7 of the Most Affordable Towns to Retire in Michigan
An exciting combination of low cost of living, pristine natural beauty, vibrant arts and culture scene, and enticing tax benefits makes Michigan one of the best states for retirees in the United States. It is especially true for pensioners who plan a minimalist retirement life without splashing their savings, considering that the Great Lakes State has one of the lowest median home prices in the country. Several small towns allow pensioners to realize their retirement dreams in a hospitable, welcoming community.
From idyllic waterfront locations to hidden historical hamlets, they impress with a rural atmosphere exuding small-town charm and a raft of outdoor opportunities, guaranteeing a high quality of life. Furthermore, senior citizens get vital access to diverse urban comforts from neighboring cities without having to deal with the crowds. If you are searching for an affordable way to retire in Michigan, these charming towns should be on your list of priorities.
Midland
Midland manages to strike a balance between small-town feel and big-city amenities, ensuring that retirees enjoy the best of both worlds. This lovely community offers a variety of nature spaces to keep residents engaged in different outdoor adventures. The Midland City Forest Park is known for its brilliant hiking and biking trail system across 520 acres of hardwoods, whereas Dow Gardens provides a tranquil setting ideal for family picnics. Midland’s vibrant art scene could easily rival bigger cities and features acclaimed venues like the Midland Center for the Arts. This state-of-the-art facility supports local creatives by staging family-friendly live performances of theater and music as well as displays on history, science, and art.
Fresh retirees can benefit from pleasant social interactions at the Midland Area Farmers Market, with a chance to establish lasting friendships besides shopping for fresh farm produce and local crafts. With a median home listing cost of $279,000, pensioners would not have to dig deep into their savings for a house in the town.
Okemos
Okemos is an adorable suburban community in the Lansing metropolitan area with a serene atmosphere that many retirees will appreciate. It offers a variety of green spaces for an active outdoor lifestyle, including Harris Nature Center, where pensioners can indulge in recreations like hiking, nature viewing, and wildlife watching. Local history enthusiasts have much to uncover at the Meridian Historical Village, which harbors several restored structures, including The Farmhouse, Schoolhouse, The General Store, and The Barnes House, offering an interesting look into the past.
Meanwhile, Okemos charms with an impressive selection of family-friendly attractions that prove irresistible when the grandkids visit. High Caliber Karting and Entertainment is an excellent example that guarantees unadulterated fun for all ages, featuring go-kart racing, archery, ax throwing, and more. Due to its proximity to Lansing, the town’s real estate prices have risen compared to most areas in the state, costing an average of $477,500.
Grand Haven
True to its name, this picturesque waterfront town on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore is a small haven for senior citizens, boasting sandy beaches and tranquil natural surroundings. Residents enjoy laidback moments in the open spaces by strolling along the shores of Grand Haven State Park. This popular 48-acre recreation hub also invites campers, swimmers, sunbathers, and boaters to revel in its pleasant atmosphere. Further inland, Rosy Mound Natural Area provides a hint of greenery, with a beautiful 0.7-mile hiking route spoiling retirees with unprecedented views of Lake Michigan.
Grand Haven is also famous for its historical sites, such as the Tri-Cities Historical Museum. This magnificent facility sheds light on the history of the Tri-Cities region through a collection of interesting exhibits, comprising Native American artifacts and antiques from early pioneers. Finally, the median house price is around $429,900 in Grand Haven.
Traverse City
Traverse City might have a modest population of under 16,000 residents, but the small town is jam-packed with a range of attractions to keep seniors entertained around the year. From high-quality shopping destinations and quaint wineries to endless water-based opportunities, it is never a dull time in Traverse City. Oenophiles can choose from different locations to sample the thriving local wine culture, including Mari Vineyards. Pensioners will also be impressed by the delightful shopping opportunities presented at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, a historic complex housing a mix of shopping and dining spots in addition to being the host of activities like The Village Puzzle Competition which is open to all.
Traverse City’s lakeside locations result in a lovely atmosphere that encourages retirees to spend more time outdoors. At Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park, they can make the most of a modern campground for the ultimate outdoor experience. Lastly, acquiring a home in the town costs an average of $459,000.
Howell
This laidback community in Livingston was long affiliated with the Klu Klux Klan, but it has since grown from its White Supremacist past and currently welcomes retirees of all backgrounds to enjoy quintessential small-town living. Howell features a beautiful rural atmosphere, made possible by the presence of sprawling green spaces like Brighton Recreation Area. This outdoor hub houses all kinds of fun activities across its over 4,900-acre expanse, from hiking and skiing to biking and horseback riding. More opportunities await ardent outdoorsmen at the Howell Nature Center, which provides a more family-friendly setting punctuated with lush gardens, with programs focusing on kid-friendly hikes and reduced animals.
When not immersed in the great outdoors, senior citizens can enjoy retail therapy sessions inside Tanger Outlets Howell, which has more than 50 name brands selling all manner of merchandise. If you plan to own a home in Howell, it will cost you an average of $415,000.
Ludington
Ludington’s is strategically situated where the Pere Marquette River enters Lake Michigan, giving the tiny port town a rich nautical heritage that retirees will enjoy getting a sense of aboard the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry Service. Several lighthouses hint at the town’s importance as a navigational hub, including the 57-foot Ludington North Breakwater Light. The area is perfect for a lazy stroll in the evenings as you wait to catch spectacular sunsets over the horizon. There is no shortage of outdoor opportunities in Ludington, and Stearns Park is famous among picnickers, presenting pleasant amenities like a skate park, BBQ grills, and picnic tables for family-friendly outings.
Retirees who live with their grandkids can find several spots to entertain them, highlighted by the Sandcastles Children’s Museum, where they can get the experience of running a grocery store and a mini-pizzeria. Alternatively, the Ludington Area Center for the Arts showcases entertaining community-based stage performances in music and visual arts. Finally, homes in Ludington sell for an average of $349,000.
Birmingham
Birmingham ranks high among idyllic safe havens for retirees in Michigan, shielded from the chaos in neighboring Detroit. This suburban community in Oakland County has an enticing home median price of around $1.3 million, which proves irresistible for people who fancy a thrifty lifestyle. Despite this, it delivers a couple of exciting pastimes, including multiple golfing venues like the nearby Springdale Golf Course. Fans of the outdoors will love exploring the serene setting of Quarton Lake, which features delightful nature trails, fishing spots, and a sculpture garden.
Downtown Birmingham is a mixed bag of surprises, comprising various businesses and stores that make for friendly social interactions. Senior citizens with a soft spot for the arts constantly gather at the Birmingham Village Players to enjoy entertaining live shows in a friendly setting. The Birmingham Museum is also hit with those who appreciate historical pursuits.
Final Thoughts
Finding the ideal place to call your forever home is the first step towards preparing for a satisfying experience in your sunset years. The above small towns are an example of what pensioners can expect from rural Michigan. Combining affordable costs of living, friendly, down-to-earth communities, and laidback natural scenery, they are ideal for anybody looking to retire in Michigan. The best part is that you do not have to spend an arm and a leg to own a retirement home, with easy access to essential social and medical amenities necessary for a comfortable retirement life.
