Muskegon, Michigan

What It Is Like to Retire in Muskegon

Muskegon, Michigan, one of the deepest ports in the Great Lakes, is the largest populated city on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, with about 38,000 residents (170,000 in the county). It is the commercial center and the county seat of Muskegon County.

Located along the shores of Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake where boating is popular, it is also home to a civic theater, museums, a State Park, and the Muskegon Lakeshore Bike Trail.  Baker College and Muskegon Community College are located here and are an important part of the community. Michigan's Adventure, the largest amusement park in the state, is located a few miles north of the city.

Once inhabited by the Ottawa Indian tribes, the name Muskegon is derived from them and means “marshy river”. The city was once known as the “Lumber Queen of the World” and lumber baron Charles Hackley's legacy in Muskegon is seen throughout the town with museums, parks and historical sites.  

Where to Retire in Muskegon and Home Prices

Zillow reports the median home value in Muskegon was $118,602, in early 2021. Homes on the waterfront will of course be much higher, and priced over $1Million.

What Is Special about Muskegon

Muskegon is located on two lakes, Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake which allows for great fishing, sailing and boating. Pere Marquette Park is certified as a national-clean beach. The town was named as one of Yachting Magazine's "best yachting towns". It is home to several schools of higher education, museums, a performing arts center, and a lot of outdoor recreation opportunities.  During the winter months, residents can enjoy the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex which boasts luge, cross country skiing, sledding and ice skating.

What Is Not Special about Muskegon

High crime, cold and snowy winters

Who Will Like Retirement in Muskegon

Retirees who want a mid-size city on the water with fishing, boating, hiking and biking would enjoy living here.  There is a hospital, transportation, volunteer opportunities, and winter sports including cross country skiing and snowshoeing.  Muskegon Community College, named the best community college in Michigan (2017), offers a golf course and fitness center with senior rates, it also provides continuing education classes.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Manufacturing drives the economy, although Mercy Health is the largest employer. Other large employers are Alcoa Howmet (Aerospace) and ADAC Automotive.

Climate and Physical Environment

January's average temperature is 28 degrees and July's average is 68 degrees. Muskegon gets a lot of snow with the annual average a little over 90 inches.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Muskegon has many restaurants including some on the water, and several offering fresh water fish, vegan and vegetarian items. The city offers many parks, fishing, bike trails, and boating, but it is also home to museums including a submarine museum and an art museum, historical sites, and the Frauenthal Center and the L.C. Walker Arena or arts and entertainment. The Muskegon Museum of of Art is here. There are also many festivals held throughout the year, including Rockstart, a popular music festival, and Pack the Pier is an annual boat rally held on the 4th of July.

Crime

The crime rate here is high.

Medical facilities

Mercy Health services the area and will be opening a brand new hospital in Muskegon in 2019.

Transportation

Muskegon operates a trolley system within the city;  There is a County Airport here and nearest international airport is the Gerald R. Ford International Airport about 50 miles away in Grand Rapids; Muskegon is the eastern port of the Lake Express High Speed Car Ferry that crosses Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There are 14 miles of lakefront trails for bikers and hikers, and 60 miles in total.  Parts of the community are walkable, but as a whole, Muskegon is not considered a walkable town.

Valuable Links

Visit Muskegon Frauenthal Center Muskegon Community College Muskegon Winter Sports Complex