There’s a Michigan City That Doesn’t Have to Shovel Sidewalks or Plow Roads

As Michiganders, we're used to snow. We encounter it all the time.

We're constantly brushing it off our cars, shoveling it from our driveways and sidewalks, and having it plowed from our roads. And it's this time of year, January through March, where Michigan typically sees the most snow.

Related: 10 Items Not to Leave in Your Car When it’s Freezing in Michigan

I don't know about you, but I would love if I didn't have to shovel, that would be just great. If I didn't have to don multiple layers just to deal with the wind chill and snow to clear my sidewalks, that would be wonderful.

I know those wishes seem like far away dreams, but did you know there's actually one Michigan city where that's a reality?

One Michigan City That Doesn't Worry About Shoveling Streets or Sidewalks

Along the shores of Lake Michigan sits the city of Holland.

The city of Holland is living that "no shoveling" dreams because they have heated sidewalks and roads.

You read that correctly... heated sidewalks and streets.

Holland, Michigan Uses Heated Streets and Sidewalks

Beneath the streets and sidewalks of Holland sits "the largest publicly-owned snowmelt system in the country." This massive grid has over 165 miles of tubing. Within this tubing is a closed system of water that gets heated to 95 degrees.

The city (and its taxpayers) spend tens of thousands of dollars to heat the streets and sidewalks. How much it costs just depends on how much snow they get that year. The city typically spends anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000 to heat the system. Which, in my opinion, is totally worth it.

Not having to shovel, or worry that I'm going to slip and fall walking down the sidewalk would be amazing. If you're intrigued, you can read more about the system, HERE.