Michigan Real Estate For Sale

Though the median list price for homes in the state is $257,000, the Michigan real estate market varies widely by location. Large cities like Grand Rapids have average prices well into the $300,000 range, yet Detroit’s median sits at $69,000. But whichever area of the state you are in, it remains true that Michigan real estate is affordable compared to the national average, and there are homes to meet every need.

Though homes for sale in Michigan look like many others in the United States, you may find areas of unique household makeup and features. Because Michigan has a number of large college towns with many out-of-state students, what look like single-family homes have often been rented out or converted to accommodate multiple residents throughout the school semesters. Nonetheless, 72% of real estate in Michigan are detached single-family homes, higher than the national average. Even the populated college towns rely on classic housing and rentals rather than high rises and dense apartments.

Like much of the Midwest, Michigan real estate experienced a housing boom throughout the 20th century that had a large impact on the styles of homes you will find there. Bungalows are especially prominent in lake communities and smaller neighborhoods throughout the state, while some of the more remote areas are full of prairie-style homes. Ranches, craftsman style, and colonial homes are also common in suburban areas.

While Michigan has notoriously frigid winters, many homes have wonderful outdoor features that allow you to spend as much time as possible outside when the weather is milder. Decks are common, as well as garden areas, and you are likely to see Michigan real estate with large windows to bring the sunshine indoors on a cold day. Another response to the winter weather has been an increase in energy-efficient homes, focused on lowering heating costs, so don’t be surprised to see older homes with updated water heaters, appliances, and insulation.

Like many things in Michigan real estate, your location in the state has a large influence on the quality of the schools. The vast majority of school districts perform exceptionally well and above national standards, though some areas like Detroit have less favorable rankings. All of Michigan’s schools are overseen by the Michigan Department of Education, which is governed by the State Board of Education. Within these structures, Michigan has three distinct types of school districts: local education agencies or public school districts, intermediate school districts, and public school academy districts which include charter schools.

The most well-regarded district in the state is Northville Public Schools, which has a graduation rate consistently above 96% and ACT or SAT scores well above state and national averages. Lake Orion Community Schools and Hudsonville Public Schools are other districts with exceptional performance.

While primary and secondary education is excellent in Michigan, the state is really known for a number of institutions of higher education – 93 to be exact. The world-famous University of Michigan is known for everything from its musical theater program that launches stars to its historic research branches. Other large schools are Michigan State University, Baker College of Flint, and Wayne State University.

Michigan real estate has access to 15 airports that offer commercial flights, though only Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is considered a large hub. Five of the airports in the state are international.

Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes, which are all landmarks and tourist attractions in their own right. Depending on which lake you visit and when, you can have the experience of a beach vacation, extreme water sports, or beautiful scenery during a hike. Many people also enjoy Michigan’s many festivals, especially the cherry festival that takes place annually in Traverse City. Covered bridges, lighthouses, and even the Northern Lights are also visible in Michigan.

Michigan has a sales tax of 6%, which is slightly higher than the national average. However, because there is no local sales tax, the total amount of sales tax paid in Michigan is lower than average. The state also uses a flat income tax rate of 4.25%, which may be lower than you would pay in other states, depending on your family’s income level. Additionally, Michigan real estate is a good place to retire in because the state does not tax Social Security income, and seniors are eligible for large deductions.

Most of Michigan’s largest employers are in the automotive industry, including Ford Motor Company and General Motors. Other large employers include Lear, Whirlpool, and the Dow Chemical Company.

Michigan is often known for its freezing winters, which can be extreme. Though the temperature is not often below 0, the state gets an average of 60.6 inches of snow per year and a good number of severe storms. But the rest of the year is enjoyable, and the distinct four-season pattern makes the weather easy to predict. Summers are warm but not hot, rarely climbing into the 80s, and spring and fall are beautiful and temperate.

Schools typically go back in session in late August throughout the majority of Michigan. Summer break kicks off in early to mid-June. This gives students plenty of time to enjoy the mild Michigan summer and spend time on a lake or in a local park!

Michigan is one of the few true peninsulas in the United States, meaning much of the state is surrounded by water. Because these are lakes in Michigan, residents are able to enjoy many of the benefits of beaches without some of the drawbacks. A lack of sharks, strong currents, and unpredictable waves makes these beaches peaceful for swimming and enjoying the view alike.

Many Michigan real estate is right on a lake, of which there are plenty thanks to the extensive coastline, or make it a point to visit one often. With that much access to the water, most people in Michigan have at least one hobby that involves a lake- swimming, boating, fishing, and water skiing. All of these hobbies are prevalent throughout the state. While the winter months grind this activity to a halt, Michigan residents make the most of other seasons.

Outdoor activity doesn’t end on the lakes in Michigan, either. There are 13,000 miles of state-designated trails and pathways, along with many bike paths, waterfalls, and forests. Summer tourism drives much of the economy, and locals are able to enjoy these same landmarks. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a favorite- this 25-mile stretch of coastline includes forests, lakes, unique flora and fauna, and a historic lighthouse. When the weather gets too cold to venture outside, there is plenty of Michigan culture to enjoy.

If you are planning to buy real estate in Michigan, one thing you will need to become familiar with is the sports culture. The state is home to four major league teams- the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Pistons. Loyalty to these teams is high, especially on Thanksgiving, as the Lions play in an NFL game each year on the holiday. For those who prefer college-level sports, the University of Michigan football team also inspires rivalry between the school and Michigan State University.

College towns like Ann Arbor are full of nightlife, theater, music, and everything you would expect to find in a town center. Michigan is home to over 350 craft breweries and 13,000 vineyard acres, so there is always a local drink to enjoy alongside local food. Cherries are the main agricultural output of Michigan, so don’t be surprised to see both sweet and savory dishes that feature the fruit! Another local delicacy is the Coney dog, a hot dog that features a topping of Coney sauce, which is similar to chili but unique to the area.

Alongside cherry production, the agricultural industry in Michigan has a large output of Christmas trees and dairy. But the largest industry in the state is by far manufacturing, particularly automobile manufacturing. The Big Three automakers, General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford, all began in Michigan, which is still home to 17% of total vehicle production in the country and 11% in North America. Other common industries include tourism, government, and education.