herbivorehippie

There was a time in my more adventurous days, long before I became a vegan that I would get a craving for Mackinac Island fudge, and thus a road trip would be in order. If I was brave enough to live on an island without feeling like I would be cut off from civilization at one point, this would be the island I would choose. Skip someplace tropical, I’ll take the Upper Peninsula and all the beauty that comes with it.

Although the island can often seem like it is all a bustle in the summer, there are only around 500 permanent residents. You catch the ferry to the island from Mackinac City and I must say that they pretty much run like clockwork. I have never had to wait for one to arrive; it is always there according to schedule. This also means that it won’t wait for you, so be on time!

The Lilac Festival is one you don’t want to miss, but in the winter, this is the place to go skiing. Many people assume that you can’t get through to the island in the dead of winter, but there are flights that go back and forth from the mainland. I think I paid around $40 for a round trip last time I was there.

Mackinac Island may be rated in the top 100 tourist attractions on countless lists, but it sure wouldn’t be a bad place to call home either.

I love the Upper Peninsula, but I don’t know if I could live in a few of the cities that are beyond secluded; Cheboygan gives you the best of both worlds. Since the city sits at the Mackinac Bridge, you are still within the mitten, but you can easily crossover to enjoy all the forests and waterfalls in the tip of the UP.

There are a lot of great restaurants along Main St.; you will find that most people you encounter in the city are tourists, but there are still around 5,000 permanent residents. It would be easy to start a small business here because it is such a touristy area.

If you are visiting, sometimes you will discover good deals on hotels, other times, they are ridiculously expensive. There are a ton of B&Bs in the area though too. If this is somewhere you want to move, you will find that housing is dirt cheap. Most residents make about half what state average is, but it is by choice. You move to Cheboygan to get away from everything and enjoy nature, not worry about the latest name brands.

The schools are rumored to be fantastic and it is hard to not imagine a child loving to grow up here with so many parks, forests and beaches. If you plan a vacation to Cheboygan, give yourself time to take in everything that the UP has to offer; there is a lot to see! Make sure you check out the waterfalls in the Munising area too, the locals will tell you how to get there; just ask around.

The trip getting to Munising may be long, but I assure you that it is well worth the effort. The city sits directly on the ice cold, crystal clear waters of the Lake Superior, and it is literally right inside Hiawatha National Forest. If one massive forest isn’t enough to satisfy your thirst for nature, there is also Gwinn State Forest Area, Sault Ste. Marie State Forest and Newberry State Forest Area, just to name a few.

However, the main attraction to Munising is the countless waterfalls, and I assure you, they will all take your breath away. The first time you see one frozen and you can literally walk behind it, you will never want to leave.

Munising is a tiny city, a few thousand people at the most. The downtown area is cute with locally owned stores and restaurants, but if you lived here, I’m guessing you would have to venture into Sault Ste. Marie for some amenities.

Although hotels can be costly in the area, housing is pretty cheap. There are a couple of very small schools and I don’t know if they even have a police station or not; either way, they certainly do not need one. I think Munising is quite possibly one of the most beautiful cities in the country!

I have considered a move to Manistique many times. In fact, every time I visit, it gets harder to come home. Being an outdoor enthusiast, we head up to the Upper Peninsula when time allows, indulging in the never-ending supply of forests, trails, crystal clear lakes and wildlife. Manistique is my idea of heaven.

The city is nestled right on the water and literally surrounded by five forests and a wildlife refuge. You could walk a trail everyday for the rest of your life and never hit a duplicate.

It is definitely not expensive to live up here, housing is cheap, hotels typically are not! It is a small city, only a few thousand people and a lot of retirees. There is a good mix of singles and families, small schools and there is minimal crime reported, other than a few thefts and an occasional assault, which is probably from the locals getting rowdy after a long night of drinking.

Most of the restaurants and shops are locally owned, and although you will find the basics here, you will likely need to travel into a bigger city like Sault Ste. Marie for many things. If you would be happy spending your days enjoying nature, you would love Manistique. Make sure you have a snowmobile though; sometimes this will be your primary source of transportation.

Fenton is an older, professional city. There are a lot of retirees living here as well as second and third generation families, with good reason. People who grow up here are more than happy for their children to also partake in the fantastic schools, bodies of water and recreational areas. Seven Lakes State Park is beautiful, and if you want to head over into Holly, the Holly State Recreation Area can be enjoyed.

US Hwy 23 goes through Fenton so commuting is a breeze. The area offers the perfect central location to Ann Arbor, Grand Blanc and Flint, so there are plenty of employment and college opportunities available.

Housing is nice here, lawns are well-manicure and there are definitely neighborhoods where you can feel comfortable letting your child play outside. Although there is not much in the way of shopping plaza or nice spas, there are some fantastic restaurants. The French Laundry is where you go when you are starved and want huge portions, but I would definitely recommend the Fenton House Restaurant, where you will eat the best bread sticks of your life. Be prepared to indulge in a lot of carbohydrates, it is impossible to eat just one. If you enjoy a nice glass of wine, I suggest checking out the Fenton Winery & Brewery!

Harper Woods is just one of those cities I often forget about, for good reason. Some of my fondest memories of a child involve going to Eastland shopping center with my grandma to get a cream puff from Friendly’s. Today, you could not pay me to step foot in or around the mall.

Part of me wants to say to give the city a chance. After all, there is affordable housing and it is close to Grosse Pointe Woods and a ton of nice parks. However, the logical side of me says to just stay away. This is a city that makes the news often enough, rarely for a good reason.

I guess the city would be okay for singles, professionals or even college students since there are about eight colleges and universities less than 20 minutes away. I have a hard time recommending the city to anyone with a family though, unless you are trying to beat the crime of Detroit and Eastpointe. Then, you would be taking a step in the right direction. Even still, I would make a point to move as far east in the city as you can. Fortunately, I-94 runs right through so commuting is a breeze.

I just love Northville. I worked in the city for a short time, but it has always been a place I’ve visited frequently. The city is more of a village, with Victorian architecture and the cutest downtown area you will ever see. These are streets that are all a bustle, especially on the weekend. Everyone knows everyone and they love to support the local stores and restaurants.

There is always something going on in this city, so despite its quiet atmosphere it traditionally offers, parking and traffic can get a little congested. The city hosts annual festivals, even in the winter! The Northville Christmas Parade is wonderful, there are concerts in the summer and they have one of the best Farmer’s Markets around.

If you have a family, I can’t think of a better place to live. It is safe, the schools are fantastic, community is friendly and there are a few nice parks. Any night of the week, you can find locals as well as visitors from surrounding cities at Ginitti’s Hole-in-the-Wall, Table 5 or Deadwood Bar & Grill, where you will find the best chocolate chip cookies you will ever eat. Seriously, they make them to order, so tell your server ahead of time if you will want them, or you will be waiting a while for dessert. Their outdoor patio is the place to be all summer.

Let me begin with the one downside of Novi; the traffic can be horrible! Other than that, I absolutely love this city. I was a bartender here for years, and loved every minute of it. There is a huge selection of bars, nightclubs and restaurants. If you love to shop, Twelve Oaks Mall is here as well as countless other shopping plazas, spas, gyms, yoga studios and more. Whatever you are looking for, you will find here.

That being said, there is a price to pay to live here. Novi is expensive. Housing is double what state average is so when I worked here, I lived in Farmington Hills. A 10-minute drive down Grand River Ave saved me a significant amount of money in rent.

Don’t let the high price tag of the city fool you though, Novi has a lot higher crime rate than you would think. It is not horrific, but it’s definitely there. The police response was always fantastic though whenever we had a problem at the bar. Do be careful though, this is the city to party, but it is also the place to get a DUI.

If you have a family and you can afford housing here, Novi is a fantastic place to live! The school district is superb, the city is clean and of course, there is Lucky’s, a giant space filled with video games and bowling. There are also a few lovely parks in and around the city to enjoy.

It is hard to rate or categorize Hazel Park, because there is a really fine line between good and bad in this city. If you can stick close to the line of Ferndale, you are doing great. There are definitely parts of this city that are classy with beautiful housing, and then there are shady areas that you can hardly believe belong to the same city.

There is a great mix of races here and the average income used to be well above the state average, but now it is significantly below. I know there is one neighborhood exclusively for the elderly, which is nice. Crime rate really depends on where you live. It is less than Warren, Detroit and Eastpointe, but substantially more than Royal Oak, Ferndale and Madison Heights, so you are pretty much in the middle. That being said, you are centrally located to work or go to school in some pretty happening places.

I honestly don’t know much about the school district, but personally, I would opt for Ferndale or Madison heights if I had a family. Living in Hazel Park does put you close to the State Fairgrounds so plan on chaotic traffic at least once a year.

I just can’t find anything about Hazel Park to get excited about. For me, it is merely a city to drive through to get to a destination.

Burns Park is one of the oldest and beautiful, of all Ann Arbor neighborhoods. Its close proximity to the University of Michigan, luxury housing and parks, attracts an interesting mix of young adults, families, and the well-to-do. College undergrads dominate the population, and area businesses reflect this. Health-oriented supermarkets, and fitness centers dot the streets, and the neighborhood is also home to a 5K run every November.

Since a ban in high rises was lifted in the mid-2000s, a series of luxury student high-rise apartments have been erected for those attending U of M. The older sections of the area maintain their gorgeous aged look, with many streest featuring a canopy of old growth trees. These neighborhoods are mostly home to the older affluent adults of the community.

The collegiate atmosphere still intermingles here though, especially near Packard and Hill, where classic homes intermingle with fraternity, sorority, and other student housing solutions. The park for which this neighborhood was named, offers hills for winter sledding as well as ball fields, jungle gyms and a fountain for summertime fun. Overall, it's a wonderful community with offerings for residents of all ages, but not all income brackets. Be prepared for high living costs in both housing and shopping in exchange for a vibrant historic community.

There are only two reasons to go to Gibraltar: the trade center and decent haunted houses around Halloween. Although it is not a large city, or heavily populated, I find it hard wrapping my mind around the fact that people actually live here. It’s just one of those places where you go when you need something, but don’t realize that there are actually permanent residents.

That being said, the median salary is higher than most of Michigan so there must be some nice neighborhoods there that I just haven’t stumbled upon.

The good news about living in Gibraltar is that I-75 cuts straight through the city, and it puts you about halfway between Detroit and Toledo, so you can work just about anywhere. Just be careful because the State Troopers sit on the highway where the speed limit changes at S. Rockwood.

This is a very safe area, and perfect for students if you can find affordable housing, as it is within driving distance to many universities and colleges.

As mentioned, the Gibraltar Trade Center is a main attraction, although it is technically in Taylor. This is a bargain-hunter’s paradise for everything from antiques to contemporary furniture to jewelry to apparel. There are even 11 tattoo parlors in the center, as well as a comic store, computer repair and more!

I have to say that pictures of Garden City don’t really do the area justice. It often comes off as a trashy city because of its closeness to Westland and Inkster, but I have a friend who lives here in a neighborhood that is really quite wonderful. There really are some beautiful neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, made up of mostly single-story homes. My friend has a son, and although I can’t speak for all schools in the area, she really likes his.

Garden City is a small city yet it is large enough to offer pretty much anything you need. I will say though that for the most part, housing is a bit more expensive here than some of the surrounding areas, but it is significantly safer as well, so the extra expense is well worth it.

If you are hungry or thirsty, Ford Rd is cluttered with restaurants and bars, right at the corner of Middlebelt and surrounding areas. This is where you will find a generous assortment of car dealerships, tanning salons and an abundance of stores. If you move to the area, you will find that Albert’s on the Alley is the place to go for drinks, well-known for its power hour!

Although I don’t live far from Imlay City, it is not a place I really ever visited until I heard about the Blueberry Festival. Of course, being a vegan, I figured this would be right up my alley, and it was. It takes place every August and there is plenty of art, an antique car show, an outdoor movie and a ton of food and craft venders. You immediately get a feeling of just how close and friendly this community is.

I would have to say that this is close to being split down the middle of Caucasian and Hispanic residents, and it definitely feels like a safe place. The housing that I saw was quaint, in clean neighborhoods, and filled with a ton of kids playing outside.

Imlay City is about 15 minutes from Lapeer, which I’m guessing is where most people work. I know that they have their own school system so I’m guessing it is small, offering plenty of attention.

There is a bunch of little shops and restaurants all along N. Van Dyke Rd, but I didn’t see a shopping mall or too many specialty stores. Therefore, I think you would have to go to the city for a lot of stuff.

Highway I-69 is right there so commuting is easy. One thing I really didn’t notice any of though are parks, small or large. Maybe there are some small ones hidden in neighborhoods?

My cousin moved with her family to the Allen neighborhood of Ann Arbor, after reviewing nearly every area in the city. She loves this neighborhood! It offers a great variety of both apartments and single family homes. This is the type of neighborhood where children can freely play outside and there are no worries.

If you have children or enjoy walking the trails, Buhr Park is right in your backyard. Country Farm Park and Mary Beth Doyle Park are there as well, so you will never run out of outdoor activities. There is a pool at one, an ice rink, play grounds and much more.

I know she loves that her children attend John Allen School. It is one of the highest rated elementary schools in Michigan, so if you move here, you know your children will get an outstanding education.

This is a younger neighborhood, resident age wise. However, although there are a lot of young professionals and families, it is certainly not noisy or a place where there is a steady flow of traffic. It’s a great place to grow roots. You’re close to the city to enjoy everything that Ann Arbor has to offer (which is a lot!), yet you’re far enough away to not deal with the traffic and noise.

Located just northeast of central Ann Arbor, the King neighbohood offers a diverse selection of housing choices. Many houses were built in the area in the 1960s but there are plenty of older ones available too with a lot of personality. The houses here include many styles, including ranch, tri-level and colonial floor plans. In addition, King offers contemporary single family houses built on large lots as well as modern townhouses and condominiums with beautiful landscaping. The area east of US-23 is growing rapidly and as a result, there is constant development of new stores, restaurants and more.

Since this neighbourhood is east of the city, you are offered a more rural feeling. The area is a short drive from downtown Ann Arbor and its famous shopping and cultural events. Therefore, you’re minutes away from the nature, but you get to come home to a place with a lot less traffic and noise.

The neighbourhood is close to the University of Michigan's sprawling campus, one of the most desirable schools in the country. The King area has little crime and the local elementary school, King Elementary, was ranked 49th out of 1577 in Michigan elementary schools in 2011. Several local parks dot the landscape and provide an abundance of outdoor fun for anyone who loves being close to nature.

Thurston is a neighborhood just outside of Ann Arbor that has something for everyone. Nature’s beauty is everywhere you look. The colors of fall are radiant shades of reds, oranges, browns, and greens. There are four state parks and recreation areas scattered around the county borders, so if you are an outdoor enthusiast like me, you will love this neighborhood.

I am a nature lover and the Nichols Arboretum is nature at its best. It is located at the nearby University of Michigan Medical Center. This is the perfect place to picnic, take a hike or ride your bike along the paths. Play Frisbee or just enjoy the view of the loons on the lake. You will also want to visit the Matthaei Gardens’ fascinating bonsai and penjing collection. You will be amazed with these tiny creations.

When you get hungry, there are some fantastic restaurants. Let me tell you about Carson’s American Bistro, one of the best casual restaurants in the Thurston area. The ambiance is warm and their menu offers something for everyone whether you’re looking for a snack or a full course meal. Of course, it is their service and fantastic wine list that will keep you coming back! If you’re looking for a place to live in the Ann Arbor area, this is definitely a neighborhood to consider.

My aunt has lived near the Lakewood neighborhood in the Ann Arbor, MI area for years, so this is a spot I have grown to love and appreciate. This neighborhood’s backyard is the beautiful natural area containing First Sister Lake, Second Sister Lake and the Dolph Park. As the title suggests, this semi-secluded neighborhood offers a very wooded, green and rural feel. However, it is not so rural that you feel like you’re in the middle of farmland or anything.

What attracts me to this community is the peacefulness and the feeling of being outside the city, but still having all of the conveniences that Ann Arbor has to offer. It is nice to drive into the neighborhood and see the eclectic homes and not a bunch of identical, cookie-cutter houses all piled on one another. Each home has its own personality. The homes are not necessarily new; most were built from 1925 to 1988. There are small homes in the 900 square feet range up to large houses in the 4,000 square feet range, and all types of floor plans.

Another plus is that Lakewood Schools are superb. They have high rankings and turn out great students. Also, the neighborhood is close enough to the downtown area that you’re able to access endless shopping, galleries, restaurants, spas, gyms, theaters, clubs and anything else you could possibly want. Then, you can leave the hustle and bustle to go to a quieter area where you don’t have to listen to traffic all night.

Situated in Ann Arbor, Eberwhite offers a quaint and idyllic setting for those settling into family life. It is especially an inviting location if you enjoy a slower pace of life. Most commonly known for its downtown landmarks such as University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a great location for college seekers, making Eberwhite’s location a preferred choice for students. In addition to nice housing, you get all the amenities that this “college town” has to offer.

Increasing popular with young to average professionals, Eberwhite has managed to become one of the most stabilized neighborhoods in the area. Whether you are looking to make a fresh start, looking for employment opportunities or starting a family, this is an area that has something for everyone.

Once settled into the area you will find everything is located just minutes from your doorstep. You are literally right around the corner from shops, entertainment, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and nightlife. You will find a diverse mix of bars and clubs to enjoy; some have fantastic happy hours, others are a little more trendy and pricey. An interesting nearby area to visit is the the Old West Side of Ann Arbor known as Selma. Within this neighborhood, you will want to explore the local salons, spas, bars and shopping centers.

Haisley, a small neighborhood located just west of downtown Ann Arbor, is found where Interstate 94 and Hwy 14 merge. It is home to some fantastic activity areas outside of the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Not only is it a great place to live with a friendly community, it is also unique, boasting natural surroundings mixed with modern conveniences of daily life. If you are looking for a new car, this is the place to go as there are a ton of car dealerships in the area. It is also lined with some of the common chain restaurants and bars. If you have children, the schools are super, and housing is affordable with most lots offering ample yard space.

Haisley is a quiet place to live, surrounded by lush trees and ponds, edging up to the Dolph Nature Area and Lakewood Nature Area. It also has alternative activities such as yoga, a wellness center, and an indoor rock climbing gym. There is even a golf course and bowling alley in the neighborhood to keep you feeling like a kid again! Overall, Haisley is a great place to live. It offers a safe suburban atmosphere coupled with the closeness of the city, making it a perfect place to raise a family.

I went with my cousin to check out the Dicken neighborhood in Ann Arbor as a possible place for her to move, and was quite impressed. There are plenty of very nice wood and brick homes, many with added decks, and almost all with flowers and shade trees. In addition to older homes, there are also a number of striking modern homes to choose from.

We both really liked the shade trees and the natural beauty offered by Dicken Woods, behind the elementary school. She is an environmental enthusiast like me, so the fact that the community saved it from development was impressive to us. This says a lot about what potential neighbors would be like.

There are many nature programs and small parks sprinkled about the area, which includes the lovely Greenview Park, west of Seventh St.; a nice place for picnics and dog walks. The Ravines and Meadowinds developments have playgrounds and tennis courts too, which is just southwest of I-94 and north of Scio Church.

The Dicken neighborhood is right around the corner from an abundance of shopping centers, restaurants, gas stations, and specialty boutiques that flood the sidewalks along Stadium and Maple.

The schools we visited looked lively and productive; we checked out Slauson Middle School and Pioneer High School. Children come to these schools from Surrey Park, Park Place, Summit Pointe and the Walden Hills condo complexes. Although she didn’t end up moving to this neighborhood, it was definitely in the running. If you commute to work, I-94 is in your backyard, and you literally minutes away from the University of Michigan.

Bach is one of my favorite neighborhoods, and arguably one of the prettiest in Ann Arbor, especially the area behind Bach Elementary School. Located just a short walk from downtown on the city’s west side, this neighborhood offers charming Victorian-style homes, complete with lovely flower gardens and sizeable yards for children to play in. While an older neighborhood, many of these 19th century homes have been lovingly restored to their original beauty. Of course, restoration does come with a price, which, therefore, has caused the rental, and purchase property values to increase exponentially. Sitting alongside these beautifully, well-restored homes are condominiums that are more modern, as well as some newer, single-family homes, adding charm to this already well-established neighborhood. In spite of this, there are some affordable rental options still available for those seeking good deal.

Shopping is made easy, as the Farmer’s Market and the Kerrytown Market and Shops are just a few steps away. With plenty of restaurants and nightlife nearby, the Bach area of Ann Arbor is able to provide everyone with plenty of entertainment and good living. Allmedinger Park is located on the southern side of Bach and houses baseball and intramural fields for sports of all types. West Park, located on the western edge of Bach, have fields as well, along with picnic facilities and a band shell for outdoor concerts.

Many of the local schoolchildren attend Bach elementary school and then, depending on which area of Bach you live in, will attend a variety of high schools, many of which leave the choice up to the students living in the Bach area.

If you choose to visit Bach, you will likely find it as charming as I do. With so much to see and do, it is a wonderful place to raise a family.

Lawton is a small village in Michigan, with a population of only a couple thousand people. I love that so many of the restaurants and businesses here are locally owned. It is definitely a place where community supports one another.

There is a growing "craft beer" scene in Michigan which Lawton is part of via the Tiny Old Hat Brewery. This is a fantastic place! Upon entering the bar, you are allowed to take down any number of the hats hanging from the rafters and wear them while you’re there. It’s actually kind of a gross tradition, but no one really thinks about it while they’re having a good time.

The main street in Lawton is dotted with restaurants that serve award-winning locally brewed beers along with some great food. Residents are primarily white and middle aged, with middle to low income. There are also a lot of families with children living in the village. Although I don’t know much about the public school district, it is close to Kalamazoo and Paw Paw, so I can only assume that they are pretty decent. This is definitely a safe city!

The entire town is only 2 square miles, so it is easy to get to know all of the hot spots. It’s a sleepy, kind of quaint town. It’s close enough to the bigger cities to enjoy amenities, but far enough away to not be bothered by traffic.

Why anyone would want to live in Mt. Clemens is beyond me. Even when I was in high school many years ago, this is where we would hang out and think we were cool. It was a rough city then and it’s far worse now. Quite honestly, I think I would rather walk the streets of Detroit alone than Mt. Clemens, and that’s not saying much.

Sure there’s a few nice neighborhoods here and there, but what good is a nice house if you are always wondering if it is going to get broken into? The crime rate is ridiculous, and this place is always in the news. Fortunately, there are plenty of hospitals in and around the city; you might need them.

As for raising a family here, I personally would not want my children going to these schools. About the only plus size is that there is public transportation running through the city, which is more than what most Michigan cities have to offer.

Mt. Clemens does offer one thing though, a lot of nightclubs. Being an ex-bartender, I have frequented these clubs on occasion and had a good time. Be warned though, every night is not a good night! I only go if there are special events or hosted parties. Other than that, I wouldn’t waste my time. A few that usually have something going on include Emerald Theatre, The Bank (especially in the summer) and Johnny G’s, which is more of a pub than anything.

My aunt has lived in Ann Arbor as far back as I can remember and in the summer, she gets everything for her garden from Abbot Nursery. This includes brilliant wind chimes, fountains and all the little extras; not just the mulch and flowers!

This is an expensive neighborhood, relatively close to the University of Michigan where you can always see a good game. Not only that, living in this area means there are an abundance of free concerts, lectures, art fairs and other events to enjoy.

If you did work somewhere other than Ann Arbor, commuting is easy because I-94 runs right through Abbot. Also, whether you live here or visit, you will want to visit Papa Tom’s Cajun Boiled Peanuts right in the neighbourhood. It is amazing. Be warned, this little area can get congested with traffic.

One of the biggest draws for me is the Summer Ann Arbor Art Fair, which brings the most amazing assortment of artists from all over the area. There is an abundance of food and entertainment, and it’s just an all-around good time.

The University Hospital is a leading care facility in nearly every field of medicine, which is right down the road. The medical staff is for the most part world renowned, but they also have a private practice where they see patients from the area.

The school district is fantastic and Dolph Nature Area is right over the line in Haisley, so it is a perfect neighborhood for a family.

Although there are some good places to live in Flint, it seems as though the crime rate of the city increases more than it should every year. Unfortunately, there are some really good employment opportunities in the city, which leaves people having to decide whether to pass on a decent job or deal with the city. Thankfully, Mount Morris is only about 12 minutes away.

I’ve only been to Mt. Morris once and it was brief, but there was nothing there that really caught my attention. Houses are small, I didn’t find people all that friendly when we stopped to eat either. Maybe because we were outsiders? I’m assuming that the city sees a lot of traffic from people passing through on their way to Frankenmuth. That’s another thing, I-475 runs right through the city, so commuting is easy.

There are plenty of schools in Mount Morris. It actually strikes me as a good place to raise a family. The community probably looks out for one another, so maybe you just need to get over the hump off being the new person or family in town to be accepted. There are also a lot of colleges in Flint, so this would be a decent place to live for students.

Who cares that there is virtually nothing to do in Morley; Manistee National Forest is in your back yard! First, you have White Pine Trail State Park which is located in the forest. If you love the outdoors, you could never get tired of this city. There’s hiking, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Please don’t look for a mall or any other type of city amenity though because you won’t find them. There are some friendly neighborhood restaurants though!

Housing is cheap, typically sitting on a good piece of land. There are only a few hundred people that live there so schools are small, and you can definitely plan on knowing everyone. This is the type of area where you could be really happy if you prefer to keep to yourself.

Lakeview and Big Rapids are both about 15 minutes away so you can plan on commuting to work. This of course isn’t bad when weather is clear but this doesn’t strike me as the type of area that plows their roads all that promptly. Although, I’ve only been there in the summer, so who knows, maybe a couple locals have plows for their trucks and handle the roads themselves.

I lived in Monroe for many years and I can say that there is a lot more to this place then I expected; both good and bad. When I first enrolled at the University of Toledo, I wanted to be close to school, but not so far away from family and friends much further north, so I opted for Monroe. This city has virtually everything you could want and what they don’t have, Toledo does.

Most residents work at Ford or General Motors and then a large percentage work in the countless bars and restaurants. There are a few great ones like Clamdigger that are right on the water and offer docks so you can pull right in with your boat. The surrounding areas of Erie, Dundee, LaSalle and Maybee always offer bonfires and parties. This is a place where bars are busy on any given night because people love to party here, a lot!

This is a great place for families. Nearly everyone I know started getting married and having babies before I moved away. There are tons of day care facilities and Sterling State Park is a nice place to go to enjoy the outdoors.

The racial makeup of Monroe is pretty diverse. You will also find a few shady areas that you want to stay clear of as well as neighborhoods breathtaking houses. Be warned, it doesn’t matter where you go in Monroe, you will be waiting at train tracks. I’ve never seen so many trains in all my life!

The first time I visited Milan, it was to go to a race at the Milan Dragway. Now, I am definitely not much for races and would never bother to watch one on television, but being at the dragway is totally different. It is a laid back, party atmosphere with a whole lot of contagious energy!

My first impression of Milan was definitely a cozy one. There are a lot of two-story brick homes, a quaint downtown area and a really relaxed vibe. It feels like being up North, only without the lengthy drive and it’s not so secluded.

Milan is definitely a safe area. It is a great central location, close to Saline and Ann Arbor, so amenities, schools, hospitals and employment opportunities aren’t too hard to find. There are schools there and college students have their pick between some of the best, including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and even Monroe County Community College, if you are looking for something a little smaller.

There are a few really nice parks in and around the area, as well as Foodtown Shopping Center and some restaurants and bars, so you don’t have to drive into the large cities if you don’t want to. If you visit or move there, you will want to check our Fender’s Bar & Grill. It’s a cool little hangout of locals and some great food and drink specials.

The few times I’ve been to Mio, I have found it hard to leave. In fact, I would definitely consider living there, but even for me, it is a little too secluded. The idea of the closest Whole Foods and a hospital being a half hour away stresses me a little.

Mio is within Huron National Forest, so for an outdoor enthusiast like me, this place is paradise. Not only is there an endless supply of trails and wildlife, there are places to rent canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes to enjoy the AuSable River. There is cross-country skiing, horseback riding and even golfing too!

If you are looking for beautiful wood furniture, handmade by the Amish, there are specialty shops out there. A friend of mine bought a one-of-a-kind, stunning bed that is just breathtaking. If you live in Mio, I suggest getting a snowmobile; everyone has one and you likely will need it to get to the bar or store if the roads aren’t plowed right away.

I know that there are public schools in Mio, but I don’t know much about them. Most homes are nestled in their own private woods so plan on driving your children to play dates; there will be no walking next door to hang out with friends.

When I lived in Farmington Hills, I would make a point to go run trails at least once a week at the parks in and around Milford. These are beautiful parks where you are nearly guaranteed to see deer, swans, dragonflies and turtles. I also used to take my dogs to the dog park there in Wixom. Well, this city exploded with development in a matter of a couple of years. Don’t get the wrong idea though, it is far from being cluttered. It used to be that residents would have to go into Novi for restaurants, shopping, etc., but Milford has a lot to offer now. There are great stores, restaurants and a few nice bars.

Milford is where you live when you don’t want neighbors so close that they can see in your windows. Most houses are on a substantial amount of property and if there are traditional neighborhoods with houses in neat rows, I’ve never seen them. Housing is a little on the expensive side, but the surrounding areas are as well.

There are private and public schools here, all of which are outstanding, and there are about seven colleges and universities within driving distance. Milford is a city I wish I had bought a home in years ago while there was nothing there. This is definitely an area where real estate will continue to appreciate for many years.

I have to admit, when I was talked into going to Metamora for its Country Days and Balloon Festival, I thought I was going to some ghost town for a low-class event. I was so wrong! First of all, the city is quite nice. Houses are lovely and certainly well-kept. Second, the festival is a really good time; it would be perfect for someone with children. There is face painting, a petting zoo and pony rides. The balloons are quite a sight and well worth the drive, as 30 hot air balloons in every color imaginable are launched into the sky.

We also spent a day enjoying the trails and forest around Lake Minnawanne. There’s a nice little campground there too, which we did not stay at. Although the White Horse Inn is recommended by all to eat at, it was really crowded so we tried out Karen’s Sunflower Café; a quaint little eatery with amazing homemade soup.

This seems to be a friendly city; I’m guessing most residents work and go to school in Lapeer or Oxford Twp., as I didn’t notice any schools in Metamora. This would also put Lapeer as the closet place to find a hospital and other amenities.

Maybee – Always a Bonfire Somewhere

I lived in Monroe for quite some time, and what I found was that there always seemed to be a bonfire going on in Maybee. There are only about 500 people who live in Maybee so you will end up knowing nearly everyone, and if you have a barbeque, plan for unexpected guests, it’s just that type of neighborly place.

Maybee is where you live if you make a little more money than the average American and you can afford a higher house payment. Monroe is right up the road if you are looking for a bigger selection of bars, restaurants, gyms, tanning salons and shopping, but there is a post office and Independent Dairy Mart in the city. You will find that the Little Brown Jug is the place to go for food and drinks; I even drove there to hang out quite a few times when I lived in Monroe.

Even though Maybee has a small population, depending on where you live, residents either attend Monroe Public Schools or Dundee Community Schools. If had to choose one, I would pick Dundee; they are smaller so students get more attention. This is a very safe area. It is also great for college students as Monroe County Community College is only 10 minutes away or you can take your pick between University of Toledo, Eastern Michigan University and University of Michigan, which are all under a 25-minute drive.

If you love the water, enjoy a small community and prefer to stay away from a busy area, Marine City is perfect for you. When I visited the area, I pretty much expected extra-large houses and snobby residents, but what I discovered was modest housing, most of which I thought was rather small. I also found that this is a friendly city that sort of moves at its own pace. No one seems to be in a hurry here; there is always time for small talk and to hold the door for someone.

The downtown area is just fabulous. It is a historic waterfront district that boasts a boardwalk and charming boutiques and restaurants. We actually went there to check out the antiques and were not at all disappointed as the city has antique malls and stores! You can enjoy the public beach and even take a ferry to Ontario. We ate at Rivera Restaurant one day and although it was so good that we were going to return the next day, the locals recommended Marine City Fish Co., which was equally as fantastic.

I can say that I was impressed by the city. I’m unfamiliar with the school district, but it definitely is a safe place to live if you have a family.

There are legends that say Manistee means “spirit of the woods,” named by Ojibwa. Quite honestly, I only went to Manistee once and it was for the purpose of hiking through Manistee National Forest. This is definitely an area I would love to return to in the near future. The forest is so gorgeous, it’s ridiculous. I know they do snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through the trails so I will need to return in the winter next time.

The city itself is a lot bigger than I thought it would be. I pictured a secluded little town, but there is a lot to do here. The downtown area is right on the water, lined with quaint boutiques and eateries. With the exception of employees, it was hard to tell the tourists from the locals, but everyone was super friendly! Surprisingly, there are a ton of museums and landmarks to explore in Manistee. Unfortunately, time didn’t permit me to visit them. I did manage to spend a day at Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary though. It is 75 acres of mature forest, hiking trails and 1,700 feet of beach. Eagles, woodpeckers and an abundance of water fowl were everywhere.

This would probably be a nice place to live if you don’t mind a lot of tourists. It certainly seemed like a very safe and incredibly friendly city.

I used to have quite a few friends who lived in Luna Pier back when I lived in Monroe and I went to school at the University of Toledo in Ohio. Luna Pier is in a nice central location between Monroe and Toledo as it is only a few miles from the border.

There are only maybe 1,500 people living here and most of the area is pretty rural. The crescent-shaped pier that is 800 feet long and stretches 200 feet into Lake Erie, is a popular place for fishing. There are plenty of locations in the area to have a picnic or go for a hike.

Everyone knows everyone in Luna Pier. It’s a small community that watches out for one another. This is a great place to have children as the Mason School District is fantastic and the crime rate is extremely low.

There are a few little stores in Luna Pier, but you have to go into the city for large grocery store, malls a gym or tanning salon. When you need to gas your vehicle, go over the state line into Toledo, it is typically a lot less expensive.

The downfall of Luna Pier is that it gets hit hard with Mayflies! I have seen them completely cover houses, cars and gas stations in the spring. Although they don’t bite or sting, they do smell awful the next day when they are baking in the sun!

Although Livonia is a city that certainly has it all, few people even know that the Rosedale Gardens Historic District even exists. Wooden houses with broad porches that have been bricked, sit in neat rows looking like a storybook. I don’t think the lawns here are even capable of growing weeds.

You will never be short of things to do in Livonia. Laurel Park Place is a small, upscale shopping mall that’s nice or there are endless other shopping opportunities. The selection of restaurants is never-ending and there are even some great bars; my personal favorite is Kickers, which houses Joey’s Comedy Club.

Livonia is a big city. I have several friends who live here and every neighborhood I’ve gone through is always full of primarily single story brick homes, manicured landscaping and tree-lined sidewalks. Houses are a little bit more expensive here when compared to other Michigan cities, but the public school district is great and there are plenty of private schools as well. If you read through statistics, it does look as though Livonia has a higher crime rate than some other areas, but considering the massive population, it’s really not as bad as it looks on paper.

I grew a fondness for Lexington many years ago. My mom goes a couple times per year to visit a friend, so the first time I tagged along, I fell in love with the city. So much so, that it is on my list of locations I’m considering for my move this year. You won’t find a friendlier community and more things to do anywhere; it just feels like home.

This small village only has a little over 1,000 residents, but it welcomes a lot of tourists so you do need to be prepared for a little traffic. There are fantastic parks, and it sits right on Lake Huron so the beaches are beautiful. There is a marina where you can rent kayaks, boats and even take sailing lessons.

Lexington is a haven for the antique-lover. The city is full of boutiques, antique and folk art shops and of course, OH’ Fudge Shoppe. There are also a ton of restaurants along Lakeshore Road; the Cadillac House has phenomenal pizza.

If you have a family, Lexington is about the safest place you can choose to live. Seriously, this is the type of place you can leave your door unlocked at home and your purse sitting on the front seat of your car and nothing will happen. The school district is small so students get plenty of attention.

You will find that many residents work in Sandusky or Port Huron, both of which are about 20 miles away, so the commute isn’t bad. However, most people who live here work at local hotels, restaurants or run their own B&B’s for the constant flow of visitors.

I have only been to Lapeer a few times, and they all involved either rescuing a dog or picking up one from animal control to transport to a rescue. That being said, there is nothing that I can find about this city that makes people want to live there. The closest big city to work in would be Flint, which is still a good 25 to 30 minute commute, but I guess you don’t have to worry about so much traffic when you come back home.

The houses are okay, none that really caught my attention. The downtown area is quaint, lined with specialty gift, clothing and home furnishing stores, but again, nothing to get excited over. The highlight of the year for the city is when it hosts their annual Lapeer Days Festival in August with rides, food and entertainment.

For how small the city is, it does offer a nice selection of restaurants and bars, mostly along Main St. Farm House Family Restaurant is a favorite spot for breakfast while EG Nick’s Grill & Tavern and Blind Fish are good for dinner.

There are actually a couple nice parks in Lapeer. The school district is also pretty good. The closest colleges are about 20 miles away though. Although Lapeer offers the impression as being a safe city, it’s really not. They actually have a pretty high crime rate and 96 registered sex offenders.

Lambertville is the perfect place to live for those who work in Ohio because the city is right on the state line. The neighborhoods here are all beautifully maintained; it is one of those cities that you drive through and you just feel “home.” The area is extremely safe, and since it is on the border of Sylvania rather than North Toledo, you really don’t have to worry about having too many problems.

The city is really in a perfect location because you are minutes away from Toledo, which offers everything you could possibly want, including the University of Toledo, where I attended school. Franklin Park Pall (one of my favorite malls), is right up the road and there are a couple of nice parks and golf courses nearby.

Although Lambertville is quite small, it offers grocery stores, convenience stores and some great restaurants. AJ’s Doolittle’s is a preferred choice. Sidelines is a nice little neighborhood pub too, where you will typically find a lot of locals. If you are craving something sweet, the Arctic Café has a fantastic peanut butter flurry! Lambertville does have gas stations if you really need to fill up, but if you drive a few miles into Toledo, gas prices are always a lot cheaper.

My grandparents lived in St. Clair Shores for my entire childhood so I have always had a fondness for the area. Now the only time I go back is in the summer to eat and drink at some of the best establishments in Michigan including Fishbones Rhythm Kitchen Café and of course, the Beach Grill, which offers outdoor seating on the water as well as a few docks.

Crime rate is average here, mainly a lot of theft, but what do you expect when thousands of people venture to the bars and restaurants along the waterfront all weekend long to drink in the summer. You will find houses are quite moderate; a lot of one-story brick homes in tree-lined neighborhoods. If you want to see some of the most beautiful houses in the entire state, you will drive down Lakeshore Drive along the water and into Grosse Pointe Woods to marvel at some mansions.

The only thing that I find undesirable about St. Clair Shores is that depending on which way you are coming from, you have to drive through Roseville, Eastpointe, Fraser or Mt. Clemens to get there, none of which thrill me to pass through, especially because the potholes are nasty.

The first time I was introduced to South Lyon was for Pumpkinfest, a festival that takes place every October. You don’t have to have kids to enjoy it either. There is plenty of food, live entertainment, a craft show, dog show and of course, a pumpkin contest. It’s really a nice way to spend a day. If you live in South Lyon, this is about the only time you will feel overwhelmed with traffic.

Residents are friendly, typically make above average income and the houses are really nice. The location is perfect, because you can work and enjoy all the amenities in Brighton, Novi, Wixom and Milford, which happens to be a city that is booming with growth. The school district is fantastic and the city is safe.

I personally love this area because there is a lot to do outside. There are a ton of golf courses and gorgeous parks in the city and nearby, including Huron Meadows Metro Park. If you have a dog, there is a nice dog park in Wixom at Lyon Oaks. They have “wolf” day on Friday’s at 1 pm where everyone brings their Huskies and Malamutes. Of course, other dogs are welcome as well!

If you are looking for an exceptionally nice neighborhood that is not overdone or so rich that it’s stuffy, South Lyon offers some pretty friendly communities.

There are a few common misconceptions about Sault Ste. Marie. Some assume most residents are seasonal, but this is absolutely not true. If you love snow, this is the place to be. The majority of people who live here are in no hurry to escape when winter weather arrives and nearly everyone has a snowmobile. Second, some think that this is an expensive place to live since it is such a touristy city when in fact, housing is pretty cheap and most people make well under the state average. Third, it is easy to assume that there is no crime up here, but Sault Ste. Marie definitely sees its fair share!

You really don’t have to deal with a lot of traffic in Sault Ste. Marie, especially in the winter, except when the annual International 500 Snowmobile Race comes to town in February. This is a huge event that attracts visitors from all over the United States and Canada.

This is an ideal place for singles or retirees who just love being outdoors. There are plenty of couples and families living here too though. This is a small school district that welcomes parent involvement. If you are a college student who loves cold weather, you really can’t ask for a better arrangement than to live here where it is inexpensive and attend Lake Superior State University.

You will find that a lot of the bars and even stores in the city do close up in the winter, but there are plenty left open to enjoy.

Although most people enjoy Saline for different reasons, I love their Farmer’s Market! Sure, there are markets like this a lot closer to where I live, but the one in Saline is more like an outdoor shopping extravaganza full of plenty of organic and homemade goods. It’s clean and open and just a delight to go to.

Saline is in a fantastic location. You will find that a vast majority of residents work in Ann Arbor, but prefer to live here because it’s a lot quieter and more mature. Parts of Ann Arbor can be cluttered by University of Michigan students; Saline is an expensive neighborhood where college students typically stay clear of.

Crime rate is low and if you are going to have a family, this is a great city to do so. The schools are fantastic, neighborhoods are safe and Curtiss Park is here which is well manicured with a lovely little waterfall.

Saline is close enough to Ann Arbor to enjoy the endless supply of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs, festivals and shopping malls, yet far enough away to not deal with the constant commotion. Michigan Ave has a hospital, shopping center and a few great places to eat, such as Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shop and Guilin Restaurant, where you will find the best Chinese in the area. If you enjoy a stiff drink, head over to Dan’s Downtown Tavern.

I have mixed feelings toward Royal Oak, as many people do. I love going into the city to eat and enjoy the bars, especially the rooftop at Woody’s in the summer. It’s a great place to go shop at the boutiques or simply walk around. That being said, I could not live in this city, I find it hard to understand why people pay such a ridiculous amount for the lofts here when they could buy a gorgeous house for the same amount of money elsewhere. Not to mention, the parking issues and noise of the city could drive me insane.

Yes, the lofts are nice, but seriously, parking in this city is horrible. There is minimal street parking so wherever you go, you have to park in a lot and walk. This isn’t bad in the summer but it’s a mess in the winter. Not to mention, traffic is horrible. You know when everyone is on lunch hour in this city because it may take you a half hour to move 2 miles. Traffic is so bad, there are cones set on the streets on weekdays to act as crosswalks and you have to stop constantly to allow pedestrians to cross. Half the streets are one-way too. So, if you miss what you are looking for, you have to go way out of your way to come around again.

Royal Oak is a young, trendy city where everything just feels cluttered, and for the amount that you pay to live here, you would think it would boast a better crime rate. There are great schools in Royal Oak and there are certainly numerous families living here, but I would recommend the city for singles, professionals or even students. If you can find a roommate to afford the housing, the city is only minutes away from seven colleges and universities.

Roseville – Retirees Moved to Florida and the City Went Downhill

It frustrates me beyond belief to write a review of Roseville because this is a place I visited often as a child as my grandparents lived nearby in St. Clair Shores. Many years ago, Roseville was actually pretty nice. It is a city, filled with countless neighborhoods of single-level brick houses and tree-lined streets. I remember playing putt-putt golf here with my grandmother and going to the mall. Roseville was a place where most residents lived for decades and raised families. Then, it seemed as though everyone ages, retired, moved to Florida and slowly these neighborhoods started deteriorating.

Quite honestly, Roseville has nothing to offer residents today except a horrible school district, potholes big enough to swallow a car and an endless supply of crime. You are surrounded by Eastpointe, Warren and Fraser; all throw away cities in my opinion.

There are a few parks, none of which are maintained. About the only plus side to Roseville is that it is 2 miles from Macomb Community College, so it is not a bad place to find affordable housing, if you are a student. That being said, I would definitely recommend a roommate. The crime rate is ridiculous. In addition to several hundred auto thefts, burglaries and assaults per year, Roseville sees more than its fair share of rapes and murders. If you need to live in this area, I would recommend north parts of Warren instead, which puts you on the border of Sterling Heights. You can still find affordable housing, but it’s not such a dangerous and run down area.

I live right on the border of Rochester Hills and quite honestly, I can’t say anything bad about the city. You will find an abundance of neighborhoods with beautiful houses, the school district is significant in size and one of the best in the state, and it is located minutes away from Shelby Twp., Auburn Hills, Troy and Birmingham. It is a classy area with a diverse racial makeup and all the amenities you could want.

Rochester Hills is pretty expensive though. The average resident makes double what the state average is and you can clearly tell by the houses and vehicles. The city has a reputation for being a bit snobby, but it’s not as bad as what people say.

There are 14 parks in Rochester Hills so this is a haven for anyone who walks, jogs, bicycles or has children who enjoy nice playgrounds. Stoney Creek Metro Park is the largest of these parks and one I go to a few times a week, even in the winter. There are plenty of trails as well as a nice 6 mile paved loop around the water. In the summer you can rent bikes or enjoy the beach.

Yates Park, which is connected to Yates Cider Mill, is the place to be on the weekends for fresh cider. You will want to stock up on Honey Crisp apples from here in the fall. If you can afford the housing and taxes, Rochester Hills is a fantastic city to live.

Richmond seems to stay under the radar a lot. Since it is so close to Shelby Twp., Sterling Heights and even Rochester Hills, people tend to flock to these cities, but Richmond is really a hidden gem. It is especially desirable for someone who loves the outdoors.

Not only is Richmond home to Bailey Park, Beebe Street Memorial Park and Gierk Park, this is the city where you find the beginning to the 23.5-mile Macomb Orchard Trail. The parks here have tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields and even an outdoor swimming pool. This is really a fantastic place to have children.

The school district is small, but the closest college is in Clinton Twp. This is a fairly quiet city, and about the only time you would really deal with traffic is when people from surrounding areas come to enjoy the annual Richmond Good Old Days Festival. If you like demolition derby or if you have a car to register, you won’t want to miss this one.

There are a few family owned restaurants where you will find all the local residents. Ken’s Country Kitchen is the place to go for weekend breakfast while the Village Café is well-known for their beer battered chicken tenders.

One might assume that Richland is a stuffy village when they venture there for the first time, but it’s really not. Yes, the homes are gorgeous, streets are clean and you can tell residents make more than the state average, but this is a really nice place to live.

This is where you live when you work in Kalamazoo, but want to get away from the constant chaos of the city. It is amazing that this quiet, small village can exist 10 minutes away from a city that has it all. This means that there is always something to do just a few miles up the road.

There is virtually zero crime here in Richland; it is really a fantastic place to have a family, if you can afford the housing. The class sizes are extremely small and you are about 11 miles away from Western Michigan University.

If you need to pick up necessities and groceries, there are a few small grocery stores and gas stations, but you will need to go into the city for a mall, specialty store or a place like Whole Foods. Surprisingly, there are quite a few restaurants in this small city on North 32nd St and D ave. Blackhawk Bar & Grill is where everyone meets up after golfing and Richland Pub has a great happy hour with daily specials, not that many people in Richland need a deal.

You better really love rural living to move to Reading. Although considered a city, it is seriously only 1 square mile, where about 1,000 residents live. This is certainly not an elite neighborhood either. Housing is super cheap and the majority of residents are well below the Michigan income average, many under the poverty level as well. That doesn’t necessarily mean that people are struggling here though, you will find a pretty friendly community.

There are a few family owned restaurants in the city but other than that, there is not much happening here. Even to go to the gym, you will need to drive into Hillsdale or Coldwater, which are both only a few miles away. There is a nice place to walk trails right over the Ohio line at Lake La Su an Wilderness Area. Reading does not have much in the way of entertainment, but what it does offer is location. Not only are you minutes away from Hillsdale and Coldwater, you are right near the Ohio and Indiana border, so there are always things to and places to work in surrounding areas. Not to mention, this is about as safe as you will find. Although nothing exciting happens here, nothing bad ever seems to happen either. Not sure if this place even has a police department, but they certainly don’t need one.

Potterville is a quaint city just outside of Lansing. Houses are nice, landscaping is maintained and it feels more like a giant neighborhood than a city. There are only a little over 2,100 people living here and well over half have families, so it is a great place to go if you have children. The public schools are small and terrific, and of course, Michigan State University is only about 15 minutes away.

It is nice because it’s close enough to enjoy the amenities of Lansing without dealing with noise, traffic and a cluttered feeling all of the time. That being said, this city makes the news not because of crime, but because it seems to be a magnet for disaster. Lighting struck the water at Fox Park and traveled up the beach, injuring over 20 people in 1994 and the city felt a rare earthquake that same year. A train derailment occurred in 2002 carrying propane so the city was evacuated and fires seem to be an epidemic here. If that’s not enough, the area is plagued by more tornadoes than most locations in Michigan. Although disaster can strike anywhere, this city just seems to see more than its fair share.

Potterville is most well-known for County Mill Orchard and Cider . So, although residents here rarely see traffic, a lot of clutter can be expected around the mill on the weekends from people escaping Lansing to come enjoy cider and donuts. This is where you will get pumpkins at Halloween too! Potterville is really a fantastic city; you just have to be prepared with a disaster plan to live there.

When people describe Grand Blanc as being planned, progressive and prestigious, they are right on the money. This is the headquarters for Genesys Regional Medical Center and the Service Parts Operation for General Motors, so you can just imagine the employment opportunities available here.

Despite the fact that Grand Blanc has well over 35,000 residents, it has not lost its small town feel. Residents enjoy planned recreational activities, events and fundraisers, and there is plenty of opportunity to give back and volunteer.

Medium income is slightly above Michigan average, but housing is considerably more expensive. Still, you can find some good deals on apartments if you look. There is a nice mx of races here, and although there is a little crime, it is incredibly low compared to the population index and to surrounding cities.

Grand Blanc is a fantastic place to raise a family. The school district is voted as one of the best in the state and there are plenty of nearby colleges and universities, all within driving distance.

The city is large enough where you don’t have to leave to find a good time either. Any night of the week, you will find the locals catching up at Brick Street Bar & Grill, Cobblestone Lounge and Buffalo Wild Wings.

There is no denying that Gladwin offers some of the greatest views around. When you have a county where over 50 percent is still naturally forested, offering parks, walking trails, wildlife and streams, an outdoor enthusiast can’t help but fall in love.

This is a small city, housing is affordable and well over half the residents are married. The public school system is fantastic, but there are also private schools available, primarily for the Amish or religious. Colleges and universities can be found in surrounding areas, including Harrison, Midland and Mt. Pleasant.

Interestingly, Gladwin seems to see more snow that a lot of surrounding cities. While one city a half hour away gets a light dusting, Gladwin residents are shoveling their way out, but nobody is complaining! You’ll find that a lot of residents have snowmobiles and look forward to the accumulation.

The city is laid out where everything is easy to find. N. Silverleaf St and W. Cedar are the two main streets, this is where you will go for shopping and restaurants. A few popular favorites include the Riverwalk Grill, Mr. M’s Pizza Lounge and Chee Pang. When you want to mingle with the locals, you can find everyone at Hunter’s Pub Bar Tavern, Slyder’s and O’Sullivan Pub, rumored to have the best burgers in Michigan.

Although it used to be that Farmington Hills was simply considered an extension to the elite city of Bloomfield Hills, this reputation is slowly deteriorating. Sure, there are still some outstanding neighborhoods with gorgeous houses, but perimeter areas near Grand River are getting shadier and crime rate is on the rise.

That being said, most of Farmington Hills really is a fantastic place to live. You have an endless selection of restaurants, shops, grocery stores and bars. If you want a mall, EmagineTheater or a place to play arcade video games, you head up the road to Novi. Are you in need of a good yoga studio? Go to Bloomfield Hills. Want to hit the clubs for the night? Detroit and Pontiac are less than 30 minutes away. You are literally in the perfect location.

Schools in Farmington Hills are considered above average and there is a nice mix of races. College students are 15 minutes away from seven colleges and universities, including University of Michigan. There are hospitals and 24-urgent care centers in the city and even though nearly all residents have at least one vehicle, buses do run like clockwork, especially down Orchard Lake rd.