From Ferndale To Kalamazoo, These Are The 8 Most Welcoming Cities In Michigan

Michigan is a special state in that it is made up of all walks of life and is becoming a more acceptable place for people of all backgrounds to live, start a business, and insert themselves into the community. The state has always been known as being incredibly, hard-working, and that work ethic is backed by respect for one another.

But there are some cities that are more welcoming than others based on different things from cultural diversity, a strong, LGBTQ, community, and solid leadership. Probably one of the more welcoming cities in the state is Ferndale, Michigan which was one of the leading areas for an LGBT community in the 80s and 90s:

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Ferndale's LGBT History

The 1980s and 1990s saw the growth of the LGBT population in Ferndale, coinciding with migration from neighborhoods in Detroit to communities north along Woodward Avenue, including Royal Oak, Pleasant Ridge, and others. In 1999 a proposed non-discrimination ordinance was introduced in Ferndale but was defeated. The Motor City Pride festival moved to Ferndale from Royal Oak in 2001. In 2006 the city passed an anti-discrimination ordinance protecting LGBT people from discrimination in public accommodations, housing, and business, with 70% in favor and 30% in opposition.

When it comes to being a welcoming city though, it's more about inclusion of all people, which is why these 8 cities top our list as being the most welcoming in the entire state of Michigan.

If you've ever lived in any of these cities or currently do, let us know what your experiences have been, and other areas that deserve a spot on the list.