Pros and Cons of Living in Michigan
The Midwest stands out as a truly distinctive area to reside within the U.S. This region is not only crucial for the nation’s economic growth, but it also drives cultural shifts. Acting as a connector between the nation’s east and west coasts, it offers a haven for individuals who don’t see themselves fitting in with the lifestyles of California or New York.
And while a lot of these states in the region are similar, the lifestyles present in Michigan are unique. The state known for being the auto capital of the U.S. gets a bad reputation for high crime rates and poor economic growth. We’ll talk about these negatives, but also discuss the positive aspects of living in the Wolverine State.
The best car insurance in Michigan can be hard to find sometimes, but not impossible. Great prices on new cars are plentiful due to the huge manufacturing culture of the state. We’ll talk about how these activities tie the state together and make it feel like one big family. That’s what the Midwest is all about after all.
Pro: Easy Travel to the Coasts
The Midwest gets lost in the shuffle when talking about location convenience. It’s always about the snow and the lack of things to do, and rarely about the easy access to travel options. Because Michigan is in the relative middle of the country, it makes it fairly simple to take a vacation to either coast of the U.S.
A trip from Detroit to New York City by airplane is about one and a half hours. Travel time for a flight from Detroit to Los Angeles is no more than around four hours with no stops. These are great turnaround times compared to if you are living on the coasts. New York City to Los Angeles is seven hours minimum on an airplane, for example.
This may seem like an unimportant pro of living in Michigan, but it’s a revelation for those who want to travel. Many folks want to live a simple life away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and reserve the excitement for their downtime.
Living in Michigan makes it a lot easier to separate your everyday life from your leisure time. Putting up residence in travel cities like Miami or Las Vegas is a distraction from a work routine. Think about how great this is for people who have a hard time focusing on their careers and want to getaway. In Michigan, it’s simple to come and go.
If you would prefer to stay in Michigan for your fun, there are plenty of great hiking options nearby. The beautiful lakes and natural structures of the region are diverse and available for any type of adventurer.
Con: Manufacturing and Economic Collapses
Detroit is one of the manufacturing capitals of the country. The rest of Michigan is also known for the mass production of many of the goods needed around the U.S. Cars and other motor vehicles are the claim to fame in Michigan, so much so that their NBA team is named the Pistons.
This would seem like a good thing for job opportunities, and it usually is. There are a lot of spots available for people who need work and can use their hands in the manufacturing sector. At the same time, these jobs are volatile. The market dictates whether there is any job security.
During times like the pandemic, it was shown once again that workers in Michigan are prone to layoffs. The supply chain issues that still are altering the U.S. economy at the moment can make working in places like Michigan risky. The poverty rate is also among the top 20 in the nation.
It might be smarter to go into hospitality or education right now, two fields that are gaining steam in the Midwest. Fortunately, opportunities that didn’t use to be available are becoming more common in and around the Motor City.
Pro: Opportunities to Grow
The expansion of other fields of study and industries outside of manufacturing is helping the Michigan economy at the moment. The price of living in Michigan is also affordable. The state is in the top 5 in the U.S. in cost of living. This makes it easier to explore career opportunities and take some risks to grow.
If you’re fresh out of college and looking for a state that is ripe with new chances, Michigan is near the top of the list. The influx of fresh jobs has some publications like Popular Science predicting that the state will be the best option in the nation by the end of the century. This doesn’t really help people in the present times, but it shows two things:
- The Wolverine State is going to continue to trend upward for occupational options.
- Generations after the current one will enjoy the benefits.
If you want your kids and grandchildren to enjoy a life full of exciting new jobs and opportunities, Michigan might be your best bet.
The gorgeous environmental perks like living near the Great Lakes are a cherry on top of the sundae. But exploring these locations requires driving and auto insurance, which can be a little expensive compared to other states.
Con: Insurance Prices are Dicey
Michigan’s auto insurance prices are some of the highest in the U.S. Some analysts believe this is because of the no-fault system that rewards both drivers with a settlement after an accident. The problem is made worse by so many drivers deciding to forgo getting auto insurance.
The companies then have to increase their rates because so many people don’t have insurance. Someone will file a claim against another driver after an accident, only to find out the person doesn’t have insurance. How can the insurer make money then?
Like any other state, the best things you can do to get good prices involve driving safely. Take a driver’s ed course online or get better sleep at night so that you can become a more attentive driver. Look up the top auto insurance discounts. This will allow you to get decent coverage in Michigan.
It is obvious that Michigan is a mixed bag of pros and cons. If you like the middle of America, and you want to live in a state that is on the upswing, it’s not bad to consider Michigan as your next state of residence.
Shawn Laib writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsurance.org. He wants to help people understand the auto insurance risks and rewards of living in the Midwestern U.S.
