Michigan

Most known for being a manufacturing powerhouse, Michigan is one of the American states that best represents the dichotomy between industry and beautiful landscape. Rising up against the automotive factories for which Michigan has become known are some of the nicest national parks and charming towns that the United States has to offer.

Since the time that Henry Ford first built the Model-T, Michigan has had its roots firmly in the automotive industry. The suburbs surrounding Detroit are home not only to Ford Motor Company but also to DaimlerChrysler – and the world's largest automotive company, General Motors, has its headquarters in the heart of Detroit.

A stone's throw away from the Canadian border, Detroit not only carries the Motown label but is also home to other entertainers, including the likes of Eminem and Kid Rock – not to mention their three sports franchises: the Tigers, the Lions, and the Red Wings. Its status as host to one of the original six teams in the NHL makes Detroit not just Motown but also Hockeytown.

But most residents of Michigan are fiercely proud of their home state for other reasons: surrounded on three sides by water, Michigan is one of the best places to live for people who love water sports. Not only is the state bordered by four of the five Great Lakes but it also has over 11,000 smaller inland lakes. Water enthusiasts can wet their appetites with anything from swimming to kayaking to water-skiing.

If water isn't your thing, then Michigan has many other things to offer its residents. With the largest number of golf courses in the United States, golf is one of the state's most popular pastimes. Not surprising – given its mostly flat terrain – Michigan is also home to some of the country's most popular cross-country ski resorts. Other recreational activities include hiking, camping and downhill skiing.

So while you're driving your car out to the lakeshore, trail, golf course, or hockey game, make sure you don't forget to bring your tunes.

See our 250 Jobs in Michigan