Alma is exactly in the middle of Michigan’s lower peninsula
Due to its central location, Alma is less than 3 hours from everything that Michigan's lower peninsula has to offer, including sandy lakeshores, snowmobiling trails, downtown Detroit and downtown Grand Rapids. The city was once known for being a global leader in truck manufacturing during World War I, but after its initial growth, the population stagnated at around 9,000 people. Today, Alma is a quiet place to live, surrounded by farmland for many miles. “People often choose to live in Alma because of the sense of community,” says Brandi Stupica, a Realtor with Five Star Real Estate who lives in the city. “You’ll see people you know at the gym, at church or at work. Ties are close here.”
In addition to an enduring manufacturing industry, other major employers include Alma College, MyMichigan Medical Center and the retirement facility Masonic Homes. “It’s a pretty self-sustaining economy with a lot of stable jobs,” Stupica says. “Alma College brings in a younger crowd, and Masonic Homes is a huge plus because a lot of people come here to retire.”
Alma is centrally located in Michigan, surrounded by farmland.
MyMichigan Medical Center is one of the largest employers in Alma.
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Twentieth-century homes at affordable prices
Many of Alma’s homes date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, showcasing Victorian and Craftsman architecture. Some ranch homes and split-levels were built in the second half of the 1900s to fill in the city's edges. “We don’t have a lot of newer or higher-end homes,” says Aeric Ripley, the Alma city manager. “Adding those options is a goal of ours.” New housing projects are currently focused on adding rentable units and condos to downtown.
The median home price in Alma is $160,000, which is significantly lower than the state's median and about equal to the nearby cities of Mount Pleasant and Saginaw. “Home prices are extremely affordable, and no matter where your home is, you’re 10 minutes away from everything,” Stupica says.
Alma's affordable housing has many styles, including bungalows.
Alma’s homes date back to the early 1900s, showcasing Victorian and Craftsman architecture.
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Explore the arts at Alma College
Alma College is a Presbyterian private liberal arts college with approximately 1,200 undergraduate students. The college’s Highland Arts program embraces Alma’s Scottish history, and the music program is larger than most schools of this size. “If you are looking for something artsy to do, just check the college website,” Stupica says. “They have great plays and music performances open to the community, and the experience always feels very high-end.”
Younger learners can attend Alma Public Schools, which gets an overall B-minus grade from Niche. The public high school offers dual enrollment with Alma College.
Alma College is a Presbyterian liberal arts college in the heart of Alma, Michigan.
Alma High School offers a variety of programs that challenge students.
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Riverside footpaths and cross-state biking trails
The Alma Riverwalk follows the Pine River as it curves through the city, past downtown, playgrounds and favored fishing spots. Miles of mountain biking paths are available along the Alma Bike Trail, and for longer trips, the paved Fred Meijer Heartland Trail spans 42 miles from Alma to Greenville. "We have a fairly large biking community," Ripley says. "The city's Glengravel Ramble bike tour attracts people from all over the state." Although the summers are warm, winters in Alma are long and cold, with an annual average of 3 feet of snow. During the winter, the trails are open for cross-country skiing.
Alma River Walk is a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail along the Pine River.
The Fred Meijer Heartland Trail is a 42-mile paved trail that connects Alma and Greenville.
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A historic, family-friendly downtown district
Alma’s downtown district, which earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, is filled with vintage storefronts dating back to the 1870s. A banner hangs over the walkable district, advertising the next town event, and an old-school theater puts on local productions. “There aren’t many places you couldn’t take your kids,” Stupica says. “The whole city has a very family-friendly feel.” Businesses include breweries, family-owned restaurants and a popular butcher shop. “We’re fortunate for a town of our size that we have a lot of different options for dining out,” Ripley says. “And we are hoping to get the downtown designated as a social district in 2025.” North Alger Road is lined with big brands and grocery store, or locals can run errands in Mount Pleasant, 20 miles north.
Alma Brewing Company is a local staple in Alma, Michigan.
Alma has excellent dining options, with restaurants like Block House.
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Celebrate Scottish culture at the annual Highland Festival
Alma’s nickname is “Scotland, USA,” thanks to the city’s enthusiastic celebration of Scottish culture. At Alma College, sports spectators cheer on the Scots, and official bagpipe players wear the school's unique tartan pattern. The city’s largest event is the Highland Festival, an annual celebration of all things Scottish that has been going on since the 1960s. People start planning a year in advance, in preparation for two days of dancing, music, artisan vendors and competitive athletics. Locals will set up yard sales and flock downtown when it’s time to watch the parade go by.
Long commutes to other cities may be shortened by a new rail line
Locals can expect to drive a while to reach larger cities. It’s 40 miles to Saginaw and the nearest airport, MBS International. Lansing is 50 miles away via U.S. Route 127, and Grand Rapids is an 80-mile trip. Alma is situated on a railroad line, with about four freight trains passing through town daily. The proposed Northern Michigan Passenger Rail project would adapt these tracks to become a passenger rail line, providing high-speed transportation from Ann Arbor to Traverse City, with a stop in Alma. “There’s a lot of excitement about the project, but it’s still many years away from happening,” Ripley says.
Alma is a "quiet and safe" community
According to The Michigan State Police, Alma’s crime rates are slightly below state averages, and significantly below the crime rates of major cities like Grand Rapids. “We are a quiet, safe community where people know each other and feel safe leaving the doors unlocked at night,” Ripley says.
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