Why West Coast

Why West Coast?

Thriving communities can be found all around Michigan's western region. A global center for furniture and industrial design, this area is moving fast into the future through creativity, innovation, and a talent base unlike any other. But there's more to western Michigan than world-class design and an unparalleled quality of life.

Kalamazoo has been ranked as the number one coolest city in the U.S. with the lowest cost of living.

The Grand Rapids region ranked number one Best Place to Raise a Family according to Rocket Homes.

WalletHub ranked Holland numbed one in the state for quality of life in their “Best Small Cities in America” study.

Let's Connect

Susan Proctor

Strategic Initiatives Director

proctors1@michigan.org

Michigan West Coast Profiles

Perrigo

Self-care leader Perrigo brings new headquarters to Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile but has had a presence in west Michigan since the company was founded in 1887.

Acrisure

When fintech leader and top-10 global insurance brokerage Acrisure needed to expand its headquarters, plenty of cities and states were available. Here's why Grand Rapids – and Michigan – won.

Heritage Tower/The Milton

In 2018, Heritage Tower BC LLC revealed plans to rehabilitate a long-vacant, historic 1931 building into an iconic and mixed-use development in downtown Battle Creek. With critical support offered by MEDC and community partners, the development is bringing new residents and commercial business to downtown Battle Creek, while acting as a catalyst for future investment in the area.

Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing (GRAM)

Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing taps into Michigan’s manufacturing heritage and legacy of pharmaceutical discoveries to achieve success on the state’s west side.

Atomic Object

Atomic Object builds innovative tools for the future of business. Aiming to reach a century of success crafting software, Atomic's benefitted from MEDC support at pivotal moments during its first 19 years in business. It looks forward to 81 more.

Tetra Therapeutics

West Michigan-based company Tetra Therapeutics is discovering groundbreaking therapeutics for Alzheimer’s patients after nearly a decade of support from MEDC.

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.

WATCH: Michigan's West Coast

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 can be found in Michigan.

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

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