Two cities in Michigan have been named among the best small cities in the United States to live in 2025, according to a new report by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings were based on factors such as quality of life, job market strength, crime rates, cost of living, and education quality. The list highlights cities that offer residents a balance of safety, opportunity, and a high standard of living in a smaller community setting.
Rochester Hills ranked fourth on the list, standing out for its strong quality of life indicators. The city earned high marks for college readiness and ranked second-safest among all small cities evaluated. It was also placed in the top 2% for environmental risk, meaning residents face a very low chance of extreme weather events.
Troy followed closely behind, taking the fifth spot in the national ranking. The city received recognition for its excellent public schools, including the well-regarded Troy High School. It was also ranked in the top 15% for safety and the top 20% for job market strength. U.S. News highlighted Troy’s balance between quality education and employment opportunities as a key reason for its high placement.
These rankings support Michigan’s growing reputation for offering livable, family-friendly communities that also provide access to urban amenities and natural beauty.
In a different part of the state, several rural counties were noted for their very small populations, offering a more secluded lifestyle. Keweenaw County, located at the northern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and including Isle Royale, is the least populated county in the state with just over 2,000 residents. Ontonagon, Luce, Schoolcraft, Baraga, and Alger counties also report populations under 10,000 and are known for natural landmarks like the Porcupine Mountains, Tahquamenon Falls, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Oscoda and Montmorency counties are among the smallest by population in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. These regions offer a quiet environment for those seeking distance from urban life.
While Michigan’s small towns offer peace and nature, its roadside attractions bring a touch of quirkiness to the state. From the world’s largest weathervane in Montague to a full-sized replica of Stonehenge made from foam in Nunica, the state is home to many unusual landmarks. In St. Louis, visitors can cross a miniature version of the Mackinac Bridge, and in Ann Arbor, giant carrots sit outside a food warehouse on a street aptly named Carrot Way.
Other oddities include a statue of Abraham Lincoln on a Muskegon lawn, a towering trout fountain in Kalkaska, and the famous Root Beer Barrel stand in Douglas. In Allen Park, the enormous Uniroyal Tire, once a Ferris wheel at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, now serves as a highway icon.
From award-winning small cities to eccentric roadside attractions, Michigan continues to offer a wide range of experiences that reflect both its natural beauty and its unique charm.
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