2025 Compare Cities Overview:
West Branch, MI vs Manistee, MI

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Highlights
Are people in Manistee older or younger than people in West Branch?
- The Median Age in Manistee is 1.1 years older than in West Branch.

Are housing costs cheaper in Manistee or West Branch?
- Manistee housing costs are 26.5% more expensive than West Branch housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Manistee or West Branch?
- The average commute for residents of Manistee is 7.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of West Branch.

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!

Things to do in Manistee?
Living in Manistee, MI is a wonderful experience. The town is small and quaint, with a friendly community atmosphere that encourages neighborly conversations. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area, from skiing or walking along the beach to biking or hiking through the woods. The city also offers plenty of unique restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment venues to explore. The crime rate is low and the schools are highly rated, making Manistee a great place to raise a family. All in all, it’s an excellent place to live, work and play!

 West Branch, MIManistee, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock6,230329,725,481
 Median Income$32,172  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock47.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$157,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.78  Unlock26.38
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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Reviews for Manistee    4 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

I've had a second home in Manistee for almost 3 years. I love it there. The beaches are great, nice downtown and handy to numerous places to hike and sightsee. I am  More

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Over 16 years ago

Manistee is a lovely town along the Lake Michigan shoreline. There is a new problem,however,with air quality in the area. The landfill south of town was "grandfathered"  More

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Over 17 years ago

Well, Manistee has beautiful water fronts. It is a wonderful thing to spend time there in the summers. Summers here however could be classified as warm. There is about a  More

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