Why West Coast
Why West Coast?
Thriving communities can be found all around Michigan's western region. A global center for furniture and industrial design, this area is moving fast into the future through creativity, innovation, and a talent base unlike any other. But there's more to western Michigan than world-class design and an unparalleled quality of life.
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Kalamazoo has been ranked as the number one coolest city in the U.S. with the lowest cost of living.
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The Grand Rapids region ranked number one Best Place to Raise a Family according to Rocket Homes.
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WalletHub ranked Holland numbed one in the state for quality of life in their “Best Small Cities in America” study.
Let's Connect
Susan Proctor
Strategic Initiatives Director
proctors1@michigan.org
Michigan’s West Coast: Where innovation meets inspiration
Michigan’s West Coast is home to both global companies and a host of growing industries, fueled by extraordinary creativity, innovation and a deep well of talent – from life sciences to smart manufacturing – complemented by thriving, business-friendly communities.
Cost of Living in Michigan
Michigan’s cost of living is 10% below the national average and ranks as the fourth most affordable state in the country.
Washington, DC
Living in Washington, DC is 76% more expensive than living in Michigan. U.S. News & World Report ranked Michigan as the 5th most affordable state in the country for 2019, taking into account overall cost of living and housing affordability.
California
Living in California will cost you nearly 48% more when compared to living in Michigan. Not to mention Michigan is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, boasting more freshwater coastline any other state in the nation.
New York
Living in New York is 24% more expensive compared to living in Michigan. Michigan offers award-winning communities, beaches, forests, parks and the most public golf courses in the country.
Illinois
Living in Illinois is 10% more expensive than living in Michigan, and with everything from urban excitement to the great outdoors, Michigan provides the best of both worlds — including vibrant downtowns, shopping districts and plenty of year-round activities.
WATCH: Michigan's West Coast
Thriving communities can be found all around Michigan's western region. A global center for furniture and industrial design, this area is moving fast into the future through creativity, innovation, and a talent base unlike any other. But there's more to western Michigan than world-class design and an unparalleled quality of life.
Supply Chain & Infrastructure
Michigan is within 500 miles (800 kilometers) of nearly half the U.S. and Canadian population and commerce centers providing unparalleled access to market.
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of $700+ billion annual trade between the U.S. and Canada crosses the Ambassador Bridge, the most active border crossing in North America.
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active deep water ports surround Michigan, also known as the Great Lakes state.
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freight railroads with 3,600 miles (5,793 km) of track can be found in Michigan.
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commercial airports in Michigan, including Detroit Metropolitan, one of the largest U.S. air hubs in North America
