Not everyone wants to lay on a beach 24/7. Retirees that want to defy the snowbird stereotype should spend their retirement in Michigan amongst the Great Lakes and all four seasons. In addition to its beautiful scenery, Michigan has an incredibly low cost of living; so you can spend your money on the wants like building your dream home, not just the needs during your retirement.
NewHomeSource found the top 10 cities to retire in Michigan. You can find the perfect city for your retirement, and make this new chapter in your life an exciting adventure.
10 Best Cities to Retire in Michigan
1. Flint
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.8%
Median Home Value: $47,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,127
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,376
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Found along the Flint River about 65 miles northwest of Detroit, Flint is home to close to 80,000 residents. Flint is a great place to take in art and nature while taking in some much needed relaxation. Flint offers five museums including the Flint Institute of Arts, the Sloan Museum of Discovery, and the Longway Planetarium with a variety of things to explore.
Flint is also home to one of Michigan’s biggest county park systems, Stepping Stone Falls, with 11,000 acres of beaches, campgrounds, lakes, rivers, trails, and forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the newly developed 230-acre state park along the Flint River, which includes non-motorized trails and diverse recreational opportunities.
Healthcare services are readily available in Flint. The city is home to several major hospitals, including McLaren Flint Hospital and Hurley Medical Center. For senior citizens, Flint provides multiple senior centers, such as the Brennan Senior Center, Hasselbring Senior Center, and Carman-Ainsworth Senior Center, offering programs and activities to promote health, recreation, socialization, and education.
Get ready to live life on your terms in Flint.
2. Saginaw
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.9%
Median Home Value: $54,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 977
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 985
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Retirees in Michigan are never at a loss for activities in Saginaw. Enjoy small-city charm with access to essential amenities in this Saginaw County gem. Saginaw is part of the Greater Tri-Cities region of Central Michigan which also includes Bay City and Midland.
This city is full of entertainment for art and nature lovers. A variety of parks, zoos, museums, and wildlife refuges make this the perfect place to explore. The Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Commission operates seven parks throughout the county, providing nearly 900 acres of parkland, including 21 miles of hiking trails, two boat launches, five fishing access sites, a swimming beach, splash pad, picnic shelters, and diverse recreation programs.
The Saginaw County Senior Centers offer programs tailored to older adults, including meals served daily, exercise, games, guest speakers, and events. Healthcare with a full range of medical services is found at Covenant HealthCare. MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw is another great option.
Make your home in Saginaw during your golden years.
3. Inkster
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.4%
Median Home Value: $75,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 260
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 543
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 40
Inkster is a thriving Detroit suburb, perfect for retirees that want to enjoy the best of urban living, without feeling trapped by the constant hustle and bustle of the city. It is an affordable place to settle down, which is great for retirees on a fixed income not wanting to sacrifice their lifestyles.
Inkster has over 25,000 residents enjoying life 14 miles to the southwest of downtown Detroit. Spend your free time swimming, taking exercise classes, and enjoying senior activities at the Booker T. Dozier Recreation Center. Additionally, the city is home to the Rouge Parkway, the Rouge River, the Inkster Greenway, and close to 20 public parks, offering residents an extensive number of green spaces and natural features.
Healthcare need not be a concern with Western Wayne Family Health Centers and Garden City Hospital. Take a look at Inkster!
4. Mount Morris
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.2%
Median Home Value: $90,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 33
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 110
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Nature loving, active adults will love life in Mount Morris. This beautiful Flint suburb makes it easy for you to stay healthy and enjoy the great outdoors during your retirement. The lovely Stepping Stone Falls and Iron Belle Trail are two local spots for hiking, boating, and fishing that let you enjoy the best of Michigan’s natural scenery.
Mount Morris is a smaller town under 4,000 residents. Located in Genesee County, Mount Morris puts you close to larger cities like Flint and Detroit. Its proximity to major highways such as I-75 and I-475 ensures easy travel to nearby attractions and services. The Krapohl Senior Center offers over 90 programs tailored to older adults, including arts and crafts, card games, dancing, and life story workshops. Additionally, the Genesee County Parks system offers over 11,000 acres of woods, water, and recreational opportunities.
Healthcare services are readily available in and around Mount Morris. Nearby hospitals include Hurley Medical Center, McLaren Flint, and Select Specialty Hospital-Flint. With ease to services, amenities, and more, small city life in Mount Morris might just be what you're looking for in retirement.
5. Bay City
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.8%
Median Home Value: $89,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 200
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 635
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Bay City is found in Bay County, just upriver from the Saginaw Bay on the Saginaw River. Bay City is part of the Great Lakes Bay Region near larger cities like Saginaw and Midland. For outdoor enthusiasts, Bay City State Park features over 2,000 acres of wetland woods, meadows, and marshlands. The Riverwalk Pier and Veterans Memorial Park provide scenic views and walking trails along the Saginaw River.
This city is full of nautical adventure. Retirees can enjoy the water from afar at museums, malls, parks, and Michigan’s largest antique mall. You can also get up close and personal with fishing charters, rowing clubs, sailing, and ferry cruises. The city boasts a historic downtown area with beautiful Victorian architecture and numerous local shops and restaurants. Cultural venues like the State Theatre and the Bay City Players, one of Michigan's oldest community theaters, offer regular performances.
Healthcare services are readily available in Bay City with offerings from McLaren Bay Region, Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, and MyMichigan Health Park Bay. Senior centers like the Riverside Activity Center and the Canteen Activity Center provide programs tailored to older adults, including meals, social activities, and fitness classes. Live an enriched retirement in this Michigan city.
6. Pontiac
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.0%
Median Home Value: $110,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 672
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,201
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 36
Twenty miles north of Detroit, the Pontiac suburb has all the excitement of the big city while still being a relaxing place to retire. Whether you are visiting the Walter P. Chrysler Museum or seeing a live show at the Crofoot, you will always find somewhere to relax and enjoy the sites.
Pontiac, Michigan is home to more than 60,000 residents enjoying suburban life. Located in Oakland County, just 26 miles northwest of downtown Detroit, Pontiac gets the best of both worlds, suburban tranquility and proximity to Detroit and Ann Arbor.
Retirees love the amenities at eight major parks and 22 neighborhood parks. Walking trails, disc golf, and picnic areas allow for relaxing afternoons. The city operates two senior centers that provide year-round recreational and community activities. The city is home to several hospitals, including McLaren Oakland Hospital and Trinity Health Oakland Hospital. Pontiac stands out as an appealing option for retirement in Michigan.
7. Jackson
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.5%
Median Home Value: $94,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 322
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,139
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Jackson has something for everyone. This great city combines a low cost of living with a fun culture and beautiful landscape. So, no matter how you want to spend your retirement, you can do it in Jackson! More than 30,000 residents enjoy living about 35 miles south of Lansing and 75 miles west of Detroit.
Choose from the 28 beautiful city parks and numerous programs to fill your days. The Active Living Program provides members aged 50 and older with access to free, no-impact, moderate-intensity aerobic classes, robust chair exercise classes, Tai Chi, line dancing, and other activities for a nominal annual fee. Be sure to visit the Cascades, a fun local park that combines a cool light show with waterfalls.
Healthcare services are readily available at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. The Jackson County Department on Aging offers a wide variety of services for residents aged 60 and older, including caregiver support programs, enriched activities for seniors, meals on wheels, and in-home services. The blend of amenities aimed at seniors along with a great location put Jackson on this list.
8. Detroit
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.8%
Median Home Value: $76,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 12,631
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 29,612
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 38
Detroit has become a revitalized urban hub, filled with beautiful parks, trendy breweries, unique coffee houses, and an exciting art hub. Retirees have an unbeatable quality of life thanks to Detroit’s low cost of living.
Detroit is a large city with a population of approximately 650,000 residents. This city is situated along the Detroit River and is directly across from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The city is within close proximity to other major cities with 53 miles separating it from Toledo and 90 miles separating it from Cleveland.
Retirees can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities. The city boasts numerous cultural institutions, such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Motown Museum, and the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant. Explore Belle Isle Park, a 982-acre island park featuring a conservatory, aquarium, and scenic walking trails, as well as the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, which offers a riverfront boardwalk and fishing opportunities.
Find several major hospitals, including the Detroit Medical Center, at the ready to provide quality healthcare. The St. Patrick Senior Center provides a variety of services, including nutritious meals and health and wellness programs . Additionally, the Detroit Area Agency on Aging offers workshops and activities to keep older adults mentally, physically, and socially active.
Don't miss out on an enriched retirement in Detroit.
9. Muskegon
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.4%
Median Home Value: $121,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 282
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,155
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Muskegon gives retirees a beautiful place to call home on the shores of Lake Michigan. If the idea of retiring to the Great Lakes in an affordable community sounds like a little piece of heaven, then you need to explore the new homes available for sale in Muskegon.
Lakeside charm and urban convenience sum up this city located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Numerous parks and recreational facilities, including the largest beaches in West Michigan, miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, and a reputation for being a boater's paradise make this an ideal setting for retirement. Throw in excellent healthcare and senior centers like AgeWell Services' Lunch & Activity Centers and you have a well-rounded, rich opportunity for your golden years.
Give Muskegon some serious consideration.
10. Lincoln Park
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.9%
Median Home Value: $117,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 230
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 755
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 32
With about 40,000 residents, Lincoln Park is a quiet city perfect for a relaxing retirement. Located in Wayne County, just south of Detroit, Lincoln Park provides residents with the charm of a close-knit community while being near larger cities like Detroit and Dearborn.
Museums, historic tours, movie theaters, and bowling alleys are just a few things that make this city a great place to call home. The city's Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide range of recreational programs, athletic programs, and special events for all ages and interests. Specifically focused on those 55+, the Lincoln Park Senior Center is a great asset. Expect excellent medical care at Park Medical Centers and Western Wayne Family Health Centers.
While last on the list, Lincoln Park certainly delivers a great option for retirement.
Common Questions About Retiring in Michigan
Is Michigan tax-friendly for retirees?
Michigan is a somewhat tax-friendly state for retirees. Social security income is not taxed, and withdrawals from retirement accounts are only partially taxed.
Do I have to pay taxes on my pension in Michigan?
Yes, income from a pension is fully taxable in Michigan.
Are there any programs to assist first-time homebuyers in Michigan?
Yes, there are many first-time homebuyer programs in Michigan.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city.
| City | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Hospitals Within 25 Miles | Median Home Price |
| Flint | 13.8% | 1,127 | 1,376 | 5 | $47,600 |
| Saginaw | 14.9% | 977 | 985 | 5 | $54,000 |
| Inkster | 12.4% | 260 | 543 | 40 | $75,700 |
| Mount Morris | 16.2% | 33 | 110 | 5 | $90,400 |
| Bay City | 15.8% | 200 | 635 | 5 | $89,900 |
| Pontiac | 13.0% | 672 | 1,201 | 36 | $110,600 |
| Jackson | 12.5% | 322 | 1,139 | 3 | $94,700 |
| Detroit | 14.8% | 12,631 | 29,612 | 38 | $76,800 |
| Muskegon | 14.4% | 282 | 1,155 | 3 | $121,800 |
| Lincoln Park | 13.9% | 230 | 755 | 32 | $117,400 |
| Adrian | 18.9% | 119 | 394 | 1 | $119,900 |
| Eastpointe | 13.2% | 237 | 901 | 38 | $129,100 |
| Lansing | 13.1% | 1,576 | 3,193 | 7 | $119,400 |
| Roseville | 17.2% | 240 | 1,689 | 36 | $630,600 |
| Port Huron | 17.3% | 190 | 425 | 3 | $136,000 |
| Battle Creek | 15.9% | 791 | 1,810 | 8 | $127,600 |
| Burton | 18.8% | 243 | 909 | 4 | $131,200 |
| Redford | 13.7% | 247 | 962 | 43 | $143,400 |
| Birmingham | 17.1% | 8 | 194 | 39 | $712,700 |
| Taylor | 16.8% | 450 | 1,254 | 35 | $141,200 |
Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting children’s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city. NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Other Michigan Resources
Your Complete Guide to Moving to Ann Arbor, MI
Best Modular Homebuilders in Michigan
10 Healthiest Cities in Michigan
Best Tiny Home Builders in Michigan
Top 8 Cities in Michigan to Buy a New Home
How to Build a House in Michigan
The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Michigan
Your Guide to Closing Costs in Michigan in 2021
Jessi Gonzalez
Jessi Gonzalez writes on the topics of home-buying, home decor, and home-ownership for NewHomeSource. She has a degree from Coastal Bend College and is currently enrolled in the English degree program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.