Grand Rapids and Detroit are the best places to live in Michigan in 2025. The median home value for Michigan is $236,300. The state scores 73/100 in quality of life. For a rich cultural experience, Detroit and Grand Rapids are some of the best places to live.
People are attracted to move here because of the expanding economy, accessible housing, and high-quality education. Also, the state’s cost of living is 4% lower than the national average. Let’s explore the best places to live in Michigan.
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3 Reasons to Live in Michigan 🚗
- Excellent Education: Michigan is home to some of the most prestigious institutions, like the University of Michigan, which is ranked 23rd in the world.
- Increase in Personal Income: The overall income is expected to increase by 3.6% in 2024 and continue to grow in the next few years.
- Real GDP Growth: The state’s real GDP growth is expected to rise by 1.7% in 2024, 2.0% in 2025, and 2.1% in 2026.
Best Places to Live in Michigan in 2024
Michigan provides access to cultural attractions, scenic locations, cheap housing, and a high standard of living.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Grand-Rapids | 610,000 | $261,008 | $9,851 | 4.1% | 62/100 |
| 2. | Detroit | 604,794 | $68,903 | $10,038 | 3.4% | 55/100 |
| 3. | Lansing | 566,702 | $139,541 | $10,011 | 3.10% | 55/100 |
| 4. | Troy | 86,419 | $370,500 | $397,742 | 2.10% | 69/100 |
| 5. | Ann-Arbor | 121,485 | $480,015 | $471,650 | 2.20% | 74/100 |
| 6. | Okemos | 25,549 | $366,450 | $338,320 | 3.4% | 55/100 |
| 7. | Holland | 33,656 | $364,704 | $318,858 | 2.90% | 59/100 |
1. Grand Rapids
- Home Value: ⬆️ 8.0%
- Median Household Income: $149,397
- Monthly Expenses: $8,742
- Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
- Community Well-Being Score: 62/100
Grand Rapids is a vibrant city located in the state. It is one of the best places to live in MI. The cost of living is 1% lower than the state average and 4% lower than the national average.
Additionally, the city is home to several significant companies. These include Spectrum Health, Amway, Steelcase, and Meijer, which provide a range of job opportunities for residents.
» Homes for Sale in Grand Rapids, MI: Find your home in this second-largest city in Michigan.
2. Detroit
- Home Value: ⬇️ 0.9%
- Median Household Income: $34,762
- Monthly Expenses: $7,758
- Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
- Community Well-Being Score: 55/100
Detroit is the largest city in Michigan and is renowned for its automotive industry, rich history, and cultural attractions. The city is expected to experience moderate job growth, averaging 1.1 percent between 2024 and 2027.
In addition to this, the city is home to various professional sports teams, some of which are the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Lions, and Detroit Red Wings. Sports fans can enjoy these games and support their favorite teams throughout the year.
» Homes for Sale in Detroit, MI: View thousands of properties in Sports City.
3. Lansing
- Home Value: ⬆️ 6.8%
- Median Household Income: $46,570
- Monthly Expenses: $8,163
- Unemployment Rate: 3.10%
- Community Well-Being Score: 55/100
Lansing is the capital city of Michigan. It is home to several universities, including one of the largest in the nation, Michigan State University. Also, housing in Lansing costs 18% less than the national average.
Lansing is one of the best cities to live in Michigan, with various parks, rivers, and lakes. Besides this, you can also enjoy the city’s extensive trail system and green spaces. These include the Lansing River Trail and Potter Park Zoo.
4. Troy
- Home Value: ⬆️7.1%
- Median Household Income: $107,550
- Monthly Expenses: $9,089
- Unemployment Rate: 2.10%
- Community Well-Being Score: 69/100
Troy is known for low crime rates, well-kept parks, and safe, family-friendly neighborhoods. The median home price in the city is $397,742.
The city is home to some of the best schools in the state, with excellent ratings. Some of the top public schools are Leonard Elementary School, Troy High School, Athens High School, etc.
» Homes for Sale in Troy, MI: Find a home in one of the best places to live in Great Lake State.
5. Ann Arbor
- Home Value: ⬆️ 6.1%
- Median Household Income: $73,276
- Monthly Expenses: $9,493
- Unemployment Rate: 2.20%
- Community Well-Being Score: 74/100
Ann Arbor is the 8th best city to live in America. The Ann Arbor Art Fair is the city’s best-known festival and one of the biggest art fairs in the nation. The average home value in this city is $471,650.
In addition, the city has a thriving economy with industries like research, technology, healthcare, and education. The University of Michigan and some companies, like DaySmart Software and Dewpoint, are among the city’s major employers.
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6. Okemos
- Home Value: ⬆️ 4.5%
- Median Household Income: $83,019
- Monthly Expenses: $8,163
- Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
- Community Well-Being Score: 55/100
Okemos is one of the best towns in Michigan to live in. The average household income in the city is $121,468. Okemos is a great place to raise a family and feel safe because of its low crime rates and well-kept neighborhoods.
Moreover, the city offers a high quality of life with its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and vibrant community. Throughout the year, Okemos also holds several community festivals and events, such as farmers’ markets, concerts, art fairs, and holiday celebrations.
» Homes for Sale in Okemos, MI: Browse through thousands of properties in your budget.
7. Holland
- Home Value: ⬆️ 3.0%
- Median Household Income: $82,314
- Monthly Expenses: $8,627
- Unemployment Rate: 2.90%
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100
Holland is one of the best places to live in Michigan. It has a diverse and robust economy, with thriving industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism. Moreover, Holland has seen the job market increase by 1.7% over the last year.
The city is home to major companies, including Herman Miller, Haworth, and Gentex Corporation, offering ample job opportunities for residents. Besides this, you can also visit the Holland Museum for local history, the Knickerbocker Theatre for live performances, and the Holland Area Arts Council for artwork.
» Homes for Sale in Holland, MI: Browse through thousands of properties in this beautiful city.
Best Cities to Live in Michigan for Young Adults
Here are the best places to live in Michigan for young adults:
- Kalamazoo: Kalamazoo is home to Western Michigan University, which is known for its academic programs and research initiatives. Some of the major employers include Stryker Corporation, Bronson Healthcare, and Pfizer.
- Royal Oak: Young professionals looking for a dynamic urban lifestyle are drawn to Royal Oak because of its exciting nightlife and proximity to Detroit. Additionally, Beaumont Hospital is one of Michigan’s biggest healthcare services in this city.
Bottom Line
Michigan is home to several top-ranked colleges and universities, offering world-class education and research opportunities. This makes it one of the best places to live in the US. Also, according to forecasts, the state will add 52,400 jobs this year and 45,800 jobs in 2025.
Whether you’re drawn to the innovation hub of Ann Arbor or the lakeshore calm of Holland, Michigan offers diverse lifestyles. Explore listings, compare prices, and make offers online with just a few clicks on Houzeo, Michigan’s best home buying website.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Michigan’s most accurate home value estimator.
Research Methodology
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Michigan. The comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Michigan and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Michigan Demographics Report [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
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, retirees, and working professionals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Michigan a good place to live?
Yes, Michigan is a great place to live! It offers an affordable cost of living, diverse landscapes, and a strong job market. Moving to Michigan can be a good idea if you're seeking these benefits.
Is Grand Rapids, Michigan a good place to live?
Yes, Grand Rapids is one of the great places to stay in Michigan. It offers affordable living, low housing costs, and a strong sense of community.
What are some of the cheapest places to live in Michigan?
Flint and Detroit are some of the cheapest places to live in Michigan due to their low cost of living. They are 14.9% and 8.2% cheaper than the national average respectively.
