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Why You Should Move to Michigan to Retire

An older woman leans over to inspect a row of white tuilips

What areas first come to mind when you think of retirement? The desert southwest? Texas? Florida? While those are all popular options, there’s a location a little closer to home that’s worth a look: Michigan. The name Michigan derives from a Gallicized variant of the original Ojibwe word mishigami, meaning “large water” or “large lake.” We think when you begin to explore everything Michigan has to offer, you’ll find opportunity as great as the lake itself.

Take a Closer Look Michigan

Michigan has a low cost of living, your Social Security isn’t taxed, and retirement account withdrawals are only partially taxed. Plus, we have low crime rates and acceptable health care rankings, being one of the most affordable places in the country for medical care.

Why Holland, MI?

Being close to the lake helps moderate the climate around here with January temps averaging 25°F and July temps averaging just over 70°F. That means you get to enjoy four distinct seasons with options to keep you entertained all year. Thanks to the largest municipal snowmelt system in North America, the sidewalks in our pedestrian-friendly downtown are snow-free in winter making it easy to shop, dine and stroll in all kinds of weather. The public transportation system — Macatawa Area Express (MAX) — makes it easy to get around town with or without a car.

Here’s just some of the countless events, attractions and resources for you to enjoy:

Arts & culture: One of our greatest claims to fame is the annual Tulip Time Festival held every year in May. This award-winning festival started in 1929 with its first crop of 100,000 tulips and has been called America’s best small town festival and the nation’s best flower festival. It’s a nine-day extravaganza that celebrates our Dutch heritage with klompen dancers, an artisan market, a quilt show, a parade, a carnival, and more. And there are more than 5 million tulips in bloom throughout the city. Other popular events include:

  • The Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) Fiesta, featuring Latino entertainment, a carnival, exhibits and authentic Latin American food
  • The Summer Concert Series at Kollen Park
  • Art in the Park, the annual fine arts and crafts fair held each year in August
  • Dutch WinterFest & Holiday Events
  • And so many more

Recreation: During summer, enjoy the soft, white sand on five public Lake Michigan beaches with beachcombing, swimming, boating and paddling. Holland State Park is known for its sugar-sand beaches, campgrounds, nonmotorized trails, a beautiful playground, weekly nature programs, and views of “Big Red” lighthouse. Boating on Lake Michigan is also popular, whether sailing, charter fishing, pleasure boating or ice boating.

Autumn is a perfect time for a hike to take in all the fall colors or a bike tour along the lakeshore or on the Riley Trails.

Winter brings cross-country skiing, ice skating, sledding, or even a swim at the indoor Holland Community Aquatic Center, with fun water features that both adults and children will enjoy.

History: Learn about the arrival of Dutch settlers and the founding of our town in 1847 at the Holland Museum. The museum also features:

  • An extensive collection of Dutch fine and decorative arts
  • More than 55 Dutch paintings from the 17th century to the modern day
  • More than 170 cultural objects
  • Collections of books, papers and photographs

The Cappon and Settlers Houses are just a few blocks down the street from the Holland Museum. The Cappon House was built in 1874 and is a restored Italianate Victorian that was once home to Holland’s first mayor, Isaac Cappon. The Settlers House gives visitors a historical perspective on the life of Holland’s working-class settlers in the early 1900s.

Shopping and dining: Our downtown area features more than 100 unique, locally-owned boutiques and shops, galleries, restaurants and brew pubs. There’s an eclectic mix of eateries serving everything from Bavarian to Irish to American diner fare, with plenty of sweet treat shops. You’ll also find antique malls and retail shopping centers in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Take a Closer Look at Friendship Village Holland

Just like Michigan, Friendship Village Holland may surprise you in some unexpected ways. Our engaging lifestyle and friendly residents offer plenty to do. Plus, our Life Care option gives you peace of mind and financial security for the future. To learn more, use our Community Assistant chat function or contact us here to schedule your personal tour today.