As a native Michigander, I might be a bit biased when it comes to thinking that this is a great state to live in. That said, Michigan towns have been topping several lists of the best places to live in America, so I think that confirms my point.
Now, the staff at U.S. News has put out a brand new list of the top 150 best cities to live in the U.S. They “analyzed the 150 most populous metro areas to find the best places to live. To make the top of the list, a place had to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life,” according to the study.
As for the publication’s methodology and purpose for the report, U.S. News states, “U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live rankings are intended to help readers make the most informed decision when choosing where to settle down.” They added that cities are rated utilizing data from sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. News’ own internal resources. That information was categorized into the five indexes: Job Market Index, Value Index, Quality of Life Index, Desirability Index and Net Migration.
So, which Michigan cities are on top? A whopping two Michigan towns landed inside the top 20: Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. Ann Arbor is No. 11 on the list, with the outlet stating, “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.” Grand Rapids is No. 16 on the list, with the publication stating, “Grand Rapids has an affinity for public art, and its craft brewery scene is one of the best in the nation. A scenic spot perched on the Grand River – Michigan’s longest waterway – Grand Rapids has evolved from its 19th-century roots as a hub of furniture production to the modern-day metro area that is attracting college students and young families with its healthy job market, affordable housing and outdoor recreational activities.” Find the full report here.
Read on for the Top 10 best areas in Michigan to buy a house!