So curious as to where you ended up?
Traverse/Leelanau/Petoskey does have a good permaculture, bioneers, art community network, economy is supported through wealthy tourists. Alternatively, Kalamazoo is stronger than Muskegon or other SW MI areas for their permie support. Ann Arbor is the hub on the east side.
I went to college at Northland up in Ashland, WI, and I have yet to experience the type of community, both on and off campus as I was able to there. Green local building, sustainable farms on a variety of scales, local food support, strong indigenous community. And this was ages ago.
I am in none of these places, but that is the way things have shaken out 😏
