LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan ranks as one of the best places to retire in the United States according to a study out of U.S. News where they went out and asked 3,500 seniors who were either retired or are about to, what their needs are for a happy retirement.

Methodology included an affordability, happiness, health care quality, retiree taxes and desirability indexes.

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Michigan ended up with six cities in the top 100 and the study ranked the “Mitten” state as one of the best states to retire in the country.

57-year-old Livonia cycling enthusiast Dan Foster told Local 4 News in Detroit that the Motor City is actually a great place to live. He said, “I have somewhat limited resources, so I can’t live in an expensive area. Near nature like bike paths, hiking trails. I do like an urban area. Detroit is fun to ride a bike in, and it wouldn’t be too bad around here”

Ann Arbor was the city at the top of the list of good Michigan cities to retire in at #11 – followed by Grand Rapids (38), Lansing (53), Detroit (65), Kalamazoo (66) and Flint (79).

U.S. News’ Beverly Harzog says about Ann Arbor, “Ann Arbor is a fairly affordable place to live, plus excellent healthcare is nearby, and that was also very important for the majority this year.”

In addition to health care and affordability, retirees are also looking for low crime and a high quality of life. Harzog added, “Ann Arbor offers, you know, a good job market for retirees, so that’s one thing that attracts them. And in spite of it being cold too, you know there are a lot of outdoor activities, and retirees like to stay active.”

Lansing, according to the U.S. Census, is the fastest growing city in Michigan, and it’s likely that its proximity to Michigan State University and active outdoor life make it an attractive spot for those of all ages including retirees.

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Dan Foster added another asset to retiring in Michigan, saying that state doesn’t have the bad weather and hurricanes that they do down south.