Michigan has had some bad publicity in recent years, tied to problems in the automotive industry and economic hard times. Perceptions may exist that the state is dead, and that retirement in Michigan limits opportunities for happiness.
Before you eliminate this state from your short list of places to retire — dismiss the following myths:
1. Retirement in Michigan means I’ll be stuck in a wasteland
Living in Michigan offers many opportunities to enjoy life in active communities, at university events, and in the outdoors. And because of the low cost of housing, retirees enjoy more discretionary funds than they would see if they lived in other areas. This means that Michiganders can travel more, entertain more and be entertained.
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2. The weather is unbearable
Michigan residents enjoy the four seasons, and although January and February can present some drastically cold and snowy days, winters in Michigan are generally pretty mild.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Michigan’s many winter sports, but heavy snowfall is common in the Upper Peninsula and in northern areas of the state. Moderate humidity is common in the summer, but the lakes help cool the surrounding areas. Summer temperatures average in the comfortably low 80s.
3. Michigan is a boring place to live
In addition to outdoor life and following team sports, Michiganders revel in experiencing the arts. The Detroit Institute of Arts was established in 1885, and now includes more than 100 galleries, two auditoriums, and a reference library. The music industry is alive and well in Detroit, an estimated value at $1 billion dollars,
according to Crain's Detroit Business.
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The Detroit scene is rich in history with the 1960s and 70s success of Motown Records. Legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and the Temptations ruled the radio waves at Motown’s peak.
Today, the Michigan music scene includes their iconic Rhythm and Blues artists, along with hip hop superstars and the renowned Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
4. Michigan is known for giant, nasty beasts that live deep within the forests
Although Michigan is known as the Wolverine State, the last known wolverine residing in Michigan died in 2010. The species remains in Alaska, Canada, Russia, Sweden and other very cold climates.
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