2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Houghton Lake, MI vs West Branch, MI

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Highlights
Are people in West Branch older or younger than people in Houghton Lake?
- The Median Age in West Branch is 5.9 years younger than in Houghton Lake.

Are housing costs cheaper in West Branch or Houghton Lake?
- West Branch housing costs are 4.3% less expensive than Houghton Lake housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, West Branch or Houghton Lake?
- The average commute for residents of West Branch is 1.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Houghton Lake.

Things to do in Houghton Lake?
Living in Houghton Lake, MI is a pleasant experience. The area offers natural beauty, with its many lakes and nearby forests providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants in the area, allowing for a variety of activities. The community has a strong sense of pride, with many residents actively participating in local events and organizations. Despite its small population size, there is still plenty to do and see throughout the year. From summertime swimming, fishing and boating on the lake to winter sports such as skiing and snowmobiling, Houghton Lake provides a great place to live no matter what time of year it is.

Things to do in West Branch?
Living in West Branch, MI is both charming and peaceful. With a population of just under 3,000 people, it is a small rural town that cherishes its heritage and community activities. From the local weekly farmers market to the summer festivals, West Branch is filled with plenty of activities to enjoy. Families can take part in outdoor recreation at nearby parks or spend an afternoon at the local ice cream shop for a treat. The city also has several restaurants and shops that give you a glimpse into its history and culture. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone in West Branch!

 Houghton Lake, MIWest Branch, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock2,068329,725,481
 Median Income$43,142  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock46.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$164,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock8.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.47  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Houghton Lake    3 Reviews

This is a rural resort area. You must be able to embrace the rural lifestyle. There's no real shopping opportunities other than Walmart, Kmart, Peebles, Dunhams, Tractor  More

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Over 17 years ago

The quality of life here for most depends on how you look at it. If your looking for a medium to high paying job there realy are none, and there's hardly any jobs that  More

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The climate here is...well..cold... seems like most of the time and one does get cabin fever when March rolls around, if not sooner. Can't wait for summer! If you love  More

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Reviews for West Branch    1 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

pros: affordable cost of living, close to Michigan's lakes and forests cons: no jobs, small town atmosphere, sequestered location, bad winters, I lived in West  More

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