Michigan may not be the first state that comes to mind for an active retirement, but the Great Lakes State should earn kudos for the lifestyle opportunities it offers to retirees, and baby boomers ready to embrace their next chapter. Home to 127 active adult communities, four seasons, and vibrant cities, Michigan is also dubbed one of the most affordable states to settle down in according to U.S News & World Report. Marketing to a niche demographic, in this case the 55 and better crowd, means meeting the needs, and desires of this targeted group, and Michigan’s active lifestyle builders have stepped up to the plate designing communities from the capital of Lansing, to the charming city of Ann Arbor. Whether you decide to call yourself a Michigander, or Michiganian, or consider yourself more of an art connoisseur, than an outdoor lover, there’s no shortage of culture or amenities.
Bordered by Lake Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior, Michigan is also known as the “Mitten” state after its signature mitten shape on the map. One could also associate the nickname with the state’s cold snowy winters that make for fantastic outdoor recreation, and snow days for those boomers still in the workforce. According to Sperling’s Best Places, summer highs average 81 degrees just perfect for enjoying coastal adventures, biking, or award winning golf. To cure a case of spring fever, stop and smell the tulips in Holland for a taste of Dutch culture without a passport.
Michigan is rich in American heritage, and thanks to low cost of living, 55+ retirees can afford to live well, and spend more time taking advantage of local culture, and natural beauty. According to Zillow, the median sales price of a home is about $149,900 with cost of living just over 11% below the national average. The state does not impose Social Security taxes, and has a reasonable sales tax of 6%. Some of the most affordable cities in Michigan are Ironwood on the Upper Peninsula, and Traverse City both with low home prices, and endless outdoor recreation.
Most known for beautiful lighthouses, and home to the auto production capital of Detroit, Michigan is rich in natural beauty, waterfront living, and historic attractions. When winter gives way to the warmer season, 55+ golf enthusiasts will find some of the best courses in the country, many at the top of the list according to Golf Digest. The state’s freshwater coast is the longest in the U.S, and lends itself to an array of outdoor recreation such as boating fishing, and hiking. The college towns of East Lansing, home to Michigan State University, and Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan, give active adults the chance to enroll in Lifelong Learning programs to expanding their horizons, and mingle with age peers. For a dose of coastal charm, Mackinac Island is like traveling back in time where cars are prohibited, horse drawn transportation is the norm, and admiring Victorian style is encouraged. Hundreds of galleries, festivals, and exciting nightlife make Michigan a destination to be discovered.
