MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Michigan’s population may be growing, but where are the people going? According to a recent estimate released by the U.S. Census Bureau, large cities like Detroit and Flint are losing residents, smaller cities and townships are gaining them.

“More people live in townships than cities in Michigan and I think that happened probably within the last five years and one of the reasons for that could be that townships have a lower tax rate," said Julie Brixie, Meridian Township Treasurer.

Whether it be a cheaper cost of living or the prime location of large employers, people of all demographics are moving to Meridian.

And with Michigan State University expanding their student body, an increase in international students creates a demand for more student housing - making Meridian Township a prime location.

“I feel safe here, there’s not a lot of crime and I love the park here," said Megan Norris, a student who lives in Meridian Township.

According to Nerdwallet.com Okemos ranked 7th best place to live in the midwest for young job seekers. But millennials aren’t the only residents enjoying all of the amenities the township has to offer.

“It’s a nice and quiet area, you can do anything, all of the shopping centers are close to me, and all of my family lives here," said Chander Kakar, a resident of Meridian Township.

Beautiful parks, award winning schools and welcoming residents are only a few reasons why people are making Meridian Township their “community of choice”.

Offering a full time police force, fire department, and emergency medical services gives the Township an advantage over other local cities such as East Lansing.

Although census estimates are not necessarily hard facts, Guthrie states, the data can point in the right direction.

You can log online to the census database to view the 2014 population for Michigan's cities, townships, and villages.