Muskegon sits on the east shore of Lake Michigan. It has about 40,000 people. Being on Lake Michigan, it gets quite cold there in the winter, but the summers are mild. This city prides itself on its diversity and progressiveness. There is a big movement towards revitalizing downtown, attracting new industry and business, and in keeping the city growing while maintaining the small town feel. The cost of living here is lower than in similar cities in the Midwest. Muskegon prides itself on its wide cultural diversity. Those moving to Muskegon will discover art galleries and a symphony orchestra as well as many historical areas.
Economy:
Muskegon has learned to attract many different industries and companies in order to diversify its opportunities. The areas of importance include plastics, metal and alternative energy. While Muskegon was hit just as hard as the rest of the country was in the recession, they are working hard to attract new business with one of the best business incentive plans in the nation. Businesses committed to moving there and creating new jobs will not have to pay state or city income tax or property taxes.
History:
Indians lived in this area dating back for seven thousand years. The first European known to live here was a fur trader, Edward Fitzgerald, in 1748. Muskegon was organized as a township in 1837. The abundant forests around the area made a thriving lumber business for Muskegon. During those years, Muskegon had more millionaires than any city in the country. The city was incorporated in 1859. When the lumber era began to decline in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the city sought to attract industry.
Tourism:
Muskegon has 3 state parks, 26 miles of beaches, 18 golf courses, an amusement park, and 18 marinas, offering a huge variety of things to do for every visitor. There are numerous festivals held every year in ever season. From the Blessing of the Boats in May, The Muskegon Summer Festival in July, The Multicultural Beach Festival in August, to the Snowfest in January, it is always a year packed with fun. In the winter, ice fishing is a popular pastime. Sitting right on Lake Michigan, the boating and fishing possibilities are endless. You can even crew on a yacht from the yacht club! There is also a large Amusement Park (the largest in Michigan) which is closed in the winter months.