A Local’s Guide to Everything You Need to Know Before Moving to Michigan

So you want to move to Michigan? From the shores of the Great Lakes to the forests of the Upper Peninsula, and to its thriving urban centers, there’s something here for everyone. We ought to know! As a 100% employee-owned company providing home energy solutions to the people of Michigan, we know all about what makes the state a great place to live. So you can trust us when we say: You’re going to love it here!

Five great things about moving to Michigan

Ten great places to live 

A guide to Michigan’s major cities

Where to work

Five things Michigan is famous for

How to become a resident of Michigan

FAQ

Five great things about moving to Michigan

We polled our Michigan residents to find out what they love best about living in the state. The takehome? There’s something for everyone in Michigan! These are the five things that rose to the top of everyone’s lists:

1. 1. Natural beauty. Michigan covers 97,990 square miles, with territorial waters that include about half of three great lakes (Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron) and parts of Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. If that doesn’t sound like enough water to you, the state is also home to about 11,000 inland lakes. More than half of the state’s land is forested, so there is plenty of exploring to do for the nature-lover in all of us.
      

      “I had forgotten how rich and beautiful is the countryside – the deep topsoil, the wealth of great trees, the lake country of Michigan handsome as a well-made woman, and dressed and jeweled. It seemed to me that the earth was generous and outgoing here in the heartland, and perhaps the people took a cue from it.”
      – John Steinbeck

   2. Culture and history. Before the French and British came to what is now Michigan, the land was home to many indigenous people. According to the State of Michigan’s official website, today there are 12 thriving Native American tribes recognized in the state, including the Ojibwe, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi. Culturally, the state is also known as the birthplace of the automotive industry and Motown records. Today, you’ll find a thriving art and music scene, from the diverse venues of Detroit to the galleries of Ann Arbor.
   3. Sports. If you’re a fan, get ready to join the diehard ranks of Michigan sports. Major league teams include the Detroit Tigers baseball team, the Detroit Lions football team, the Detroit Red Wings hockey team, and the Detroit Pistons men’s basketball team. The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor boasts 28 varsity sports teams that compete in the NCAA’s Division 1 and in the Big Ten Conference. Go Wolverines!
   4. Food. With a thriving immigrant culture, Michigan is home to everything from classic American comfort food to Polish and Lebanese cuisine. If you’re a foodie, you should know that the city of Grand Rapids was named the best food city in Michigan and number 17 in the entire country by personal finance blog WalletHub.
   5. Friendly people. Our people are the best part of moving to Michigan! You’ll find friendly, welcoming communities everywhere you go. According to author Sophie Boudreau at Only In Your State, “‘Midwest nice’ is real, and we Michiganders are living proof. We’re always happy to greet strangers on the street, make small talk in grocery store checkout lines, or wave at neighbors.”

Ten great places to live in Michigan

1. Birmingham. Birmingham is a well-known suburb of Detroit. It is one of the more affluent areas in Michigan, with a relatively high cost of living. It’s a great destination for luxury shopping and dining.
   ✓ Safety rating of A- from Crime Grade
   ✓ Family-friendly
   ✓ Average public school testing ranking of 10/10 from Public School Review
   ✓ Walkable
   ✓ Arts and culture
2. Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor was ranked #1 Best Place to Live for Families by Fortune, which lists family-friendly cultural events such as an annual art fair that draws half a million tourists each summer among the many reasons to live in the city. Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a college town known for its vibrant downtown area and diverse food scene.
   ✓ Family-friendly
   ✓ Average public school testing ranking of 10/10 from Public School Review
   ✓ Walkable
   ✓ Bike-friendly
   ✓ Arts and culture
3. East Grand Rapids. East Grand Rapids is a wealthy suburb of Grand Rapids, filled with historic homes, tree-lined streets, shops, and restaurants. According to USA Today, it’s the best place to live in Michigan for overall quality of life, largely due to the high median income of $118,000 a year coupled with a cost of living that’s 7% lower than the national average.
   ✓ Safety rating of B+ from Crime Grade
   ✓ Family-friendly
   ✓ Average public school testing ranking of 10/10 from Public School Review
   ✓ Walkable
4. Traverse City. Traverse City is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches and wineries. In an article in Livability, writer Heather Cherry touts the city’s “thousands of acres of trails and endless miles of shoreline reminiscent of the Caribbean.” Located within a day’s drive of Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Chicago, Traverse City residents enjoy a small-town feel with big-city accessibility.
   ✓ Family-friendly
   ✓ Average public school testing ranking of 9/10 from Public School Review
   ✓ Walkable
   ✓ Arts and culture
5. Royal Oak. Royal Oak is a suburb of Detroit with a vibrant downtown area and nightlife. Apartment Therapy named Royal Oak one of the “Coolest Suburbs in America,” citing over 310 acres of city parks, tons of great places to eat, and fun, eclectic shops. Royal Oak is also home to the Detroit Zoo.
   ✓ Safety rating of B+ by Crime Grade
   ✓ Family-friendly
   ✓ Average public school testing ranking of 9/10 from Public School Review
   ✓ Walkable✓Arts and culture
6. Midtown Detroit. Midtown Detroit is a diverse, up-and-coming neighborhood in the heart of Detroit. Visit Detroit calls Midtown “one of Detroit’s hottest neighborhoods,” and says it is “home to the majority of Detroit’s cultural gems, Wayne State University, and a revitalized retail and restaurant district.”
   ✓ Named the safest neighborhood in Detroit by ModelD Media
   ✓ Walkable
   ✓ Arts and culture
7. Ferndale. Ferndale is a suburb of Detroit, known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It gets an overall grade of A from Niche, with top rankings for nightlife, jobs, and health and fitness. In a 5-star review on the Niche website, one local resident says: “I love this neighborhood…I love the downtown area and being able to go out and get delicious food. I love being able to bike and walk around. I have fantastic neighbors. It is very dog friendly.”
   ✓ Family-friendly
   ✓ Walkable
   ✓ Arts and culture
8. Grosse Pointe. Grosse Pointe is a group of five suburban communities on the east side of Detroit. Together, they’re known for their historic homes, excellent schools, and lakefront views. It gets a Niche grade of A+ for its great public schools, family-friendly lifestyle, housing, and more. A current resident who gave it a five-star review called it the “best city to raise a family!”
   ✓ Family-friendly
   ✓ Average public school testing ranking of 10/10 from Public School Review
   ✓ Walkable
   ✓ Arts and culture
9. Holland. Holland is a picturesque small town on the shores of Lake Michigan, characterized by its Dutch heritage and charming downtown area. According to WalletHub, Holland scores in the 89th percentile of small cities in America, earning it the number one spot in Michigan. In an article in the Great Lakes Echo, Holland’s mayor Nathan Bocks says: “There are all kinds of amenities that have been built up in this community that makes this place a wonderful experience year-round.” That includes five miles of heated sidewalks to keep the city walkable even in the winter!
   ✓ Safety grade of A- by Crime Grade
   ✓ Family-friendly
   ✓ Walkable
   ✓ Arts and culture
10. Grand Haven. Grand Haven is a small town located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, about 30 miles northwest of Grand Rapids. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and historic downtown area, making it a popular destination for tourists during the summer months.✓Safety rating of A by Crime Grade
    ✓ Family-friendly
    ✓ Average public school testing ranking of 10/10 from Public School Review
    ✓ Walkable
    ✓ Arts and culture

A guide to Michigan’s major cities

If you’re a city-lover looking to escape the high cost of living of major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston, you’ll find plenty of company in urban Michigan.

1. Detroit. Detroit is Michigan’s largest city, with a population of around 670,000 people. It has a rich history as a center of the automotive industry, and is home to the headquarters of major companies such as General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Detroit has struggled in the past with a high cost of living and issues related to crime and poverty, but today the city is undergoing a revitalization and has a thriving arts and cultural scene, including the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Motown Museum.
2. Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city, with a population of around 200,000 people. It boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, including the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The city is also home to major companies such as Steelcase and Amway. Grand Rapids has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities in the U.S. and is known for its walkability and bike-friendliness.
3. Ann Arbor. The home to the University of Michigan — one of the top public universities in the country — Ann Arbor is a city of around 120,000 people located in southeastern Michigan. Ann Arbor has a relatively high cost of living compared to other cities in Michigan — but for many residents that’s offset by a vibrant cultural scene, including the Ann Arbor Art Fair and the Michigan Theater. A number of high-tech and healthcare companies have headquarters in Ann Arbor, including Google and the University of Michigan Health System.
4. Lansing. Lansing is the capital city of Michigan, with a population of around 116,000 people. It is home to a number of government institutions, including the Michigan State Capitol and the Michigan Supreme Court. Lansing cultural landmarks include the Lansing Art Gallery and the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Michigan State University gives Lansing a college-town vibe, and U.S. News & World Report rates it #4 in Best Places to Live in Michigan.
5. Kalamazoo. Kalamazoo is a city of around 76,000 people located in southwestern Michigan. It is home to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Kalamazoo has a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in Michigan. According to U.S. News & World Report, Kalamazoo is “an attractive place to live for families, largely because of the Kalamazoo Promise Scholarship,” which gives eligible graduates of the Kalamazoo public schools a grant to attend the college of their choice!

Where to work when you move to Michigan

When you think of businesses to work at in Michigan, you probably think of the automotive industry. And you’re not wrong! Henry Ford and Ransom E. Olds were both Michigan natives who shaped the manufacturing industry in the state. And, while the auto industry in Michigan has seen its ups and downs over the years, both Ford and General Motors are still thriving, major employers.

If the auto industry isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other major employers in the state!

1. Quicken Loans: Quicken Loans is a leading mortgage lender. They’ve been around for 35 years, and they’re one of the largest employers in Michigan.
   Headquarters: Detroit
   Known for: Its innovative and collaborative culture
   Top career opportunities: Technology, sales, finance
2. University of Michigan: The University of Michigan is one of the top public universities in the country.
   Campuses in: Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint.
   Known for: World-class research and educational programs
   Top career opportunities: Healthcare, education, research
3. Spectrum Health: Spectrum Health is a leading healthcare provider dedicated to helping people overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.
   Headquarters: Grand Rapids
   Known for: Patient care and innovation
   Top career opportunities: Nursing, physician services, administration
4. Kellogg Company: Originally founded to provide corn flakes to the health-food obsessed patients of Dr. John H. Kellog’s Battle Creek Sanitarium, Kellogg Company remains a leading producer of breakfast foods and snacks. Snap, Crackle, and Pop, anyone?
   Headquarters: Battle Creek
   Known for: Its commitment to sustainability and community involvement
   Top career opportunities: Marketing, finance, research
5. Ford Motor Company: Founded in 1903, Ford is one of the largest employers in Michigan.
   Headquarters: Dearborn.
   Known for: Its commitment to innovation and sustainability
   Top career opportunities: Engineering, finance, marketing
6. General Motors: Founded in 1908 by William Durant, one of the leading horse-drawn carriage manufacturers in the 19th century, General Motors is the umbrella brand for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
   Headquarters: Detroit.
   Known for: Innovation and sustainability
   Top career opportunities: Engineering, manufacturing, research.

You can’t move to Michigan without experiencing these five things that make us famous!

1. Cherry Festival in Traverse City
   The National Cherry Festival is held annually in Traverse City, Michigan, usually in early July. It is a celebration of the cherry-growing industry in the region and a showcase of the culture and traditions of the area.The festival has been held since 1926 and has become a popular event, attracting visitors from all over the country. There are various events and activities during the festival, including parades, concerts, fireworks, carnival rides, and — of course — cherry-related activities!One of the main attractions of the Cherry Festival is the cherry pit spitting contest, which has been held since 1974, where participants compete to see who can spit a cherry pit the farthest distance.Another highlight of the festival is the Cherry Royale Parade, which features floats, marching bands, and other performers. The parade ends with the coronation of the National Cherry Queen, who will represent the festival throughout the year.
2. Detroit-style Coney dogs
   Detroit-style Coney dogs are a beloved food item in Michigan, particularly in the Detroit area. They consist of a hot dog topped with chili, diced onions, and mustard, served on a steamed bun. The chili is typically made with beef heart, giving it a unique flavor and texture!The origin of the Coney dog is a subject of some debate, but it is generally agreed that it was first served in Michigan in the early 1900s. The dish is thought to have been inspired by a similar dish called the Coney Island hot dog, which originated in New York City.The Detroit-style Coney dog is said to have been invented by two Greek immigrants, Gust and William Keros, who opened the first Coney Island restaurant in Detroit in 1917. Since then, the Coney dog has become a staple of Michigan cuisine, with numerous restaurants and diners serving their own take on the classic dish!Some of the most popular places to find Detroit-style Coney dogs include American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island, both located in downtown Detroit. Other notable locations include Red Hots Coney Island in Highland Park, Leo’s Coney Island with multiple locations throughout the metro Detroit area, and National Coney Island with several locations in southeastern Michigan.
3. Mackinac Island Fudge
   Mackinac Island fudge is a sweet and creamy confection that has been a staple of Michigan tourism for over a century. The first fudge shop on the island was opened by Harry Murdick in 1887, and his recipe quickly became popular among visitors.Murdick’s fudge was made with fresh cream and butter, and it was cooked in copper kettles before being poured onto a marble slab to cool and solidify. The fudge was then cut into squares and sold in the shop, which became a popular destination for tourists.Over time, other fudge shops opened on the island, each with their own take on the classic Mackinac Island fudge recipe. Today, Mackinac Island is known as the “Fudge Capital of the World,” with dozens of fudge shops offering a wide variety of flavors and styles!
4. Vernors ginger ale
   The history of Vernors ginger ale dates back to the late 1800s, when Detroit pharmacist James Vernor began experimenting with different flavors of soda. Vernor’s original recipe for ginger ale was made with a blend of 19 different ingredients, including ginger, vanilla, and various spices.According to legend, Vernor was called away to serve in the Civil War before he could perfect his recipe! When he returned four years later, he discovered a batch of ale that had been aging in an oak barrel in his pharmacy’s cellar. The aging process had given the ginger ale a unique and delicious flavor, which became the basis for the Vernors recipe that is still used today.
5. Craft beer
   Michigan’s craft beer scene is one of the best in the country, with a long history of brewing excellence and a thriving community of brewers, beer enthusiasts, and local businesses. There are hundreds of craft breweries located throughout the state, each with their own unique flavors and styles.The history of craft beer in Michigan dates back to the mid-1800s, when German immigrants brought their brewing traditions to the state. Over the years, Michigan’s craft beer scene has grown and evolved, with a focus on using local ingredients and experimenting with new and interesting flavors!Today, Michigan is home to some of the most innovative and successful craft breweries in the country, including Founders Brewing Co., Bell’s Brewery, and Short’s Brewing Company. These breweries, along with many others, have helped to put Michigan on the map as a premier destination for craft beer lovers.

Four tips for becoming a Michigan resident*

Ready to relocate to Michigan? Here are the basics of making it official.

1. Move in! You must have a physical presence in Michigan with the intention of making it your permanent home, or domicile. This means that you must have a physical address in Michigan and consider it to be your primary residence. Protip: Once you have a place to live, you’ll need to select your energy/gas company. Santanna Energy has great options for many areas of Michigan, including earth-friendly and fixed rate plans. Visit our website to explore plans for your new address.
2. Stay awhile! To establish residency in Michigan, you must be physically present in the state for a certain period of time. This period varies depending on the purpose of residency, but is typically at least 30 days.
3. Get documentation. To prove your residency in Michigan, you may need to provide documentation such as a Michigan driver’s license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, lease agreement, or utility bills.
4. Pay your taxes. If you are a Michigan resident, you will need to pay Michigan state income tax on your income earned both in and outside of the state. You will also need to pay property taxes if you own property in Michigan.

*These are some general guidelines for establishing residency in Michigan, but it’s important to consult with the appropriate authorities or seek legal advice to ensure that you meet all the requirements for your specific situation.

Make sure all your bases are covered with this Move-in Checklist.

FAQs

Still have questions about moving to Michigan? We’ve got answers!

Q: How bad is the weather in Michigan? (Honest answer)

A: The Michigan residents among us are proud of our hardiness and resilience… which is another way of saying that you have to be pretty hardy and resilient to put up with Michigan winters. Thanks to something called the “Lake Effect,” where freezing cold temperatures sweep up moisture from the Great Lakes and turn it into bucketfuls of snow, blizzards are a real thing here. So, prepare to hunker down, bundle up, and develop a taste for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to get yourself through the cold months!

Then there’s summer. We love spending our Michigan summers out on the lakes, swimming and kayaking for good reason, as Michigan is one of the most humid states in the U.S. Also, use bug spray, as the mosquito situation is no joke.

Q: How does Michigan’s cost of living compare to the rest of the country?

A: We’re glad you asked! The low cost of living in Michigan is one of the best things about relocating here. According to Rent Cafe’s cost of living calculator, the overall cost of living in Michigan is 10% lower than the national average.

Q: How’s the job market in Michigan?

A: The answer to this question, of course, depends a lot on your individual situation: your job experience, level of education, salary requirements, etc. Michigan does have a slightly higher jobless rate than the U.S. average: 4.3% compared to the national rate of 3.7%, according to the January 2023 issue of Michigan’s Labor Market News.

However, there are plenty of job opportunities for people looking to relocate — there were nearly 1.2 million jobs advertised in Michigan in 2022, higher than any previous year. Here are some stats:

Michigan’s 5 top hiring industries

Industry	Number of 2022 job advertisements
Healthcare and social assistance	210,703
Manufacturing	128,915
Retail trade	110,674
Hospitality and food service	87,145
Professional, scientific, and technical services	77,178

Michigan’s 5 fastest-growing industries

Industry	Number of 2022 job advertisements	Percentage change since 2021
Professional, scientific, and technical services	77,178	+36.2%
Finance and insurance	68,285	+34.1%
Wholesale trade	7,958	+31.9%
Public administration	24,867	+25.9%
Real estate	23,702	+24.8%

 

And, if remote work is a possibility for you, you might be able to take advantage of the lower cost of living while benefiting from the higher earning potential.

Q: What are the best schools in Michigan?

A: For higher education, Michigan is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University.

If you’re moving to Michigan with school-aged kids, you’ll be happy to hear that there are many excellent public and private schools. According to Metro Parent, there are 15 public school districts in Michigan that earned a score of A+ for 2023:

1. Novi Community School District, Novi
2. Troy School District, Troy
3. Northville Public Schools, Northville
4. Okemos Public Schools, Okemos
5. Birmingham Public Schools, Beverly Hills
6. Bloomfield Hills Schools, Bloomfield Hills
7. Saline Area Schools, Saline
8. Ann Arbor Public Schools, Ann Arbor
9. Oakland Schools, Waterford
10. Grosse Pointe Public Schools, Grosse Pointe
11. Rochester Community School District, Rochester
12. East Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Rapids
13. Forest Hills Public Schools, Grand Rapids
14. St. Joseph Public Schools, Saint Joseph
15. New Buffalo Area Schools, New Buffalo

Welcome to Michigan!

With everything Michigan has going for it, moving here is a great choice. But relocating anywhere is no walk in the park! Between packing, deciding where to live, and all the dozens of details you need to take care of, the last thing you want to worry about is getting the lights turned on at your new home. When you’re ready to explore home energy options, check out the energy plans available in your new neighborhood.