Up-and-Coming Cities in Michigan

While there might be plenty of lists discussing the top cities to live in right now, many people want to think about the future. Instead of focusing on the current top cities in Michigan to live, work, and play, let’s take a look at the future of amazing Michigan cities.

These cities are growing at a faster than average pace, home prices are still at the average or below average range, and employment opportunities are increasing. From Allegan to Howell, Michigan, here is a list of some of the up-and-coming places to call home in the Wolverine State.

Allegan, Michigan

Allegan, Michigan isn’t just a city with a semi-rhyming name. It is also a quaint city in the southwest of the state. Allegan is known as the home of Perrigo, the largest private label over-the-counter pharmaceuticals manufacturer in the world. Residents love the small city feel mixed with proximity to a place like Grand Rapids, South Bend, and Lake Michigan.

Howell, Michigan

Howell, Michigan, is the largest city and county seat of Livingston County, somewhat in between Lansing and Detroit, with easy access to Ann Arbor. Families are impressed with the three high schools in the area, along with Clearly University and Lansing Community College.

Utica, Michigan

We know it as Utica, Michigan, today, but it was originally called Harlow and Hog’s Hollow. Utica has a rich history of being the center of dairy farms for the area before being a prime place for auto workers to live. While many consider Utica as part of the greater Detroit area, it is taking on a name of its own.

Grosse Pointe, Michigan

Grosse Pointe, Michigan, is another suburb of Detroit that is making a name for itself. Because this city is the amalgamation of five smaller towns, many people call it The Village. Due to the City’s Master Plan, this area has the potential to continue growing with more shopping centers, office spaces, and more. If the eight-time Grammy-winner Anita Baker can call this place home, it must be a pretty good place to hang your hat.

Eaton Rapids, Michigan

With a nickname like “Island City,” a place like Eaton Rapids, Michigan, must have some incredible potential. Just south of Lansing, Eaton Rapids is actually on an island. Beyond a cool nickname and great location, Eaton Rapids has a below-average cost of living in the state with easy access to work in the city.

Chelsea, Michigan

Chelsea, Michigan, is most known for the Chelsea School District, which serves the larger area just west of Ann Arbor. The city was also proud to receive the award of Best Small Library in America by the Library Journal in 2008. Thanks to large employers like Jiffy mix, Chrysler Proving Grounds, and St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, there are plenty of opportunities in this up-and-coming city.