Cool, I'm from about 30 miles east of Saginaw, but live in Ann Arbor now.
If you like that life, there are a number of options near Ann Arbor that won't have Ann arbor prices. Howell, South Lyon, Saline, Dexter, or Chelsea are all viable options for small town living.
If you want Ann arbor on a budget, and you have kids, move to Pittsfield Township. Depending on where you are it's an Ypsi address, in Pittsfield township, with Ann Arbor schools.
Ypsi is Ypsi. It's like a miniature Detroit in some ways, and a poor man's Ann Arbor in others.
If you've got kids and you want a bland, lifeless, faceless suburb, move to Plymouth or Canton (
@BobDDuck those are Emily's words, not mine). I wouldn't move there to pick up women.
I would avoid down river if you can.
Are you going to Cookingham for medicals? He's worth the drive, in my opinion, if you like him and he's still practicing, otherwise check out Robert Gordon when you get moved down state, he's over in Canton if I remember correctly.