You Won’t Believe Which Michigan Cities Were Named Among the Best to Live In
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With its proximity to the Great Lakes, bustling cities filled with arts and culture, and quaint small towns full of small charm, Michigan has something to offer to anyone who lives here. And the results of a recent report from U.S. News and World Report confirm what we and thousands of Michiganders already know: Michigan is an awesome place to live.
U.S. News and World Report, a US media company, whose publishings include rankings and analysis, recently ranked its top Michigan cities to live in for 2023-24 and selected, in order, Ann Arbor (score of 6.7), Grand Rapids (6.6), Lansing (6.2), Kalamazoo (6.2), Detroit (6.0) and Flint (5.7).
Among the company’s list of the top 150 cities to live in the United States, Ann Arbor took top honors in Michigan, coming in at 14th.
The annual rankings are published to help people as they make decisions about where to live, using nationwide statistics from several sources. Cities are given an overall score on a 10-point scale based on several factors, including value index (how comfortably a resident can live within their means), quality of life, desirability index (whether or not people want to live there), and job markets in each area.
Here’s what U.S. News and World Report had to say about each of the Michigan cities included in its list:
Ann Arbor
A2 was given U.S. News and World Report’s highest score among Michigan cities. While it’s well known among Michiganders as the home of the University of Michigan, locals know that Ann Arbor is much more than a college town.
“Ann Arbor is a city of contrasts. It is at once rural and urban, sporty and smart, outdoorsy and high-tech, counterculture and high society. It is best known as the home of the University of Michigan, and locals here enjoy all the trappings of a stereotypical Midwestern college town: a charming, historic main street lined with bookstores, gift shops and taverns; a healthy mix of longtime residents and shorter-term passers-through; and plentiful cultural destinations and events.“
U.S. News and World Report
Ann Arbor’s historic main street is the perfect gathering place for residents and visitors alike, offering a mix of taverns, bookstores, and quaint shops that make for a great shopping experience.
A2 has a strong public park system and is also known as Tree Town for the high number of trees in its beautiful public parks. Outdoor enthusiasts can also kayak on the Huron River, take a hike in the spring and summer, and even go ice skating in the winter.
Grand Rapids
As the home of Beer City USA and a thriving art scene, Grand Rapids has become a hub of activity in West Michigan and one of the best places to live for Michiganders, thanks to affordable housing, a strong job market, and a plethora of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
“Midwest friendliness is no exaggeration in Grand Rapids, which, despite being the second-largest metro area in Michigan, exudes small-town warmth. Walk down almost any residential street in Grand Rapids, and you’ll often be met with a wave and a “hello” from people caring for their lawns or hanging out on porches.”
U.S. News and World Report
Grand Rapids has everything residents and visitors alike could want in a city. It’s got arguably the best craft beer scene in America, the nation’s top-rated sculpture park, year-round opportunities for indoor and outdoor recreation, plenty of places to soak up arts and culture, and fun-filled annual festivals.
Related: Did you know the Grand Rapids Airport is also a hidden gem in the Midwest, offering visitors a place for stress-free travel.
Lansing
There’s always something going on in Michigan’s capital city, which apart from being the center of state government, can boast of having something to offer families of all kinds. Fun events and festivals, sports teams, scenic parks, and much more, combined with a lower cost of living make Lansing an attractive place to live.
“Lansing residents also pay slightly less than the average American for groceries. There are many community gardens where anyone with a green thumb can grow fruits and vegetables to add to meals. As for heating and cooling costs, be prepared to pay more during the winter and summer, thanks to a climate that sways from cold and snowy to humid and warm.“
U.S. News and World Report
Not only does Lansing offer opportunities for year-round family fun, but its location in Mid-Michigan makes it the perfect place to start for those who love day trips. It borders East Lansing, the home of Michigan State University, so it’s easy for families to experience the amenities of a college town, including watching Division 1 sports.
There’s something new and exciting to discover everywhere one looks in Lansing, making it a great city for families to settle in.
Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo, the Southwest Michigan city with the fun name, welcomes families with open arms with a variety of fun events, aimed at creating camaraderie and a strong sense of community among the people who live here.
“Kalamazoo is as fun and quirky as its unusual name suggests. Its theaters, museums and live music venues make the city an arts and culture hot spot, and its craft brewery scene attracts visitors from around the region.“
U.S. News and World Report
Longtime residents and those who are new in town have no shortage of things to see and do. Kalamazoo’s museums are top-notch, the beers offered at local breweries are delicious, and there are plenty of unique places to visit, including a historic theater, a reindeer farm, and spots with tasty ice cream.
Related: Did you know that Kalamazoo is also home to one of a dozen curling clubs in Michigan?
Detroit
Detroit, the Motor City, is the biggest city in Michigan. This bustling metropolis has a rich history, and a comeback in recent years has revitalized many parts of the city. Many younger residents desire to live close to the city center, but niche neighborhoods and low-cost housing have enticed families to move to Motown.
“…Detroit currently sits on the edge of a renaissance. Small businesses are once again setting up shop in the area, and new restaurants are luring suburbanites back to Motown.”
U.S. News and World Report
Families looking for entertainment options in Detroit will find them in spades. All four of Michigan’s pro sports teams are located in downtown Detroit and the city is home to renowned museums like the Detroit Institute of Arts, Hitsville USA, the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk, the jewel that is Belle Isle, and so much more.
Flint
While Flint has seen some hardships in recent years, the strong sense of community in the city and the hard work of residents have continued Flint a better place to live.
“There is a strong sense of pride from Flint residents. Whether it’s standing together as a neighborhood to combat crime or helping those in need, the Flint community works together to make it a better area to live in. The community also promotes and fosters the arts. And, with multiple higher-education institutions in the area, Flint is becoming an active college town.”
U.S. News and World Report
The cost of living in Flint is lower than the national average and the city is bursting at the seams with festivals, arts, and outdoor recreation opportunities. It’s also home to plenty of affordable family activities, restaurants to satisfy any appetite, and plenty of year-round hidden gems.
Explore More of the Best Towns in Michigan
While U.S. News and World Report highlighted six of Michigan’s biggest and most well-known cities, there’s much more of the state to explore!
From unique downtowns in Metro Detroit to tranquil small towns in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, there’s an adventure waiting around every corner of Michigan.
Ask yourself where you want to go and head straight to your next Michigan adventure. Whether you’ve visited a city many times or not at all, you may just surprise yourself with what you find on your trip!