Recent news about the state of our state has had a couple of silver linings: most notably, that those moving into Michigan were balancing out the numbers of people leaving for other states in 2011. Though the sentiment is widespread that Michigan is one of the states struggling the hardest to come back from the economic recession, Lizzy Alfs at AnnArbor.com writes that “Along with Iowa and South Dakota, Michigan is also only one of three Midwestern states classified as balanced.”

Indeed, Michigan has its fair share of obstacles to overcome, but things are looking up. This year is the first in many where Michigan has revenue growth to work with for next year’s budget, according to this article from the Detroit Free Press. Experts quoted in the article note that unemployment is set to decrease, and economic recovery to continue at a slow but steady pace. Other news shows us that agricultural property values are also increasing statewide, and that home prices are set to stabilize overall this year. Three Michigan cities have also made a list of cities in the nation where new home building numbers are rebounding. So it’s fair to say that Michiganders can be cautiously optimistic about 2012.

Those of us who have lived here for any significant amount of time know that Michigan is a great place to call home, unpredictable weather aside. Cities like Northville, safe and culturally-rich, can be found all over the state, each unique in its own way. The balancing of those leaving our state and those coming in is a good indicator that Michigan is getting back on its feet with plenty to offer those who live here.

What’s the biggest indicator of progress you’ve seen in your Michigan community?