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But it may not be the best place for you toretire.
Harsh Winters
First, Michigans winters are brutal.
Theyre notoriously cloudy and can be extremely snowy depending on where you live.
Older adults can also experience dangerous winter falls.Ice and snowcreate slippery conditions that have an outsized impact on seniors.
Its a risk you wouldnt have to worry about if you retired to a warmer place instead.
But you might have to pay more for your home as Michigan has anaverage property tax rateof 1.38%.
Thats the 38th-highest in the United States more than in Minnesota, Maryland, Oregon and Washington.
Retirees often already own their homes outright.
That means your main housing expense may be property taxes instead of a mortgage payment.
Full coverage will set you back an average of $386 per month.
Compare that with nearby Wisconsin.
Its average price for full car insurance coverage is just $128 monthly a little over $1,500 annually.
So just driving in Michigan can add thousands to yourbudget.
This is a challenge for those attempting to retire on a tight budget.
Summer Humidity and Bugs
Winters in Michigan can be tough, but summers bring their own challenges.
The state is the fourth most humid in the United States.
These exacerbate the impact of Michigans often uncomfortable summer weather.
At leastspring and fallin Michigan are among some of the most beautiful seasons anywhere in the country.
Poor Road Infrastructure
Michigans roads are among the worst in the nation.
They earned a D grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
State employees work hard to keep roads safe, but theres only so much they can do.
The downside isnt just that the roads are difficult and potentially unsafe.
You also have to deal with a lot ofroad construction projectswhile driving especially in the summer months.
The resulting street closures and traffic can start to feel like a constant annoyance.
Michigan is the 14th least sunny state in the country.
That may have an impact on your mental health in retirement especially if youre not from Michigan originally.
But even if Michigan fits that criteria for you today, it might not soon.
Studies show that Michigan consistently loses more residents annually than it gains.
The majority of people who leave the state do so to pursue a better job.
Would you still be happy in the state if those people decided to move elsewhere?
If not, you may want to reconsider.
Should You Retire in Michigan?
Theres a lot to love about Michigan.
But that doesnt necessarily mean its the right place foryouto retire.
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