A new U.S. News & World Report study has named Midland as the best place for people to retire in the United States, after analyzing 859 cities across the country.
The rankings were sorted through different quality of life factors, such as retiree taxes, access to healthcare and affordability. Researchers say the average cost of a home in Midland is about $164,000 less than the national average.
According to Midland Mayor Maureen Donker, the city has been working on being a welcoming community for many years, and this recognition is them speaks to their accomplishments.
"We realize that we're not Aspen Colorado, Traverse City, or Holland," Donker told WCMU. "We have to create all of our own beauty. We've worked very hard on doing things like putting flowers on Eastman Avenue. And when people come into town, they see that. And I think those flowers say to people, you know, we care. We want this to be a beautiful place, and we want you to feel good when you're here."
Donker also mentioned the community engagement opportunities the city offers, such as volunteering, summer events and even the Midland Center for the Arts, which is currently going through renovations to rebuild it's museum, The Hall of Ideas.
In another U.S. News & World Report, Midland ranked eighth for overall quality of life in the country due to it's low crime rates, accessibility, and culture.
"In Midland, we can all work together to create the kind of community in which we want to live," said Donker. "And that's one of the things I love about it."
