Why Some People Regret Moving to Michigan (At First)

You ever have that moment where everything’s unpacked, your coffee maker’s finally plugged in, and you sit down and think…

“Did I just make a huge mistake?”

It’s a weird feeling — a mix of excitement, panic, and the sudden realization that you just committed to a completely new chapter of life. For a lot of people who’ve moved to Michigan, that moment hits right around the time they’re shoveling snow off their car for the third day in a row… in April.

Michigan has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you’re hypnotized by:

• The fall colors
• The lower cost of living
• The promise of a quieter lifestyle and lake access

The next minute, you’re Googling:

• “Why are there so many potholes in Michigan?”
• “Does the sun ever come out in Michigan?”

In this article, I’m diving into the real reasons people sometimes regret moving to Michigan — not the sugar-coated stuff you see on relocation brochures. We’re talking:

• Weather whiplash
• Rough roads and construction
• Auto insurance costs
• Property taxes and utilities
• And why, even with all of that… people stay

By the end, you’ll either think, “Yep, hard pass,” or “Honestly… that sounds like home.”

Credit: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2017/01/04/michigan-winters/96148284/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z114930d00----v114930b0055xxd005565&gca-ft=186&gca-ds=sophi

The First Shock: Michigan Weather Reality Check

Let’s kick things off with the biggest culprit: the weather.

If you didn’t grow up in the Midwest, you’re probably not ready for what Michigan throws at you. We’re talking:

• Long winters in the Upper Peninsula (6 months of cold is not unheard of)
• Random April snowstorms in the Lower Peninsula
• Humidity in July that makes you question whether you accidentally moved into a swamp

Michigan averages more snowfall than the U.S. overall, and it varies a lot by region. Areas like Marquette and Houghton in the UP get absolutely buried, while metro Detroit still averages significantly more snow than many other parts of the country.

And the snow isn’t even consistent. One day it’s 50 and sunny, the next day your driveway is a luge track.

A big part of this is lake-effect snow — cold air moving over the warmer Great Lakes, dumping snow with very little warning. It’s a Michigan trademark and one of the reasons winters here feel unpredictable and intense, especially if you’re coming from a milder climate.

Then there’s the cloud cover. Some Michigan cities rank among the cloudiest in the Midwest. In certain areas, the sun only makes an appearance a little under half the year. That gray, overcast stretch from November through March can hit hard. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is very real, and a lot of newcomers say:

“I didn’t realize Michigan came in grayscale.”

“Winter and Construction”: Michigan Roads & Potholes

Next on the regret list? The roads.

It’s a running joke that Michigan has two seasons: winter and construction — and it’s only funny because it’s true.

Michigan drivers deal with:

• Cracked pavement
• Deep potholes
• Constant road work and lane closures

All of this adds up to:

• More wear and tear on your vehicle
• More time navigating detours
• Higher repair costs over time

If you’re moving from a state with smoother highways and freshly paved local roads, the difference in road quality can be a rude awakening. It’s one of the top complaints I hear from people relocating to the Metro Detroit area and beyond.

Credit: https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/08/10-road-closures-scheduled-this-week-across-michigan.html

Auto Insurance in Michigan: Confusing and Costly

Now let’s talk about auto insurance in Michigan, because this is where a lot of newcomers feel blindsided.

For years, Michigan had some of the highest car insurance rates in the country, largely because of its unique no-fault insurance system, which included the option for unlimited lifetime medical benefits for accident victims.

In 2020, Michigan passed major auto insurance reform. It helped bring costs down for many drivers, but:

• Michigan’s full-coverage rates are still well above the national average
• Certain ZIP codes, especially in and around Detroit, can see premiums that are dramatically higher than other parts of the state

For someone moving here from a lower-cost state, it can feel like their car insurance doubled overnight. And the system can be confusing, especially when you’re choosing PIP (Personal Injury Protection) levels and weighing coverage options.

This isn’t a reason not to move here — but it is something to budget for and talk through with a licensed Michigan insurance agent before you buy or lease a vehicle.

Property Taxes, Utilities, and Cost Surprises

On paper, Michigan’s cost of living looks great compared to many coastal states. But there are some line items that catch new residents off guard.

A few big ones:

• Property taxes:
  • Michigan’s state-level structure isn’t extreme, but local millage rates can add up
  • Certain counties and cities have higher effective rates than newcomers expect
  • Property taxes can “uncap” and increase after a home is sold, which surprises a lot of buyers from out of state
• Utilities:
  • Heating costs can spike in the winter, especially if you’re in an older home or less efficient property
  • Electric and gas bills tend to run higher during long cold snaps
  • Power outages and grid reliability are frequent complaints, particularly after storms

You’re not necessarily paying more overall than in other states — especially when you factor in lower home prices — but the way the costs show up on your monthly budget can definitely be different than what you’re used to.

So Why Do People Stay in Michigan?

With all of that — the weather, the roads, the insurance, the taxes — you’d think people would turn around and run.

But here’s the twist… they don’t.
In fact, a lot of people end up loving Michigan more than they ever expected.

Here’s why.

Housing Affordability Compared to Other States

Even with rising prices, Michigan homes are still more affordable than many parts of the country.

• The median home price in Michigan is well below the national median
• Cities like Kalamazoo, Saginaw, and Jackson still offer move-in-ready homes under $200K
• Even popular metros like Grand Rapids, Novi, Rochester Hills, and Ann Arbor often give you more space and features for the money than similar areas on the East or West Coast

That affordability doesn’t just apply to housing. Day-to-day costs like:

• Groceries
• Healthcare
• Entertainment
• Local outings

…tend to compare favorably to higher-cost states, which is a big deal for young families, remote workers, and retirees.

Michigan’s Outdoor Lifestyle and Natural Beauty

Then there’s the outdoor lifestyle — one of Michigan’s biggest selling points.

Michigan offers:

• Over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline
• Thousands of inland lakes
• 100+ state parks and recreation areas
• Miles and miles of hiking, biking, paddling, and snow sport opportunities

You can:

• Spend a morning in downtown Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Ann Arbor
• Then watch the sunset over Lake Michigan at places like Sleeping Bear Dunes or Holland State Park

And fall?
Fall in northern Michigan looks like someone turned the saturation up on the entire landscape. It’s the kind of scenery people plan entire vacations around — and as a resident, it’s just… your life.

Community, Culture, and Everyday Life in Michigan

Another reason people stay? Community.

Michiganders are known for being:

• Friendly
• Down-to-earth
• Resilient

You’ll find:

• Block parties and neighborhood barbecues
• Cider mills in the fall
• High school football games under the lights
• Farm stands and farmers markets
• Winter festivals, ice sculptures, and small-town parades

There’s also a steady stream of events and culture year-round:

• ArtPrize in Grand Rapids
• The Ann Arbor Film Festival
• The Detroit Auto Show
• Mackinac Island events
• Local art fairs, music festivals, and food events statewide

And yes — the food scene deserves its own line: Detroit-style pizza, coney dogs, pasties, cherries, craft beer, and wine trails up and down the west side of the state.

Credit: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/news/2019/07/michigan-joins-the-movement-to-build-sustainable-communities/

From Regret to “I Can’t Imagine Leaving”

I’ve had clients move here with full-blown regret in month one…

• They’re overwhelmed by the weather
• Surprised by certain costs
• Missing family, friends, and familiarity

But by month twelve?

• They’ve found their favorite grocery store and coffee shop
• They have a go-to cider mill, park, or lakefront
• They’ve discovered their favorite route to Meijer (because yes, you will have a favorite Meijer)
• They’ve built connections and routines that make Michigan feel like home

Michigan isn’t a place that tries to impress you on day one. It’s more of a slow burn — the kind of place that humbles you with its winters and then completely wins you over with its summers, fall colors, community, and character.

Is Moving to Michigan a Mistake?

So, do some people regret moving to Michigan?
Yes — at least in the beginning.

They regret:

• Underestimating the weather
• Being surprised by auto insurance and property taxes
• Realizing winter driving is a whole new skill set
• Discovering that gray skies and potholes are very, very real

But many of those same people end up staying because of:

• Affordable homes compared to where they came from
• Access to nature, lakes, parks, and year-round outdoor adventure
• Strong community ties and a slower, more grounded pace of life

In a world full of noise, filters, and fast everything, Michigan is the kind of place that feels real — and for a lot of people, that’s exactly what they were looking for, even if they didn’t realize it at first.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Moving to Michigan

• How do you handle long winters and cloudy days?
• Do you value affordability and space over having 70-degree weather year-round?
• Are you excited about outdoor recreation — lakes, trails, and parks?
• Are you okay with trading perfect roads and perfect weather for community, character, and value?

FAQs: Moving to Michigan & Common Regrets

Is Michigan a good place to move to in 2025?
Yes — for many people, Michigan offers a strong mix of housing affordability, outdoor recreation, and community. It’s especially attractive for remote workers, young families, and retirees looking for value and space.

Why do some people regret moving to Michigan?
The biggest reasons include the long, gray winters, potholes and road conditions, auto insurance costs, and local property tax surprises, especially right after buying a home.

Is Michigan affordable compared to other states?
Overall, yes. Home prices and general cost of living are typically lower than coastal states and many large metros, but it’s important to factor in property taxes, utilities, and car insurance when building your budget.

Is Michigan safe?
Like every state, Michigan has cities, suburbs, and rural areas with different safety profiles. It’s always smart to review local crime data from trusted sources, visit areas in person, and work with a local real estate professional who can help you understand the community (without steering or making assumptions based on protected characteristics).

What’s the biggest adjustment for people moving to Michigan from warmer states?
Almost always: the weather and the lack of winter sunlight. Learning how to drive in snow, dress in layers, and find winter-friendly hobbies makes a huge difference.