Make Your Home in Northwest Michigan
Total Incentive
$6,625
Description
Make Your Home in Northwest Michigan 🌲
Build Your Life. Find Your People. Thrive Up North.
Northwest Michigan isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. Make Your Home in Northwest Michigan, an initiative from Traverse Connect, helps professionals relocating to or already working in the region put down meaningful roots and feel at home from day one.
From stunning natural beauty and four-season recreation to a tight-knit community and rich cultural scene, discover what makes this region more than just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. Whether you’re seeking career growth, creative energy, or a fresh start with purpose, see how Make Your Home in Northwest Michigan is helping newcomers build fulfilling lives in a region that truly welcomes you home.
With world-class outdoor recreation just steps from your front door—whether it’s hiking, biking, skiing, or exploring miles of shoreline—you’ll find adventure in all four seasons. But it’s not just about the natural beauty. This is also a region rich in arts, culture, and community, with vibrant local galleries, micro music festivals, community theater, and creative spaces that inspire. Add to that a strong tradition of local agriculture and a thriving farm-to-table movement, and you’ll discover a unique lifestyle on Michigan's sunset coast. Lakefront. Lively. Local.
Keenan and Kristen made the move from San Francisco and found not just a house - but a beautiful new community- in Northwest Michigan.
Uprooting your life can feel daunting, but knowing others have taken the leap and found their perfect landing spot can make all the difference. Their story is one of many that prove: when you choose Northwest Michigan, you’re not just moving - you’re coming home.
Perks That Make You Feel Right at Home
Relocating with Make Your Home in Northwest Michigan means more than just a change of scenery—it means stepping into a community that’s ready to support you from day one. We’ve put together a package of perks designed to help you land softly, plug in quickly, and start thriving right away. Here’s a glimpse of what’s waiting for you:
🌊 $5,000 in cash for housing support—use it toward your new lease or mortgage and get settled faster
🌊 One-on-one relocation support from our friendly Northern Navigators—your personal connection to all things local
Meet your Navigators →
🌊 6-month coworking membership at 20Fathoms (a $1,200 value!)—perfect for remote workers and those that prefer a change of scenery during the work day
🌊 Access to arts & culture experiences—including a yearlong membership to Crooked Tree Arts Center or Dennos Museum, and free tickets to local theater and concerts
🌊 And many more benefits to help you feel right at home!
These aren’t just incentives—they’re invitations to truly belong. Welcome to Northwest Michigan, where your new chapter begins with open arms and meaningful perks.
If you're searching for a rewarding career in Northwest Michigan, Michigan's Creative Coast Job Board is a great place to start.
Powered by Michigan’s Creative Coast, this curated board features fairly compensated professional opportunities with key employers across Northwest Michigan.
Whether you’re growing your career, starting a family, or simply seeking a deeper connection to place—Northwest Michigan is ready to welcome you.
This program is sponsored by Michigan's Creative Coast with support from the Michigan Growth Office.
Special thanks to grant partners Traverse Connect, Alliance for Economic Success, Networks Northwest, Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce and Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Learn more about Northwest Michigan communities below.
Eligible Places
Northwest Michigan is recruiting job-seekers who:
Will commit to living in Northwest Michigan (Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties) for at least one year
Will secure employment in Northwest Michigan and work at least 30 hours a week
Gig workers and self-employed workers are not eligible
Will provide employment and residency documentation to confirm eligibility
Are 18 years old or older
Wait just a second while we retrieve your eligibility status for this program.
FAQ
How much does it cost?
We’re 100% supported by communities. Thanks to their investments, our service is free to folks like you who are thinking about making a move.
What is MakeMyMove?
MakeMyMove is the first-ever marketplace connecting movers with relocation programs, provided by communities across the country actively recruiting new residents. We help you find the right place and get there, and we help communities grow through talent attraction.
How can I increase my chances of being selected?
Engagement matters! These programs can fill up fast, so staying responsive throughout the process can help you secure your spot more quickly. Take the time to connect with your program manager—share what’s drawing you to the community and how you hope to get involved once you arrive. The more they understand your goals, the better they can advocate for you and shape a great experience in return.
Other Details
Program Categories
How It Works
This community is participating in the MakeMyMove on-platform application process. Apply in a few minutes. You’ll receive a response to your application, and will have access to a team to help along the way.
1. Apply
Fill out our fast application form to share your information and why you’re interested in making a move.
2. Get Pre-Approved
Qualifying applicants will receive an introduction to the local sponsors of the program who will answer your questions, and help you decide if the community is the right fit.
3. Confirm Eligibility
Once you’ve been selected, we’ll confirm your eligibility for the program and facilitate a formal offer from the community.
4. Accept and Make Your Move
Accept your offer to reserve your spot in the program, and let us know when you arrive to receive the incentive.