[shirtburt]

Just wanted to know because I'm looking to move to a small town near Traverse City.

[DTWflyer]

Depends on a variety of factors and where specifically in the Northern Lower.

The western side of Northern Lower is the Michigan "Gold Coast" at least along the Lake Michigan lakefront, inland lakes, and resorter towns. A lot of influx of generational and retiree wealth in cottages, lake front homes, mega cotagges, and retirement homes in the more desirable areas; wealth imported from Detroit, Chicago, Indy, and increasingly East Coast money.

Away from the lakefront regions on the US-131, and I-75 corrdiors, and especially east of I-75 a lot quieter, a lot less wealth, a lot more generational poverty, and overall get-away-from-it-all vibe.

UP is generally a lot like the quieter areas of Northern Lower. A lot less of the in-your-face-wealth of old school Detroit and Chicago money, winter is a bit more harsh, things are a bit more remote, and the like.

"Small town near Traverse City" is a bit generic. There is a massive shortage of affordable housing in NW lower Penisula due to the resorter / tourism / vacation home scene.

[shirtburt]

Originally Posted by DTWflyer

"Small town near Traverse City" is a bit generic.

Alright, East Jordan and Bellaire.

[Bondurant]

Is there a UP destination you have in mind as an alternative that a comparison can be made? I find the upper portion of the LP to be similar to the UP.