Five of the Fastest Growing Cities in Michigan in 2016

There are a number of reasons that people might be interested in living in the state of Michigan. For example, it has two peninsulas surrounded by no fewer than four of the Five Great Lakes, meaning that it has the most freshwater shoreline out of the 50 states. As a result, it is one of the most convenient locations to live for people who love to have fun out on the freshwater, whether by boating, by fishing, or by some other method. Furthermore, that is far from being Michigan’s sole source of entertainment, seeing as how it is home to what can seen like a continuous parade of festivals and other events of interest, which are more than enough to provide interested individuals with something to do no matter what time it might be.

Finally, it should be noted that Michigan housing is often more affordable than its counterparts in more populous states, meaning that people who choose to settle in the state have a better chance of getting a good deal for their hard-earned income when buying their new homes. Summed up, it is no wonder that the state of Michigan has been seeing its fair share of population increase, though like in other states, it has been concentrated more in some places than in others, which is something that should interest those who are either searching for a new place to live or pondering a search for a new place to live.

Using information collected through the U.S. Census, here is a list of the five fastest-growing cities in Michigan in 2016:

5. Chelsea – 4.31%

Chelsea has a population that can be measured in the thousands, but it is interesting to note that it possesses all of the ingredients needed to create an urban success. For example, it is home to a number of businesses that provide its residents with its fair share of economic opportunities, with examples including but not limited to Chelsea Milling, the Chrysler Proving Grounds, and the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. Furthermore, it boasts robust public institutions, with an excellent example being the Chelsea District Library, which was named the Best Small Library in America by Library Journal in 2008. Combined with the fact that it is situated in the same county as Ann Harbor, which provides its residents with convenient access to all of the amenities that it cannot, it is no wonder that Chelsea saw a population increase of 4.31 percent, which is more than enough to make it one of the fastest-growing cities in the state of Michigan. Something that is all the more impressive because it changed from being a village to being a city as late as 2004.

4. Rochester – 4.55%

Rochester should not be confused for other cities of the same name that can be found throughout the United States. In brief, it is situated in the northeast of Oakland County, so much so that it is sitting on the outskirts of what can be considered Metro Detroit. Like its bigger neighbor to the south, Rochester used to be an industrial center, which was powered by interconnected waterways that have since been turned into sites of interest for people who want to take a stroll outside. These waterways combined with a series of rolling hills make up much of Rochester’s appeal, though it is important to note that it boasts plentiful opportunities for both dining and shopping in its downtown as well as large homes, which can appeal to those who would like to have more living space at affordable prices.

3. Novi – 5.69%

Novi is another of the cities that can be found in Metro Detroit, though situated closer to the center than the city of Rochester. It serves as something of a site of interest for much of the region, which can be attributed to the fact that Twelve Oaks Mall brings in shoppers from all around. However, it should be noted that much of Novi’s fast growth in recent times can be attributed to its focus on economic development. In part, this has come from its encouragement of local businesses. However, it should also be noted that Novi has managed to attract the interest of a number of regional, national, and even international businesses, which has paid off in the form of economic opportunities for its residents.

2. Rockford – 6.1%

For people who want a peaceful and pleasant place to live, Rockford seems like an excellent choice. It is situated on the Rogue River, which means that its residents have some interesting opportunities for outdoor recreation should they choose to make use of it, seeing as how the natural feature has been “Country Scenic” under the state of Michigan’s Natural Rivers Act. At the same time, it is situated no more than 14 miles to the north of Grand Rapids, which has the distinct of being the second largest city that can be found in the state of Michigan. Something that should serve to reassure those who are concerned about their access to all of the amenities that they love by choosing to live in a less populous place than in the middle of things.

1. New Baltimore – 7.21%

With a remarkable 7.21 percent increase in its population, New Baltimore has the honor of being Michigan’s fastest-growing city in 2016. In large part, this is because it is a coastal resort with some historical significance, meaning that it boasts a fair amount of appeal for both culture and nature enthusiasts. Better still, it is connected to the rest of Metro Detroit by being part of it as well as the rest of the region by the waters that ensured its rise in the first place, meaning that its residents have excellent access to not just the amenities of those places but also all of the economic and other forms of opportunities that can be found therein. Something that combines with its pleasant surroundings to make its fast-growing population a matter of no great surprise.