Escanaba, MI, a small city on Little Bay de Noc, is known for its outdoor activities, including deer hunting, beach lounging, and ice fishing on one of the world’s largest walleye fisheries. With a population of around 12,000, many residents work at the local hospital, community college, or Billerud paper company. Housing is relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $80,000 for fixer-uppers to $600,000 for newer homes, featuring styles like bungalows, ranches, and American Foursquares. The city’s moderately rated Escanaba Area Public Schools have above-average reading proficiency and an 82% graduation rate. Ludington Street offers a vintage downtown atmosphere with various dining options, including a sports bar, espresso bar, Irish pub, and Swedish diner. Local parks, such as Ludington Park, provide amenities like beaches, pathways, and a disc golf course, while the Sand Point Lighthouse serves as a maritime museum. Escanaba's climate is milder than most of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with minimal snowfall and temperatures rarely falling below zero or rising above 85 degrees. The city hosts year-round events, including the Upper Peninsula State Fair and a Christmas parade. Residents often use ATVs for transportation, with designated trails leading into surrounding woodlands. Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport is 114 miles away, and the Indian Trails bus system offers routes to nearby cities. For medical care, OSF Saint Francis Hospital serves the community.
