Yea, As for places to live, you have so many choices around midland

And as for friends, I don't know if you noticed how many of the OBS guys are here in michigan. =)

You dont' need block heaters for your cars though here in lower michigan. They help in upper michigan, but are not necessary there either.

As for our unemployment rate. Fun fact I learned.
The % of the rate is only based upon people collecting unemployment.
There are many a people just on welfare here in michigan. haha.

Oh sorry, not supposed to scare you off.

Midland is actually an expanding area, I'm not sure how, but they are.
They have a good college and some other nice places around there.
I'm pretty sure the son can find a job in midland. I could, its just to far for me to drive for the pay I would get.
Dow Chemical Has a presence there in Midland, I think that helps with keeping the town afloat. Dow diamond is amazing stadium. There is also the Dow Event center as well.

Bay city is a short drive away, as is saginaw (why ever you would want to go to that place)

Water everywhere also.

Wife might be scared of driving in the snow for a while, thats about it.