Here's What You NEED To Know About Living In Michigan!

By Andrew McManamonLiving In Michigan Information October 15, 2025

How to Fit In When You Move to Michigan: Fun Facts, Food, and Lingo You Need to Know

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m moving to Michigan… but how do I actually fit in?”, don’t worry — you’re not alone.

Whether you’re relocating from another state or just curious about Michigan culture, there’s a lot to love (and laugh about) when it comes to how we talk, eat, and live here in the Great Lakes State.

In this week’s Living in Michigan video, I share some of the funniest, weirdest, and most relatable facts about Michigan — from our music roots to our food traditions and that unmistakable Michigander lingo.

If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to watch the full video below.

And for those of you who prefer to read along, here’s a deeper dive into what makes Michigan such a unique place to live — and how to blend right in when you get here.

1. Learn to Speak “Michigander”

If you’re new here, you’ll quickly realize we have our own language. Some of it makes perfect sense… and some of it, well, doesn’t.

Here are a few essentials to get you started:

“Yooper” – A proud resident of the Upper Peninsula (U.P.).
“Troll” – Someone who lives below the Mackinac Bridge (don’t take it personally, it’s just geography).
“Pop” – Not soda. Never soda. Always pop.
“Party store” – That’s not where you buy balloons and hats; it’s where you grab beer, snacks, and lotto tickets.
“The Mitten” – What we call the lower peninsula because, well, it looks like one.

Oh, and if you point to your hand to show someone where you live? Congratulations, you’re already halfway to being a true Michigander.

Amazon.com : Vernors Ginger Soda - 6 CT : Grocery & Gourmet Food

2. Know Your Michigan Food Staples

Food is serious business in Michigan — and if you want to fit in, you need to know what’s on the menu.

A few local favorites you’ll see (and should definitely try):

Coney Dogs – A chili-topped hot dog smothered with onions and mustard. Detroit and Flint each claim their own version, and yes, people actually argue about which is better.
Pasties – Meat-filled hand pies from the Upper Peninsula, brought here by Cornish miners.
Vernors Ginger Ale – Michigan’s original soft drink, known for its spicy kick (and oddly, for curing stomach aches).
Faygo – A Detroit-made soda that’s practically a cultural icon.
Better Made Chips – If you’ve ever been to a party in Metro Detroit, you’ve probably seen them.

If you really want to impress your new Michigan friends, grab a Faygo Redpop and a Better Made BBQ chip bag and start talking about the Lions’ next season. You’ll fit right in.

Coney Island Hot Dogs

3. Music Runs Deep in Michigan

You can’t talk about Michigan without talking about music. This state has produced some of the most influential artists in the world.

From Motown Records in Detroit (home to legends like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and The Temptations) to rock icons like Bob Seger, Kid Rock, and The White Stripes, music is woven into Michigan’s identity.

Even smaller cities like Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Detroit’s Corktown have thriving live music scenes, festivals, and local venues that celebrate everything from jazz to indie rock.

When you move here, don’t be surprised if someone references “Motown pride” — it’s not just a genre; it’s part of who we are.

Motown Museum | Home of Hitsville U.S.A.

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4. Embrace the Weather (Yes, Even the Winters)

If you’re moving to Michigan, let’s just say it — you’ll experience everything. Sunny beach days, snowy commutes, fall color tours, and spring thunderstorms that come out of nowhere.

But here’s the thing: Michiganders love to talk about the weather. It’s basically our small talk starter pack.

You’ll hear things like:

“It was 60 yesterday and snowing today — classic Michigan.”
“You don’t like the weather? Wait five minutes.”
“That lake-effect snow is no joke.”

The secret to fitting in? Laugh about it, layer up, and keep a snow brush in your car at all times.

Study: Michigan has the 49th most enjoyable winters in America

5. Appreciate the Lakes (Because They’re Our Identity)

Michigan is home to over 11,000 inland lakes and touches four of the five Great Lakes. Whether you’re boating on Lake Michigan, paddleboarding in Brighton, or fishing in Howell, water is part of daily life here.

Summers revolve around weekends “up north,” where cabins, bonfires, and sunsets define the rhythm of the season. Even if you don’t own a lake house, knowing someone who does might just make you the most popular person in your friend group.

So when you hear a Michigander talk about heading “up north,” that could mean anywhere — Traverse City, Petoskey, Gaylord, or just a lake two hours away. It’s not about the exact place; it’s about the feeling.

Discover the Great Lakes | EEK WI

6. Have a Sense of Humor About It All

Michiganders are proud, down-to-earth, and love to poke fun at themselves. Whether it’s our potholes, unpredictable weather, or long-suffering sports teams, we can take a joke.

So if you want to fit in, don’t take things too seriously. Laugh about your first winter commute, join in the small-town festivals, grab a coney dog, and enjoy what makes Michigan perfectly imperfect.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Just Move to Michigan — You Join It

Fitting in here isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about appreciating what makes this state unique.

The more you explore, the more you’ll realize that Michigan isn’t just a place — it’s a personality. It’s community-driven, proud, and always a little unpredictable. For even more fun facts, local stories, and cultural quirks you’ll want to know before your next trip (or move) to the Mitten State.

And if you’re considering moving to Michigan, reach out anytime — I help people move to, from, and within the state of Michigan, and I love it.