There's just something special about living in the midwest. Maybe it's all of the fresh air or the friendly people, but every time I leave, I immediately long to come back to friendly faces and a slower pace.

If you love living in this part of the country, you've probably bragged to your out of town friends about how much you love your city. But, one city in Michigan has earned the ultimate title of one of the best cities in the midwest to live in according to Stacker.

Stacker referenced Niche’s 2021 Best Places to Live study, narrowed the results to the Midwest and narrowed them further to places under 5,000 residents. They then calculated the best places to live according to things like cost, safety, weather quality, access to healthy living, and several other factors.

Here are some of the best cities on the list, including the Michigan highlight:

Ottawa Hills, Ohio


- Population: 4,450
- Median household income: $155,893
- Owners: 86%
- Renters: 14%

According to Wikipedia, The village of Ottawa Hills was developed on both sides of the Ottawa River, and serves as a suburb of Toledo. The Ottawa Hills school district ranked first in the state in student performance for the 2007–2008 school year.

Frontenac, Missouri

Wikipedia / LittleT889
Wikipedia / LittleT889
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- Population: 3,513
- Median household income: $217,768
- Owners: 96%
- Renters: 4%

According to wikipedia, This suburb west of St. Louis is a shopper's dream. They have a high end luxury mall with stores including Sak's Fifth Ave, Tiffany & Co., and Neiman Marcus.

Bannockburn, Illinois

Zillow
Zillow
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- Population: 1,244
- Median household income: $117,917
- Owners: 74%
- Renters: 26%

According to Wikipedia, Bannockburn is considered part of the Chicago area's North Shore region. Bannockburn was founded by Scottish real estate developer William Aitken, who planned a community of "country estates" on 110 acres. Also, the Friedman house by Frank Lloyd Wright is located there.

Mariemont, Ohio

City of Mariemont
City of Mariemont
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- Population: 3,513
- Median household income: $97,143
- Owners: 60%
- Renters: 40%

According to their city website, The Village of Mariemont is one of but a few planned communities in the United States, with a rich and unique history that is the the hallmark of the village. The first things visitors notice when arriving in Mariemont are its tree-lined streets, Tudor-style buildings, and historic charm.

And cracking the top 10, #9 is right here in Michigan...

Pleasant Ridge, Michigan

City of Pleasant Ridge
City of Pleasant Ridge
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City of Pleasant Ridge
City of Pleasant Ridge
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- Population: 2,431
- Median household income: $122,813
- Owners: 95%
- Renters: 5%

This Michigan town is not only beautiful, but it also can brag about it's incredible inclusivity. According to Stacker, Pleasant Ridge, Michigan, is particularly LGBTQ+-friendly. The town has ranked among the top 10 in the nation with its ratio of single-sex households compared to the general population. Residents will attest that it is an attractive locale for everyone.

What do you think of the cities that made the list? What cities in West Michigan would you add? Let me know in the comments, and check out the full list here.

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