2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ironwood, MI vs Alpena, MI

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Alpena older or younger than people in Ironwood?
- The Median Age in Alpena is 4.1 years younger than in Ironwood.

Are housing costs cheaper in Alpena or Ironwood?
- Alpena housing costs are 78.9% more expensive than Ironwood housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Alpena or Ironwood?
- The average commute for residents of Alpena is 5.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Ironwood.

Things to do in Ironwood?
Ironwood, MI is a small town in the upper peninsula of Michigan that offers a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle. The town has a population of about 5,000 people and is surrounded by natural beauty, including forests of pine trees and rolling hills. Outdoor activities are abundant here with hiking trails, fishing spots and plenty of snow for skiing and snowmobiling during the winter months. The downtown area is quaint but bustling with local businesses that offer everything from antiques to fresh produce. The locals are friendly and always happy to welcome newcomers to their small community. Overall, Ironwood is an ideal place to live if you prefer a slower pace of life surrounded by nature's beauty.

Things to do in Alpena?
Alpena stands out as Michigan's only natural deep water harbor conveniently situated near Lake Huron's Thunder Bay . With over 10000 inhabiting citizens this area provides tremendous recreational variety from boating expeditions to world class scuba diving dives & almost infinite outdoors fishing very popular among vacationers coming from all over United States .

 Ironwood, MIAlpena, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock10,181329,725,481
 Median Income$30,755  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock4438.4
 Avg. Home Price$79,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.29  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ironwood    3 Reviews

Over 14 years ago

Have lived here 7 years. Moved here from a large Midwestern city. Wonderful place to retire if you like fairly long winters and don't mind 150+ inches of snow every  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

It is called the big snow country for a reason. It snows...a lot...and gets very chilly. The winters last a good 6-7 months. If you like to ski, ice fish, snowmobile, or  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

The western U.P. is amazing. There's the obvious attractions like ski areas and the world's tallest fiberglass Native American statue, but walking on the shores of Lake  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ironwood

Reviews for Alpena    5 Reviews

One of the ten best places to visit in Michigan. I was born and raised in Michigan but now live in Seattle. I get back to Michigan frequently because my brother  More

   |    Reply

Over 12 years ago

Alpena is 740 ft above sea leval and gets 72 in. of snow every year. That's a good thing and Alpena is a winter wonderland for me . Clean and crisp with the lake frozen  More

   |    Reply

Alpena is a town for all ages, with plenty to do, more than one person could attend. I think the events are varied and offer something for everyone. The town is  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Alpena


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.