We’ve identified communities where you will be safe and welcome and where your vote will be a game-changer at the ballot box.
Say Yes to Michigan!
Michigan's 7th, 8th, and 10th Congressional Districts each represent distinct facets of the Lower Peninsula's diverse landscape. The 7th Congressional District, located in Southern and Central Michigan, is characterized by a blend of urban, suburban, and rural environments. It encompasses the state capital, leading to a significant presence of government and educational institutions, while also extending into agricultural lands and residential communities.
Moving northward into Central Michigan, the 8th Congressional District primarily covers urban and suburban areas, including the "Tri-Cities" region and the city of Flint, which have historically been industrial hubs with a mix of established neighborhoods and surrounding rural fringes. The district also contains agricultural areas and some recreational spots.
Finally, the 10th Congressional District is situated in the southeastern part of the state, defining a largely suburban landscape. This area is characterized by densely populated residential communities, commercial centers, and proximity to the major metropolitan area of Detroit, offering access to Great Lakes recreation. While predominantly suburban, it retains some industrial heritage and diverse residential options. None of these districts are known for mountainous terrain; rather, they feature the gently rolling hills and flatlands typical of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
Michigan Congressional District 7
Michigan: Congressional District 7
Located in south-central Michigan, the 7th Congressional District encompasses the state capital of Lansing, the university town of East Lansing, and surrounding suburban and rural communities including Brighton, Howell. This educated, politically engaged region offers an ideal blend of university town culture with state government access, plus four-season recreational opportunities that make Michigan famous and serve as a great home for families, professionals, and retirees in one of the most competitive districts in the nation.
Michigan Congressional District 8
Michigan: Congressional District 8
Located in central Michigan, the 8th Congressional District encompasses the industrial heartland cities of Flint, Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City, along with surrounding communities in the "Tri-Cities" metropolitan area. This diverse, affordable region offers a blend of industrial heritage with emerging opportunities, plus access to the Great Lakes lifestyle that makes Michigan special and serve as an ideal home for families, professionals, and retirees in one of the most politically competitive districts in the nation.
Community Snapshots
Lansing, Ingham County
Some Lansing Stats:
Urban ● $$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: C ● Community Health: Average ● Nearby Airport ● Walkable
Living in Lansing, particularly in areas like Old Town and Colonial Village, offers a diverse urban experience with distinct community flavors. Old Town's vibrant, artsy atmosphere boasts historic buildings, unique shops, and lively venues. Colonial Village, on the other hand, presents a more residential, family-friendly feel with tree-lined streets and a strong neighborhood association, offering a quieter community experience close to downtown.
Lansing's economy is robust, driven by its status as the state capital, Michigan State University, and strong healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, and technology sectors, providing diverse job opportunities. The cost of living is generally affordable compared to many Midwest cities.
For education, the Lansing School District offers public schooling, complemented by the enriching presence of Michigan State University. Healthcare access is excellent, with major hospitals like Sparrow and McLaren Greater Lansing. Importantly, Michigan's state constitution protects reproductive healthcare access, ensuring residents have access to a full range of services through various providers, including Planned Parenthood.
For Sale
For Rent
East Lansing, Ingham County
For Sale
For Rent
Some East Lansing Stats:
Suburban ● $$$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Average ● Nearby Airport ● Walkable
Living in East Lansing offers a distinctly vibrant and youthful atmosphere, largely defined by its identity as a quintessential college town centered around Michigan State University. The Downtown area thrives with an energetic mix of student life and local businesses, featuring diverse restaurants, unique shops, and lively cultural venues, creating a dynamic urban core. Just southeast, the Southeast Marble neighborhood provides a more peaceful, family-friendly residential experience with tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes, appealing to those seeking a quieter haven close to both the university and downtown amenities.
East Lansing's economy is robust, driven primarily by Michigan State University, providing diverse job opportunities in academia, research, healthcare, and local businesses. The cost of living is generally affordable for a university town. For education, East Lansing Public Schools are highly regarded, and residents benefit from extensive university resources. Healthcare access is excellent through Michigan State University Health Care and major regional hospitals in Lansing. Importantly, Michigan's state constitution provides strong protections for reproductive healthcare access, ensuring a full range of services are available through various local and regional providers, including Planned Parenthood and various OB/GYN practices associated with major hospital systems like UM Health-Sparrow and McLaren Greater Lansing.
Okemos, Ingham County
For Sale
For Rent
Some Okemos Stats:
Suburban ● $$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: N/A ● Community Health: Average ● Nearby Airport
Okemos offers a delightful balance of small-town charm and convenient access to urban amenities. Nestled next to East Lansing, home to Michigan State University (MSU), Okemos provides a suburban atmosphere with a strong sense of community. Imagine waking up to quiet streets lined with mature trees and friendly neighbors, starting your day with a walk or bike ride on the paved trails that meander through the town. Okemos prioritizes a peaceful and walkable environment, perfect for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
The local economy benefits significantly from its proximity to Michigan State University, which serves as a major economic driver and employer. This fosters a diverse range of job opportunities in education, research, healthcare, and technology. The broader Lansing-East Lansing metropolitan area further expands employment options in state government, insurance, and manufacturing, contributing to a stable economy supported by a highly educated workforce. While housing costs in Okemos can be higher than in some surrounding areas due to its desirability and top-rated schools, the cost of living is generally competitive when considering its strong amenities and employment prospects.
For families, Okemos boasts excellent public schools (Okemos Public Schools), consistently ranking among the best in the state and serving as a major draw for many residents. The town fosters a strong sense of community, with frequent events and celebrations throughout the year. Kids can participate in organized sports, while families enjoy spending time at local parks or attending outdoor concerts. In terms of healthcare access, residents have convenient options through Michigan State University Health Care, offering a wide range of primary and specialty care services. Additionally, major regional hospitals like Sparrow Hospital and McLaren Greater Lansing are easily accessible in nearby Lansing, ensuring comprehensive medical care. Importantly, Michigan's state constitution provides strong protections for reproductive healthcare access, meaning residents of Okemos have access to a full range of services through various local and regional providers, including Planned Parenthood and services offered by hospital systems.
Community Snapshots
Bay City, Bay County
Some Bay City Stats:
Suburb ● $ ● Schools: C ● Crime: C ● Community Health: Average
Living in Bay City offers a distinct lifestyle that blends historic charm with a growing sense of community and revitalization. Situated on the Saginaw River near Saginaw Bay, the city embraces its maritime heritage, evident in its downtown area with its well-preserved architecture, antique shops, and local eateries.
The economy in Bay City has traditionally been influenced by manufacturing and healthcare, with key employers including major healthcare systems like McLaren Bay Region and MyMichigan Health, along with various manufacturing facilities. Tourism plays an increasingly vital role, particularly during the warm months, boosting job opportunities in hospitality, retail, and recreational services. The cost of living is generally quite affordable compared to the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more budget-friendly lifestyle.
For families, the Bay City Public Schools system provides educational services, alongside other districts like Bangor Township Schools in the broader area. Residents benefit from comprehensive healthcare access with hospitals like McLaren Bay Region and MyMichigan Health – Bay City providing a wide range of medical services. Importantly, access to reproductive healthcare is available through local providers such as Great Lakes Bay Health Centers – Women's Care and the Bay County Health Department's Personal Health Family Planning Clinic, ensuring a spectrum of services are confidential and accessible.
Residents enjoy a variety of activities, from strolling along the scenic Riverwalk and exploring Bay City State Park, a large natural space with wetlands and shoreline, to visiting the USS Edson at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, or catching a show at the historic State Theatre. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, especially in the summer, creating a lively atmosphere.
For Sale
For Rent
Midland, Midland County
For Sale
For Rent
Some Midland Stats:
Suburb ● $$ ● Schools: A ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Average
Midland is a prosperous and meticulously planned community, largely influenced by Dow Chemical's strong presence, which underpins a stable, innovation-driven economy. This dominant industry creates significant job opportunities in chemical engineering, research and development, manufacturing, and related professional services, drawing a highly skilled workforce. Beyond Dow, the economy is also bolstered by robust healthcare and education sectors. The cost of living is notably affordable, with housing, healthcare, and utilities often below national averages, making it an attractive option for families and individuals.
Midland offers a family-friendly, community-oriented lifestyle with abundant green spaces like Dow Gardens and Whiting Forest, and a vibrant arts scene centered at the Midland Center for the Arts. For education, Midland Public Schools are highly rated, consistently ranking well within Michigan, making them a significant draw for residents. Extensive parks and nature preserves cater to outdoor enthusiasts, creating a balanced living experience focused on well-being and community engagement. In terms of healthcare access, Midland is well-served by MyMichigan Medical Center Midland, a comprehensive hospital providing a wide range of services. Residents also have access to various clinics and specialty practices, including numerous OB/GYN clinics like MyMichigan Obstetrics & Gynecology, which offer comprehensive reproductive healthcare services, including contraception counseling and prenatal care. While general abortion services may require travel to larger cities in Michigan, the state constitution protects reproductive freedom, ensuring overall access to a spectrum of care.
Essexville, Bay County
For Sale
For Rent
Some Essexville Stats:
Suburb ● $ ● Schools: B ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Average
Living in Essexville offers a small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community, situated close to the larger amenities of Bay City and the Saginaw Bay. Residents here often enjoy a more rural feel with many owning their homes, benefiting from a quieter pace of life.
The economy in Essexville is closely tied to the broader Bay City area, offering job opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and local services. While Essexville itself has local businesses and community-focused employment, many residents commute to Bay City or even Midland for work in larger industries or healthcare systems. The cost of living in Essexville is notably affordable, with housing, utilities, and general expenses often below state and national averages, making it an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly lifestyle.
For education, Essexville is served by Essexville-Hampton Public Schools, which provides a local school experience from elementary through high school. In terms of healthcare access, residents are well-served by the comprehensive facilities in nearby Bay City, including major hospitals like McLaren Bay Region and MyMichigan Health – Bay City, ensuring a wide range of medical services are readily available. Importantly, Michigan's state constitution provides strong protections for reproductive healthcare access. Residents of Essexville have access to a full spectrum of confidential reproductive health services through various providers in the greater Bay City area, including clinics associated with regional health systems and specialized family planning centers.
Michigan Congressional District 10
Michigan: Congressional District 10
Located in Michigan's dynamic southeastern region, the 10th Congressional District spans suburban communities in southern Macomb County and parts of Oakland County, including Rochester, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights, Warren, and Clinton Township. This diverse, accessible region offers the ideal combination of suburban family life with major metropolitan access, plus Great Lakes recreation opportunities that make Michigan special and serve as an excellent home for families, professionals, and retirees in one of the most politically competitive districts in the nation.
Community Snapshots
Sterling Heights, Macomb County
For Sale
For Rent
Some Sterling Heights Stats:
Suburb ● $$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Average ● Airport: 30 - 60 minutes
Living in Sterling Heights offers a quintessential suburban experience in Macomb County, characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods, ample shopping centers, numerous parks and recreational facilities, and a strong sense of community with a diverse population. The economy is significantly driven by manufacturing, particularly automotive and defense, with major employers like Stellantis (formerly Chrysler), Ford, and General Dynamics Land Systems. This provides a robust landscape of job opportunities in engineering, production, and skilled trades. Additionally, strong sectors in retail, healthcare, and education contribute to a diversified local job market.
The city is known for its relatively affordable cost of living, with housing expenses often lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for families. For education, Sterling Heights is served by several well-regarded public school districts, including Utica Community Schools and Warren Consolidated Schools, offering quality programs for K-12 students. In terms of healthcare access, residents have comprehensive options with nearby hospitals like Henry Ford Macomb Hospital and Beaumont Hospital, Troy, providing a wide range of medical services. Importantly, Michigan's state constitution provides strong protections for reproductive healthcare access, ensuring a full spectrum of confidential services are available through various local and regional providers, including specialized clinics like Northland Family Planning in Sterling Heights and broader access via nearby Detroit-area healthcare networks.
While providing a comfortable and convenient environment, some residents express a desire for more unique retail and nightlife options and better public transportation, though the city's focus on family life, community programs, and abundant green spaces provides a high quality of life.
Warren, Macomb County
Some Warren Stats:
Urban ● $$ ● Schools: C ● Crime: C ● Community Health: Average ● Airport: 30 - 60 minutes
Warren offers a distinct suburban experience as the largest city in Macomb County, blending a focus on family life with access to significant industrial and commercial hubs, including the General Motors Technical Center. This presence profoundly shapes Warren's economy, which is heavily driven by automotive manufacturing, research and development, and defense industries, providing a vast landscape of job opportunities in engineering, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and related professional services. Beyond these foundational industries, the city also supports robust healthcare, retail, and local service sectors.
Residents benefit from relatively affordable housing, making it an attractive option for a diverse population. For education, Warren is served by several large public school districts, including Warren Consolidated Schools and Warren Woods Public Schools, offering a wide range of educational programs. In terms of healthcare access, Warren residents are well-covered with major facilities like Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital and Henry Ford Macomb Hospital (nearby in Clinton Township) providing comprehensive medical services. Importantly, Michigan's state constitution provides strong protections for reproductive healthcare access, ensuring a full spectrum of confidential services are available through various local and regional providers, including specialized clinics and broader access via the Detroit metropolitan area's extensive healthcare network.
While offering a wide array of shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities, the city is largely car-dependent and its vast, sprawling nature means a cohesive "downtown" feel is less prominent than in some other cities, yet its strong economic base and community focus contribute to a stable living environment.
For Sale
For Rent
We have put together a comprehensive guide for Michigan that includes:
Safety and Legal Protections for Reproductive Rights
Political Context and Competitiveness;
Community Overview of the region and neighborhoods;
Economic Opportunity and Cost of Living; diversified economy with growing opportunities;
Schools and Education;
Healthcare Access, including the array of reproductive services and funding for them;
Civic Engagement Opportunities, including political, community and advocacy organizations.
Complete the form below to access everything the Michigan Guide has to offer:
By sharing your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from PowerMoves.
By providing your cell phone number, you have provided us with consent to send you text messages in conjunction with the services you have requested. Message & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for Info. Text STOP to opt out. No purchase necessary.
Why Michigan Represents the Future
Michigan’s Congressional Districts embody the kind of place where women and their families can thrive while making a real difference. They are communities where:
Your safety is protected by recently strengthened comprehensive state laws and university community support
Your vote genuinely matters in one of the nation's most competitive swing districts
Your voice can influence policy through direct access to state government and educated electorate
Your life can flourish with exceptional affordability, educational opportunities, and four-season recreation
Your presence helps build the inclusive, competitive democracy we all need
This isn't just a place to find affordability—it's a place to maximize impact while living in an intellectual community.