3 Reasons Why Michigan Is the Best Place To Raise a Family

Growing up in Chicago, so many of my childhood memories were formed from long weekends in Michigan. A sunny summer beach day in St. Joseph or a winter wonderland in the Upper Peninsula make up so much of the nostalgia I look back on. As I get older, it becomes more and more clear to me why one of the best places to raise a family is in Michigan. With its unbeatable nature, family-friendly amenities, and unique lifestyle benefits, I know it is well worth considering settling down in Michigan when the time comes.

Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty

To me, the thing that sticks out the most about Michigan is its incredible natural beauty. Obviously, the state is home to the iconic Lake Michigan. Whenever you look out into the lake from the shore, it’s easy to see why so many people think they’re looking at an ocean the first time they see Lake Michigan. It's massive, beautiful, and an incredible privilege to live near its coast. The opportunities for outdoor recreation provided by Lake Michigan are seemingly endless, given the size of the lake. Of course, Michigan also shares a border with Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie.

Additionally, Michigan is home to both massive and beautiful forests. One of the most remote national parks, Isle Royale National Park, calls the Mitten State home. Furthermore, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan still feels so remote that you might forget you’re in the continental United States and took a wrong turn to Alaska. Michigan is truly a playground for nature lovers.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Secondly, Michigan has many family-friendly amenities throughout the state. You’ll find a variety of summer camps, children’s museums, solid schools, recreation centers, and more. If you’re thinking of settling in Michigan for the long haul and are looking for a college with good in-state costs for your child’s education, the University of Michigan offers free tuition to those whose families earn less than $125,000, according to FinanceBuzz. 

Unique Lifestyle Benefits of Michigan

With more than 3,000 miles of coastline, Michigan has the most freshwater coastline of any state. As a result, a unique cottage culture, sometimes called “Up North" culture, has sprung up. It's common for families to own a small cottage on the shoreline of one of the four Great Lakes that border it. Furthermore, Michigan is at the far western edge of the Eastern Time Zone. As a result, Michigan experiences longer days in June and July. While the state gets all four seasons, including a snowy winter, if you’re a family that loves the lifestyle of being outside, Michigan is the perfect place for you.

The Best Place to Raise a Family Is in Michigan

As you can see, there are numerous reasons to live in Michigan. With its abundance of nature, family-friendly amenities, and unique cottage culture, it's easy to see why one of the best places to raise a family is in Michigan. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Michigan trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.