8 Best Places To Retire In Michigan
Retirement in Michigan can feel like gaining a backstage pass to ordinary days: the show keeps running, and you pick the best seats. One week it’s the Saginaw Bay Symphony; the next it’s freighters gliding beneath Port Huron’s Blue Water Bridge. East Lansing delivers campus energy, while Bay City stacks riverfront festivals, a planetarium, and home values that don’t eat the fun money!
Meet eight retirement towns that stay interesting all year, every season.
East Lansing
East Lansing, best known as the home of Michigan State University, offers a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of attractions for seniors. The town is an ideal blend of cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and a strong community. Excellent healthcare is available to seniors through E.W. Sparrow Hospital. The city provides various senior living options like Newman Lofts, ensuring comfort and security for retirees. For convenient transportation, the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides public bus transit throughout East Lansing, Lansing, and surrounding areas.
The town has several outdoor attractions for seniors to enjoy with friends and family. The MSU Museum and Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum provide fascinating cultural experiences, while Potter Park Zoo and Beal Botanical Garden offer peaceful walks and nature exploration. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the Forest Akers East Golf Course. Additionally, Downtown East Lansing is filled with shops, restaurants, and local events, providing ample entertainment opportunities.
Bay City
Bay City, nestled along the Saginaw River in Michigan, is a charming town with a rich history and a welcoming community. Known for its landmarks like the Bay County Historical Society and Delta College Planetarium, Bay City offers plenty of cultural and educational opportunities. The town has a variety of housing options, including senior living communities like Charter Senior Living of Bay City and affordable home prices, with a median house value of $167,000, significantly below the state median of $248,176. Excellent healthcare is available at McLaren Bay Region, ensuring seniors are well cared for. With 15.3% of the population over 65, it's easy to make friends in Bay City. Besides these, The Bay County Department on Aging offers programs like the Winter Olympics, providing seniors with engaging activities and a vibrant social life.
Bay City provides an array of activities and attractions for seniors. Wenonah Park at World Friendship Shell is a beautiful spot for outdoor relaxation and events, while Downtown Bay City offers charming shops and dining options. Festivals keep seniors busy throughout the year, with notable events like the River Roar, the Bay City Fireworks Festival, and the River of Time living history reenactment. The Hell's Half Mile Film and Music Festival, held annually in September, features a mix of indie films and live music.
Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills, a dynamic town in Michigan, is an excellent place for seniors seeking a fulfilling and active retirement. The town offers a blend of outdoor attractions, cultural experiences, and senior-friendly services. Auburn Hills is home to SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan, perfect for outings with grandchildren or friends. For those who enjoy history, Meadow Brook Hall offers a glimpse into the past with its grand estate and gardens. For a fantastic shopping experience, seniors can explore Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, one of the largest shopping malls in the state.
The town also provides excellent recreational options for seniors. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at Fieldstone Golf Club, a premier public course. Medical care is readily available at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, ensuring peace of mind for healthcare needs. For those in need of assisted living, The Courtyard Assisted Living and Memory Care offers a comfortable and caring environment. The City of Auburn Hills Senior Services Department has been providing a range of programs, services, and events for adults aged 55 and older. From social gatherings to educational workshops, there's always something happening to keep seniors engaged and connected with their community.
Wyandotte
Wyandotte, located along the Detroit River, is a quaint town with a strong sense of community and a vibrant atmosphere. With 17.4% of its population over the age of 65, it's easy for seniors to make friends and feel connected. The median house value in Wyandotte is roughly $201,000, which is affordable compared to Michigan's state median. For those not interested in buying a home, assisted living options such as Oak Tree are available. Healthcare needs are well taken care of by Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, ensuring peace of mind for seniors. Public transportation is also convenient, with Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) bus routes passing through the town, making it easy for seniors to get around.
The town provides several outdoor attractions for seniors to enjoy with peers. Bishop Park, Grassy Island, BASF Waterfront Park, and the historic George P. MacNichol House are all great places to explore and relax. The town also hosts lively annual events such as the Wyandotte Street Art Fair, one of Michigan's largest outdoor fairs, and the Wyandotte Christmas Parade, bringing the community together for seasonal celebrations.
Port Huron
Port Huron, a scenic town located along the shores of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River, is known for its charming downtown, waterfront views, and rich maritime history. The town offers senior-friendly housing options, with a median house price of $166,155, well below the state median of $248,176. Senior living options are available at Mercy Village for those preferring not to own a home. Healthcare is well-supported by McLaren Port Huron, ensuring retirees receive top-notch care. With 17.6% of the population over the age of 65, retirees can easily find friends and community in this welcoming town.
The town boasts plenty of attractions and activities for seniors. The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Blue Water Bridge, and Huron Lightship Museum present historical insights and scenic views of the water. The Port Huron Museum provides cultural enrichment, while Downtown Port Huron offers vibrant boutiques, restaurants, and theaters along the Black River and St. Clair River, perfect for exploration in any season. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy walking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water.
Saginaw
Saginaw, located in central Michigan, is a lively town with a rich history and a welcoming community. Known for its vibrant arts scene and historic charm, Saginaw offers a variety of attractions for seniors. The Castle Museum and Saginaw Art Museum & Gardens provide cultural enrichment, while the downtown area is home to The Dow Event Center and the restored Temple Theatre, which host live entertainment, including performances by the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra and Saginaw Choral Society. Seniors can enjoy these cultural gems as part of the town's thriving artistic environment.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Saginaw offers several enjoyable activities. A game of golf with friends can be played at Sawmill Golf Club, while the town’s scenic parks and green spaces provide opportunities for walking and relaxation. The town also has affordable housing, with the median home price at $142,452. For those who prefer not to own a home, senior living facilities are available at Swanhaven Manor Retirement Community and Bliss Park Senior Apartments. The town also offers services for seniors through Saginaw County Senior Centers and the Commission on Aging.
Allen Park
Allen Park, situated in southeastern Michigan, is a welcoming municipality characterized by a rich historical background and numerous attractions suitable for senior citizens. With 17.6% of its population aged over 65, retirees will find it convenient to establish social connections and enjoy a close-knit community. The median home price in Allen Park is $225,000, rendering homeownership financially accessible for retirees. For individuals preferring to remain in their own residences while receiving assistance, Home Instead offers elder care services, enabling seniors to maintain independence whilst receiving support with daily activities and social engagements.
Medical care tailored for seniors is readily accessible at Corewell Health Hospital-Dearborn, ensuring reassurance regarding health needs. Retirees may also explore local attractions alongside their peers, including The Uniroyal Tire, Thunderbowl Lanes, the Allen Park Historical Museum, and Champaign Park. Dining experiences are enhanced by popular local establishments such as Gus and Us Grill and Moro's Dining, which serve delectable meals. Additionally, the Allen Park Farmers Market provides an excellent opportunity to procure fresh produce and support local vendors.
Muskegon
Muskegon, situated along the shores of Muskegon Lake, is a scenic town that offers an ideal combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions. With breathtaking waterfront vistas and outdoor recreational opportunities at Pere Marquette Park, the town provides numerous opportunities for retirees to enjoy nature. Cultural institutions such as the Muskegon Museum of Art and the USS Silversides Submarine Museum contribute to the area's rich history and appeal.
Muskegon also hosts a variety of events and festivals, making it an excellent destination for retirees seeking to remain active and engaged. Notable events include the Taste of Muskegon in June, Parties in the Park held every Friday from June to August at Hackley Park, and the Lakeshore Art Festival in June. The lively downtown area features shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore throughout the year.
The cost of homeownership in Muskegon is reasonable, with the median home price standing at $239,900. For retirees interested in recreational activities, AgeWell Services in Muskegon County offers a diverse range of programs tailored for seniors. Furthermore, medical care is of high quality, with Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital ensuring residents have access to essential healthcare services.
Michigan features numerous appealing retirement spots, each offering distinct attractions and amenities. From the lively college town of East Lansing, where retirees can participate in cultural events and relax in scenic green spaces, to the waterfront appeal of Port Huron, with views of the Blue Water Bridge and Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, these towns cater to diverse preferences. Affordable housing, excellent healthcare, and senior-friendly activities make Michigan an excellent choice for retirees looking for a peaceful, enjoyable lifestyle in scenic settings.
