Moving Back To Michigan: 2 Years In, Why We Love This State

*GULP* It’s been two years since we moved from Chicago to Michigan.

That realization hit me like a ton of bricks the other day as I was going through old photos on my phone. 2018. Doesn’t that sound like forever ago? Especially considering the current landscape we’re in, as I think back on life then compared to now, it doesn’t even feel like I’m reflecting on the same person. It wasn’t just a different year but a different life. We’ve since moved, renovated and bought our house, traveled abroad, got pregnant, Beau was born, watched thousands of our kid’s daily milestones, have encountered a global pandemic, amongst so many other events. Whew.

In hindsight, Chicago in particular almost feels like it didn’t even happen. Funny how that happens.

I compare it to my memories of study abroad. While experiencing it, I was all in. Italy was life; I lived there, was fully invested, and certainly wasn’t thinking beyond how to translate certain words or what tomorrow’s adventure would be. But when I returned home, as weeks and months and years passed and a new normal engulfed my view, I started to look upon my memories with a certain clarity that reveals exactly what I was the entire time. A visitor. Not permanent. Experiencing it all “in the now,” but always meant to return home.

Moving Back To Michigan: 2 Years In, Why We Love This State

Our decade in Chicago is similar in that, as I look in the rearview, I see now that we’re exactly where we’re meant to be for the long haul. In Michigan.

Just like Italy or Chicago, Michigan has unique things about it that make it special. Things that make living here a choice we haven’t regretted for a second. (That’s not to say we don’t miss Chicago, mind you!) Our family is here, of course, which is the biggest reason we love it and has benefits far beyond what words can convey. But the state itself also has so much to offer. As I reflect on the past few years and all we’ve done, I see that physically being in Michigan – having access to the lakes to swim in, mountains to hike, cities and quaint towns around every corner to explore – is a huge part of all the wonderful memories we’ve made while here so far.

Michigan truly is such a special place; you guys know I’m basically a mini Tim Allen over here, always touting this state. (HA! #PureMichigan) I thought it’d be fun to reflect on some of these aspects with you — I know many of you are either from Michigan or even considering moving back yourself. And may find it interesting to read what we’ve loved about being here so far!

One thing I’d like to share before diving in, is that if you currently live in or are considering living in Michigan, definitely check out the Michigan State Housing Development Authority!

They have a lot of amazing programs specifically designed to make homeownership in Michigan accessible and affordable.

One program that is very relevant right now in the age of COVID, is the Eviction Diversion Program, which has $50 million in rental assistance to keep qualified Michigan residents who fell behind on their rent during COVID-19 in their homes. Another that is helpful is the Michigan Down Payment program, which provides down payment assistance up to $7,500. The Down Payment program is available to first-time homebuyers (have not owned a
home in the previous three years) statewide and repeat homebuyers in targeted areas. Definitely swing by and check the MSHDA out to see how they can be helpful to you!

2 Years In: Why We Love Living In Michigan

Lake Life Is The Best Life

Living in Michigan means we’re constantly surrounded by water. (Did you know that, while in Michigan, you’re never more than 6 miles from an inland lake?!) While in Chicago, it was one thing to head up to Lakeshore Avenue and walk along the path (which we enjoyed doing!). But it’s a whole other thing to spend hours, sometimes days on end, on the water as we do in Michigan. It’s also so different when you’re experiencing the water in its true natural element. Sans concrete or lots of other people.

Our family has a cottage on a lake, which has been the most incredible escape especially among COVID. But beyond that it’s so much fun to visit all the different coastal towns and places in this state! Locally, in the metro-Detroit area, inland lakes are constantly admired on our hikes, runs and places we take the kids. We have a lot of local parks that we go to that have lakes at their center; it’s nice to hop in the car and within 15 minutes, feel like we’re a world away in a remote area.

Of course, Michigan is also surrounded by its famous lakes, too!

These are my favorite to visit; each has so much to offer. Lake Michigan is the lake we visit most frequently. My family has a deep history of visiting and I have a personal dream of living on Lake Michigan one day. Our favorite places to visit along Lake Michigan are Holland, Saugatuck, St. Joseph, Grand Haven, South Haven, Muskegon, and Traverse City. We also recently went to Lake Superior and enjoyed the extremely vast and remote beaches in the upper peninsula. It’s a beauty unlike anything I’ve ever seen!

I could talk about the water for hours. And really that’s such a huge and unique part of life in Michigan. I love that we’re constantly surrounded by it while living here!

City & Suburb Life: Best Of Both Worlds

Metro-Detroit is super close and accessible to downtown Detroit, which is a place we love to visit. (We sadly haven’t been since COVID because we prefer to stay in nature if we leave our house!) It literally takes us 20 minutes to drive downtown, which makes it both accessible and practical to frequent.

In fact, before COVID hit, we were in the city every week. (I was even looking into getting a coworking space downtown!) From weekly Eastern Market trips to get our produce from local farmers, to checking out restaurants, museums, stores and hot spots, Detroit has so much to offer for those who love city life but don’t necessarily want to live there. We consider ourselves equal parts city and nature people — we love both — so it’s been really great to be able to head downtown so easily and feel a part of the thriving and growing city that it is!

Even when we can’t make it to downtown Detroit, locally there are so many adorable towns to explore. The suburbs of Detroit are so cute! A few favorites include Royal Oak, Ferndale, Grosse Pointe, and Birmingham – which all are family friendly and have great shopping and restaurants. Further out from Detroit, we also love to go to Clarkston, Rochester, Ann Arbor, and Fenton.

It’s Affordable

While living in the city, we tried our hardest to save as much money as possible, but found that it was very hard to get ahead. Between a crazy rent price and day care being even more than rent, the cost of living there was just so high! Affordability has been another huge benefit of moving back – we’ve been able to focus more on our savings and, last year, were even able to purchase our home. In fact, our rent price for a tiny two bedroom apartment in Chicago was more than what our mortgage for our 3 bedroom house is right now. Crazy, right?! I feel very lucky that, here, we’ve found living to be both affordable and accessible (to further my point above.) Definitely a win-win!

It’s full of NEAT-URE.

That title was a bad joke, sorry! But really, this state has so much to do and is filled with variety.

Here, you can go blueberry picking, run down sand dunes, jump into crystal-clear lakes, peruse cute coastal towns, and watch a sherbert-colored sunset all in the same day. You can go blueberry picking at U-pick farms and then afterwards, sip on wine from local vineyards. You can pitch a tent while camping and see waterfalls and the Northern Lights in one hike. And you can ski down mountains, play ice hockey on a frozen lake, and then build a snowman to complete the afternoon. How many states can offer up all that simultaneously!?

It’s a really special place, and one that is a complete hidden gem, especially for those who love the outdoors. Since living here, I can honestly say there hasn’t been a day that’s gone by where we haven’t enjoyed nature and the setting around us in some way, shape or form. It’s just a huge part of life in Michigan, especially because…

Seasons Are A Huge Part Of Life

Another factor I love? The seasons! I know a lot of places have seasons, but in Michigan everyone really embraces them to the fullest extent. Also, because of said NEATURE above, there’s so much to do every season! I’ve really come to love each time of year for its unique positives, and it’s been so much fun to experience the Michigan seasons with our kids since living here.

I dove into each season and the unique feeling it brings in this post. Below, I’ve copied one section from that post because it’s just so true!

Winter is all about slowing down and pressing reset.

As much as I curse it when it gets closer to spring and summer, there’s a lot of things that I would miss if I didn’t live here. Soft snow falling on quiet streets. Sledding, skiing, ice skating, making snowmen and being cuddled up by a fireplace with hot chocolate. (Ok, fine, a glass of wine.) Enjoying the great indoors and all the coziness that goes with it.

Spring brings fresh energy that invigorates the rest of the year ahead.

Everything is blooming and, in what seems like an overnight occurrence, the entire state erupts in greenery, flowers, and birds chirping. Storms roll in as windows are opened to hear the pitter-patter of the rain and steady thunder. The air smells fresh and bright. The sun shines, and everyone is in the best mood. (Sounds silly, but that is enough to drive a good feeling after winter, ha!)

Summer is when Michigan is its sweetest.

It’s the time of year when Michiganders love to travel within the state, from up north to coastal towns. Summer is filled with perfect temperatures, driving with the windows down, long days being outdoors, concerts, festivals, boating, sunsets, and bonfires. If you live here, you know that the general feeling is that we’ve earned our summer and we’re going to live it up!

Fall carries its definition of “lovely” to which there’s nothing quite like it.

Michigan is filled with trees everywhere you look, and every single one bursts into pinks, oranges, yellows, and reds. During the fall, you can do so many things like apple picking, visiting cider mills, pumpkin carving, and tailgating. It brings a cozy feeling similar to winter, and you can’t help but smile at all the plaid, scarves, and sweaters that emerge.

I think it boils down to one key thing. The seasons of Michigan are varied, and they don’t last long. Because of this, there’s an inherent appreciation of what each one brings. This mentality emphasizes enjoying the moment, but most of all, it brings a special magic to otherwise ordinary things like the sun shining, leaves changing, or snow falling.

It’s Filled With Crossroads (Making It Very Interesting)

Michigan is a place filled with opposing ends simultaneously mixing. What do I mean by this? It’s rural and urban. Liberal and conservative. Blue and white collar. Often, all those can be found at the same dinner table. It’s a place of many crossroads and perspectives. I personally think all this is a positive — Michiganders are interesting and varied. And I think the exposure to so many different types of people and perspectives keeps us down-to-earth! I really love the people here — they’re such a great mix of midwestern values and dynamic interests!

Life Is Better Balanced

This is a perspective that’s totally varied based on the person and situation, but I will say that since moving to Michigan, we feel like life has been more well-rounded. There’s a certain fullness here that wasn’t there before.

Chicago was exciting and there are things we really miss about living in the city, of course, but for us living in Michigan has brought priceless things to our lives. (Well, pre-COVID, I will say! Since COVID I think we all can agree life isn’t exactly “balanced” for LOTS of reasons.) Regular dinners with our parents. Our kids seeing their cousins all the time. Doug and I being able to have regular date nights. Embracing the variety of things to do, all mentioned earlier, that Michigan offers. Living in Michigan has enabled us to have the best of all worlds!

—

All that being said, after living here for 2 years with our family, I can say that we genuinely love it and are so happy we made the decision that we did. Who knows where life will take us in the future, but for now, I can wholeheartedly say that the “mitten” is our home! We are grateful for it, all it has to offer, and all the people here.

<< Side note: Last year, I wrote a whole post about “Why I Love Living In Michigan” that further explores many of these elements, if you’re interested! >>

Don’t forget — if you’re a Michigander, or interested in being one, be sure to check out the Michigan State Housing Development Authority! They have a lot of amazing programs specifically designed to make homeownership in Michigan accessible and affordable.

Are you a Michigander? What do you love about living in this state? Any top recommendations on things to do, or places to see? Let’s chat in the comments below!