[TLRaymond7730]

So...I am a single professional female looking to move to a magical small town in Michigan after having spent 20 years in the Army. I am looking for a thriving arts/creativity scene with local festivals and happenings close to a lake or river. Would love it if housing prices were not astronomical. Looking for quirky and fun but with a population not solely university kids. Looking for grownups and adventure. Where should I move, Hive Mind Friends?

[djmilf]

My first thought was Colon, Michigan - the Magic Capitol of the World.

But you're looking for arty/creative...there are places like that in Michigan, but they don't come cheap. Maybe Ann Arbor, Saugatuck, Traverse City, Grand Haven, Holland, Harbor Springs...maybe. Others may disagree, and they may be right...I'm just riffing here.

If you stick into the Metro Detroit area, Mid-Town Detroit, Hamtramck, Ferndale, Hazel Park all come to mind. But they aren't rural and they definitely aren't small town.

[dave w]

Traverse City, Lexington, Port Austin, Bay City and just about any small town adjacent to one of the great lakes.They're all magical in there own way.

[Zenstyle]

Saugatuck/Douglas fills all your requirements. I don’t know what your parameter is for “astronomical” housing…,.you’re the best judge of that. Expensive is relative, after all…..but have money. Jump on Estately.com to see about housing costs there.
There are several other Lake Michigan coastal towns that’ may suit you to a T.
THANK YOU, by the way, for specifying an adult population! So sick of the “family friendly” bit.

[Coldjensens]

Originally Posted by djmilf

My first thought was Colon, Michigan - the Magic Capitol of the World.

But you're looking for arty/creative...there are places like that in Michigan, but they don't come cheap. Maybe Ann Arbor, Saugatuck, Traverse City, Grand Haven, Holland, Harbor Springs...maybe. Others may disagree, and they may be right...I'm just riffing here.

If you stick into the Metro Detroit area, Mid-Town Detroit, Hamtramck, Ferndale, Hazel Park all come to mind. But they aren't rural and they definitely aren't small town.

That was my first thought too. Colon is not much of a town though and pretty dead except during the convention.


Also look at Marquette, Wyandotte, Ferndale, Northville, Plymouth, Chelsea, Grand Rapids (not small, but checks many of your other boxes).


Marshall may be worth a look to. Its future is unclear. There is a huge EV or battery plant going in there and it may either enliven the town or ruin it. Hard to say. Marshall is already a cute little town, but not super lively.

[DTWflyer]

I'd probably look at the Grand Rapids / Holland area. Lots going on over in that area and easy to get around between the various smaller towns but also anchored by Grand Rapids proper. Close to Lake Michigan.

Traverse City is good but housing is scare and expensive.
Saugatuck is a resorter town
Harbor Spring too uber resorter rich retiree types and desolate in the winter.

[VM1138]

I don't exactly consider it "magical" and inside the city is definitely falling apart, but Bay City has a lot of arts stuff going on year-round. They've got a good community college nearby with lots of arts classes. And it's relatively cheap to live unless you're looking to buy a house in the suburbs. Also, twenty minutes away from the Midland Center for the Arts.

[djmilf]

This morning I checked the Michigan forum to see if there was anything new. Nope, this thread is the newest, and nothing new on it.

But for some reason, Interlochen Michigan immediately came to mind.

I had thought that the OP was looking for an arts community centered upon the physical arts such as painting, pottery, etc. - basically an Asheville or Raleigh, but in Michigan, not North Carolina. But the ask was for "thriving arts/creativity scene with local festivals and happenings close to a lake or river. Would love it if housing prices were not astronomical. Looking for quirky and fun but with a population not solely university kids."

Interlochen Center for the Arts has an academy (basically a high school) for the performing arts - music, dance, etc. They've also added sculpture and painting to the curriculum. It also has an College of Creative Arts for those past their high school years, doesn't grant degrees, more of a continuing education place for people past their high school years.

I know about Interlochen because during my high school years, the high school orchestral musicians I knew all considered a summer term at Interlochen Arts Camp highly desirable, basically band camp, but much, much more. Myself, I've never been there, they tell me it's nice.

Southwest of Traverse City, situated between lakes (Inter - Lochen, get it?) and rivers, the Center for the Arts is separated from the village itself. It's mostly rural, and there is some very inexpensive housing as well as high six figure homes, but one would have to keep an eye out for lower priced abodes as they come on the market.

https://www.interlochen.org/

[Luzette]

I'll throw Leland and Glen Arbor in the mix. One of the most magical days of my life was a day in both of those towns. TC isn't terribly far away when you want more of a big city adventure.

[michigan lizard]

Originally Posted by djmilf

This morning I checked the Michigan forum to see if there was anything new. Nope, this thread is the newest, and nothing new on it.

But for some reason, Interlochen Michigan immediately came to mind.

I had thought that the OP was looking for an arts community centered upon the physical arts such as painting, pottery, etc. - basically an Asheville or Raleigh, but in Michigan, not North Carolina. But the ask was for "thriving arts/creativity scene with local festivals and happenings close to a lake or river. Would love it if housing prices were not astronomical. Looking for quirky and fun but with a population not solely university kids."

Interlochen Center for the Arts has an academy (basically a high school) for the performing arts - music, dance, etc. They've also added sculpture and painting to the curriculum. It also has an College of Creative Arts for those past their high school years, doesn't grant degrees, more of a continuing education place for people past their high school years.

I know about Interlochen because during my high school years, the high school orchestral musicians I knew all considered a summer term at Interlochen Arts Camp highly desirable, basically band camp, but much, much more. Myself, I've never been there, they tell me it's nice.

Southwest of Traverse City, situated between lakes (Inter - Lochen, get it?) and rivers, the Center for the Arts is separated from the village itself. It's mostly rural, and there is some very inexpensive housing as well as high six figure homes, but one would have to keep an eye out for lower priced abodes as they come on the market.

https://www.interlochen.org/

Eh, I'm not that familiar with it. I've only camped there, and it didn't seem very magical at the time. I've thought of a few places, but the OP has not returned and elaborated on their personal idea of "magical", so I didn't bother.