This Michigan City Has the Easiest Commute in the U.S.

When it comes to work commutes, Michigan is a mixed bag. Having worked and lived in Detroit for a few years, I can tell you that going anywhere is a nightmare. However, MoneyGeek's recent study reveals that one city in the Mitten State not only offers the best commute in Michigan, but the best in the country (a tie with Columbia, South Carolina).

I can personally attest to the ease of getting around in Jackson. I lived and worked there for many years, and other than omnipresent construction in the summer, this city is a breeze to navigate virtually any time of day.

How MoneyGeek Ranked U.S. Commutes

MoneyGeek looked at 124 metros throughout the United States with at least 200,000 workers and ranked them on transportation quality. They scored each city on four factors: average commute times, crash rates during morning rush hour, gas prices, and traffic congestion levels.

And which city in Michigan has the country's best commutes? Jackson. Jackson, Michigan, which, according to the study, averages a 16-minute drive to work and a morning crash rate of 0.62.

Living the Jackson Commute

Having lived it, I agree. I didn't appreciate it, that is, until we moved to the Lansing area, where even at 4:00 a.m., the traffic lights still run as if it were rush hour, leaving me sitting at a red light for what I can only describe as a "Ninja Parade."

RELATED: The 10 Worst Intersections in Jackson County

Of course, I can't agree with everything, MoneyGeek. The gas prices are notoriously higher in Jackson when compared to the surrounding area. The study claims the annual fuel cost is $304, based on a fuel efficiency of 24 miles per gallon. However, when you compare that against the nation's worst city for commutes, Los Angeles, California's $783, it looks a lot better.

Other Michigan Cities That Ranked

And Jackson wasn't the only Michigan city in the top 10 either; Grand Rapids ranked at 10. My most recent experience there is getting to and from Van Andel, which is surprisingly easy when compared to other venues in Detroit or Clarkson.