Sault Ste. Marie, MI


4 Reviews



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Sault Ste. Marie, MI

About Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Sault Ste. Marie, MI is a lovely city east of Paradise filled with plenty of enjoyable attractions such as Whitefish Point Bird Observatory displaying its distinctive landscape or Soo Locks great for outdoor activities; visitors can also join in the yearly celebration Sault Summer Arts and Culture Fest offering lots of entertainment every August. Small metro area set in the lakes and wooded hills of the Great Lakes region. Primary industries include manufacturing and tourism. Noteworthy assets include shoreline and college town. - Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on the Canadian border, 50 miles north of St. Ignace and 90 miles east of Marquette..

Location Details

State: Michigan
County: Chippewa County
Metro Area: Sault Ste. Marie Metro Area
City: Sault Ste. Marie
Zip Codes: 49783
Cost of Living: -23.8% lower
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Elevation: 617 ft above sea level
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Dig Deeper on Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie, MI, is a metro area with a deep history, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near the Canadian border. It's one of the oldest places in the Midwest, originally home to Native American tribes before becoming a hub for European explorers and fur traders in the 17th century. Today, it's especially known for the Soo Locks, an engineering marvel that allows ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes.

The geography here is defined by its location on the St. Marys River, acting as a natural divide between the U.S. and Canada, and its proximity to the Great Lakes. This setting provides stunning natural scenery and makes outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating popular among residents. Winters can be long and snowy, while summers offer mild and pleasant weather, ideal for enjoying the outdoors.

The local economy is supported by a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tourism. Manufacturing includes industries from paper production to automotive parts, while the presence of Lake Superior State University adds to educational opportunities. Tourism is significant too, largely thanks to the Soo Locks and the area's natural beauty, attracting visitors year-round.

When it comes to politics, Sault Ste. Marie leans conservative, with many residents supporting Republican candidates. However, there's also a notable independent streak in the community, reflecting a value for individual freedoms and self-reliance.

Life in Sault Ste. Marie offers a blend of small-town charm and a close-knit community feel. Residents are proud of their town's history and natural environment, often participating in local events and activities that celebrate these aspects. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do, from exploring the national forests and lakes to engaging in winter sports like snowmobiling.

Newcomers should prepare for the cold winters, ensuring they have the right clothing and gear for snowy conditions. Embracing the slower pace of life and getting involved in the community can help new residents feel at home. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for many, and the area's scenic beauty and relaxed lifestyle offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

Sault Ste. Marie Cost of Living
$$$$

Low home cost, shoreline, and college town make Sault Ste. Marie a great place to live.

$140,000
-141.5% lower than avg
$45,905
-50.4% lower than avg
$860 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
-66.3% lower than avg
Sault Ste. Marie Crime
31.7 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
$27,000
for a family
$26,400
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Sault Ste. Marie
   Low home cost
High unemployment
   Shoreline
Isolated
   College town
Gloomy weather
Reviews for Sault Ste. Marie
    See all (4)

As of the last few years, with education spending cuts, our student to teacher ratio is now somewhere near 31-32 students per classroom. The only exception is our  More

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Over 13 years ago

It is cold up here! I am bummed there isn't more to do inside with little ones when it is so cold for months.  More

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If you enjoy Winter and cool Summers, you may enjoy living here. Snowfall usually begins in December and lasts until late April. The last few years Winter weather has  More

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