Alpena and Northeast Michigan
Rise with the Sun on your Side
You’ll fall head over heels for the miles of waterways and hiking trails, idyllic nature preserves and vibrant food and beverage scene on Michigan’s Sunrise Coast.
This family-friendly, historic area is in the heart of Michigan’s popular “Up North” region and is nestled along the welcoming shores of Lake Huron’s blue waters. This region offers a strong economy and plenty of secure job opportunities where you can build your career, start a business and raise a family in a thriving, affordable community.
Providing equal parts peace and quiet and adventure, in Michigan’s Northeast region you can scuba, snorkel or kayak among shipwrecks at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary or explore the beautiful lighthouses that dot the region’s expansive coastline. Located close to the Mackinac Bridge, you will also find travel to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula quick and easy.
So, whether you’re watching the sunrise at Tawas Point State Park, stargazing at one of three Dark Sky Preserves or snowmobiling through the region’s many charming small towns, Northeast Michigan is packed with year-round activities. Living here, you will soon discover why this area is often referred to as the “Playground of the North.”
Overflowing with Opportunity
Your next opportunity in manufacturing, agriculture, tech and more is in Michigan — and the Michigan Career Portal can help you identify career and education opportunities to help you achieve your dreams.
Northeast Michigan Regional Overview
Experience beauty, adventure, and connection — all in Northeast Michigan. Plus, safe, affordable neighborhoods, a connected location, captivating sunrises, and so much more!
Northeast Michigan by the Numbers
Acres of National and State Forest land, including Pigeon River Country State Forest, home to the largest elk herd east of the Mississippi
Discover Northeast MichiganDark Sky Preserve Parks in the Alpena Region, Known as the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes
Visit AlpenaDive Deeper
Learn More About Northeast Michigan
- Living Here
- Recreation
- Working Here
Sanctuary of the Great Lakes
From Cheboygan to Alpena and Roscommon to Presque Isle, communities in the Northeast Michigan region offer all the benefits of affordable living, safe neighborhoods and a wide selection of reasonably priced land and housing options.
Coastal communities such as Alpena offer every kind of water recreation right in your backyard, while interior communities provide quick access to lush forest with beautiful trails for hiking, biking, skiing and more. With four remarkable seasons, Northeast Michigan is an ideal destination for those seeking a well-rounded lifestyle.
Natural and Exhilarating Experiences
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a nature lover, Northeast Michigan is a haven, with over 300,000 acres of open water, including Lake Huron, magical lighthouses, state forests and beaches. Explore the stunning outdoors hiking, kayaking, fishing or stargazing at one of three Dark Sky Preserves. In the winter, get an adrenaline rush skiing and snowboarding in Antrim County. Or if you prefer indoor activities, the historic Kingston Theater in Cheboygan is a popular choice among locals. There are also countless breweries, local farm-to-table restaurants and unique coffee shops that give this region its unique, welcoming flavor.
Make More Out of Life
Northeast Michigan is filled with exciting career options across diverse industries, from healthcare and manufacturing to engineering. And if you’ve ever dreamt of owning a business, the Northeast Michigan’s Entrepreneurial Network and Northern Michigan Pitch Night Competitions offer great opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas and potentially secure funding. With its vibrant economy and entrepreneurial spirit, Northeast Michigan is a promising destination for anyone seeking a fulfilling career.
Contact Us
Denise Cline
Deputy Director/Chief Planner Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (517) 925-8533 dmcline@nemcog.orgFeatured Programs
- Free Tuition
- Job Postings
- Training & Coaching
- Internships
- Scholarships
Michigan Reconnect
Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity and Michigan Reconnect work together to provide eligible individuals with free tuition to community colleges across the state.
Pure Michigan Talent Connect
Pure Michigan Talent Connect is your launch pad for new jobs and careers. It is an online marketplace connecting Michigan’s jobseekers and employers across all industries and occupations.
Michigan Works!
The Michigan Works! Agencies provide jobseekers with the support, training and services they need to get back to work, find new employment, obtain needed credentials and develop professionally. The Northeast region is serviced by both the Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium and Michigan Works! Region 7B.
STEM Forward
The Michigan STEM Forward program matches students attending Michigan colleges and universities and Michigan residents attending out-of-state institutions, with paid internship opportunities at the state’s leading innovative companies.
The Michigander Scholarship Program
To further grow the talent pipeline in Michigan, MEDC and the Talent Action Team recently announced The Michigander Scholarship program. The first instance of this program is targeted to university students interested in a career as an electrical engineer or software developer in the field of EV and mobility. Further iterations of the program will be announced later this year and incorporate other in-demand industries.
What’s Up in Michigan?
Stay up to date with the latest news from Michigan.
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MEDC wins 11 Telly Awards for ‘You Can in Michigan’ TV spot
The TV spot from the “You Can in Michigan” national marketing campaign won four Gold Awards and seven Silver Awards, highlighting the innovation and success of the state’s work to attract and retain talent. A national campaign from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is earning some serious hardware – and generating buzz for […]
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Gov. Whitmer Announces New Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation
Col. John Gutierrez, USMC (Ret.) announced as executive director with decades of military expertise LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in announcing the new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI), which will help grow the state’s defense and aerospace industry. ODAI will build on the storied legacy […]
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