It offers scenic landscapes and a low-stress “up north” atmosphere year-round by living in Alpena, a small community (population 10,500) on the shore of Lake Huron that describes itself as “a modern city at nature’s doorstep.” Alpena offers easy access to indoor and outlet shopping, family-owned and chain restaurants, and diverse industry, while providing many opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, kayaking, biking and snowshoeing.