by Global Urbanist

Created on: December 02, 2009   Last Updated: December 03, 2009

The vast majority of Michigan's population is in the south eastern corner of the state, and this is where the cities with opportunities for young professionals are located. The southwest portion of the the state is largely an exurb of Chicago-land, while the north is sparsely populated wilderness. The top five cities are ranked subjectively by the opportunities and quality of life each community offers.

1. Ann Arbor An entrepreneurial hotbed reinforced by the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a city with buzz and innovation. An ambitious student body from around the world keeps the city fresh with ideas and ahead of the trends. Photoshop, Borders, and Domino's Pizza got their start in the city. Today high-tech companies like Google establish branch offices in Ann Arbor to attract top talent. Leading in Health-care and Automotive research, Ann Arbor is synonymous with opportunity in Michigan. Its compact size keeps the commute green and its young population keeps the night life lively.

2. Royal Oak Boutique shops, trendy bars, independent restaurants, and a flourishing cafe culture; Royal Oak is the closest you'll get to Paris in Detroit's tri-county area. Twenty-somethings throughout the region descend on the city for entertainment and socializing. The city's proximity to freeways make most of the metro-area's destinations convenient.

3. Birmingham Need to be close to your billions invested or just want to rub shoulders with whose who of Michigan? Then Birmingham is the place for you. The choice location in Michigan for branches of the nations wealth management companies, the city offers all the high-end amenities a person of status would require. Elite schools, private clubs, and import car dealerships create an atmosphere of prosperity. If order and propriety are your preference then this manicured city is for you.

4. Dearborn The city that Ford built offers quiet pragmatic convenience. Dearborn's forested neighbourhoods are populated by All-American historic homes. Its close proximity to Metro Airport brings the rest of the world a few minutes closer for the frequent business traveller. The large Arabic population offers unique cultural experiences while almost every need can be fulfilled in the cities two downtowns. Dearborn is an ideal choice for the low-key who appreciate a variety just beyond what is offered at power centres.

5. Detroit Need to experience the adversity of the big bad city? Detroit is Michigan's centre for entertainment and media. Look past the crime, blight, and decay to see a world only Detroit can offer. Where else can you take residence in the legendary architecture of Mies van der Rohe at Lafayette Park for a few hundred dollars a month. Why buy a loft space in Chicago when you can purchase an entire industrial complex in Detroit/ Artists, entertainers, and anyone else involved in media needs to be at the centre of the action, and in Michigan the action is in Detroit.

Learn more about this author, Global Urbanist.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.