Thanks FIence! for your reply, and bringing up questions for me to ponder.
I wrote middle, because I don't think being near the SE part of the state is what I'd like. I kinda figured draw a horizontal line say around Lansing/Grand rapids, go to the tip of the mitten, and consider this area be it eastern/western/central, an area that might be OK. The UP seems fantastic, but for whatever reason too far out. I'd love to find a small home/cottage with a garage, on maybe an acre or two, but I don't want to be in an impoverished area, and/or one that has a very redneck vibe. I'm not trying to seem a class snob, only that areas I have lived in before/worked in that were like this, I found uninviting, clannish, depressing, and your stuff wound up stolen. One example that might fit was White Cloud MI.
I just happened to see some home listings in the area, and they were very nice and tidy, seemingly what I might like to purchase. I did a youtube search, and a lot of it was mudding, 4 wheeling, arm wrestling, etc. I'm totally live and let live, but just the same the vibe of a certain area can really make or break how you like being in a certain place. On the other end, I don't want to be in an HOA type place, with all of what that entails... *sigh*. I'm trying to not let the ideal, kill the good enough, and I'm thinking being outside of GR, or other largish town/city may be the best way to do things. I would love to live in an area that is walkable, as remote of a possibility that would be, with my desire for space and privacy. The upper NE end of the mitten is an area I have not looked into, but it would seem very nice, and perhaps less lake effect snow? One thing I can't believe, is how clear the water is in Lake Michigan... Amazing.
Glad you brought up religion and politics. I'm not religious, and not political, again, live and let live - Be respectful of me, I will do the same for you. I have lived in the south, and places in the Midwest (S. IN) that were very religious, and folks were very open to asking what church do you go to, etc. Never liked that, as it is a fishing question, to put an indelible value on you.
Looks like the ACA will be a bit more expensive, and I see medical marijuana is in the state... Wonder how long until recreational is passed? Thanks for those links, looks like a lot of good help, and for your personal insight on providers. The auto insurance does seem to be a serious CF. Thanks for the offer to answer further questions; I may very well take you up on it. Happy 4th to you, and to all of my fellow Mustacians.