Michigan - Real Estate

Move to Michigan

Michigan is the country’s only bi-peninsular state; the Lower Peninsula is often referred to as 'The Mitten' and across the Mackinaw Bridge, you’ll find the Upper Peninsula, with it inhabitants often referred to as ‘Yoopers’. Surrounded by four of The Great Lakes, Michigan offers its residents year-round outdoor activities. Everything from boating to skiing, there is always something to pull you outdoors plus, with the most public golf courses in the nation, it is a golfer’s dream. Here you’ll be able to find yourself transported from the wilderness to city dwelling in just a few hours.

The cost of living throughout Michigan remains relatively low compared to the national average. While prices can run a bit higher in some of the larger cities, housing prices have managed to stay pretty low, while appreciation remains on a steady incline with the median home price at about $140,000. Personal income tax is a flat rate 3.90 percent, making it one of the lowest in the nation.

Here you’ll find a variety of housing styles and types depending on the area. In Michigan you can find historic mansions, suburban new builds or mid-size town homes. With over 11,000 lakes throughout the state, many residents have their primary homes located right on the water, while even more have purchased vacation homes throughout the state. With some of the best school districts and universities in the nation, Michigan is a great place for families to settle, many choosing to relocate to the suburbs outside the major cities.

Much of Michigan’s economy is stimulated by manufacturing, agriculture, biotechnology, information technology and tourism. While the relocation of two major automobile manufacturers has slowed down the economy, it has remained strong in other sectors.

Michigan residents spend their leisure time boating, hunting, fishing, golfing, skiing and snowboarding. With over 1 million registered boats and over 11,000 lakes, its residents take water recreation very seriously, with many of the Lower Peninsula’s residents enjoying long, relaxing weekends at their cottage ‘Up North’. Although, Michigan’s year-round scenic beauty attracts many to the outdoors, the state has many venues for the culture vultures and those who prefer to watch instead of partake. Here you can enjoy the day at one of thousands of museums, art galleries, concert halls and much more. Michigan is also home to many of the top ranked college and pro sports teams including the Detroit Pistons, Detroit Tigers, Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans.

“If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes” is jokingly stated among residents. Michigan enjoys four distinct seasons; the weather is known to be warm and sunny and suddenly turn cold and snowy in a matter of a few hours. Here you can enjoy hot, humid summers, a cool, crisp fall, a snow-packed winter and warm, rainy springs. Even though the state is known for its major industrialized cities, a good portion of the state is covered with forests, water and beaches.

To learn more about specific communities in Michigan, request a Free Relocation Packet prepared by a HomeRoute Preferred™ local community expert. This exclusive guide will be customized to your specific home search and help you prepare for your upcoming move to Michigan.

Information provided courtesy of HomeRoute.