“Pure Michigan” is more than a slogan—it’s a promise of affordability and opportunity! The state’s home prices are 41.2% below the US median and the cost of living is 8.5% lower. Plus, with a 94% employment rate, you can build a thriving career here.
From the shores of Lake Michigan to the streets of Detroit, every corner of the Wolverine State offers something special. You can explore Ann Arbor’s thriving arts scene or Grand Rapids’ craft breweries. No matter your lifestyle, Michigan has the perfect place for you!
What Are the Best Places to Live in Michigan?
| # City | Weighted Average Scores* | Median House Price | Median Income | Cost of Living | Community Wellbeing | Crime Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Berkley | 56.13 | $292K | $134K | 2.8% ⬇️ | 69 | 71 |
| 2. Farmington Hills | 53.64 | $277K | $129K | 3.1% ⬇️ | 69 | 35 |
| 3. Detroit | 53.06 | $89K | $46K | 2.7% ⬇️ | 55 | 1 |
| 4. Lansing | 51.24 | $131K | $63K | 5.8% ⬇️ | 55 | 4 |
| 5. Kalamazoo | 49.01 | $190K | $61K | 7% ⬇️ | 59 | 2 |
| 6. Holland | 48.75 | $312K | $87K | 4.6% ⬇️ | 59 | 22 |
| 7. Rochester Hills | 48.52 | $387K | $173K | 0.3% ⬇️ | 69 | 50 |
| 8. Grand Rapids | 46.78 | $272K | $77K | 0.6% ⬆️ | 62 | 5 |
| 9. Flint | 46.60 | $37K | $43K | 9.4% ⬇️ | 50 | 8 |
| 10. Troy | 43.56 | $430K | $113K | 3.1% ⬇️ | 69 | 29 |
*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.
To simplify your search in the Michigan housing market, we’ve sorted the top 10 cities into four categories: for young adults, for families, and for retirees. Each city is evaluated based on career opportunities, affordability, community wellbeing, and lifestyle.
4 Best Places to Live in Michigan for Young Adults 💼
1. Berkley
- Median House Price: $292K
- Cost of Living: 2.8% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 3%
- Walkability Score: 83; it’s a very walkable city.
They say money doesn’t grow on trees. But with Berkley’s home prices 30.1% lower than the US median, you might just be able to root yourself in the city! Additionally, the healthcare industry, which employs 16.4% of the workforce, is booming.
After work, you can stroll down Woodward Avenue to unwind. Here, you can explore fashion boutiques or grab a mouthwatering burger at the famous Vinsetta Garage. You can also sip on a craft brew at Motor City Brewing Works—because hydration is important!
» Berkley Homes for Sale: Find homes in the best place to live in Michigan.
2. Detroit
- Median House Price: $89K
- Cost of Living: 2.7% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: Safer than 1% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 14.7%
- Walkability Score: 63; it’s somewhat walkable.
Detroit, the Motor City, has been reinventing itself as a hub of innovation! Healthcare is the biggest sector in the city’s thriving job market, with 17.9% of the workforce. Plus, home to Wayne State University, it’s one of the best places to live in Michigan for young adults.
You can take a walk down the serene Detroit Riverwalk. You can also channel your inner art critic at the Detroit Institute of Arts. If your idea of culture involves deep-fried deliciousness, Greektown awaits you with open arms and sizzling saganaki!
» Detroit Homes for Sale: Find properties in one of the best cities to live in Michigan.
3. Lansing
- Median House Price: $131K
- Cost of Living: 5.8% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: Safer than 4% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 8.3%
- Walkability Score: 83; it’s a very walkable city.
Lansing brings affordability to the table with home prices 68.6% below the US median—so you can afford both avocado toast and a mortgage. Also, thanks to Michigan State University, the city is a hotspot for youngsters.
On your day off, you can visit the Michigan State Capitol to soak in some history. You can also paddle down Red Cedar River for a peaceful outdoor escape. You can end your night at The Loft with live music and great vibes.
» Lansing Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the best places in Michigan to live.
4. Grand Rapids
- Median House Price: $272K
- Cost of Living: 0.6% ⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: Safer than 5% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 5.6%
- Walkability Score: 97; it’s a very walkable city.
Welcome to Beer City USA, where craft beer flows as smoothly as the deals. Grand Rapids gives you access to major cities like Detroit via Interstate 96. Moreover, its job market is hopping! Manufacturing is the major employer, which accounts for 16.1% of the workforce.
Start your weekend with a peaceful boat ride at Grand River. Later, you can explore vibrant art at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. If you love Spanish cuisine and stunning views, make sure to visit MDRD. Time your visit to catch a breathtaking view of the sunset.
» Grand Rapids Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the best places to stay in Michigan.
3 Best Places to Live in Michigan for Families 👨👩👧👦
1. Farmington Hills
- Median House Price: $277K
- Cost of Living: 3.1% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: Safer than 35% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 4.8%
- Walkability Score: 37; it’s a car-dependent city.
With its wallet-friendly lifestyle, Farmington Hills is the best place to live in MI for families. Housing prices are 33.6% lower and house expenses are 28% below the US median. Moreover, the Farmington Public School District can offer your kids the finest education.
On the weekend, you can go for a picnic at the Heritage Park with your family. You can also head to the Farmington Hills Nature Center for peaceful trails. Finally, end your day at the Farmington Civic Theater, where the popcorn is affordable and the nostalgia is free.
» Farmington Hills Homes for Sale: Find top properties in the best city to live in Michigan for families.
2. Rochester Hills
- Median House Price: $387K
- Cost of Living: 0.3% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 4%
- Walkability Score: 20; it’s a car-dependent city.
Rochester Hills stands out as one of the best places to live in Michigan for families! Its schools outperform 92.9% of all US school districts. Along with solid career options in manufacturing, the city has a low crime rate of only 0.8 crimes per 1,000 residents.
For a fun day out, take your family out to Stony Creek Metropark for a hike. You can also head to The Village of Rochester Hills for upscale fashion shopping. Finally, call it a day with Kruse & Muer’s famous Maryland-style crab cakes.
» Rochester Hills Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the best places to live in MI.
3. Troy
- Median House Price: $430K
- Cost of Living: 3.1% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: Safer than 29% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 4.2%
- Walkability Score: 32; it’s a car-dependent city.
With schools that outperform 94.5% of US districts, Troy is one of the best cities in Michigan to raise a family. Plus, it boasts a strong job market. Manufacturing makes up 20.3% of the workforce, while healthcare accounts for 15.9%.
Spend your weekends at the charming Troy Historic Village, which showcases local history. You can also have a family picnic at Boulan Park. Also, Troy Family Aquatic Center offers fun activities for kids during the summers.
» Troy Homes for Sale: Find properties in one of the nicest cities in Michigan to live in.
3 Best Places to Live in Michigan for Retirees 🏖️
1. Kalamazoo
- Median House Price: $190K
- Cost of Living: 7% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: Safer than 2% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 8.1%
- Walkability Score: 69; it’s somewhat walkable.
With healthcare costs 10% below the US median, Kalamazoo is the best place to retire in Michigan. Home to Bronson Methodist Hospital, quality healthcare is easily accessible. Moreover, housing prices are 54.6% lower than the national average.
On top of that, you can hike the serene trails at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. You can also explore exhibitions at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts or live concerts at Bronson Park. And if you love classic cars, the Gilmore Car Museum is basically a time machine on wheels.
» Kalamazoo Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the best areas to live in Michigan.
2. Holland
- Median House Price: $312K
- Cost of Living: 4.6% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: Safer than 22% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 2.3%
- Walkability Score: 79; it’s a very walkable city.
Holland is one of the best places to retire in Michigan thanks to its exceptional healthcare. Moreover, Holland Hospital ranks among America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Care. Moreover, home prices are 25.4% below the national average.
But that’s just the beginning! You can explore stunning Dutch-inspired landscapes at Windmill Island Gardens. The highlight is the remarkable 250-year-old De Zwaan Dutch windmill. For a tranquil getaway, you can go on a boat ride along the Holland Harbor.
» Holland Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the best cities in MI to live in.
3. Flint
- Median House Price: $37K
- Cost of Living: 9.4% ⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: Safer than 8% of US cities.
- Unemployment: 17.6%
- Walkability Score: 26; it’s a car-dependent city.
Flint might be Michigan’s best-kept secret! Housing prices are a staggering 91% below the national median, which makes it one of the cheapest places to live in Michigan. Plus, healthcare costs are 21% lower, so it’s perfect for retirees.
For a relaxing day, visit the Flint Institute of Arts or catch a show at the Longway Planetarium. You can also go on a scenic trail at Genesee County Park. Relive history on the scenic train ride at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad.
» Flint Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the best cities in Michigan to live in.
Mortgage Pre-Approval: Your First Step to Buy a Home 🏡
Mortgage pre-approval simplifies the home-buying process by giving you a clear picture of your budget and borrowing capacity. Plus, sellers are more likely to accept your offer if you’re pre-approved since it shows you’re a serious buyer.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.5%, there is an increase in home-buying demand in Michigan. So, don’t wait. Get a mortgage pre-approval today and avoid bidding wars!
Is Michigan the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Michigan is one of the best places to live in the US due to its robust job market, excellent education system, and great climate. Moreover, the price of living in Michigan is 5% lower than the national average.
With a growing tech scene in Detroit and top-notch universities in Lansing, Michigan offers great opportunities for career growth. Additionally, the Great Lakes give you plenty of options for recreational activities, from camping to kayaking.
Research Methodology for the Best Places to Live in Michigan
This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on eight parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the best places to live in the Wolverine State:
- Redfin[1]: Median House Price
- Zipatlas[2]: Population, Median Income, Expenses, Unemployment Rate
- Salary.com[3]: Cost of Living
- Sharecare[4]: Community Well-Being
- Neighborhoodscout[5]: Crime Index Score
The total score for each city combines a weighted score for its rank. Here’s the weightage: population (10%), home price (20%), income (20%), expenses (15%), unemployment (15%), cost of living (10%), crime index (5%), and well-being (5%).
Additionally, we have listed the best cities to live in Michigan for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
