Are you a parent?

Michigan’s Forgotten Coast might just be the right place to raise your family.

Remember the kind of childhood you had?

Long summer nights running barefoot, small-town parades, neighbors who knew your name? You had space to roam, friends a bike ride away, and a community that showed up. Now, imagine giving your kids that same experience—without sacrificing opportunity, convenience, or a thriving career.

More Than a Great Place to Visit—

A Great Place to Grow

The Thumb isn’t just where you’re from. It’s where life slows down just enough to focus on what really matters. Here, you can swap long commutes for family dinners, replace sky-high living costs with actual savings, and trade overcrowded schools for communities that invest in their kids.

📚🏅👩‍🏫🔬

🏠💖👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🔒

Safe, Tight-Knit Communities

🏡💰🌳🌞

🏖️🚴‍♀️🎭🏕️

Endless Ways to Play

👶💞🚗👴

SCHOOLS

Small class sizes. Teachers who care. STEM programs, early college options, and vocational training that prepares kids for the future.

Education is about more than just textbooks—it's about nurturing the next generation with personalized attention and real-world skills. With small class sizes, students receive the individual support they need to excel, while dedicated teachers go above and beyond to foster a love of learning. The area is committed to preparing kids for the future, offering strong STEM programs, early college options, and vocational training that empower students to pursue their passions and build successful careers. Here, education is an investment in every child's potential, setting them up for success in an ever-evolving world.

Our communities offer athletic programs, agri-science education, STEM and robotics teams, performing arts, cheer, dance, gymnastics, literacy programs, and more. The list keeps growing, and so do the opportunities for your kids to learn, explore, and thrive—right here at home.

Looking for more? Check this out: Shaping the Future Through Education in Michigan’s Thumb

  • U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings of Michigan schools highlight strong performers in Huron County. Schools were ranked based on factors like student enrollment, environment, and test scores, particularly in M-STEP assessments. Top schools in Huron County include Laker Elementary, Unionville-Sebewaing Area Elementary, and Ubly Jr. High School. Notable rankings include:

    • North Huron Middle School: Ranked 110/838 middle schools

    • Ubly Jr. High School: Ranked 132/838 middle schools

    • Harbor Beach High School: Ranked 142/673 high schools

    Source: U.S. News & World Report – Best Michigan Schools 2025

SAFETY

A place where you don’t have to fear for your kid’s safety 24/7. Where neighbors look out for each other and crime rates stay low.

While city crime rates remain high—Detroit (63.7), Saginaw (61.5), and Grand Rapids (42.5) incidents per 1,000 residents—our communities in Sanilac (22.84), Tuscola (24.4), and Huron (28.25) counties remain well below these numbers and in line with, or better than, the state and national averages.

And it’s not just about low crime—it’s about security. Our communities are equipped with dedicated police, fire departments, and emergency services, ensuring safety and rapid response when it matters most.

This isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about finding peace of mind and a place where your family can grow, with safety and community at the heart of it all.

 (Sources: FBI, 2023; NeighborhoodScout; CrimeGrade.org; BestPlaces.net)

HOMES

More house. More yard. More savings. Your dream home is within reach, without the stress of sky-high payments.

In the Thumb, housing is affordable, giving families more space, bigger yards, and room to grow—without breaking the bank.

  • Average Home Value: $181,013 (based on data from Zillow.com as of January 2025. This figure represents the combined average for the Huron, Sanilac, & Tuscola counties)

  • Median Rent: $780–$820/month

Compared to metro areas, you’ll pay less and get more, leaving room in your budget for what truly matters—weekend adventures, kids’ activities, and a life where community comes first.

 (Sources: US Census Data, Zillow.com)

PLAY

From Lake Huron beaches and hiking trails to year-round festivals, kids get to grow up outside, experiencing more than just screens.

Weekends here aren’t spent searching for something to do—they’re filled with adventure, fresh air, and hometown fun. From farm tours and pumpkin patches to laser tag and classic arcades, the Thumb is packed with growing opportunities for kids (and kids at heart) to play.

Agri-tourism businesses bring families together for hands-on experiences, whether it’s picking sun-ripened strawberries, wandering through corn mazes, or feeding baby goats. Looking for something indoors? Local arcades, bowling alleys, and family entertainment centers are popping up, offering even more ways to make memories close to home.

Kids have countless opportunities to grow up outside, with more time spent exploring nature and engaging in fun, hands-on activities. Start making memories and discovering the joys of the great outdoors together.

Here, playtime isn’t just an afterthought—it’s a way of life.

SUPPORT

Let’s be real: Raising kids is easier with family nearby.

Imagine the relief of knowing your family is always nearby—ready to pitch in, share a meal, or simply lend a helping hand. No more long drives for Sunday dinner or scrambling for childcare. With loved ones close, you’re never far from a helping hand.

And beyond family support, finding quality child care and programs that fit your needs is easier than ever. With Great Start to Quality, you can access a powerful tool to search for licensed child care, preschool, and school-age programs in the Thumb. Whether you’re looking for a program that fits your location, budget, or specific requirements, this resource gives you the confidence that your choice will be safe, educational, and close to home.

Start your search today and find the perfect program for your family.

Move Home—

Give Your Kids the Childhood You Remember.

Ready to start this next chapter? Let’s make it happen, together.