Michigan Town Ranked One of the Top Places in America to Live
If you live in Michigan, then hopefully you agree that Michigan is a pretty cool place to live. We have all the seasons here, gorgeous landscapes, plenty of lakes and,…
Michigan Welcome Sign – summer time.
Getty ImagesIf you live in Michigan, then hopefully you agree that Michigan is a pretty cool place to live. We have all the seasons here, gorgeous landscapes, plenty of lakes and, of course, the best sports teams. I mean, I like to think of them as the best sports teams. Who doesn't love the Detorit Lions now that things are starting to turn around? Anyway, if you think Michigan is a great place to live, then note that one Michigan city has been named one of the top places in America to live. What's more, it might not be what you think.
Niche.com has released a list of the "2023 Best Places to Live in America." The tally ranked 228 cities and 17,932 towns and neighborhoods. To put together the list, Niche used their staff to analyze federal data from the Census Bureau, FBI, Labor Bureau and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, plus reviews from local residents. Some of the factors considered included affordability, the local housing market, neighborhood diversity, the quality of public schools, crime, and walkability. The Best Places to Live rankings are a way to help residents "find a place to live based on the qualities that matter most to them," Niche said in a release.
Before we look at the Mitten, let's look at the No. 1 overall. According to the study, the No. 1 best place to live in the U.S. is Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. So, where is Michigan on the list? We first show up at No. 29 with Okemos being a top spot to live. Of Okemos, the outlet says, "Living in Okemos offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Okemos there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks." They add that, "Many young professionals live in Okemos and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Okemos are highly rated." Find the full list of the best places to live in America here.
Here in Michigan, we have the Great Lakes and many beautiful inland lakes, but what about the amazing rivers in the state? Over Memorial Day weekend, I went on a pontoon ride down the Grand River. It was so perfect outside, and watching the water ripple as the boat moved along was very relaxing. I had to watch getting sunburned, though. It's so much easier to get burned on the water than on land.
Canoeing, kayaking and fishing are very popular activities in Michigan along our rivers. But, even if you don't do either of those, just laying by a river on a warm, summer day can be fun. There are plenty of rivers that run through our cities, too, so chances are one is just a short drive away.
You know what else is great to do in the summer? Set up a picnic right by a river. Sure you might have to chase some mosquitos away, but laying on a blanket and having a picnic on the edge of a river is a very special activity.
Read on for 10 of the best rivers in Michigan. These are my personal picks, and I'm sure I left out some great ones. Reach out to me on social media with your top choices.
Best Rivers in Michigan
10. Jordan River
The Jordan River flows through the Jordan Valley, and it's really beautiful. People who love to fish trout will find lots in this river. It's also a very clear river, making it a beautiful spot for a picnic, and a moderately calm river, so it's good for canoeing.
9. Rifle River
Rifle River is a shallow river, so it's perfect for families. This river is located in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. It's always a popular spot in the summer months.
8. Big Manistee River
The Big Manistee River is actually part of the National Wild and Scenic River system because of its clean water and forests. This spot is also known for picturesque views. It's a must-see spot for any nature lover.
7. Boardman River
Like the Jordan River, the Boardman is another great spot for trout fishing. The river runs a little over 28 miles and drains into the Grand Traverse Bay. Several other fish are also easy to find in this spot, including smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye.
6. Huron River
The Huron River goes through so many cities and towns, including Ann Arbor, Detroit and beyond. There's something special about the nature feel of a river running through a bustling city. There are also good camping and picnic areas around this river.
5. Grand River
The Grand River runs along the southwestern portion of the southern peninsula of Michigan and flows into Lake Michigan. It's actually the longest river in Michigan and runs 252 miles. I've been on this river many times, and it's a favorite.
The Grand River is a Michigan favorite.
4. Detroit River
The Detroit River runs about 24 miles west and south, from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. It's also a strait in the Great Lakes system. The river is right between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. It's a landmark of the Motor City.
3. Pine River
Pine River offers exquisite views, as it flows through the Manistee National Forest. This is also a popular river for camping, and you'll find campgrounds all along the banks.
2. Platte River
The Platte River runs through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Northern Michigan and goes into Lake Michigan. It has a very gentle current, which is good for a variety of activities. There is lots of greenery around this river, too, making it lovely.
1. Au Sable River
The Au Sable River runs a whopping 138 miles through the towns of Grayling and Mio. It runs into Lake Huron at Oscoda. This is another prized spot for trout fishing and was even named a blue ribbon trout stream by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
