Kind of random, and out-of-the way, but my first thought (and it's really local) was Traverse City, Michigan. Only about 15,000 in population, it serves a HUGE geographic area, and feels much bigger. I'd like to see the resident population mirror its regional importance and its high quality of life. In fact, I'd like to see it and Marquette in the UP become larger cities for their particular regions (Northern Michigan and the UP, respectively). Realistically, each could be about 30,000.
Currently, Great Lakes Central Railroad has a vision for round-trip passenger service from Ann Arbor to Traverse City. Anything that helps develop the northern ends of the state is a good thing, these days, and tying them in, transportation-wise, will only help build the connection.
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Where the trees are the right height
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