If you’re a young professional or a family-oriented person looking to settle in, Michigan may be just the right place for you. According to the ranking from U.S. News and World Report, Michigan is the fourth most affordable state in the U.S. and one of the states with the highest growth of young population. There is a number of reasons the Wolverine State has become one of the top U.S. destinations to move to. But what are the best places to buy a house in Michigan?

When you’re looking to buy a property, there are many aspects to take into consideration. What is your price range? Are there amenities of interest within the close proximity? What means of transport do you normally use? These are merely some of the questions you should ask yourself when looking into real estate options.

Another thing to consider is the structure of your future home. There is a range of possibilities from single-family homes to multi-family homes and condos. If you already know what’s best for you and your family, then we can help you out a bit with the choice of your future neighborhood. Upon combining several important criteria, we came up with the list of top 5 places to buy a house in Michigan. If you’re having second thoughts about your future neighborhood, we’ll help you make up your mind.

Okemos

Population 22,493 Median Home Value $205,500

This small Michigan city with a suburban feel ranks high among the most desirable places to start a family in the U.S. The fact that you can buy a four-bedroom house for $230,000 speaks enough about the cost-effectiveness of housing in this area. If you add first-rate schools, bountiful parks and booming organic food production within the close proximity of the city – you get an unparalleled quality of life. The scenery surrounding a number of waterfront houses in Okemos resembles a fairytale setting. From traditional mansions to modern work of art, you may find an incredible home at an unexpectedly affordable price.

Ann Arbor

Population 118,087 Median Home Value $250,200

Ann Arbor proudly holds no. 1 place on the list of the best cities to live in America in 2017. The eminent public research University of Michigan is located in this area. Needless to say, Ann Arbor offers top-notch educational opportunities. In addition, the crime rate is well below the national average, which means you can expect your property to be safe and sound even when you’re away.

The average price of a fully functional house for an entire family amounts to $240,000, which is more than affordable for this kind of neighborhood. Live music, food festivals and sporting events account for vibrant social life that attracts youngsters from all over the world to come to Michigan.

Kalamazoo

Population 75,885 Median Home Value $96,600

Kalamazoo is a lively medium-size city situated near Lake Michigan’s eastern shore. Most newcomers decide to move to Kalamazoo because they cannot find another place in the U.S. that provides the same quality of life at similar prices. If you are one of them, you can make your life easier by hiring some of the great moving companies in and around Kalamazoo, as their services are incredibly cost-effective too. As for housing, homes reach an average price of $96,600.

If you decide to settle in Kalamazoo, you can afford to live in a comfortable two-story house surrounded by idyllic landscapes on a modest monthly income. And let’s be honest, the amount of money you are left with upon paying your bills and mortgage will largely determine the quality of your life.

East Grand Rapids

Population 11,297 Median Home Value $303,400

Despite the fact that average home value is slightly above the median value in Michigan, buying a property in East Grand Rapids is worth the extra charge. Don’t be hesitant about your move to this area. On the contrary, pack up your stuff, check for storage units at your disposal and move. This neighborhood ranks very high on the list of top places to live in the U.S. for a reason. The median household income is way above the national average. You can easily conclude that this area boasts a strong economy and some of the highest paid jobs in Michigan.

If this is not good enough for you, you should know that East Grand Rapids is home to some of the best schools in the state. Beautiful parks, hiking trails and natural areas along the shores of Reeds Lake are perfect for outdoor recreation. A low crime rate and a strong sense of community make this neighborhood one of the top places to raise a family in Michigan.

Fenton

Population 11,286 Median Home value $198,600

There are many options when it comes to housing. Whether it is single-family homes in beautiful neighborhoods, like The Hills of Tyrone or Fenton Orchards; a home on one of Fenton’s many beautiful lakes like Lake Fenton, Lake Ponemah, and Silver Lake; a downtown condo, or one tucked away in a lovely wooded area, the City of Fenton has it all. For those who work outside the city, they do not have far to travel with Flint only less than 20 minutes away and other major metropolitan areas, such as Ann Arbor, Lansing, and the Detroit area all located within an hour’s drive.

Business in the City of Fenton is booming, which is evident by the number of new shopping areas, restaurants, and specialty shops that occupy every corner of the city, The Cornerstone development was recently completed and there are several new developments coming. Fenton also boasts a multi-million dollar industrial park, which is filled with strong, viable corporations, enhancing the employment market and tax base in the city.

Troy

Population 82,982 Median Home Value $247,200

If you decided to pack up your stuff and move to the lovely town of Troy, you can find a wonderful house at a reasonable price of $247,200. There is a wide range of meticulously maintained homes nestled in quiet, secluded property sites. This affluent town has a suburban feel but, at the same time, it offers plenty of opportunities for fine dining, entertainment, and recreation.

There are several large corporations with headquarters in Troy, which adds to the economic strength of this little town. With a steady job market and affordable pricing, this area deserves its place among the best places to live in the U.S. An excellent system of education continues to attract families with children of all ages to settle in this part of the Wolverine State. Affluent, safe and well-maintained, Troy deserves its place among top 5 cities to buy a house in Michigan.