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A Republican haven in Michigan has just been named as the best place to retire in 2026. Midland, Michigan has been named the top place to retire in the United States by US News & World Report in its 2026 Best Places to Retire rankings. The city, located about 137 miles north of Detroit, rose to the top of an expanded list that now includes over 850 cities. Midland earned its rank due to its strong performance in three key areas: it ranked 11th in affordability, 18th in tax friendliness, and 8th in overall quality of life. A major draw for retirees is Midland's highly attractive cost of living. Its median home value is $206,142, significantly lower than the national average of $370,489. Renters also benefit from a low median rent of just $790. While the job market in Midland is slightly weaker than the national average (unemployment rate of 5.53 per cent versus the national rate of 4.5 per cent), the median household income is $76,166, just below the national median of $79,466. Its affordability and lifestyle offerings help balance the economic equation for many residents. Midland's appeal is not limited to retirees; the city also earned the No. 32 spot on the 2025-2026 Best Places to Live rankings. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with snowy winters and warm summers that support a range of outdoor activities from skiing to swimming. They have access to natural beauty and cultural amenities like the Chippewa Nature Center for hiking and Dow Gardens, as well as unique landmarks like The Tridge, a three-way wooden pedestrian bridge. The city is home to roughly 42,740 residents. About 20 per cent of the population is over the age of 65, making it a strong draw for retirees. At the same time, the city maintains a youthful energy, with 23 per cent of residents under age 20. Adults between 25 and 34 make up 14 per cent of the population, while those aged 35 to 44 account for 13 per cent. Another 23 per cent fall between the ages of 45 and 65. For those interested in social life and relationships, Midland has a slightly higher proportion of single residents than the national average. Just over half the population, 50.7 per cent, is single. While Midland is being celebrated for its safety and livability, Detroit, just two hours south continues to grapple with its reputation for crime, despite recent improvements. In 2025, Detroit recorded 203 homicides, although this marked the lowest number since 1965, according to Fox 2 Detroit. Violent crime overall saw a double-digit drop, with nonfatal shootings and carjackings falling between 15 per cent and 30 per cent compared to 2024. The city’s violent crime rate was 1,085 per 100,000 residents, down 8 per cent from the previous year, according to ShowCrime.com. Despite these gains, Detroit still faces challenges. The estimated violent crime count for 2025 is around 3,900 incidents, and property crimes remain high, with roughly 10,000 reported cases, according to StreetAwareness.com.
