4 Michigan Towns Ranked the Best to Escape the ‘Rat Race’
Small towns are such a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. I love escaping to a peaceful area that embraces the quiet and peace. Who doesn’t, right? Well, four Michigan towns have been named among the best towns in America to escape the “rat race.” If you’re someone who wants a more peaceful life, read on and check out these spots.
Joyorganics.com is the site who conducted this study. In it, they rank the 150 most sought-after towns and cities in the US for people who want to get away from the so-called “rat race.” Nothing wrong with embracing a simple life. As they explain, “The desire to break free from the high-pressure demands of modern careers has been a common dream for many. As the pandemic brought in an era where remote work had become more accessible, many anticipated that a significant shift towards a more relaxed lifestyle would follow. However, the anticipated liberation did not fully materialize.” What’s more, to do the study, JoyOrganics.com surveyed 3,000 professionals.
The best city in America to escape the “rat race” is Kailua, Hawaii. Yes, please. What’s more, “Located on Oahu, Kailua offers beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s ideal for a relaxed life away from the city’s bustle,” the publication states. Right behind Kailua is a totally different spot: Pulaski in Tennessee. No. 3 is Ferndale, California; No. 4 is Paia, Hawaii; and No. 5 is Cold Spring, New York. All of those spots are great ones if you really want to get away from the “rat race,” according to the study.
So, what about our state? Traverse City is No. 96 on the list, making it the highest Michigan city included. Also on here are Petoskey at No. 116, Charlevoix at No. 120 and Saugatuck at No. 144. Find the full list of 150 towns to escape to here.
Michigan Laws Going Into Effect in 2024: Guns, Minimum Wage and More
Minimum wage
Beginning on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, the state of Michigan’s minimum wage will increase from $10.10 to $10.33. This change is thanks to Michigan’s Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act of 2018. That law resulted in an annual schedule of increases.
(Photo Illustration by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Prevailing Wage Act
This year, Gov. Whitmer signed a bill restoring a prevailing wage act. This bill means that Michigan-hired contractors are required to pay their employees at the union level.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Teens in Michigan can pre-register to vote
Now, 16-year-old high school students in Michigan are able to pre-register to vote. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says, “This new law helps us prepare the next generation of voters to inherit their democracy, bolstering our state’s commitment to engaging young people, educating them about the democratic process, and getting them ready to cast a ballot once they turn 18.”
Teens can pre-register to vote. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
No more "right-to-work"
Michigan’s right-to-work law is being repealed. The state’s “right-to-work” law was passed over a decade ago. Michigan’s “right-to-work” law had enabled workers in union settings to choose not to pay union dues and fees.
(Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
Expanded Elliot-Larsen Act
Earlier this year, Whitmer signed an expansion of the Elliot-Larsen Act. The act includes protection for those who are discriminated against due to sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. That’s includes those in the LGBTQ+ community.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
No more third-grade reading law
Michigan’s third-grade reading law has been repealed. The original 2016 law made schools identify students who were struggling in reading and writing and hold them back a year if they were more than one grade level behind. Now, that requirement has lifted.
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Michigan gun laws
New gun laws are here, and these were introduced into Lansing following the tragic shooting at Michigan State University. The House and Senate passed these bills, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed them. The new laws require safe storage (gun owners must lock their weapons away, if a minor is expected to be in the home), background checks (mandatory, no matter how you’re buying a firearm) and “red flag” (to cut down on possible violence for those who may have mental health problems or have threatened others).
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Clean Energy & Climate Action Package
Gov. Whitmer recently signed the Clean Energy & Climate Action Package, with a plan to have Michigan 100% clean energy by 2040. If all goes as planned, the state will produce 100% of its energy from clean sources by 2024.
(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
