The grandeur of the Great Lakes is a colossal selling point, enticing people to make their home in the Wolverine State. The chain of freshwater lakes is so vast it’s often called inland seas. No matter where you reside, you won’t be far from the water. Mother Nature presents a dazzling exhibit every autumn, as millions of acres of forests are ablaze with colors.
If you’re prioritizing health in your new home, you’ll want to choose a city where it’s a priority, too. Check out the top 10 healthiest cities in Michigan.
1. Farmington Hills
Population: 83,986
Smoking rate: 11.4%
Physical inactivity rate: 21.8%
Obesity: 25.2%
Farmington Hills is an upscale suburb of Metropolitan Detroit; it’s close enough for an easy commute without the traffic congestion. Walking trails are abundant – including one that winds through the 74-acre Woodland Hills Nature Park. Quiet observers may spot birds nesting or wildlife scampering around their habitat, searching for their next meal. A popular family destination is Heritage Park, where you can explore Farmington Hills Nature Center. Kids can sprint through the splash pad and make new friends in the playground. They will have so much fun they won’t notice they are doing something healthy!
2. Troy
Population: 87,294
Smoking rate: 12.3%
Physical Inactivity Rate: 19.2%
Obesity: 23.3%
Situated 24 miles northwest of Detroit, Troy is a town buzzing with cultural adventures and recreational activities. Residents make the most of the green spaces that dot the city and utilize these areas to host free summer jazz concerts. One fall event that attracts more than 25,000 people annually is the Troy Family Daze Festival. The community enjoys gathering outdoors to stroll through the carnival and watch the fireworks.
3. Bloomfield
Population: 44,253
Smoking rate: 10.3%
Physical inactivity rate:15.3%
Obesity: 25.6%
Bloomfield Charter Township, a suburb of Detroit, offers residents a suburban feel. Many who seek refuge from the hustle of big city life have discovered that Bloomfield is an ideal place to live. Residents are close to the West Bloomfield Trail, which is open year-round. Dog lovers take notice: If Fido is on a leash, you can take your pet along for a walk.
4. Rochester Hills
Population: 76,300
Smoking rate: 12.1%
Physical inactivity rate: 20.4%
Obesity: 24.4%
Residents in Rochester Hills have a gift for discovering innovative ways to enjoy the outdoors. If you want proof, check out Innovation Hills Park. Every spring, guests can treat their senses to delightful fragrances bursting from colorful, blooming plants. The 110-acre park has dedicated three acres to a multilevel playground where children can climb and slide to their hearts’ content. Rochester Hills also provides plenty of social opportunities for seniors. At the OPC Senior Center, individuals can attend lectures, build a network of friends, and participate in fun activities.
5. Birmingham
Population: 21,813
Smoking rate: 8.9%
Physical inactivity rate:14.8%
Obesity: 27.2%
Birmingham, which hugs the Woodward Corridor in northern Detroit, offers 11 neighborhood parks that abound with recreational activities. If you are in the mood to play a game of tennis, basketball, or baseball, you won’t need to look far for a facility. For winter fun, check out Lincoln Hills Golf Course Sled Hill, where you can enjoy sledding and cross-country skiing. Your pooch will find ample room to run and play at Lincoln Hills Dog Park. Hikers and walkers can traverse the scenic 3.6-mile trail at Linden Park that wraps around a serene lake.
6. Novi
Population: 66,243
Smoking rate: 11.2%
Physical inactivity rate: 18%
Obesity: 26.8%
Unless you are familiar with the Detroit area, you may never have heard of Novi. The origin of its name remains a mystery, but one thing everyone agrees on is that the city was previously called West Farmington. Residents have discovered ingenious ways to bring outdoor activities indoors. Take iFLY – here, people of all ages can safely skydive inside. Certified instructors will guide you into a wind tunnel that will give you a floating sensation.
7. West Bloomfield
Population: 65,888
Smoking rate: 11.3%
Physical inactivity rate: 18.1%
Obesity: 28.1%
Residents of West Bloomfield don’t let the cold or snow stop them from exercising and socializing with community members at any time of the year. The city’s 12 parks stretch across 500 acres, offering activities for people of all ages – from preschoolers to seniors. Parks provide youth recreation programs while adults can put on their dancing shoes and waltz across the Motown Ballroom. If learning yoga or Tai Chi is on your bucket list, you are in luck. Regardless of your age, you will find something fun to do in West Bloomfield.
8. Northville
Population: 6,119
Smoking rate: 11.6%
Physical inactivity rate: 16.4%
Obesity: 29.6%
The smallest city on our list is Northville. Don’t let the population size fool you into thinking this is a sleepy town; people love to turn up the nightlife in the downtown social district. Residents congregate on the Town Square each weekend and grab a bite to eat at a food stand. Perennial favorites are the summer concert series, the Arts and Acts Festival, and the Fourth of July parade. When you crave solitude, set aside time to trek the 2.8-mile loop and recharge as you connect with nature.
9. Canton
Population: 98,659
Smoking rate: 13.9%
Physical inactivity rate: 17%
Obesity: 27%
The residents of Canton are intent on ensuring their community maintains a feeling of intimacy; it’s a city where everyone seems to know their neighbors. Part of its small-time charm is hosting Michigan’s Shakespeare Festival at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill. Besides enjoying cultural events, residents enjoy getting active. The Canton Sports Center is an expansive facility that offers residents of all ages a chance to improve their skills – or at least have fun mingling. Finally, you and your family will enjoy spending many days at Griffin Park. In addition to several athletic fields, the park contains a pond and scenic trails that weave through a wooded area.
10. Ann Arbor
Population: 123,851
Smoking rate: 13.2%
Physical inactivity rate: 19.3%
Obesity: 23.8%
Ann Arbor is a college town whose youthful vibe keeps people of all ages feeling young at heart. The thriving city owes much of its energy to the University of Michigan. If you want to begin or maintain a healthy lifestyle, you will be delighted to know that Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open most Saturdays.
One popular outdoor destination, the Argo Park Livery, allows visitors to mix physical activity with adventurous water sports. If you are a thrill seeker, you can Tandem Kayak in a river current. Conversely, if you have no desire to cross troubled waters, you may want to paddle across a ripple-free pond.
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