspension. Snowplows do their best, but they can’t be everywhere at once. Black ice? That stuff will betray you faster than a pothole disguised as a puddle. If you’re moving here from a warm state, I strongly recommend learning some winter driving basics before you find yourself sliding through an intersection. Snow tires and all-wheel drive aren’t required, but they’re highly recommended unless you enjoy playing “will I make it up this hill today?”
On the plus side, if you travel often, Detroit Metro Airport is a solid hub with direct flights all over the country. Grand Rapids has a decent airport too, but if you’re up north, be prepared for fewer options and some expensive regional flights.
Living In Michigan
Michigan Cost of Living
One of the biggest reasons people move to Michigan is affordability.
Buying A Home In Michigan
You can actually buy a house here without feeling like you need a six-figure salary or a distant relative in real estate leaving you a “surprise” inheritance. The median home price sits around $232,000, which is almost unbelievable if you’re coming from places like California or New York. Even in metro areas like Detroit and Grand Rapids, you can find homes at reasonable prices compared to the national average. If you’re looking for lakefront property, Michigan is one of the best states for it. Whether you’re dreaming of a quaint little home near Lake Michigan or a cabin getaway in the Upper Peninsula, you’ll find options—just be aware that prime spots near Traverse City or Petoskey come with a premium price tag.
Renting A Home In Michigan
If renting is more your style, prices are still manageable. A one-bedroom apartment will cost around $1,200 in Detroit or Grand Rapids, while smaller cities may be under $1,000. College towns like Ann Arbor, however, will charge a premium for proximity to campus.
Rent or mortgage payments will likely be your biggest expense, followed by utilities that fluctuate depending on the season. Heating costs spike in winter—especially in older homes—while summer utility bills tend to be more forgiving. Groceries are about average compared to the national cost, though if you love shopping at boutique grocery stores, your budget will feel the difference.
Living In Michigan
Michigan Car Insurance
One thing that might catch newcomers off guard is car insurance. Michigan has some of the highest rates in the country, with monthly premiums often ranging between $150 to $300, depending on where you live and your driving history. Gas prices are usually reasonable, though they do vary depending on your location. Internet is widely available in metro areas, but if you’re moving to a more rural spot, double-check your options—fast and reliable service isn’t always guaranteed.
Living In Michigan
Michigan Healthcare
If having access to top-tier medical care is a priority, Michigan delivers. The University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor is nationally ranked, and Beaumont and Henry Ford hospitals in Metro Detroit offer some of the best healthcare in the Midwest. If you’re in a metro area, you’ll have plenty of options. If you’re in a small town or the Upper Peninsula, however, you may have to travel a bit for specialized care.
If you have kids, Michigan’s public school system varies depending on the district. Some areas are known for having outstanding schools with strong funding, advanced programs, and highly rated teachers. Others struggle with resources. The best approach is to research schools based on your specific needs before choosing a place to live.
Living In Michigan
Michigan Education
For higher education, Michigan has some of the best universities in the country, including the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, along with a variety of strong state and private colleges.
Michigan is the kind of place where you can have a completely different experience depending on where you live. In cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids, you’ll find thriving restaurant scenes, craft breweries, live music, and pro sports teams that range from “pretty good” to “will break your heart.” If you love the outdoors, Michigan is paradise. Between the lakes, hiking trails, ski resorts, and campgrounds, there’s no shortage of adventure.
Living In Michigan
Where Should I Live In Michigan?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to where you should live in Michigan. Instead of steering you toward a specific city, let’s talk about how to figure out what’s right for YOU.
Think about your priorities, needs, and lifestyle preferences. Are you looking for a big-city atmosphere with nightlife and job opportunities? Or are you searching for a quieter, small-town feel? Do you want to be close to nature, or do you prefer being within walking distance of coffee shops and restaurants? How important are school districts, commute times, or housing costs in your decision?
Find Your Michigan Lifestyle
If you're not sure where to start, check out my video on Finding Your Michigan Lifestyle, where I break down different regions and what makes them unique.
If you love affordable living, beautiful summers, great food, and endless outdoor fun, Michigan might be exactly what you’re looking for. But be ready for snow, potholes, and the occasional April blizzard.
If you still have questions, drop them in the comments—If you’re thinking about moving to Michigan in 1 day or a million, feel free to reach out anytime. I also have a link to the Living in Michigan newsletter (below) to give you insight on all things Michigan, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss out! Thanks for reading, until next time.
Cheers,
Andrew
Andrew McManamon is a Michigan REALTOR® with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty and provides real estate services to Buyers, Sellers and Investors throughout SE Michigan including Livingston County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County, Genesee County & beyond. Andrew has become one of the pillars of Michigan real estate. Prior to his real estate career Andrew was responsible for managing a senior living facility in Brighton, Michigan as a dining supervisor and an activities assistant. Andrew’s passion to help people is unlike any other, and he continues to strive to be the best resource he can be. Andrew graduated from Cleary University in Howell, Michigan with a double major in business and marketing, and currently resides in Brighton, Michigan.
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