I am coming from the southwest and am interested in moving to a place with seasons. I am not stupid and realize that Michigan is extremely cold in the winter and there is a lot of snow. The actual temperature does not bother me, but in the winter months does the social life (or just life in general) slow down? In other words, does the snow restrict your activity?
Much appreciated 
What sort of activity? Ann Arbor is relatively warm for the latitude, the great lakes buffer the temperatures and even in January, temps are usually in the 20’s and low 30’s during the day. The university keeps the sidewalks very clear, and activities just move indoors during Dec-Feb. That tends to correspond with the social slowdown between late Nov-Dec when final papers, projects and exams take place. Cultural events continue full steam, and parties are mostly indoors (starting up again in Jan) . People still run outside and sled, have snowball fights and there even winter carnivals and festivals. Winter sports continue. Life definitely does not slow down for students.
Nah, the sidewalks will be cleaned up in the morning when you wake up and the buses will always be running. Dressing warm is essential, because you do have to walk outside, and sometimes the temperature gets VERY cold, but for the most part, winter is beautiful and life goes on as normal. Also, Michigan weather is very unpredictable. Rain and ice storms, two feet of snow overnight, a sudden warm snap, a brutal week of below zero temps, thunder snow, tornadoes…you really never know what you’re going to get in Michigan. But like any other busy city, life goes on as normal for the most part. Spring is sloppy in Michigan, and autumn is beautiful, summer gets very hot, but it really is a lovely place to live.
Thank you TooOld4School and MaryGJ for your help! As I said, I am from the southwest and have no experience in the cold so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I appreciate the information.