The Tridge -- a three-way footbridge -- in Midland, Michigan.
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Mid-Michigan

At the Center of it all

Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, Mount Pleasant and the surrounding areas make Mid-Michigan the perfect destination for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Whether you’re an art aficionado or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone. The Bay City area is an eclectic, nautical community nestled along the Lake Huron coast and home to one-of-a-kind antique shops, coffee houses and waterfront eateries. Saginaw is a river-front city steeped in arts and culture, from its Japanese Cultural Center to its art museum, and Midland balances the perfect blend between natural beauty and downtown cityscapes with impressive mid-century modern architecture.

Fueled by its long history in engineering and production, the Mid-Michigan area is also home to a diverse range of industries, from advanced manufacturing to life sciences, which are creating exciting employment opportunities. But the best part? Tight-knit communities in this region provide each area with a strong sense of belonging while being geographically located at the center of everything. Whether you’re up for taking a short drive to the lake, catching a concert in Detroit or Grand Rapids or heading “up north,” you’ll enjoy an accessible location that lets you spend less time planning the trip and more time for taking it. Plus, Mid-Michigan boasts one of the lowest costs of living in the country, with housing prices that are a fraction of the already affordably-priced Michigan market. Come for the lifestyle, stay for the affordability!

Mid-Michigan by the Numbers

1,400

Foot-Long Canopy Walk at Dow Gardens in Midland is the Longest in the Nation

Dow Gardens
77+

Miles of Fresh-Water Coast Line Surrounds the Great Lakes Bay Region

Go Great Lakes Bay
900+

Manufacturing Businesses in Mid-Michigan Region Including Hemlock Semiconductor, and Nexteer Automotive’ s Global Technology Center

Saginaw Future

Dive Deeper

Learn More About Mid-Michigan

  • Recreation
  • Livability
  • Career Opportunities
Recreation

Thousands of Reasons to Get Outdoors

From boating, fishing and paddle boarding on the Saginaw River to evenings at Dow Diamond in Midland cheering on the Great Lakes Loons, the mid-Michigan region provides all different types of outdoor recreation that anyone can enjoy.

For example, the 10,000-acre Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge is home to hundreds of species of birds as well as hiking and biking trails—providing the perfect place to get away from it all. The Mid-Michigan area is also home to Snow Snake in Harrison, which offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, an 18-hole golf course, and an off-road park.

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Aerial of the Fortress Golf Course in Frankenmuth.
Livability

Everything You Need at a Fraction of the Cost

Whether you choose to live in Midland, Saginaw, Bay City or any of the beautiful communities in between, you’ll discover an exceptional quality of life that puts you at the center of everything happening around the state. This region boasts a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, with affordable housing in safe neighborhoods, excellent schools — including, the Midland School District and the Bay City School District which ensure a quality education for students — and access to top-notch healthcare, thanks to institutions like Great Lakes Bay Health Centers offering comprehensive care across 16 counties and serving patients regardless of their financial circumstances. With so many great resources at your fingertips, it’s easy to see why Mid-Michigan is a wonderful place to call home.

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Group of young, female students raising their hands to answer a question.
Career Opportunities

Grow Your Career in a Stable, Peaceful Environment

Looking for a career in a serene and picturesque setting? Mid-Michigan might just be the perfect place for you. With over 600 manufacturing businesses located across Mount Pleasant, Saginaw and Bay City, there are ample job opportunities for skilled workers in fields such as engineering, design and production. The region also provides a wealth of opportunities for healthcare professionals, with nearly 600 healthcare providers operating in Saginaw County alone. Top-rated employers like Midland Health offer employment to over 10,000 individuals across a network of medical centers, making it a premier destination for healthcare professionals seeking to work in a supportive and dynamic environment. No matter what your career aspirations, Mid-Michigan offers a tranquil yet exciting backdrop for your professional journey.

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Contact Us

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Kati Mora

Vice President Middle Michigan Development Corporation kati.mora@mmdc.org

What’s Up in Michigan?

Stay up to date with the latest news from Michigan.

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