Traverse City Region
A True Walk in the Park
Many things make the Traverse City area special, but the abundance of surrounding natural beauty is what truly defines this region. Not to mention its affordability compared to other coastal destinations around the world. Nationally recognized for having the best hiking, a top 10 arts and culture scene, and safe neighborhoods, the Traverse City region provides a lifestyle that is unmatched. You will also find a diverse and impressive array of career opportunities here, including those in technology, manufacturing, creative industries and more, as well as support for startups, entrepreneurs and small businesses alike.
Add all that to the year-round, nature-steeped lifestyle and short commute times that the region offers, and you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else comparable. With the full array of water recreation to enjoy in summer months to skiing, snowmobiling, ice climbing and fat tire biking in the winter months, there is truly always something to do here. And with arguably the most picturesque fall foliage, you’ll soon discover why the area was named among the most beautiful places in America.
Education in the region is also top-notch, with Traverse City Area Public Schools’ nationally ranked high schools and award-winning music and performing arts programs. Northwest Michigan College also offers a wide range of degreed programs and professional certificates — including Computer Information Technology, maritime engineering and aviation. And let’s not forget about Cherry Capital (Traverse City) Airport, which links the region to 17 major markets; ensuring a connected located that’s easy to navigate.
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.
Michigan’s Creative Coast
Learn why creative professionals Sarah and Kyle chose to leave their lives in Los Angeles and move to Traverse City.
Northwest Michigan by the Numbers
Most Beautiful Place in America (Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore)
Good Morning America, 2011Most Popular Micropolitan Areas (Small Cities) for Startups
US CensusFactDive Deeper
Learn More About Northwest Michigan
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Just the Breath of Fresh Air You Needed
With miles of scenic Lake Michigan shoreline, inland lakes and nature preserves, the Traverse City region is ideal for attaining an active lifestyle in all four seasons. Relax at Ludington State Park, where water-based activities like swimming, fishing and boating are popular pastimes. Explore the Village at Grand Traverse Commons or Hickory Hills by snowshoe, ski or snowboard. Tap into your creative side at the numerous art studios, galleries and performance theaters that permeate the region, including the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Or schedule a tee-time in America’s summer golf capital.
The Multitool for a Good Life
The Traverse City Region offers excellence when it comes to its dining scene. With an agricultural history and a commitment to creating menus that showcase the region’s ingredients, the area has become a culinary destination. In fact, for two years in a row, Midwest Living has listed Traverse City among its Five Top Food Towns, and Bon Appetit has listed it as one of America’s Top Five Foodie Towns.
Additionally, the terroir comes to life at more than 30 wineries on the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula. Have fun wine tasting with friends throughout the region or enjoy local breweries like Jolly Pumpkin or Right Brain Brewery; or distilleries such as Iron Fish and Traverse City Whiskey Co.
You Can in Northwest Michigan
Looking for exciting career opportunities in innovative industries? The Northwest Michigan region is home to a thriving and future-focused tech scene, including companies such as Atlas Space Operations and Thompson Surgical Instruments and entrepreneurial communities like 20Fathoms and Startup + Tech Hub.
A Qualified Opportunity Zone designates the region with assets especially attractive for technology and entrepreneurship workers.
Contact Us
Abigail Baudry
Michigan’s Creative Coast Project Manager Traverse Connect abby.baudry@traverseconnect.comFeatured Programs
- Economic Development
- Free Tuition
- Training & Coaching
Traverse Connect
Traverse Connect is the lead economic development organization for the Grand Traverse region, which supports area businesses through a combination of business attraction and retention strategies, talent development efforts and strategic coordination among partner agencies.
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.
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.
What’s Up in Michigan?
Stay up to date with the latest news from Michigan.
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Spring in Traverse City
Spring is blossom time in the forests and orchards overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. Take a break from the ordinary and head to Traverse City to celebrate the new season with these amazing things to do in Traverse City in the Spring. Plan a cherry blossom tour, sip your way along the Traverse Wine Coast, enjoy a […]
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Charting New Waters: Northern Michigan’s Blue Tech Revolution
Michigan is leading the latest wave of freshwater research. With its abundance of natural resources and the brightest minds in tech, the Grand Traverse region is emerging as a leader in “blue tech” – a term encompassing a wide range of marine technology, including vessel autonomy, underwater drones, environmental sensors, and vessel electrification. With […]
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Rural Transportation Grant to Increase Connectivity in Northern Michigan
$14 Million Rural Surface Transportation Grant Will Revitalize West Bay Shore Drive in Leelanau County LANSING, Mich.—Today, Governor Whitmer announced that Michigan will receive a $14.4 million Rural Surface Transportation Grant from the United States Department of Transportation to revitalize West Bay Shore in Leelanau County to make it safer and more accessible to […]
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