Most of Michigan’s population resides in Southeast Michigan, which could be considered Michigan’s cultural and economic center. Southeast Michigan is a large, diverse area that houses many of the state’s biggest cities and plenty of scenic destinations. Let’s dive into some of the defining aspects of Southeast Michigan that make it a wonderful place to live.
Appealing Cities with Thriving Cultures
Southeast Michigan has many cultural attractions highlighting the state’s appeal, especially in major cities such as Detroit and Ann Arbor. Detroit is the state’s biggest city, a historical metropolis famed for its automotive legacy, international food scene, world-class museums, and waterfront charm. Ann Arbor is known for the University of Michigan, the state’s flagship university, as well as its museums and bustling downtown.
Southeast Michigan also has charming small towns, such as Lake Orion. Lake Orion is a scenic outer edge suburb of Detroit along a lake, also known as Lake Orion. In this area, people particularly enjoy boating, golfing, and fishing.
Economic Center of the State
Southeast Michigan hosts most of the state’s corporate offices. The automotive industry in Detroit, consisting of companies such as Chevrolet, General Motors, and Cadillac, is an important contributor to the economy. Detroit also headquarters other major businesses, including Quicken Loan and Ally Financial. Also, Ann Arbor’s University of Michigan is a huge research institution with a vast medical center, and Monroe and Livingston counties are agricultural powerhouses with significant farming industries.
Affordable Real Estate Options
Despite being home to many of the state’s largest cities, one of the best aspects of Southeast Michigan is its affordability. Redfin listed Detroit’s median sales price at $71,000 for February 2023, making it one of the most affordable cities in the U.S. Ann Arbor’s market is significantly more expensive, according to Redfin, with a median sales price of $420,000 for February 2023. Yet, this is still substantially lower than many other big cities.
Even outside the two biggest cities in the region, real estate options are still abundant and affordable. Mount Clemens is a major city in Warren County, and according to Redfin, the median sale price is $100,000 for February 2023.
Excellent Outdoor Destinations
Michigan is renowned for its natural beauty, scenic Great Lakes, small mountains, and dense forests. While other regions of the state are better known for their unspoiled natural sites, Southeastern Michigan still has plenty to offer in this department. Residents can go to many outdoor destinations to escape the large cities for which the area is known.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are a part of the University of Michigan. This vast natural area houses the largest collection of heirloom peonies on the continent and has sprawling nature trails that are idyllic for hiking. Belle Isle in Detroit is a waterfront park with a 2.2-mile trail loop along its Blue Heron Lagoon, an inland lake, a golf course, and many other natural and cultural attractions. Also, Lake St. Clair is a picturesque lake, ideal for boating and fishing, that stretches for more than 400 miles in the region.
