Three Michigan cities were ranked as some of the 100 Best Places to Live in America, including one that snagged the No. 2 spot.
Livability.com conducts annual surveys and studies to compile the rankings into a list, whittled down to the top 100 from more than 1,000 considered, the data hub explains.
But, like in many other ways, 2020 prompted a bit of a shakeup.
Researchers had to consider open-ended questions, including “what if you could work remotely and live anywhere,” “what if paying thousands of dollars a month to live in a big, expensive city wasn’t worth it anymore,” and “what if the things that have always mattered — affordability, opportunity, safety, community — mattered more than ever?”
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has shifted work, school and more into online formats, leaving many people spending more of their time at home and in their communities.
“Right now, millions of people are reevaluating where they want to live. If you’re one of them, this list is for you,” Livability states. “These 100 cities offer the exact things so many of us are craving right now: connection, affordability, and the space and opportunity to grow.”
Livability also breaks down each ranked city’s top industries, weekend activities, restaurants, best coffee shops and breweries and more.
Here are the Michigan cities that made the list:
Ann Arbor, Michigan: No. 2
Livability ranks Ann Arbor — home to the University of Michigan — one of the best places to live in America, second only to Fort Collins, Colorado.
With a population of nearly 120,000, Ann Arbor’s top industries are education, healthcare, automotive research and development and manufacturing, according to Livability. The site ranks Zingerman’s Coffee Company the best “off-the-beaten-path” coffee shop and HOMES Brewery — named after the five Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior — a must.
Grand Rapids, Michigan: No. 21
Grand Rapids is home to more than 202,000 Michiganders, drawing residents with healthcare and manufacturing jobs.
There’s no shortage of Grand Rapids staples to visit, including Squibb Coffee and Wine Bar, City Built Brewing Company and trying “a massive stuffed burger” from Stella’s Lounge.
Lansing, Michigan: No. 97
“If democracy and college football is your thing, then you might feel right at home in Lansing,” according to Livability, which also notes the city’s “quirky, fun offerings.”
Michigan’s capital is more to more than 118,000, experiencing population growth for eight consecutive years between 2010 and 2018. Its top industries include government and education.
Check out Blue Owl Coffee, Lansing Brewing Company and more.
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