1. Underestimating Michigan Winters (It’s Not Just the Snow)

Everyone moving to Michigan knows winter exists.

They’ve seen snow before. They’ve checked the temperature averages. They’ve told themselves they’ll buy a better coat.

The surprise isn’t January.

The surprise isn’t even February.

The surprise is the length of winter—and the extended lack of sunlight.

Michigan winters are defined by:

• Short daylight hours
• Extended cloud cover
• Freeze-thaw cycles
• Slush and potholes in late winter
• A “false spring” followed by one last snow

What catches people off guard is March fatigue. By then, they’re emotionally ready for spring—but it’s still gray, cold, and muddy.

Even lifelong Michigan residents feel January-to-March fatigue.

The people who adjust best plan for winter instead of denying it. They:

• Choose homes with garages
• Shorten commutes where possible
• Budget for snow removal
• Build winter routines (gym, hobbies, indoor activities)

Michigan winter isn’t unbearable—but it punishes denial. It rewards preparation.

2. Not Understanding Michigan Property Taxes Before Buying

This one hits financially.

Michigan’s property tax system is often confusing to out-of-state buyers.

Many people say some version of:

• “Why are my taxes higher than the previous owner’s?”
• “Why did my payment increase after the first year?”
• “I didn’t realize it would reset like that.”

Michigan property taxes involve:

• State Equalized Value (SEV)
• Taxable Value
• Headlee limitations
• A “reset” (uncapping) after a property transfers ownership

When a home is purchased, the taxable value often resets closer to market value. That means the tax amount shown on public listing websites is usually based on the previous owner’s capped taxable value—not yours.

If you max out your home-buying budget and then taxes increase $1,000–$2,000 annually after year one, that matters.

Understanding property taxes in Michigan is not optional. It’s foundational to calculating your real cost of living.

The people who avoid this regret ask about projected post-transfer taxes before they close—not after.

3. Choosing Location Based on Vibes Instead of Daily Life

Michigan is great at first impressions.

Charming downtowns. Lakes. Cozy neighborhoods. Seasonal festivals.

But weekday life is different from weekend life.

I’ve heard this exact sentence more than once:

“We love the house. We just didn’t realize how different daily life would feel.”

Common surprises:

• Winter driving time feels longer
• Construction season affects routes
• School drop-off patterns impact traffic
• Two places that look close on a map feel far in January

Michigan has:

• Cities
• Townships
• Dense downtown cores
• Suburban subdivisions
• Rural acreage communities

They function very differently.

There is no single “best place to live in Michigan.” The right place depends on:

• Commute tolerance
• Social lifestyle
• Space needs
• Budget
• Desired pace of life

Michigan rewards honest self-assessment. It punishes idealized imagination.

The people who thrive here choose based on how they actually live—not how they picture themselves living.

4. Assuming Michigan Is Automatically “Cheap”

Yes, Michigan can be more affordable than many coastal states.

But affordability isn’t automatic—and it isn’t universal.

Common overlooked costs include:

• Heating expenses in winter
• Older housing maintenance (roof, furnace, basement systems)
• Driveway and exterior upkeep
• Snow equipment or removal services
• Auto insurance (often higher than expected)
• Vehicle wear from winter conditions

Michigan housing stock includes many homes built before 1990. Older homes often mean charm—but also mechanical systems, basements, and infrastructure that require proactive budgeting.

The regret I hear isn’t:
“Michigan is expensive.”

It’s:
“I didn’t realize how much long-term ownership costs would add up.”

The happiest homeowners here:

• Buy conservatively
• Budget for maintenance
• Don’t stretch just because prices seem lower than their previous state

Michigan rewards long-term thinking.

5. Expecting Michigan to Be Something It Never Promised

This is the regret almost nobody talks about.

Michigan isn’t:

• Always sunny
• Always fast-paced
• Always high-energy
• Always predictable

For many people, that’s exactly why they love it.

Michigan offers:

• Four true seasons
• Slower rhythms outside major metros
• Strong local community identity
• Access to freshwater coastline and outdoor recreation
• Stability and space

But you have to want that.

If you require constant sunshine, nonstop nightlife, or big-city energy every day, parts of Michigan may feel slower than expected.

The people who love living in Michigan choose it for what it is—not what they hope it will become.

Outside of Metro Detroit’s more urban pockets, much of the state operates at a more relaxed pace.

Michigan works best when expectations align with reality.

What Moving to Michigan Is Really About

Michigan is not a permanent vacation destination.

It is a place that rewards:

• Community involvement
• Seasonal adaptation
• Financial planning
• Lifestyle clarity

If you understand it before you move, it can be an incredible place to build long-term roots.

If you assume it’s just “another version of somewhere else,” the adjustment can feel harder than expected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Michigan

Is Michigan a good state to move to?

Michigan can be an excellent place to live depending on lifestyle preferences, climate tolerance, and budget planning. It offers access to freshwater coastline, four seasons, and diverse housing options across urban, suburban, and rural communities.

What is the biggest downside to moving to Michigan?

The most commonly cited challenge is the length and cloudiness of winter. While snowfall varies year to year, extended gray periods and shorter daylight hours can impact daily routines for some residents.

Are property taxes high in Michigan?

Michigan property taxes vary by municipality and school district. Taxes are based on taxable value and millage rates, and taxable value can reset after a property transfer. Buyers should calculate projected post-purchase taxes before closing.

Is Michigan affordable compared to other states?

Home prices in Michigan are often lower than many coastal states. However, total cost of ownership—including taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance—should be evaluated when budgeting.

How should I choose where to live in Michigan?

The best approach is to evaluate commute needs, lifestyle preferences, budget, and desired pace of life. Michigan includes cities, townships, suburbs, lake communities, and rural areas—each offering different daily experiences.

Is winter in Michigan really that bad?

Winter experiences vary by region, but many new residents report that length and limited sunlight are more impactful than snowfall alone. Preparation and routine-building significantly improve the experience.

Final Thoughts

Michigan is an incredible place to live—but it works best when you understand it before you commit to it.

If you’re thinking about moving to Michigan now or in the future, the best time to start asking questions is before momentum takes over.

And if you already live here, I’m curious:

What’s the one thing you wish you had known before moving?

Because those conversations are what shape the next video.

If Michigan is somewhere you’re considering—whether that’s next month or next year—I help people navigate that process every single day. And I genuinely love it.