If you live in Michigan, you know that it has some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth.

From the Great Lakes to the colorful trees in the fall, the Mitten has a lot of great things to offer. But what if you’re in the market to buy a new house? What areas have good school systems? What are the crime rates like?

There is a lot to consider when you’re looking to relocate that goes much deeper than the scenery and beaches.

Let’s take a look at some of the Michigan cities that have made the list of best places to live and buy a home in 2019.

Best Cities to Live and Buy a Home in Michigan in 2019

Michigan has a plethora of cities with awesome school districts, easy commutes, fun activities, and strong economies.

Here are just a few of the Michigan cities that fit those criteria.

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids actually tops a national list of America’s Hottest Neighborhoods created by Realtor.com.

The former industrial town is now filled with young families, craft breweries, parks, Kent Country Club, and great public schools. The Creston area of Grand Rapids is in high demand this year, according to the Realtor.com list, due to its location just above downtown and the inexpensive homes.

This area offers suburban single-family homes that start around $120,000.

Livonia

Livonia is the only other city to make the Realtor.com list.

That’s because of its proximity to Detroit and the city’s cultural amenities, but without having to live in the city. The drive to downtown Detroit from Livonia is under 30 minutes. 

More and more home buyers are discovering the newly constructed homes in Livonia, so the cost is going up. The cost of a new home went up 6.2 percent over a one-year period, according to the Realtor.com list.

People looking for a ranch-style home can find one in the low $100,000 range, while a new construction three- to four-bedroom home is in the $320,000 range.

Birmingham

The proximity to Detroit makes Birmingham another popular Michigan area to buy a home.

That’s not the only reason Birmingham made the list. The area has a downtown area that has boutiques, stores, and restaurants. Downtown is a great fit for those who love the nightlife, according to Michigan First Mortgage.

Birmingham is also a great fit for families as Niche gives the city’s public schools an A+.

The median home value is around $370,000.

Okemos

Located just outside of Lansing, Okemos has a booming housing market.

With top-rated public schools and a strong economy, Okemos is ideal for families. It’s proximity to the college town of East Lansing also makes it perfect for those looking for shopping, dinner, and entertainment.

That median home value is around $250,000.

Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor has a little bit of everything for everyone.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a suburban feel, Ann Arbor has that. If you’re looking for a downtown vibe with an active nightlife, it has that too. There are shops, boutiques, parks, coffee shops, restaurants, theaters, and let’s not forget about the University of Michigan.

The median home value in Ann Arbor is around $380,000.

Farmington

Farmington has a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks – which offers fun for everyone.

If you’re looking for a city with a historic downtown, Farmington has you covered. With a rich history, Farmington also has downtown shopping, pedestrian furniture, and neighborhoods with characteristics that vary.

Whether you’re looking for a family home, smaller home, townhouses, condominiums, apartments, or senior living, Farmington offers it all.

The median home value is around $177,000.

Huntington Woods

Huntington Woods is located in southeastern Oakland County with a relatively small population when compared to some of the other cities on the list.

More than 6,000 people call Huntington Woods home. As a matter of fact, the city is known as the City of Homes as it is made up of mostly houses. A highlight of Huntington Woods is the Rackham Golf Course, which is 6,555 yards and offers 18 holes. Another thing of note is that part of the Detroit Zoo is located in the city.

The median home value is around $298,000.

Grosse Pointe Farms

Have you always dreamed of living on a lake? Grosse Pointe Farms is right on the edge of Lake St. Clair.

With a small-town feel, Grosse Pointe Farms offers great schools, high property rates, as well as some of the best parks in the state.

Many of the amenities are great for families.

The median home value is around $250,000.

Troy

Troy is located in the heart of Metro Detroit’s northern suburbs.

As the biggest city in Oakland County, it is the leading business and shopping destination in the area. It is also home to the upscale Somerset Collection.

While shopping and business centers are great, but Troy also has diverse neighborhoods, top-ranked schools, and low property taxes.

The median home value is around $269,000.

Beverly Hills

It’s not 90210, but Beverly Hills, Michigan offers a suburban feel with a lot of parks.

The cost of living is a little higher than other areas on the list, but the families who live in Beverly Hills bring in higher salaries. Beverly Hills is also the kind of community that comes together for great family events like a village-wide garage sale, movies in the park, and concerts in the park. 

The median home value is around $320,000.

After You Buy a Home

When you buy a new home, you’ll likely make some changes and updates, but there are some other things to consider.

Making sure the insulation in your home is up to par is important. Knowing what is going on with the insulation can save you money upfront and in the future. Another thing that will help you save money is during the home inspection if you find an inspector who can also do a home energy audit. 

This will provide you with information on where the home is losing energy. It will also let you know how effective the insulation in the home is.

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