Top 5 Reasons People Move to West Michigan

Many agree that there’s so much to love in West Michigan. The state of Michigan is blessed with an ethereal landscape, an abundance of recreational spaces, and a continuous economic

growth. The Great Lakes State has so much to offer, from beer to beaches, residents are able to choose the lifestyle that best suits them whether that be focusing on urban living or settling into rural life.

1. Affordable housing

The cost of living in West Michigan is very affordable, usnew.com has ranked Michigan 4th in cost of living & 7th in affordability in the nation. In 2017, for the first time since 2001, more people moved to Michigan compared to moving out. The migration of 10,000 allowed for an expansion of 0.3% of the

population in the state. Even with population growth, Michigan is still able to maintain affordable housing. In 2020, Grand Rapids held the highest percentage of millennial homeowners in the country. The median cost of a home in Michigan is approximately $150,000 and the average rent fluctuates around $1000 although it can get pricey when moving closer to the downtown areas of the larger cities. The unfortunate foreclosure crisis left a surplus of houses on the market making the prices quite low although in recent years the prices have risen. The cost of housing is increasing at an average rate of 3%. With most homes being built during the boom years of the 1950s, more modern homes tend to be near the coastal areas of the state.

2. Jobs

If you are interested in looking for a job, West Michigan is the place for you. According to Michigan.gov, Governor Whitmer recently announced the implementation of 4,600 new jobs within the West Michigan area. This was a $4.1 billion investment that created jobs building batteries, bringing the supply chain home & growing the agriculture economy. Currently, Michigan is also ranked 16th overall among the best states for business.

3. Culture

There is plenty to do in West Michigan. The blue-collar industrial state has a variety of activities and events to participate in. In 2021, Grand Rapids was named the Best Beer city in America, according to USA Today. Filled with acclaimed breweries, this

city is one of the best to fill your cup in. West Michigan is also home to many festivals like Tulip Time in Holland, ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, and the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven. There’s even a place for sports fans with the local minor league teams such as the West Michigan Whitecaps, Grand Rapids Griffins, and the Grand Rapids Gold.

4. Raising a Family

West Michigan is the perfect place to start building a family. In a recent report from Rocket Homes, Grand Rapids was ranked #1 on the best places to raise a family. Determining metrics included school ratings, crime rate, the average cost of child care, etc. It is also noted that Grand Rapids has lower crime rates, ensuring a safe space to raise little ones. With short commute times, parents are able to travel from the suburbs to the inner city when it suits them. With distinguished healthcare available in West Michigan, only the best treatment is available for your family.

5. Retirement

If affordability is important in your retirement, West Michigan should be an area to keep an eye on. The U.S. News and World Report recently reported Grand Rapids as one of the best places to retire when depending solely on Social Security, this is

based on the average income of $1,294 a month. According to the report, retirees older than 64 only pay approximately $650 a month in rent and older homeowners pay $1,000 a month with a mortgage of only $427 if the house is paid off. The expanding art scene, including the Frederik Meijer Gardens and other popular museums, makes for a great place to spend recreational time. Should the older population require medical attention, Grand Rapids is also home to world-class healthcare with outstanding hospitals.