sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com
News Photo by Steve Schulwitz
Tom Dihle and his wife, Cecilia, look recently at an Alpena home they considered purchasing. The couple is looking for a home because they are moving to Alpena from the St. Joseph area.
ALPENA A shortage of housing could weaken the local workforce and future development if people wanting to invest money and talent in Alpena can’t find places to live, Northeast Michigan business leaders say.
People trying to move to Alpena sometimes have to wait months to find a place to call their own, with housing demand exceeding supply or high prices for existing homes or new construction pricing some out of the market entirely, The News learned through weeks of research and interviews with homebuyers, sellers, and officials in real estate and economic development.