Grand Rapids, MI.
Four Reasons We Love Living in Michigan
We have a passion for traveling and have been fortunate to explore many parts of the world. From driving up the coast of California, to island hopping in Greece, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, & hiking between the towns in Cinque Terre, we have had the opportunity to visit, eat, and appreciate many different cultures and countries in the world. No matter where we travel, we always feel grateful to be living in Michigan.
There are so many wonderful things about the Great Lakes State, and every time we discuss moving elsewhere, we always find more than enough reason to stay.
The Great Lakes
Michigan is home to the world’s largest freshwater coastline with nearly 3,300 miles and over 120 lighthouses. The distinct beach towns along the lakes are defined by character, boutiques,restaurants, and friendly community- which is unheard of outside of the Midwest. They make for excellent day trips, weekend getaways, and are often scheduled with festivals to celebrate the seasons.
Fishtown Leland, MI.
Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI.
Cheese Shanty, Leland, MI.
Petoskey, MI.
Four Seasons
Living in Michigan, we get to experience four distinct seasons, although some may joke there are only two: winter and construction. Each season brings a host of activities, foods, and reasons to celebrate and explore, from hiking, biking, and blueberry picking, to wine tasting, apple orchards, color tours, skiing and ice fishing.
Holland, MI.
Bay Harbor, MI.
Frederik Meijer Gardens. Grand Rapids, MI.
Rockford, MI.
Frankfort, MI.
Suttons Bay, MI.
College Rivalry
Michigan is home to one of the greatest in-state college rivalries, making the Saturday in October when Michigan State and The University of Michigan play each other an unofficial holiday. The Big House is one of the largest stadiums in the world, and being inside on game day is an experience like no other.
Ann Arbor, MI.
Michigan Community
One of the most distinct things you’ll find about Michiganders is both the resilience and friendliness of the community. There’s a genuine desire to greet, thank, and support one another, especially in 2020. The same can be said for the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). MSHDA’s mission is to ensure that Michigan is a place where all people have quality, affordable housing as a foundation to reach their full potential.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority Resources
One of the things I love about Michigan is the resources MSHDA has to make housing affordable. First-time homebuyers (and repeat homebuyers in select areas) can see if they qualify for MSHDA’s downpayment assistance program. This program helps Michigan residents buy a home by providing a down payment loan of up to $7,500!
However, it’s important to face the reality of the ongoing pandemic. It is affecting the ability of Michigan homeowners to make their mortgage payments. This is where the Step Forward Michigan program comes in.
Step Forward Michigan, a program MSHDA created in coordination with the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Nonprofit Housing Corporation, provides interest-free forgivable loans to homeowners experiencing involuntary hardships like job loss, divorce, medical events, or death. These loans can help pay for mortgages, property taxes, and/or condominium association fees. If you are interested in this program, visit the Step Forward Michigan website or call 866-946-7432.
MSHDA’s mission to ensure affordable housing doesn’t just exist for homeowners. They also provide rental assistance to renters in need.
They are currently offering the Eviction Diversion Program which includes $50 million in rental assistance to keep qualified Michigan residents who fell behind on their rent during COVID-19 in their homes. This money is available through December 30, 2020. To determine if this program may be right for you as a renter or a landlord, visit the website.
These programs and resources allow Michiganders the peace of mind in uncertain times and the ability to get back to loving everything our great state has to offer.
Brys Estate, Traverse City, MI.
Grand Haven, MI.
Holland, MI.
In our travels, we’ve seen the sun set around the world, from the islands in Greece, the beaches in Australia, off the coast of California, on vineyards in Italy, and so many in between, but none can compare to the one we see at home in Michigan.
Petoskey, MI.
Holland, MI.
What do you love most about Michigan? I’d love to hear!
Thank you to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for sponsoring this MSHDA post.
Have you ever experienced living in Michigan? Let me know in a comment below!
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