What Makes Michigan Unique?

Michigan, located in the Great Lakes region, traditionally belongs to the heartland of the northeastern part of the United States. The state is known for its strong manufacturing and agriculture and is one of the most significant automobile producers in the United State and the world.  As one of the main manufacturing locations for American vehicles, automobile production in Michigan accounts for around 22% of the total United States manufacturing. Additionally, around half of the world’s 150 largest auto parts suppliers are in Michigan. There are 175 R&D institutions in Michigan, and more than 65,000 professionals are engaged in automobile research, prototype design, and product development. Michigan is also striving to develop high-tech and information industries, including life sciences, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. In addition, Michigan has the largest office furniture industry and the second largest plastic industry in the United States.

Automotive Culture

With great minds like Henry Ford, David Buick, and Walter Chrysler originating from Michigan, many people know that Detroit’s automotive legacy reshaped an entire car industry, changing everyday life for the better. Today, Michigan hosts over 200 car companies, with some of the biggest vehicle manufacturers in the United States. These companies include Chrysler, Dodge, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Kaiser Motors, Cadillac, Jeep, and more! Together, all of these companies make up around 23% of ALL vehicle production in the United States. Additionally, Michigan hosts over 57,000 industrial and mechanical engineers, which is more than any other state. Michigan’s automotive industry is one of the most significant parts of the state, cementing its place in the vehicle world forever. 

Diverse Urban Life

With over four of five Michigan residents living in an urban or suburban county, city life is extremely prominent in Michigan. However, urban life can vary drastically from a quaint little town to a bustling flurry of activity in a city. Life in Michigan is extremely diverse, with notable small cities like Novi all the way to busy, energetic college cities like Ann Arbor or East Lansing. However, aside from the cities, Michigan’s population is also extremely diverse, with a blend of all races. The distribution of ethnic groups leans heavily towards white, African-American, Hispanic, and Asian, but will vary depending on the area. Michigan diversity allows for a beautiful mix of culture in the cities, with Mexican restaurants, authentic Asian marts, Bubble Tea shops, soul food, and other exotic places. In Michigan, one can find an exciting lifestyle from all the new places to visit and different people to meet!

One of a Kind State Shape

For one, Michigan is the only state in America to consist of two peninsulas. The cultures of the peninsulas vary drastically, making the area almost seem like two separate states!

Another notable feature about Michigan is the surrounding Great Lakes, including Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. Because of the high amount of shipping on the lakes, Michigan has 150 lighthouses, which is more than any other state. 

However, most notably, the lower peninsula is shaped like a mitten! If you turn your right hand over so that your palm is facing you, you’ll surely see the resemblance. When meeting new people all across Michigan, it’s not uncommon to use your hand to show where you’re from!

 

Affortabe Cost of Living

Along with a variety of other amenities, Michigan continues to offer a low cost of living compared to other U.S. states. In fact, CNBC named Michigan among the top three states for lowest cost of living in 2017 and Forbes recently rated Detroit as the No. 1 city in America where your paycheck goes further. To compare Detroit’s cost of living — including housing and transportation costs.

Other Facts:

  • Michigan is No. 1 in automotive and mobility R&D, with 73% of total U.S. spend taking place in the state.
  • Michigan has the highest concentration of commercial and industrial designers in the U.S. at five times the national average.
  • Three of the top 100 U.S. research universities make up Michigan’s University Research Corridor, receiving more than $2.4 billion in R&D.
  • Michigan ranks 6th in the nation for patent awards (residents were awarded 6,460 utility patents in 2018).
  • Michigan has the most extensive network of autonomous vehicle and mobility testing infrastructure in the U.S.
  • Michigan ranks in the top 10 nationally for degrees awarded in computer science, engineering, and mathematics.