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Canadian Lakes, Michigan
Amid Rolling Hills and Amish Farms, Beautiful Canadian Lakes is Known for its Abundant Outdoor Recreation and is a Favorite with Retirees
Pretty Canadian Lakes is a year-round resort community and property owners' association (and census designated place) located in central Michigan. It started out in the mid-1960s and is today particularly popular with baby boomers.
Set amid rolling hills, Amish farms and woodlands, Canadian Lakes is known for its abundant outdoor recreation and sprawls across 7,000 acres, 2,000 acres of which are open space dotted with lakes, ponds, pools, parks, two golf courses and six beaches. A castle, a private plane landing strip, a restaurant, a fitness center, clubhouses and nearly 60 social clubs are here, too. The clubs range from book groups and choruses to theater and yoga. Some of the resort's 11 lakes are all-sport and some are no-wake. A fishery supplies the lakes with bass and blue gill. The community sponsors a concert series as well as golf and fishing tournaments.
The Little Muskegon River runs through Canadian Lakes and is a popular place for canoeing and fishing. The nearby Manistee National Forest is the spot for biking, camping and hiking. Residences, many nestled in the woods or along the water, include A-frames, ranch ramblers and custom homes. Wildlife is abundant.
Population: 2,800 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 73%
Cost of Living: 12% below the national average
Median Home Price: $350,000
Climate: Summers temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. Winter temperatures are in the teens and 20s. On average, the area receives 55 inches of snow and 32 inches of rain each year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but the one in Stanwood, about five miles away, accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Big Rapids, about 12 miles away, has a hospital that is accredited.
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Public Library: Yes, a small lending library
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 35%
Is Michigan Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: None
Notes: Canadian Lakes still has many undeveloped home sites. The population has remained steady during the last decade, declining a bit in 2018 but bouncing back since then. Home prices have increased 1% since last year. Home ownership and a $730 yearly fee allow access to most amenities, although some have extra fees.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
Michigan
The Wolverine State's borders touch four of the Great Lakes and the state is divided into two parts - Upper and Lower. The Mackinac Bridge, one of the world's longest suspension bridges, connects these two halves. Up North, the Sault St. Marie canals connect Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
Native Americans lived in the area when the first Europeans arrived in 1618. Sault St. Marie was the first immigrant settlement in 1668. After the Indian and French Wars, Britain claimed the land from the French.
The region became part of the U.S. after the Revolutionary War, but constant conflict occured between the British, Americans and Native Americans until the end of the War of 1812.
The name Michigan comes from the Ojibwa Indian words Mishi-gama (meaning "large lake").
The world's first air-conditioned automobile was built by Detroit's Packard Motor Car Company in 1939.
No point in Michigan is farther than six miles from a body of water.
Michigan is the only U.S. state to have two peninsulas.
The state produces 70% of the tart cherries grown in the United States.
Michigan has about 150 lighthouses, more than any other state.
Although Michigan's nickname is the "Wolverine State," no wolverines live in the state.
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