Whether you moved away from Michigan years ago or simply took a brief sabbatical from your life in the Great Lakes State, one thing is for sure: Michigan’s influence will always be with you. From the loveliness of our shorelines to the odd and wonderful people that live here, there are so many unique things about Michigan that have shaped each and every one of us. Life in Michigan is unlike anywhere else. Here are 13 thoughts that you’re sure to have upon leaving our beloved state:
If you grew up in a small town in Michigan, chances are pretty good that you got used to waving and smiling at everyone you passed on the street. When life takes you away from the Mitten State, you might just find that people would rather stare down at their phones than make eye contact with strangers. It’s a hard pill to swallow for friendly Michiganders!
Seriously? A snow day for two inches of snow and 30-degree weather? We Michiganders are often baffled by out-of-staters’ responses to chilly weather. Then again, we can’t complain about work being canceled in our new neighborhoods for weather that wouldn’t even make us bat an eye back in Michigan. Do you believe there are people that haven't heard of lake effect snow?!
After a stressful work week, Michiganders are lucky to have access to our stunning Great Lakes. Even in colder months, our beaches in Michigan are a sight to behold and a perfect natural escape from the stresses of everyday life. When you move away from Michigan, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself longing for the comfort of the Great Lakes. Sometimes, you'll find that even tropical beaches are less enchanting than the ones at home.
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4. “How am I supposed to show people where I’m from without using my hand?”
This is one Michigan tradition that will always baffle people from other states. It’s tough to be asked which part of Michigan you’re from by new friends and neighbors — they’ll stare at you like you have two heads when you point to a spot on your hand. But… what other way is there?
5. “Where can I get a nice glass of Vernor’s around here?”
Sure, Vernor’s can be found outside of Michigan, but it doesn’t hold half the esteem it holds here in the Great Lakes State. When you’ve got an upset stomach or just a hankering for that bubbly Vernor’s taste, you’ll have to search a little harder after moving away from your Michigan home.
6. “I wish I could make a run to Meijer or Kroger.”
Other grocery stores are fine, but there’s nothing quite like the familiarity of Kroger or Meijer when you need to grab a few items. If you move away from the Midwest, you might just find yourself longing for your favorite place to shop. Strange but true!
This might come as a surprise, but the term "party store" is a Michigan creation! When you no longer reside here, you’ll likely draw plenty of confused stares when you ask to be pointed toward a party store. Not everywhere has quite the party store selection we do, and some places don't have party stores at all. Thank goodness for the internet, right?!
If you’ve relocated to a place without the natural resources or outdoor wonder that life in Michigan offers, you’ll notice a distinct lack of fresh air in your life. Former Michiganders often long for hikes along the lake, cross-country skiing adventures, and summertime cliff-jumping from the shores of Marquette. Fortunately, home is always just a flight or car ride away.
Nothing says relaxation quite like a quick trip Up North, and we Michiganders are lucky to have such easy access to a total escape from "real life." When you move away from home, you might find yourself missing that close proximity to your beautiful longtime cottage or favorite inland lake. You'll surely find new favorite spots, but nothing is likely to compare to these lovely spots near home.
This is a no-brainer. Michigan means home, and home usually means family. If your loved ones are still back in the Mitten State, a piece of your heart will always be there.
11. “I would do anything to watch a Lake Michigan sunset right now.”
Seriously. You can hunt sunsets around the world, but few will compare to the glowing beauty spotted on the Lake Michigan shoreline. When you’ve had a rough day, it’s hard not to long for the calming hues of a Great Lakes sunset. Those from other parts of the nation simply can't understand until they've experienced this majesty firsthand.
If you stayed in Michigan for college, many of your best memories are likely tied to these days. Whether you attended the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech, or any of our state’s other amazing schools, there’s no nostalgia quite like college nostalgia. Homecoming weekend is often a magical time to reconnect with friends and re-live those glory days — don’t you wish it could happen every weekend?
No matter how far we stray, Michigan will always be home. And for that, we can be forever grateful. As stated before, a trip home is as easy as a flight or a car ride... and boy, does it beckon. There are so many unique things about Michigan that it will always be with all of us locals.
Check out this relaxing video from YouTube user jackfromtitanic233 showing off the beauty of Manistee, MI:
Have you lived away from Michigan? What was the most difficult part of your adjustment to a new place, and how long did it take you to start thinking “I should consider moving to Michigan again?” Are there any unique things about Michigan that you haven’t forgotten? Sound off in the comments – we love everything about living in Michigan!
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Moving to Michigan
Nikki Rhoades|September 27, 2020
Is life in Michigan really that great?
In case you missed the enthusiasm in this article, heck yes! Michigan is an excellent place to call home, and it's a downright magical place to grow up. From the endless nature beckoning to adventurous souls to the kind people that call this place home, there's lots to love about Michigan.
What are people from Michigan known for?
You mean aside from beating Ohio State? (Depending on which statistics you're referencing, obviously...) There are all sorts of traditions that define people from Michigan. Cornhole makes an appearance at literally every family gathering, and every year we can't help craving an annual trip to the UP.
What are the most beautiful places in Michigan?
If you ask a local about the most beautiful places in Michigan, you'll get a different answer everywhere you go. That's because this state is full of beautiful wonders, and they vary greatly. Spend some time exploring local waterfalls, historic sites, parks, restaurants, and other places of interest and you'll surely start forming an opinion of your own.
