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When people think of Michigan, they often think of high unemployment rates and once-upon-a-time auto manufacturers. Something else to think about, though, and in a pleasant way, is Marquette (population 21,000), an active seaport along the shores of ocean-like Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.), a rural, remote region that is a Paradise for winter (and summer) outdoor recreation enthusiasts. This pleasing city is farther north than Montreal, Canada and is home to Northern Michigan University (10,000 students) and to a regional medical center, which help stabilize its economy.
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It is also the third snowiest city in the contiguous United States, receiving an average of twelve feet of the white stuff each winter. Despite the weather, residents seem to love Marquette, praising its soothing quality of life, strong community spirit, Midwestern friendliness and lush natural beauty. The median home price is $105,000, and the cost of living is 15% below the national average. Of the population, 20% is age 45 to 64, and 14% is age 65 or better.
The city boasts a pretty waterfront with parks and all sorts of moored boats, and it has two huge docks where ships carrying iron ore frequently offload their cargo. The downtown has the traditional look of the industrial Midwest, characterized by interesting red brick buildings, brownstones and Beaux Arts architecture from the mid-19th century and early-20th century, but the structures are in good shape, and new shops and cafes, particularly along Washington and Front streets, have brought extra life to the business district.
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| Since this is a college town, coffeehouses (especially the old fashioned, inviting kind) and bookstores are plentiful. A yarn store, an art gallery co-op, a paint-your-own-pottery store and other local shops give Marquette an appealing coziness. NMU students tend to be everywhere, and many businesses cater to them, but the University does not have a party school reputation. Since Marquette, an old industrial city, is the kind of place that can sometimes feel as though it is at the ends of the earth, the youthful vibe that the students bring is appreciated by many residents.
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Of the dozen or so public parks, forested Presque Isle Park may be the best one. Designed by the same landscape architect that sculpted New York City's Central Park, it is nestled along the rocky coast and juts out into Lake Superior. Residents also enjoy two public beaches, one with a lighthouse, and boating and water activities are a way of life. Miles of bicycling and cross country skiing paths, and Marquette Golf Club meanders through a rolling valley with jagged outcroppings. MarqTran provides limited bus service throughout town (but Marquette is walkable), and shopping venues and dining options are adequate (but not world class). Even high speed internet has managed to make its way here. Crime rates meet the national average.
Residents attend live theatrical productions presented by NMU's Forest Roberts Theatre, the Black Box Theatre and the Lake Superior Theatre, a semi-professional summer stock group. The Peter While Library is newly expanded, houses the Marquette Cultural Arts Center and is a warm, welcoming oasis during the U.P.'s long winters. University sports and lectures, plus lots of city festivals, including the Hiawatha Music Festival, Art on the Rocks, the Seafood Fest, the Marquette Area Blues Fest and the Marquette Scandinavian Midsummer Festival and Wife Carrying Contest (don't ask), keep residents entertained. Just outside of town, miles of untamed territory beckon, presenting a playground for camping, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, hiking, birding, bicycling and even quiet contemplation.
Marquette General Hospital (289 beds) is a regional medical center and is the only Level II trauma center in the U.P. It has been named a Top 100 Cardiovascular Hospital for three consecutive years and meets or exceeds national averages in most areas. As a teaching hospital, it trains medical students from Michigan State University and other universities. The Marquette Senior Center offers a wide variety of health, education, nutrition, fitness and recreation programs, as well as the services of state-licensed social workers, for the more mature set.
Anyone considering becoming a Yooper (a resident of the U.P.) must enjoy snow and cold because it can snow for days at a time, and winters are gray with temperatures in the teens and 20s. The area experiences little icy rain, though. Summers are cool and short, with temperatures topping out in the 70s. Autumns are exceptional.
A branch of Michigan State Prison is located here, but it is "protected with a concrete wall, razor-ribbon wire, electronic detection systems and eight gun towers." The poverty rate is above the national rate, and the median household income is below the national median. Jobs are few (the primary employers are NMU and the hospital), but Marquette has been growing, 2% in the last decade.
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Although it is remote and cold and snowy much of the year, Marquette has a gentle spirit, excellent medical facilities, an up to date library, outstanding outdoor recreation, pretty scenery, University activities and affordable housing, making this college town a place to look at for retirement.
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