Michigan—home of the Great Lakes, incredible fall colors, and approximately 10 million potholes per square mile, I mean people oops. Yet, while some of us are holding on to this mitten-shaped wonder for dear life, others are packing up faster than you can say "pure Michigan." But wait—here’s the twist—many of those who leave end up coming back! So, what’s going on?
Michigan, known for its Great Lakes, beautiful fall foliage, and unique mitten-shaped geography, has a rich history and cultural identity. However, it’s no secret that Michigan has seen a significant outflow of residents in recent years. While many people leave for a variety of reasons, what’s equally interesting is that some of them find their way back to the state. What causes this back-and-forth migration? Let’s take a detailed look at why people leave Michigan—and why they return.
Why Are People Leaving Michigan?
Economic Challenges
One of the biggest reasons people leave Michigan is the economy. Michigan’s economy has long been tied to the automotive industry. When Detroit was the hub of car manufacturing in the mid-20th century, Michigan flourished. But as the global economy shifted, automation increased, and manufacturing jobs were outsourced, Michigan took a significant economic hit. Thousands of well-paying jobs disappeared seemingly overnight. Although the state has made strides in diversifying its economy, some people still leave in search of better job opportunities in more economically stable states like Texas, Florida, or California.
Moreover, job growth in Michigan often doesn’t match the pace of growth in other states. For those in technology, finance, or entertainment industries, cities like Austin, New York, or Los Angeles offer more robust opportunities. Some younger residents, especially college graduates, leave to chase career dreams elsewhere.
Harsh Winters
Michigan winters are no joke. The heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and icy roads can make life challenging, especially for those who aren’t used to it. While the snow-covered landscapes may look picturesque in photos, the reality involves shoveling driveways, scraping ice off windshields, and navigating treacherous roads for months on end. For retirees and those who can work remotely, warmer states like Florida, Arizona, and the Carolinas become tempting alternatives. The idea of never having to shovel snow again can be a powerful motivator.
Urban Challenges and Infrastructure Issues
Urban areas like Detroit have faced significant challenges over the years. While the city has made incredible strides in revitalization, its history of economic decline, high crime rates, and population loss still looms large in the minds of many residents. Suburban sprawl and the flight of businesses and middle-class families to the suburbs left Detroit struggling to recover for decades. Despite recent improvements, some residents still view other cities as safer or more stable options.
Michigan’s infrastructure issues also play a role. The state’s roads are notoriously bad, with potholes becoming a meme-worthy part of Michigan life. Poor public transit systems in many areas make car ownership a necessity, which can be expensive for some families. Residents who are frustrated with these daily inconveniences may find themselves drawn to states with better infrastructure and public transportation options.
Retirement and Family Considerations
Another major driver of outbound migration is retirement. Michigan retirees often seek warmer climates where they can enjoy year-round outdoor activities. Florida and Arizona, for instance, are perennial favorites for Michigan retirees looking to escape the snow. These states also often have lower property taxes and no state income tax, making them financially attractive.
Additionally, family plays a significant role in people’s decisions to leave Michigan. Those with family members in other states often relocate to be closer to their loved ones. Whether it’s helping with aging parents or wanting to raise children near extended family, these deeply personal decisions frequently lead people to pack their bags and move.
High Taxes and Cost of Living
While Michigan has a lower cost of living than many states, some aspects of life here, such as property taxes and auto insurance rates, are higher than the national average. Michigan consistently ranks as one of the most expensive states for auto insurance, which can add a significant financial burden to households. States with lower overall costs, such as Tennessee or Texas, often lure people away with the promise of a more affordable lifestyle.
Why Are People Coming Back to Michigan?
Affordable Cost of Living
One of Michigan’s greatest strengths is its relatively low cost of living, especially when it comes to housing. In Michigan, you can buy a home for a fraction of what you’d pay in places like California or New York. This affordability is a major draw for people returning to the state, particularly families looking to settle down or young professionals hoping to buy their first home. In addition, the overall cost of groceries, utilities, and healthcare is lower than in many other states, making Michigan an attractive option for those looking to stretch their dollars further.
Family and Community Connections
Michigan’s sense of community is unmatched. From local festivals to college sports rivalries, the state has a strong cultural identity that draws people back. Many former residents find that life in other states lacks the tight-knit communities they grew up with. Whether it’s the familiar faces, shared traditions, or just the comfort of being around people who “get” the Michigan way of life, this sense of belonging is a powerful motivator.
Families also play a big role in bringing people back to Michigan. Many people return to be closer to aging parents, siblings, or other relatives. For parents, Michigan offers a fantastic environment to raise children, with its abundance of outdoor activities, strong school districts, and safe suburban communities.
Revitalized Urban Areas
Detroit’s comeback story has been one of the most inspiring narratives in Michigan’s recent history. While the city once symbolized economic decline, it is now a vibrant hub of art, culture, and business innovation. Young professionals and entrepreneurs are drawn to Detroit for its affordable housing, burgeoning tech scene, and unique cultural opportunities. Similarly, cities like Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Traverse City have become attractive destinations for those looking to enjoy Michigan’s urban lifestyle with a side of charm.
These revitalized cities are also drawing former residents who had left for job opportunities in other states. As Michigan continues to grow its economy and attract new businesses, people are returning to take advantage of these emerging opportunities.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation
For many, nothing compares to the natural beauty of Michigan. The state boasts over 3,000 miles of freshwater shoreline, numerous national and state parks, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether it’s kayaking on Lake Michigan, hiking through Sleeping Bear Dunes, or enjoying a weekend
getaway in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan’s great outdoors are a major draw.
For those who left for urban jungles or warmer climates, the unique serenity of Michigan’s landscapes often calls them back. There’s a reason people say, “You can take the Michigander out of Michigan, but you can’t take Michigan out of the Michigander.”
Educational and Cultural Opportunities
Michigan is home to some of the country’s top educational institutions, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and a host of other reputable colleges and universities. These schools not only attract students but also professionals and researchers who find job opportunities tied to academia.
Culturally, Michigan offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the Motown Museum in Detroit to the ArtPrize festival in Grand Rapids. Many who move back to Michigan find that the state’s mix of history, arts, and music is hard to replicate elsewhere.
The Michigan Spirit
Finally, there’s the unexplainable magic of Michigan itself. Whether it’s the feeling of a crisp autumn morning with the smell of cider mills in the air, the roar of fans at a Michigan State vs. Michigan football game, or the simple joy of a Vernors ginger ale on a summer day, there’s something about Michigan that feels like home. It’s this intangible spirit that draws people back time and time again.
To Summarize:
Why People Are Leaving Michigan
Jobs: Or Lack Thereof Michigan’s economy is a bit like an old car: it’s reliable sometimes, but you’re always a little nervous it’s about to break down (i'm kidding.. Good analogy thought?). While Detroit’s auto industry is revving back up, some people still leave for states with shinier opportunities. Tech hubs like Austin or San Francisco, or financial powerhouses like New York, can be hard to resist when you’re job hunting. Michigan’s job market has improved, but for many, it’s not moving fast enough.
The Weather—Michigan’s Unofficial Personality Ah, Michigan winters. Beautiful in Hallmark movies, but not so magical when your car door is frozen shut and your driveway looks like a ski slope. Some people just aren’t built for the cold—and after their fifth “polar vortex,” they’re ready to swap snow boots for flip-flops. States like Florida and Arizona know how to sweet-talk a Michigander with promises of 80-degree Januarys.
Urban Challenges Detroit has come a long way, but let’s be real: it’s still shaking off some of its rougher years. The city has made huge strides in reducing crime and boosting its economy, but not everyone is willing to wait for the full glow-up. Combine that with Michigan’s famous pothole-ridden roads, and it’s no wonder some people pack their bags after yet another tire blowout.
Taxes and Insurance Woes Here’s a fun fact: Michigan has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country (although on the way down). Throw in property taxes that aren’t exactly cheap, and other states start to look pretty appealing. Texas, for example, doesn’t have a state income tax. Florida doesn’t either, and it comes with palm trees. Hard to compete with that.
Retirement: Chasing the Sun For retirees, the allure of never scraping frost off their car again is real. About a quarter of Michigan’s movers are retirees, heading south where “winter” means putting on a light jacket to grab your golf clubs. Florida is practically a Michigan snowbird colony.
Why People Are Coming Back
Affordable Living: The Big Draw One of Michigan’s superpowers is its affordability. While you’d need a small fortune to buy a home in Los Angeles or New York, Michigan offers charming houses at prices that won’t make your bank account cry. For young families and first-time homebuyers, that’s a huge win.
Family and Community Ties Michiganders are a tight-knit bunch. If you grew up here, chances are you’ve got family and friends who’ve known you since you were in diapers. Moving away might seem great at first, but soon enough, people start missing tailgates, summer BBQs, and family Euchre games (because no one outside Michigan knows what Euchre even is).
Michigan’s Glow-Up Detroit and other cities like Grand Rapids and Traverse City are thriving in ways they haven’t in decades. Detroit’s food and art scene is blowing up, Grand Rapids is Beer City USA, and Traverse City is like Napa Valley with a Midwestern twist. For those who left when times were tough, coming back to these revitalized areas is like seeing an old friend who just got a makeover.
The Great Outdoors: Nature Wins Every Time You can take a Michigander out of Michigan, but you can’t take the love of the Great Lakes out of a Michigander. The call of Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches, the hiking trails of the Upper Peninsula, and the fall colors that make Instagram jealous—there’s just no replacing it. People move away for work or warmth, but they come back for sunsets at Sleeping Bear Dunes and bonfires by the lake.
The Michigan Spirit Michigan has a certain magic that’s hard to explain. Maybe it’s the way strangers become friends at a Tigers game or the pride of seeing a “Pure Michigan” ad on TV. Or maybe it’s the simple joys—like grabbing a Vernors when you’re sick or a hot pasty on a cold day. Whatever it is, people realize they miss it, and before long, they’re packing up the U-Haul to come back home.
Michigan is a state of contrasts. While economic challenges, harsh winters, and urban issues drive some people away, the state’s affordability, natural beauty, and revitalized cities lure many of them back. Add in the magnetic pull of family and community, and it’s clear that Michigan has a unique hold on its residents. Whether you’re staying, leaving, or coming back, one thing is certain: Michigan will always be here, waiting with open arms—and maybe a warm pasty or a glass of Faygo to welcome you home.
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 to give you insight on all things Michigan, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss out! Thanks for watching, 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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