Why North Coast

Why North Coast?

The North Coast of Michigan is nestled between Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Being surrounded by water creates the perfect climate for growth, both for agriculture and for businesses across a mix of different industries. But there is more to northern Michigan than orchards, shorelines and world-class golf courses.

Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the U.S.

250,000 +

Michigan’s skilled trades workforce is over 250,000-strong, the 8th largest in the nation.

Top 10

Site Selection magazine ranks Michigan as a top 10 state nation-wide (third in the Midwest) for business competitiveness.

Let's Connect

Susan Proctor

Strategic Initiatives Director

proctors1@michigan.org

Hear from North Coast Michigan Businesses

Cherry Republic

From selling T-shirts and cookies outside the trunk of a car to becoming a nationally sought-after brand, Cherry Republic has achieved its success over the past 30 years by thinking “a little differently” than most of Corporate America.

Waupaca Foundry

Waupaca Foundry chose to make the Western Upper Peninsula its latest home for opportunity thanks to Michigan’s wealth of manufacturing know-how and a work ethic that is second-to-none.

Northern Wings

From their meager beginnings in a pole barn in the Upper Peninsula, Northern Wings has discovered that with the help and support of MEDC and its network of partners, the sky is the limit for its continued success.

Orbion

From Houghton, Michigan, to the moon, Orbion Space Technology reaches new heights in the tech and aerospace industries.

Stormy Kromer

Since 1903, the Stormy Kromer brand has come to embody the independence, wit and grit of the upper Midwest. For 118 years and counting, Stormy Kromer has made a name for itself by consistently growing thanks in part to Michigan's business climate and resources for businesses of all sizes.

Cost of Living in Michigan

Michigan’s cost of living is 10% below the national average and ranks as the fourth most affordable state in the country.

Washington, DC

Living in Washington, DC is 76% more expensive than living in Michigan. U.S. News & World Report ranked Michigan as the 5th most affordable state in the country for 2019, taking into account overall cost of living and housing affordability.

California

Living in California will cost you nearly 48% more when compared to living in Michigan. Not to mention Michigan is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, boasting more freshwater coastline any other state in the nation.

New York

Living in New York is 24% more expensive compared to living in Michigan. Michigan offers award-winning communities, beaches, forests, parks and the most public golf courses in the country.

Illinois

Living in Illinois is 10% more expensive than living in Michigan, and with everything from urban excitement to the great outdoors, Michigan provides the best of both worlds — including vibrant downtowns, shopping districts and plenty of year-round activities.

Supply Chain & Infrastructure

Michigan is within 500 miles (800 kilometers) of nearly half the U.S. and Canadian population and commerce centers providing unparalleled access to market.

25% +

of $700+ billion annual trade between the U.S. and Canada crosses the Ambassador Bridge, the most active border crossing in North America.

active deep water ports surround Michigan, also known as the Great Lakes state.

freight railroads with 3,600 miles (5,793 km) of track across Michigan.

commercial airports in Michigan, including Detroit Metropolitan, one of the largest U.S. air hubs in North America

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