3 Michigan Towns Named ‘Hallmark Christmas Movie-Worthy’
I admit that I’m always a sucker for a good Hallmark, or Hallmark-like, Christmas movie. My friends all make fun of me for how many of these movies I watch…
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I admit that I'm always a sucker for a good Hallmark, or Hallmark-like, Christmas movie. My friends all make fun of me for how many of these movies I watch around the holidays, and even though the plots are usually very similar, I always want to watch until the very end.
Part of the reason I like Hallmark Christmas movies so much is the scenery. Every movie has its own special landscape, whether that's a Christmas farm with lots of decorations or a huge tree in the heart of a major city. Now, two Michigan towns have been named "Hallmark Christmas Movie-Worthy."
CountryLiving.com has named the 55 "best Christmas towns to put on your holiday bucket list." In the article, they state, "While the old adage 'there's no place like home for the holidays' sure can be true, these amazing Christmas towns across the country are real contenders for top-notch holiday spirit. With some of the best Christmas light displays, holiday decorating, holiday craft fairs, and other festive family activities on their calendars, these towns should definitely make this year's Christmas bucket list. Even if you're staying closer to home this holiday, these towns are worth a weekend trip for the fun-filled holiday experience."
They add, "We know, we know: It sounds like something out of one of your favorite winter movies. But these towns are for real—and all you have to do to witness their Hallmark Christmas movie–worthy magic is book your trip."
So, which Michigan towns made the cut? Ann Arbor came in at No. 14. "There's so much to love about a Christmas in Ann Arbor, from the dozens of holiday events offered (think: free outdoor markets, German food fairs, lantern parades, s'mores roasting, and live music, just to name a few). The annual "Sing Along with Santa" event, presented by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, is a can't-miss spectacle. It's just what is sounds like: A carol sing-along featuring Santa himself, plus plenty of cookies and cider," the outlet states. Also on the list is Frankenmuth at No. 38. Find the full tally here.
Housing costs are coming down a bit, largely because interest rates have been on the rise all year, but it's still a pretty expensive time to purchase a home. If you're looking to purchase a house, as it turns out, two Michigan cities have been ranked among the hottest housing markets in the U.S. The reason they're so hot, according to the report, is because they are more affordable than many other areas of the country.
Realitor.com has put together a list of the 20 hottest housing markets in America, based on the latest housing report. The study notes that the latest tally of the hottest housing markets are largely also very affordable markets, which is why they are so popular. "Pricey western markets have been replaced with more affordable markets in the Northeast and Midwest, which account for 17 of the 20 hot markets," the report states. "Overall, 16 of August’s hottest markets had median listing prices below the national median. The average listing price for the 20 hottest markets was $332,000 in August, 23.6% lower than the national median, the biggest gap between the metrics since August 2021. Overall, 13 states were represented on our list of top 20 hottest housing markets in August as buyers spread out to find affordable metro areas."
They also add that cost wise, prices are finally falling a little bit. Chances are, they'll fall more in the coming months. "The median national home price for active listings has finally showed signs of slowing, falling to $435,000 in August, up 14.3% year-on-year," the study states.
The states featured in Realtor.com's top 20 list this month are Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Wisconsin. So, which Michigan cities made the cut? Read on for the full list of the 12 top hottest housing markets in the U.S., and find the full study with additional information here.
Top 12 Hottest Housing Markets in the U.S.
This list is via Realtor.com. The data is from August and September 2022.
12. Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
Median Listing Price If Active Within Period: $289,900
Median Days On Market: 35
Viewers per Property vs US: 2.7
11. Reading, Pa.
Median Listing Price If Active Within Period: $264,950
Median Days On Market: 32
Viewers per Property vs US: 1.8
10. Springfield, Mass.
Median Listing Price If Active Within Period: $344,900
Median Days On Market: 33
Viewers per Property vs US: 1.9
9. Fort Wayne, Ind.
Median Listing Price If Active Within Period: $295,000
Median Days On Market: 29
Viewers per Property vs US: 1.8
8. Worcester, Mass.-Conn.
Median Listing Price If Active Within Period: $449,900
Median Days On Market: 30
Viewers per Property vs US: 1.8
7. Monroe, Mich.
Median Listing Price If Active Within Period: $245,950
Median Days On Market: 32
Viewers per Property vs US: 2.1
6. Portland-South Portland, Maine
Median Listing Price If Active Within Period: $550,000
Median Days On Market: 34
Viewers per Property vs US: 2.7
5. Burlington, N.C.
Median Listing Price If Active Within Period: $375,000
Median Days On Market: 27
Viewers per Property vs US: 1.8
4. Springfield, Ohio
Median Listing Price If Active Within Period: $167,400
Median Days On Market: 30
Viewers per Property vs US: 2.2
3. Rochester, N.Y.
Median Listing Price If Active Within Period: $225,450
Median Days On Market: 23
Viewers per Property vs US: 2.1
2. La Crosse-Onalaska, Wis.-Minn.
Median Listing Price If Active Within Period: $349,650
Median Days On Market: 27
Viewers per Property vs US: 2.2
1. Manchester-Nashua, N.H.
Median Listing Price If Active Within Period: $483,450
Median Days On Market: 27
Viewers per Property vs US: 3.2
