West Branch is a friendly, small river town with easy access to the Au Sable for fishing/kayaking, miles of trails, local festivals, cozy restaurants and a growing craft-food scene — a comfortable, low-stress base where multi-week contracts feel more like a restful escape than a stint in a nowhere town.
If you want bigger-city options within easy day-trip range, Midland (about 69 miles) and Saginaw (about 67 miles) provide museums, larger dining/shopping choices and regional entertainment when you want more variety on weekends.