Alpena

Alpena’s motto of “Warm and Friendly Port” really is the perfect description for this charming city. While most people only visit the northern part of Michigan for a vacation, there are plenty of folks who call this area home, with many good reasons.

This city offers the feeling of a small neighborhood where everyone seems to know one another. There is a community calendar that is full at any given time with cultural and sporting events like fairs, festivals, fundraisers, car shows, bike rides, bowling tournaments and more. This is the type of city where parents can actually have date night while other parents take their turn babysitting.

The public school district in Alpena is fantastic and there are private schools in the area as well. There is one community college in the city, but another seven that are around 100 miles away.

Alpena is an average/wealthy neighborhood. Houses are more expensive here than what you would find further south but well worth what the area has to offer. You will find a small shopping center, grocery stores and family owned restaurants, pubs and boutiques. Despite what you may assume, you certainly do get cellphone service up in Alpena, and no, you’re not paying roaming charges.

So, what is wrong with Alpena? Well, there are 73 sex offenders and a surprising high crime rate, including its fair share of murders, rapes, burglaries and assaults.