Michigan has more freshwater shoreline than any other state in the U.S. No matter where you are, you’re never more than 85 miles from one of the four Great Lakes that surround the state. Watersports are everywhere – whether you prefer to whitewater raft, or fly down a lake on water skis, or troll a stream in a canoe with your rod, you can quickly access the water however you please.

There are unending opportunities for waterfowl hunting and serious fishing and boating, not to mention picturesque hiking. And with so much land abutting the water, naturally, there are far more opportunities to buy waterfront (or nearly waterfront) land in Michigan.

2. Hunting & Wildlife

For hunters seeking out a variety of game in one place, Michigan is waiting for you. The ecological environment and sheer amount of water-lined land serves as a welcoming haven to many animal species, including whitetail deer, bear, elk, rabbits, waterfowl, and much more.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) works hard to maintain the integrity of Michigan’s wildlife and natural resources. Over the last decade, their Wildlife Division has established 111 wildlife management areas, which are mostly operated with the money generated from hunting and fishing licenses. There are 360,000 acres of Michigan land dedicated to scientific wildlife species management, habitat management, and public use. So whether you hunt or simply watch wildlife, there’s a plethora of well-maintained parks and forests to choose from.

3. Four Seasons

In Michigan, you’ll be able to experience every season’s beauty and intrigue. From the average high of 82 degrees in July to 30 degrees in January and milder temps in between, the climate pleases one’s appetite for the new growth in spring, warm summer nights, crisp fall mornings, and beautiful snowy landscapes.

4. Top-Rated Colleges & Universities

Michigan is home to several well-respected public colleges and universities. If you’re looking to purchase property or a home in the state, your child could attend a public Ivy League school like the University of Michigan or other highly-esteemed schools like Michigan State University for the price of in-state tuition.

For example, at the University of Michigan, yearly out-of-state tuition is roughly $47,476, whereas in-state is $15,000. That’s not exactly chump change. There’s a laundry list of other impressive schools in the state as well, like Michigan Technological University, Wayne State University, and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

5. A Resurgent Economy

Not that many years ago, Michigan had one of the highest (and at one point, the highest) unemployment rates in the country. Businesses all over the state were closing up shop left and right. And in the most recent census (2010), it was actually the only state to lose population. People were packing up and leaving town, which just made matters worse.

But in the last several years, the economy has been infused by a combination of positive changes. Investors have stepped in, tax-reform has been implemented, larger companies have moved into town, and small minority-owned businesses are being given support by the EOC (Entrepreneurs of Color Fund). The result? The state as a whole is beginning to thrive again.

As a potential Michigan landowner, an economy back on the rise is a good investment. While a state recovers from an economic slump, property and housing prices are extremely affordable. Amenities that normally drive prices up won’t reflect such a high price tag. And that means perks like close access to water, family-friendly recreation, hunting and farming, and esteemed schools are all that much more attainable. We’d love to find the perfect Michigan property for your needs. Take a look at the available inventory or contact one of our licensed agents today.