Why Raise a Family in Michigan?

What makes Michigan the best state to raise your family?

To start, you’ll find a high quality of life and low cost of living. Your dream home is within reach here – with Michigan housing prices 14% below the national average. Cities like Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor are consistently named some of the best places in the country for families, but you’ll also find quaint small towns and ample available acreage if you’re looking for something more remote. What’s more, Michigan’s natural environment is a dream for kids: freshwater lakes with sandy beaches to build the perfect sandcastle, sprawling state forests to investigate the flora and fauna, and perfect slopes to sled, ski and start a snowball fight in the winter.

Beyond the big-picture benefits of life in the Great Lake State, Michigan offers specific programs that make it a great place to raise your family:

MI Tri-Share

Through MI Tri-Share, the cost of an employee’s licensed child care is shared equally among the employer, the employee, and the State of Michigan – a three-way split. See participating employers

PreK for All

Michigan’s PreK for All initiative includes multiple free high-quality PreK programs available to families including the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and Head Start. Head Start enrollment priority is given to families at or below the federal poverty level or $32,150 for a family of four, or who are receiving public assistance like TANF, SSI, or SNAP. GSRP enrollment priority is given to those at or below 400% of the federal poverty limit, or about $128,000 for a family of four. Find free GSRP and Head Start Programs near you and read more about the application process.

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is designed to help recent high school graduates in Michigan receive funds for continuing education. Eligible students could receive financial aid to attend a college or university with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, or for a career training program with the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship. Learn More

Homestead Property Tax Credit

The Homestead Property Tax Credit is a tax credit for qualified Michigan homeowners and renters, which helps to pay some of the property taxes homeowners or renters have been billed. You can claim a property tax credit if all of the following apply. Learn More