The 9 Best Places in Michigan to Raise a Family

Knowing the best places in Michigan to raise a family can help you make the best choice of where to live. Considering aspects like affordability, crime rates, and family-friendly activities is essential to finding an ideal location.  

Michigan boasts more freshwater coastlines than other states and has plenty of wildlife for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find small towns and suburban areas or even choose your location based on proximity to your favorite sights.   

No matter what you’re looking for when it comes to the best spot for your family, Michigan likely has it. There are also many sights and amenities within traveling distance of many of these locations. Here are some of the best places to help you begin your search.   

1. Ann Arbor 

In Ann Arbor, you can find the University of Michigan, a top-ranked college with approximately 46,000 students. The college campus is extensive, offering many employment opportunities and emphasizing the importance of a good education. You can also consider working in other industries prevalent in Ann Arbor, including healthcare, automotive research, development, and manufacturing.  

The Ann Arbor elementary, middle, and high school consistently get high ratings, including 8s and 9s on a 10-point scale. You can also choose from other nearby schools that provide great education and many opportunities. Ann Arbor is also safer than 21% of other United States neighborhoods, adding to its appeal.   

Ann Arbor also boasts an enjoyable and exciting food and art scene for locals and tourists to enjoy. They hold community events, including a yearly art fair, to further the family-friendly atmosphere. You can also find many beautiful outdoor areas to explore or visit the hands-on museum downtown with your kids for an indoor activity. 

2. Kalamazoo 

This city boasts three higher education institutions, including the following:  

• Kalamazoo College 
• Kalamazoo Valley Community College 
• Western Michigan University 

If your child attends all four years of high school in the Kalamazoo Public School system, they can take advantage of the Kalamazoo Promise, a four-year scholarship for free tuition for in-state colleges.   

You can find many family-friendly activities in the area, including the Kalamazoo Nature Center, which hosts free activities daily. Kalamazoo also has parks, swimming beaches, and nearly 140 miles of trails to explore with your family.   

You can enjoy Art Hop on the first Friday of each month, a free event held by the Council of Greater Kalamazoo. This event includes activities and music for the whole family to enjoy. Another family-friendly activity is visiting the Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts, which has programs for kids and families and various exhibits.  

There are plenty of job opportunities because you can work at any of the colleges or several pharmaceutical and medical science businesses. Plus, the cost of living is nearly 22.5% lower than the U.S. average.  

3. Traverse City 

Traverse City produces much of the nation’s cherries, making it an interesting fact to share with those who visit when you live there. It is also one of Michigan’s oldest cities. You can explore Grand Traverse Bay and take advantage of the many entertainment areas.  

Plus, you and your family can enjoy land and water sports year-long or explore local parks. Clinch Park is perfect for bird watching, and you can also go horseback riding there. You can also find plenty of restaurants and shops in Traverse City, ensuring you always have something to see or explore.   

The only issue is that affordability may be complicated as homes have increased by nearly 114%. Rental prices are also higher than other places in Michigan. However, if you don’t mind the higher cost of living, Traverse City has many perks to make up for it.  

Another benefit is that Traverse City is safer than 28% of all U.S. neighborhoods. This percentage is good compared to many cities, making it one of the best places in Michigan to raise a family.

4. Livonia  

Livonia sits between Detroit and Ann Arbor, providing suburban living close to the city for those who want green space without going too far for upscale amenities. You’ll still have everything you need within Livonia, too, so you won’t have to go without if you don’t want to travel.   

Families can embrace historical attractions and many outdoor spaces to have fun all year, making it one of the best places in Michigan to raise a family. Consider visiting the 95-acre historic farm Greenmead to learn about early agricultural heritage.   

5. Norton Shores  

Norton Shores is a waterfront city on the Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s mostly a suburban residential community, and residents often commute to Muskegon for work.  

Almost a quarter of the population in Norton Shores are children under 18, ensuring your children will have people their age to spend time with. It leads to there being many family-friendly neighborhoods, parks, and activities. 

Norton Shores is affordable, with the cost of living being nearly 15% below the national average. There are hiking spots and miles of beachfront access if you enjoy water activities, making it one of the 9 best places in Michigan to raise a family.  

6. Troy 

Troy has many parks, shopping areas, coffee shops, and restaurants for families to enjoy. Boulan Park is one place you can visit, and it has a play structure, tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, volleyball courts, and a walking path. Plus, you can hop on the highway and head to the Detroit Metro Area for more fun and events.  

Troy School District has high ratings and a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. Their College Readiness Index is 61.8%, and school enrollment is at 1,980 students. There are also other schools in the area if you’d prefer one of those for your children.   

Employment opportunities in and near Troy are plentiful, with Chrysler Headquarters and Technology Center and GM Global Propulsion Systems Engineering Center nearby. Troy is also just north of Detroit, MI, offering more employment choices. You can also find jobs right in Troy at other businesses and banking institutions.   

7. Okemos 

Okemos offers a diverse area to live in and is one of the best places in Michigan to raise your family. There are plenty of local businesses where you can find employment, and it’s a short commute to many neighboring towns.   

Schools in Okemos rank high for student success, ensuring your children receive an excellent education. It’s also near Michigan State University, offering higher education options close to home and boasting one of the largest stadiums in Michigan.  

Family activities in Okemos involve visiting the Harris Nature Center and other outdoor areas with meadows, forests, and trails. You can also explore the oldest conservation organization in Michigan, the Michigan Audubon, which protects bird habitats.  

8. Grand Rapids  

Grand Rapids is only 30-40 minutes from the Lake Michigan coastline. The Grand River flows through the city, and many bridges crisscross throughout the town, making for scenic trips everywhere you go. Grand Rapids also has affordable housing and a manageable cost of living, making it perfect for families. 

You and your family can explore museums and parks, including the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Millennium Park, and more. Grand Rapids also has one of the best zoos in Michigan, the John Ball Zoo. 

9. South Haven  

South Haven boasts beautiful beaches, and although the city attracts many tourists, it still has a small-town feel. There are many outdoor activities to do all year, and South Haven hosts events and festivals year-long, including the National Blueberry Festival.   

You can find trails perfect for hiking with kids and beautiful parks to take advantage of, including the Van Buren State Park. When you aren’t spending time outdoors, your family will love the many restaurants and shops in downtown South Haven.   

Summary of the 9 Best Places in Michigan to Raise a Family