herbivorehippie

  • Local Expert 5,929 points
  • Reviews 17
  • Questions 0
  • Answers 0
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Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 1/5
Just now

"Mackinac Island – Famous for Fudge"

There was a time in my more adventurous days, long before I became a vegan that I would get a craving for Mackinac Island fudge, and thus a road trip would be in order. If I was brave enough to live on an island without feeling like I would be cut off from civilization at one point, this would be the island I would choose. Skip someplace tropical, I’ll take the Upper Peninsula and all the beauty that comes with it.

Although the island can often seem like it is all a bustle in the summer, there are only around 500 permanent residents. You catch the ferry to the island from Mackinac City and I must say that they pretty much run like clockwork. I have never had to wait for one to arrive; it is always there according to schedule. This also means that it won’t wait for you, so be on time!

The Lilac Festival is one you don’t want to miss, but in the winter, this is the place to go skiing. Many people assume that you can’t get through to the island in the dead of winter, but there are flights that go back and forth from the mainland. I think I paid around $40 for a round trip last time I was there.

Mackinac Island may be rated in the top 100 tourist attractions on countless lists, but it sure wouldn’t be a bad place to call home either.
Pros
  • Beautiful homes
  • Close to parks, beaches and waterfalls
  • Plenty of festivals
Cons
  • No schools on the island
  • No public transportation
  • Have to travel to the mainland for many amenities
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Cheboygan – Not as Secluded as You Think"

I love the Upper Peninsula, but I don’t know if I could live in a few of the cities that are beyond secluded; Cheboygan gives you the best of both worlds. Since the city sits at the Mackinac Bridge, you are still within the mitten, but you can easily crossover to enjoy all the forests and waterfalls in the tip of the UP.

There are a lot of great restaurants along Main St.; you will find that most people you encounter in the city are tourists, but there are still around 5,000 permanent residents. It would be easy to start a small business here because it is such a touristy area.

If you are visiting, sometimes you will discover good deals on hotels, other times, they are ridiculously expensive. There are a ton of B&Bs in the area though too. If this is somewhere you want to move, you will find that housing is dirt cheap. Most residents make about half what state average is, but it is by choice. You move to Cheboygan to get away from everything and enjoy nature, not worry about the latest name brands.

The schools are rumored to be fantastic and it is hard to not imagine a child loving to grow up here with so many parks, forests and beaches. If you plan a vacation to Cheboygan, give yourself time to take in everything that the UP has to offer; there is a lot to see! Make sure you check out the waterfalls in the Munising area too, the locals will tell you how to get there; just ask around.
Pros
  • Perfect location to enjoy the Upper Peninsula
  • Inexpensive
  • Beautiful surrounds
Cons
  • Lack of public transportation
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Munising – A City on a Lake and In a Forest"

The trip getting to Munising may be long, but I assure you that it is well worth the effort. The city sits directly on the ice cold, crystal clear waters of the Lake Superior, and it is literally right inside Hiawatha National Forest. If one massive forest isn’t enough to satisfy your thirst for nature, there is also Gwinn State Forest Area, Sault Ste. Marie State Forest and Newberry State Forest Area, just to name a few.

However, the main attraction to Munising is the countless waterfalls, and I assure you, they will all take your breath away. The first time you see one frozen and you can literally walk behind it, you will never want to leave.

Munising is a tiny city, a few thousand people at the most. The downtown area is cute with locally owned stores and restaurants, but if you lived here, I’m guessing you would have to venture into Sault Ste. Marie for some amenities.

Although hotels can be costly in the area, housing is pretty cheap. There are a couple of very small schools and I don’t know if they even have a police station or not; either way, they certainly do not need one. I think Munising is quite possibly one of the most beautiful cities in the country!
Pros
  • Gorgeous forests and waterfalls
  • Incredibly Safe
  • On the water
Cons
  • Lack of public transportation
  • Have to drive into the city for amenities
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Manistique – Endless Forests and Crystal Clear Water"

I have considered a move to Manistique many times. In fact, every time I visit, it gets harder to come home. Being an outdoor enthusiast, we head up to the Upper Peninsula when time allows, indulging in the never-ending supply of forests, trails, crystal clear lakes and wildlife. Manistique is my idea of heaven.

The city is nestled right on the water and literally surrounded by five forests and a wildlife refuge. You could walk a trail everyday for the rest of your life and never hit a duplicate.

It is definitely not expensive to live up here, housing is cheap, hotels typically are not! It is a small city, only a few thousand people and a lot of retirees. There is a good mix of singles and families, small schools and there is minimal crime reported, other than a few thefts and an occasional assault, which is probably from the locals getting rowdy after a long night of drinking.

Most of the restaurants and shops are locally owned, and although you will find the basics here, you will likely need to travel into a bigger city like Sault Ste. Marie for many things. If you would be happy spending your days enjoying nature, you would love Manistique. Make sure you have a snowmobile though; sometimes this will be your primary source of transportation.
Pros
  • Endless supply of forests and wildlife
  • Safe
  • Quiet
Cons
  • Quite a distance to commute to work in a city or do any shopping
  • Lack of public transportation
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Fenton – A Quiet Community"

Fenton is an older, professional city. There are a lot of retirees living here as well as second and third generation families, with good reason. People who grow up here are more than happy for their children to also partake in the fantastic schools, bodies of water and recreational areas. Seven Lakes State Park is beautiful, and if you want to head over into Holly, the Holly State Recreation Area can be enjoyed.

US Hwy 23 goes through Fenton so commuting is a breeze. The area offers the perfect central location to Ann Arbor, Grand Blanc and Flint, so there are plenty of employment and college opportunities available.

Housing is nice here, lawns are well-manicure and there are definitely neighborhoods where you can feel comfortable letting your child play outside. Although there is not much in the way of shopping plaza or nice spas, there are some fantastic restaurants. The French Laundry is where you go when you are starved and want huge portions, but I would definitely recommend the Fenton House Restaurant, where you will eat the best bread sticks of your life. Be prepared to indulge in a lot of carbohydrates, it is impossible to eat just one. If you enjoy a nice glass of wine, I suggest checking out the Fenton Winery & Brewery!
Pros
  • Beautiful parks
  • Fantastic schools
  • Friendly community
Cons
  • Have to commute to work
  • Not much of a night life if you're looking for one
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Harper Woods – The Forgotten City"

Harper Woods is just one of those cities I often forget about, for good reason. Some of my fondest memories of a child involve going to Eastland shopping center with my grandma to get a cream puff from Friendly’s. Today, you could not pay me to step foot in or around the mall.

Part of me wants to say to give the city a chance. After all, there is affordable housing and it is close to Grosse Pointe Woods and a ton of nice parks. However, the logical side of me says to just stay away. This is a city that makes the news often enough, rarely for a good reason.

I guess the city would be okay for singles, professionals or even college students since there are about eight colleges and universities less than 20 minutes away. I have a hard time recommending the city to anyone with a family though, unless you are trying to beat the crime of Detroit and Eastpointe. Then, you would be taking a step in the right direction. Even still, I would make a point to move as far east in the city as you can. Fortunately, I-94 runs right through so commuting is a breeze.
Cons
  • High crime rate
  • Mediocre school district
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Students
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Northville – Full of Festivals"

I just love Northville. I worked in the city for a short time, but it has always been a place I’ve visited frequently. The city is more of a village, with Victorian architecture and the cutest downtown area you will ever see. These are streets that are all a bustle, especially on the weekend. Everyone knows everyone and they love to support the local stores and restaurants.

There is always something going on in this city, so despite its quiet atmosphere it traditionally offers, parking and traffic can get a little congested. The city hosts annual festivals, even in the winter! The Northville Christmas Parade is wonderful, there are concerts in the summer and they have one of the best Farmer’s Markets around.

If you have a family, I can’t think of a better place to live. It is safe, the schools are fantastic, community is friendly and there are a few nice parks. Any night of the week, you can find locals as well as visitors from surrounding cities at Ginitti’s Hole-in-the-Wall, Table 5 or Deadwood Bar & Grill, where you will find the best chocolate chip cookies you will ever eat. Seriously, they make them to order, so tell your server ahead of time if you will want them, or you will be waiting a while for dessert. Their outdoor patio is the place to be all summer.
Pros
  • Friendly community
  • Fantastic schools
  • Safe
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Lack of public transportation
  • Parking can be a challenge downtown, especially on the weekends
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Novi – One of My Favorite Cities"

Let me begin with the one downside of Novi; the traffic can be horrible! Other than that, I absolutely love this city. I was a bartender here for years, and loved every minute of it. There is a huge selection of bars, nightclubs and restaurants. If you love to shop, Twelve Oaks Mall is here as well as countless other shopping plazas, spas, gyms, yoga studios and more. Whatever you are looking for, you will find here.

That being said, there is a price to pay to live here. Novi is expensive. Housing is double what state average is so when I worked here, I lived in Farmington Hills. A 10-minute drive down Grand River Ave saved me a significant amount of money in rent.

Don’t let the high price tag of the city fool you though, Novi has a lot higher crime rate than you would think. It is not horrific, but it’s definitely there. The police response was always fantastic though whenever we had a problem at the bar. Do be careful though, this is the city to party, but it is also the place to get a DUI.

If you have a family and you can afford housing here, Novi is a fantastic place to live! The school district is superb, the city is clean and of course, there is Lucky’s, a giant space filled with video games and bowling. There are also a few lovely parks in and around the city to enjoy.
Pros
  • Beautiful neighborhoods
  • City offers everything
  • Fantastic schools
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Horrible traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Hazel Park – A Fine Line Between Good and Bad"

It is hard to rate or categorize Hazel Park, because there is a really fine line between good and bad in this city. If you can stick close to the line of Ferndale, you are doing great. There are definitely parts of this city that are classy with beautiful housing, and then there are shady areas that you can hardly believe belong to the same city.

There is a great mix of races here and the average income used to be well above the state average, but now it is significantly below. I know there is one neighborhood exclusively for the elderly, which is nice. Crime rate really depends on where you live. It is less than Warren, Detroit and Eastpointe, but substantially more than Royal Oak, Ferndale and Madison Heights, so you are pretty much in the middle. That being said, you are centrally located to work or go to school in some pretty happening places.

I honestly don’t know much about the school district, but personally, I would opt for Ferndale or Madison heights if I had a family. Living in Hazel Park does put you close to the State Fairgrounds so plan on chaotic traffic at least once a year.

I just can’t find anything about Hazel Park to get excited about. For me, it is merely a city to drive through to get to a destination.
Pros
  • Centrally located
  • Diverse housing
Cons
  • Medicore school district
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • LGBT+
  • Students
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Burns Park – Reach for Your Wallet"

Burns Park is one of the oldest and beautiful, of all Ann Arbor neighborhoods. Its close proximity to the University of Michigan, luxury housing and parks, attracts an interesting mix of young adults, families, and the well-to-do. College undergrads dominate the population, and area businesses reflect this. Health-oriented supermarkets, and fitness centers dot the streets, and the neighborhood is also home to a 5K run every November.

Since a ban in high rises was lifted in the mid-2000s, a series of luxury student high-rise apartments have been erected for those attending U of M. The older sections of the area maintain their gorgeous aged look, with many streest featuring a canopy of old growth trees. These neighborhoods are mostly home to the older affluent adults of the community.

The collegiate atmosphere still intermingles here though, especially near Packard and Hill, where classic homes intermingle with fraternity, sorority, and other student housing solutions. The park for which this neighborhood was named, offers hills for winter sledding as well as ball fields, jungle gyms and a fountain for summertime fun. Overall, it's a wonderful community with offerings for residents of all ages, but not all income brackets. Be prepared for high living costs in both housing and shopping in exchange for a vibrant historic community.
Pros
  • Beautiful housing
  • In the middle of all the action
  • Close to University of Michigan
Cons
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Gibraltar – Home to the Gibraltar Trade Center"

There are only two reasons to go to Gibraltar: the trade center and decent haunted houses around Halloween. Although it is not a large city, or heavily populated, I find it hard wrapping my mind around the fact that people actually live here. It’s just one of those places where you go when you need something, but don’t realize that there are actually permanent residents.

That being said, the median salary is higher than most of Michigan so there must be some nice neighborhoods there that I just haven’t stumbled upon.

The good news about living in Gibraltar is that I-75 cuts straight through the city, and it puts you about halfway between Detroit and Toledo, so you can work just about anywhere. Just be careful because the State Troopers sit on the highway where the speed limit changes at S. Rockwood.

This is a very safe area, and perfect for students if you can find affordable housing, as it is within driving distance to many universities and colleges.

As mentioned, the Gibraltar Trade Center is a main attraction, although it is technically in Taylor. This is a bargain-hunter’s paradise for everything from antiques to contemporary furniture to jewelry to apparel. There are even 11 tattoo parlors in the center, as well as a comic store, computer repair and more!
Pros
  • Giibraltar Trade Center
  • Centrally located
  • Safe
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
ryllo
ryllo You obviously do not know Gibraltar. The trade center is almost 15 minutes north of us and is a crappy flea market. The interstate doesn't run through Gibraltar as the city is located on the river and the lake. The interstate runs through brownstown and flatrock. Gibraltar is a wonderful community. We moved here about a year ago and love our quiet neighborhood that isnstill only 10 minutes from whatever we might need. We have the metropark and Marina for neighbors and enjoy the canals and islands nearby. We can enjoy a few hours of fishing minutes from our front door and most storms float right over us. The people are friendly and neighborly and we have made some good new friends since being here. So why not actually visit Gibraltar. Grab a slice from Galley or get a cone at DQ before you comment on what it is like here
2yrs+
herbivorehippie
herbivorehippie Well if you read the entire post, it says that the Gibraltar Trade Center is in Taylor. It also says that there may be some nice neighborhoods there that I simply haven't seen yet. I have been there, and I did not say one mean thing about it; so why so defensive? If you know the area so well, then perhaps you should write a more experienced review. Also, you can keep your slice and your DQ. I'm a vegan...I don't pollute my body with food derived from pain and suffering. Have a nice day.
2yrs+
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4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Garden City – A Few Quaint Neighborhoods"

I have to say that pictures of Garden City don’t really do the area justice. It often comes off as a trashy city because of its closeness to Westland and Inkster, but I have a friend who lives here in a neighborhood that is really quite wonderful. There really are some beautiful neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, made up of mostly single-story homes. My friend has a son, and although I can’t speak for all schools in the area, she really likes his.

Garden City is a small city yet it is large enough to offer pretty much anything you need. I will say though that for the most part, housing is a bit more expensive here than some of the surrounding areas, but it is significantly safer as well, so the extra expense is well worth it.

If you are hungry or thirsty, Ford Rd is cluttered with restaurants and bars, right at the corner of Middlebelt and surrounding areas. This is where you will find a generous assortment of car dealerships, tanning salons and an abundance of stores. If you move to the area, you will find that Albert’s on the Alley is the place to go for drinks, well-known for its power hour!
Pros
  • Nice neighborhoods
  • Close to everything
  • Safer than surrounding areas
Cons
  • More expensive than closer cities
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Imlay City – The Blueberry Festival"

Although I don’t live far from Imlay City, it is not a place I really ever visited until I heard about the Blueberry Festival. Of course, being a vegan, I figured this would be right up my alley, and it was. It takes place every August and there is plenty of art, an antique car show, an outdoor movie and a ton of food and craft venders. You immediately get a feeling of just how close and friendly this community is.

I would have to say that this is close to being split down the middle of Caucasian and Hispanic residents, and it definitely feels like a safe place. The housing that I saw was quaint, in clean neighborhoods, and filled with a ton of kids playing outside.

Imlay City is about 15 minutes from Lapeer, which I’m guessing is where most people work. I know that they have their own school system so I’m guessing it is small, offering plenty of attention.

There is a bunch of little shops and restaurants all along N. Van Dyke Rd, but I didn’t see a shopping mall or too many specialty stores. Therefore, I think you would have to go to the city for a lot of stuff.

Highway I-69 is right there so commuting is easy. One thing I really didn’t notice any of though are parks, small or large. Maybe there are some small ones hidden in neighborhoods?
Pros
  • Plenty of families with children
  • Quiet
  • Safe
Cons
  • Far away from amenities
  • Lack of public transportation
  • No parks
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Allen – Country Living In the City"

My cousin moved with her family to the Allen neighborhood of Ann Arbor, after reviewing nearly every area in the city. She loves this neighborhood! It offers a great variety of both apartments and single family homes. This is the type of neighborhood where children can freely play outside and there are no worries.

If you have children or enjoy walking the trails, Buhr Park is right in your backyard. Country Farm Park and Mary Beth Doyle Park are there as well, so you will never run out of outdoor activities. There is a pool at one, an ice rink, play grounds and much more.

I know she loves that her children attend John Allen School. It is one of the highest rated elementary schools in Michigan, so if you move here, you know your children will get an outstanding education.

This is a younger neighborhood, resident age wise. However, although there are a lot of young professionals and families, it is certainly not noisy or a place where there is a steady flow of traffic. It’s a great place to grow roots. You’re close to the city to enjoy everything that Ann Arbor has to offer (which is a lot!), yet you’re far enough away to not deal with the traffic and noise.
Pros
  • Some of the best schools in Michigan
  • Safe
  • Beautiful parks
Cons
  • Lack of public transportation
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"King – A Truly Charming Neighborhood"

Located just northeast of central Ann Arbor, the King neighbohood offers a diverse selection of housing choices. Many houses were built in the area in the 1960s but there are plenty of older ones available too with a lot of personality. The houses here include many styles, including ranch, tri-level and colonial floor plans. In addition, King offers contemporary single family houses built on large lots as well as modern townhouses and condominiums with beautiful landscaping. The area east of US-23 is growing rapidly and as a result, there is constant development of new stores, restaurants and more.

Since this neighbourhood is east of the city, you are offered a more rural feeling. The area is a short drive from downtown Ann Arbor and its famous shopping and cultural events. Therefore, you’re minutes away from the nature, but you get to come home to a place with a lot less traffic and noise.

The neighbourhood is close to the University of Michigan's sprawling campus, one of the most desirable schools in the country. The King area has little crime and the local elementary school, King Elementary, was ranked 49th out of 1577 in Michigan elementary schools in 2011. Several local parks dot the landscape and provide an abundance of outdoor fun for anyone who loves being close to nature.
Pros
  • Some of the best schools in Michigan
  • Safe
  • Diverse selection of homes
Cons
  • Lack of public transportation
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Thurston – A Great Place for a Hike or Bike Ride"

Thurston is a neighborhood just outside of Ann Arbor that has something for everyone. Nature’s beauty is everywhere you look. The colors of fall are radiant shades of reds, oranges, browns, and greens. There are four state parks and recreation areas scattered around the county borders, so if you are an outdoor enthusiast like me, you will love this neighborhood.

I am a nature lover and the Nichols Arboretum is nature at its best. It is located at the nearby University of Michigan Medical Center. This is the perfect place to picnic, take a hike or ride your bike along the paths. Play Frisbee or just enjoy the view of the loons on the lake. You will also want to visit the Matthaei Gardens’ fascinating bonsai and penjing collection. You will be amazed with these tiny creations.

When you get hungry, there are some fantastic restaurants. Let me tell you about Carson’s American Bistro, one of the best casual restaurants in the Thurston area. The ambiance is warm and their menu offers something for everyone whether you’re looking for a snack or a full course meal. Of course, it is their service and fantastic wine list that will keep you coming back! If you’re looking for a place to live in the Ann Arbor area, this is definitely a neighborhood to consider.
Pros
  • Beautiful parks
  • Close to everything
  • Safe
Cons
  • Housing can be quite expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Lakewood - Rural with No Farms"

My aunt has lived near the Lakewood neighborhood in the Ann Arbor, MI area for years, so this is a spot I have grown to love and appreciate. This neighborhood’s backyard is the beautiful natural area containing First Sister Lake, Second Sister Lake and the Dolph Park. As the title suggests, this semi-secluded neighborhood offers a very wooded, green and rural feel. However, it is not so rural that you feel like you’re in the middle of farmland or anything.

What attracts me to this community is the peacefulness and the feeling of being outside the city, but still having all of the conveniences that Ann Arbor has to offer. It is nice to drive into the neighborhood and see the eclectic homes and not a bunch of identical, cookie-cutter houses all piled on one another. Each home has its own personality. The homes are not necessarily new; most were built from 1925 to 1988. There are small homes in the 900 square feet range up to large houses in the 4,000 square feet range, and all types of floor plans.

Another plus is that Lakewood Schools are superb. They have high rankings and turn out great students. Also, the neighborhood is close enough to the downtown area that you’re able to access endless shopping, galleries, restaurants, spas, gyms, theaters, clubs and anything else you could possibly want. Then, you can leave the hustle and bustle to go to a quieter area where you don’t have to listen to traffic all night.
Pros
  • Fantastic schools
  • Safe
  • Close to everything the city has to offer
Cons
  • Lack of public transportation
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Eberwhite - One of the Best Areas in Ann Arbor"

Situated in Ann Arbor, Eberwhite offers a quaint and idyllic setting for those settling into family life. It is especially an inviting location if you enjoy a slower pace of life. Most commonly known for its downtown landmarks such as University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a great location for college seekers, making Eberwhite’s location a preferred choice for students. In addition to nice housing, you get all the amenities that this “college town” has to offer.

Increasing popular with young to average professionals, Eberwhite has managed to become one of the most stabilized neighborhoods in the area. Whether you are looking to make a fresh start, looking for employment opportunities or starting a family, this is an area that has something for everyone.

Once settled into the area you will find everything is located just minutes from your doorstep. You are literally right around the corner from shops, entertainment, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and nightlife. You will find a diverse mix of bars and clubs to enjoy; some have fantastic happy hours, others are a little more trendy and pricey. An interesting nearby area to visit is the the Old West Side of Ann Arbor known as Selma. Within this neighborhood, you will want to explore the local salons, spas, bars and shopping centers.
Pros
  • Close to University of Michigan
  • Fantastic public schools
  • Close to everything
Cons
  • Housing can be quite expensive
  • Lack of public transportation since it's not downtown
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Haisley – A Blend of Classic and Modern"

Haisley, a small neighborhood located just west of downtown Ann Arbor, is found where Interstate 94 and Hwy 14 merge. It is home to some fantastic activity areas outside of the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Not only is it a great place to live with a friendly community, it is also unique, boasting natural surroundings mixed with modern conveniences of daily life. If you are looking for a new car, this is the place to go as there are a ton of car dealerships in the area. It is also lined with some of the common chain restaurants and bars. If you have children, the schools are super, and housing is affordable with most lots offering ample yard space.

Haisley is a quiet place to live, surrounded by lush trees and ponds, edging up to the Dolph Nature Area and Lakewood Nature Area. It also has alternative activities such as yoga, a wellness center, and an indoor rock climbing gym. There is even a golf course and bowling alley in the neighborhood to keep you feeling like a kid again! Overall, Haisley is a great place to live. It offers a safe suburban atmosphere coupled with the closeness of the city, making it a perfect place to raise a family.
Pros
  • Great for nature lovers
  • Gyms, recreation centers, bowling and a golf course to keep you busy
  • Fantasti schools
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Dicken - Beauty of Nature in Convenient Urban Setting"

I went with my cousin to check out the Dicken neighborhood in Ann Arbor as a possible place for her to move, and was quite impressed. There are plenty of very nice wood and brick homes, many with added decks, and almost all with flowers and shade trees. In addition to older homes, there are also a number of striking modern homes to choose from.

We both really liked the shade trees and the natural beauty offered by Dicken Woods, behind the elementary school. She is an environmental enthusiast like me, so the fact that the community saved it from development was impressive to us. This says a lot about what potential neighbors would be like.

There are many nature programs and small parks sprinkled about the area, which includes the lovely Greenview Park, west of Seventh St.; a nice place for picnics and dog walks. The Ravines and Meadowinds developments have playgrounds and tennis courts too, which is just southwest of I-94 and north of Scio Church.

The Dicken neighborhood is right around the corner from an abundance of shopping centers, restaurants, gas stations, and specialty boutiques that flood the sidewalks along Stadium and Maple.

The schools we visited looked lively and productive; we checked out Slauson Middle School and Pioneer High School. Children come to these schools from Surrey Park, Park Place, Summit Pointe and the Walden Hills condo complexes. Although she didn’t end up moving to this neighborhood, it was definitely in the running. If you commute to work, I-94 is in your backyard, and you literally minutes away from the University of Michigan.
Pros
  • Some of the best schools in the area
  • Beautiful homes
  • Close to everything the city has to offer
Cons
  • Housing can be quite expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Bach - The Best of Ann Arbor"

Bach is one of my favorite neighborhoods, and arguably one of the prettiest in Ann Arbor, especially the area behind Bach Elementary School. Located just a short walk from downtown on the city’s west side, this neighborhood offers charming Victorian-style homes, complete with lovely flower gardens and sizeable yards for children to play in. While an older neighborhood, many of these 19th century homes have been lovingly restored to their original beauty. Of course, restoration does come with a price, which, therefore, has caused the rental, and purchase property values to increase exponentially. Sitting alongside these beautifully, well-restored homes are condominiums that are more modern, as well as some newer, single-family homes, adding charm to this already well-established neighborhood. In spite of this, there are some affordable rental options still available for those seeking good deal.

Shopping is made easy, as the Farmer’s Market and the Kerrytown Market and Shops are just a few steps away. With plenty of restaurants and nightlife nearby, the Bach area of Ann Arbor is able to provide everyone with plenty of entertainment and good living. Allmedinger Park is located on the southern side of Bach and houses baseball and intramural fields for sports of all types. West Park, located on the western edge of Bach, have fields as well, along with picnic facilities and a band shell for outdoor concerts.

Many of the local schoolchildren attend Bach elementary school and then, depending on which area of Bach you live in, will attend a variety of high schools, many of which leave the choice up to the students living in the Bach area.

If you choose to visit Bach, you will likely find it as charming as I do. With so much to see and do, it is a wonderful place to raise a family.
Pros
  • Beautitful Victorian-style homes
  • Safe
  • Great community
Cons
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Lawton - A Tiny Town with a Great Beer Selection"

Lawton is a small village in Michigan, with a population of only a couple thousand people. I love that so many of the restaurants and businesses here are locally owned. It is definitely a place where community supports one another.

There is a growing "craft beer" scene in Michigan which Lawton is part of via the Tiny Old Hat Brewery. This is a fantastic place! Upon entering the bar, you are allowed to take down any number of the hats hanging from the rafters and wear them while you’re there. It’s actually kind of a gross tradition, but no one really thinks about it while they’re having a good time.

The main street in Lawton is dotted with restaurants that serve award-winning locally brewed beers along with some great food. Residents are primarily white and middle aged, with middle to low income. There are also a lot of families with children living in the village. Although I don’t know much about the public school district, it is close to Kalamazoo and Paw Paw, so I can only assume that they are pretty decent. This is definitely a safe city!

The entire town is only 2 square miles, so it is easy to get to know all of the hot spots. It’s a sleepy, kind of quaint town. It’s close enough to the bigger cities to enjoy amenities, but far enough away to not be bothered by traffic.
Pros
  • Haven for beer lovers
  • Friendly community
  • Safe
Cons
  • Likely have to commute to work
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Mount Clemens – Easily One of My Least Favorite Places"

Why anyone would want to live in Mt. Clemens is beyond me. Even when I was in high school many years ago, this is where we would hang out and think we were cool. It was a rough city then and it’s far worse now. Quite honestly, I think I would rather walk the streets of Detroit alone than Mt. Clemens, and that’s not saying much.

Sure there’s a few nice neighborhoods here and there, but what good is a nice house if you are always wondering if it is going to get broken into? The crime rate is ridiculous, and this place is always in the news. Fortunately, there are plenty of hospitals in and around the city; you might need them.

As for raising a family here, I personally would not want my children going to these schools. About the only plus size is that there is public transportation running through the city, which is more than what most Michigan cities have to offer.

Mt. Clemens does offer one thing though, a lot of nightclubs. Being an ex-bartender, I have frequented these clubs on occasion and had a good time. Be warned though, every night is not a good night! I only go if there are special events or hosted parties. Other than that, I wouldn’t waste my time. A few that usually have something going on include Emerald Theatre, The Bank (especially in the summer) and Johnny G’s, which is more of a pub than anything.
Pros
  • An abundance of bars, clubs and restaurants
Cons
  • Not safe
  • Poor school district
Recommended for
  • Singles
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Abbot – Home to Abbot Nursery"

My aunt has lived in Ann Arbor as far back as I can remember and in the summer, she gets everything for her garden from Abbot Nursery. This includes brilliant wind chimes, fountains and all the little extras; not just the mulch and flowers!

This is an expensive neighborhood, relatively close to the University of Michigan where you can always see a good game. Not only that, living in this area means there are an abundance of free concerts, lectures, art fairs and other events to enjoy.

If you did work somewhere other than Ann Arbor, commuting is easy because I-94 runs right through Abbot. Also, whether you live here or visit, you will want to visit Papa Tom’s Cajun Boiled Peanuts right in the neighbourhood. It is amazing. Be warned, this little area can get congested with traffic.

One of the biggest draws for me is the Summer Ann Arbor Art Fair, which brings the most amazing assortment of artists from all over the area. There is an abundance of food and entertainment, and it’s just an all-around good time.

The University Hospital is a leading care facility in nearly every field of medicine, which is right down the road. The medical staff is for the most part world renowned, but they also have a private practice where they see patients from the area.

The school district is fantastic and Dolph Nature Area is right over the line in Haisley, so it is a perfect neighborhood for a family.
Pros
  • Fantastic schools
  • Safe neighborhood
  • Beautiful homes
Cons
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Mount Morris – Great if Work in Flint"

Although there are some good places to live in Flint, it seems as though the crime rate of the city increases more than it should every year. Unfortunately, there are some really good employment opportunities in the city, which leaves people having to decide whether to pass on a decent job or deal with the city. Thankfully, Mount Morris is only about 12 minutes away.

I’ve only been to Mt. Morris once and it was brief, but there was nothing there that really caught my attention. Houses are small, I didn’t find people all that friendly when we stopped to eat either. Maybe because we were outsiders? I’m assuming that the city sees a lot of traffic from people passing through on their way to Frankenmuth. That’s another thing, I-475 runs right through the city, so commuting is easy.

There are plenty of schools in Mount Morris. It actually strikes me as a good place to raise a family. The community probably looks out for one another, so maybe you just need to get over the hump off being the new person or family in town to be accepted. There are also a lot of colleges in Flint, so this would be a decent place to live for students.
Pros
  • Quiet
  • Inexpensive housing
  • Safe
Cons
  • Have to commute to work
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Morley – Manistee National Forest"

Who cares that there is virtually nothing to do in Morley; Manistee National Forest is in your back yard! First, you have White Pine Trail State Park which is located in the forest. If you love the outdoors, you could never get tired of this city. There’s hiking, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Please don’t look for a mall or any other type of city amenity though because you won’t find them. There are some friendly neighborhood restaurants though!

Housing is cheap, typically sitting on a good piece of land. There are only a few hundred people that live there so schools are small, and you can definitely plan on knowing everyone. This is the type of area where you could be really happy if you prefer to keep to yourself.

Lakeview and Big Rapids are both about 15 minutes away so you can plan on commuting to work. This of course isn’t bad when weather is clear but this doesn’t strike me as the type of area that plows their roads all that promptly. Although, I’ve only been there in the summer, so who knows, maybe a couple locals have plows for their trucks and handle the roads themselves.
Pros
  • Manistee National Forest
  • Quiet
  • Inexpensive
Cons
  • Quite a drive from next city for amenities
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Monroe – More to Offer Than You Think"

I lived in Monroe for many years and I can say that there is a lot more to this place then I expected; both good and bad. When I first enrolled at the University of Toledo, I wanted to be close to school, but not so far away from family and friends much further north, so I opted for Monroe. This city has virtually everything you could want and what they don’t have, Toledo does.

Most residents work at Ford or General Motors and then a large percentage work in the countless bars and restaurants. There are a few great ones like Clamdigger that are right on the water and offer docks so you can pull right in with your boat. The surrounding areas of Erie, Dundee, LaSalle and Maybee always offer bonfires and parties. This is a place where bars are busy on any given night because people love to party here, a lot!

This is a great place for families. Nearly everyone I know started getting married and having babies before I moved away. There are tons of day care facilities and Sterling State Park is a nice place to go to enjoy the outdoors.

The racial makeup of Monroe is pretty diverse. You will also find a few shady areas that you want to stay clear of as well as neighborhoods breathtaking houses. Be warned, it doesn’t matter where you go in Monroe, you will be waiting at train tracks. I’ve never seen so many trains in all my life!
Pros
  • City offers everything
  • Employment opportunities
  • Centrally located
Cons
  • Some shady areas
  • A lot of trains
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Milan – Home to the Milan Dragway"

The first time I visited Milan, it was to go to a race at the Milan Dragway. Now, I am definitely not much for races and would never bother to watch one on television, but being at the dragway is totally different. It is a laid back, party atmosphere with a whole lot of contagious energy!

My first impression of Milan was definitely a cozy one. There are a lot of two-story brick homes, a quaint downtown area and a really relaxed vibe. It feels like being up North, only without the lengthy drive and it’s not so secluded.

Milan is definitely a safe area. It is a great central location, close to Saline and Ann Arbor, so amenities, schools, hospitals and employment opportunities aren’t too hard to find. There are schools there and college students have their pick between some of the best, including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and even Monroe County Community College, if you are looking for something a little smaller.

There are a few really nice parks in and around the area, as well as Foodtown Shopping Center and some restaurants and bars, so you don’t have to drive into the large cities if you don’t want to. If you visit or move there, you will want to check our Fender’s Bar & Grill. It’s a cool little hangout of locals and some great food and drink specials.
Pros
  • Safe neighborhoods
  • Nice community
Cons
  • High traffic when there are races
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
Mio
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Mio – A City in a Forest"

The few times I’ve been to Mio, I have found it hard to leave. In fact, I would definitely consider living there, but even for me, it is a little too secluded. The idea of the closest Whole Foods and a hospital being a half hour away stresses me a little.

Mio is within Huron National Forest, so for an outdoor enthusiast like me, this place is paradise. Not only is there an endless supply of trails and wildlife, there are places to rent canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes to enjoy the AuSable River. There is cross-country skiing, horseback riding and even golfing too!

If you are looking for beautiful wood furniture, handmade by the Amish, there are specialty shops out there. A friend of mine bought a one-of-a-kind, stunning bed that is just breathtaking. If you live in Mio, I suggest getting a snowmobile; everyone has one and you likely will need it to get to the bar or store if the roads aren’t plowed right away.

I know that there are public schools in Mio, but I don’t know much about them. Most homes are nestled in their own private woods so plan on driving your children to play dates; there will be no walking next door to hang out with friends.
Pros
  • Surrounded by beautiful scenery
  • Quite and safe
  • Endless activies outdoors
Cons
  • Far away from amenities
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Milford – Featuring a Ton of New Development"

When I lived in Farmington Hills, I would make a point to go run trails at least once a week at the parks in and around Milford. These are beautiful parks where you are nearly guaranteed to see deer, swans, dragonflies and turtles. I also used to take my dogs to the dog park there in Wixom. Well, this city exploded with development in a matter of a couple of years. Don’t get the wrong idea though, it is far from being cluttered. It used to be that residents would have to go into Novi for restaurants, shopping, etc., but Milford has a lot to offer now. There are great stores, restaurants and a few nice bars.

Milford is where you live when you don’t want neighbors so close that they can see in your windows. Most houses are on a substantial amount of property and if there are traditional neighborhoods with houses in neat rows, I’ve never seen them. Housing is a little on the expensive side, but the surrounding areas are as well.

There are private and public schools here, all of which are outstanding, and there are about seven colleges and universities within driving distance. Milford is a city I wish I had bought a home in years ago while there was nothing there. This is definitely an area where real estate will continue to appreciate for many years.
Pros
  • Gorgeous parks
  • Beautiful homes
  • Fantastic schools
Cons
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Metamora – Enjoy the Annual Balloon Festival"

I have to admit, when I was talked into going to Metamora for its Country Days and Balloon Festival, I thought I was going to some ghost town for a low-class event. I was so wrong! First of all, the city is quite nice. Houses are lovely and certainly well-kept. Second, the festival is a really good time; it would be perfect for someone with children. There is face painting, a petting zoo and pony rides. The balloons are quite a sight and well worth the drive, as 30 hot air balloons in every color imaginable are launched into the sky.

We also spent a day enjoying the trails and forest around Lake Minnawanne. There’s a nice little campground there too, which we did not stay at. Although the White Horse Inn is recommended by all to eat at, it was really crowded so we tried out Karen’s Sunflower Café; a quaint little eatery with amazing homemade soup.

This seems to be a friendly city; I’m guessing most residents work and go to school in Lapeer or Oxford Twp., as I didn’t notice any schools in Metamora. This would also put Lapeer as the closet place to find a hospital and other amenities.
Pros
  • Safe city
  • Friendly
Cons
  • Quite a drive from next city for amenities
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Maybee – Always a Bonfire Somewhere"

Maybee – Always a Bonfire Somewhere

I lived in Monroe for quite some time, and what I found was that there always seemed to be a bonfire going on in Maybee. There are only about 500 people who live in Maybee so you will end up knowing nearly everyone, and if you have a barbeque, plan for unexpected guests, it’s just that type of neighborly place.

Maybee is where you live if you make a little more money than the average American and you can afford a higher house payment. Monroe is right up the road if you are looking for a bigger selection of bars, restaurants, gyms, tanning salons and shopping, but there is a post office and Independent Dairy Mart in the city. You will find that the Little Brown Jug is the place to go for food and drinks; I even drove there to hang out quite a few times when I lived in Monroe.

Even though Maybee has a small population, depending on where you live, residents either attend Monroe Public Schools or Dundee Community Schools. If had to choose one, I would pick Dundee; they are smaller so students get more attention. This is a very safe area. It is also great for college students as Monroe County Community College is only 10 minutes away or you can take your pick between University of Toledo, Eastern Michigan University and University of Michigan, which are all under a 25-minute drive.
Pros
  • Safe
  • Friendly community
  • Great location
Cons
  • Not much for shopping of fine-dining restaurants
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Marine City – Live on the Lake"

If you love the water, enjoy a small community and prefer to stay away from a busy area, Marine City is perfect for you. When I visited the area, I pretty much expected extra-large houses and snobby residents, but what I discovered was modest housing, most of which I thought was rather small. I also found that this is a friendly city that sort of moves at its own pace. No one seems to be in a hurry here; there is always time for small talk and to hold the door for someone.

The downtown area is just fabulous. It is a historic waterfront district that boasts a boardwalk and charming boutiques and restaurants. We actually went there to check out the antiques and were not at all disappointed as the city has antique malls and stores! You can enjoy the public beach and even take a ferry to Ontario. We ate at Rivera Restaurant one day and although it was so good that we were going to return the next day, the locals recommended Marine City Fish Co., which was equally as fantastic.

I can say that I was impressed by the city. I’m unfamiliar with the school district, but it definitely is a safe place to live if you have a family.
Pros
  • A lot of antique stores
  • Lakefront views and property
Cons
  • Closest big city is Port Huron which is about 25 minutes away
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Hipsters
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Manistee – Spirit of the Woods"

There are legends that say Manistee means “spirit of the woods,” named by Ojibwa. Quite honestly, I only went to Manistee once and it was for the purpose of hiking through Manistee National Forest. This is definitely an area I would love to return to in the near future. The forest is so gorgeous, it’s ridiculous. I know they do snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through the trails so I will need to return in the winter next time.

The city itself is a lot bigger than I thought it would be. I pictured a secluded little town, but there is a lot to do here. The downtown area is right on the water, lined with quaint boutiques and eateries. With the exception of employees, it was hard to tell the tourists from the locals, but everyone was super friendly! Surprisingly, there are a ton of museums and landmarks to explore in Manistee. Unfortunately, time didn’t permit me to visit them. I did manage to spend a day at Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary though. It is 75 acres of mature forest, hiking trails and 1,700 feet of beach. Eagles, woodpeckers and an abundance of water fowl were everywhere.

This would probably be a nice place to live if you don’t mind a lot of tourists. It certainly seemed like a very safe and incredibly friendly city.
Pros
  • Gorgeous parks and forests
  • Safe
  • Friendly
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Luna Pier – Enjoy the Massive Crescent-shaped Pier"

I used to have quite a few friends who lived in Luna Pier back when I lived in Monroe and I went to school at the University of Toledo in Ohio. Luna Pier is in a nice central location between Monroe and Toledo as it is only a few miles from the border.

There are only maybe 1,500 people living here and most of the area is pretty rural. The crescent-shaped pier that is 800 feet long and stretches 200 feet into Lake Erie, is a popular place for fishing. There are plenty of locations in the area to have a picnic or go for a hike.

Everyone knows everyone in Luna Pier. It’s a small community that watches out for one another. This is a great place to have children as the Mason School District is fantastic and the crime rate is extremely low.

There are a few little stores in Luna Pier, but you have to go into the city for large grocery store, malls a gym or tanning salon. When you need to gas your vehicle, go over the state line into Toledo, it is typically a lot less expensive.

The downfall of Luna Pier is that it gets hit hard with Mayflies! I have seen them completely cover houses, cars and gas stations in the spring. Although they don’t bite or sting, they do smell awful the next day when they are baking in the sun!
Pros
  • Safe neighborhoods
  • Friendly community
Cons
  • A lot of Mayflies
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Livonia – Home to the Beautiful Rosedale Gardens Historic District"

Although Livonia is a city that certainly has it all, few people even know that the Rosedale Gardens Historic District even exists. Wooden houses with broad porches that have been bricked, sit in neat rows looking like a storybook. I don’t think the lawns here are even capable of growing weeds.

You will never be short of things to do in Livonia. Laurel Park Place is a small, upscale shopping mall that’s nice or there are endless other shopping opportunities. The selection of restaurants is never-ending and there are even some great bars; my personal favorite is Kickers, which houses Joey’s Comedy Club.

Livonia is a big city. I have several friends who live here and every neighborhood I’ve gone through is always full of primarily single story brick homes, manicured landscaping and tree-lined sidewalks. Houses are a little bit more expensive here when compared to other Michigan cities, but the public school district is great and there are plenty of private schools as well. If you read through statistics, it does look as though Livonia has a higher crime rate than some other areas, but considering the massive population, it’s really not as bad as it looks on paper.
Pros
  • City offers everything
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Lexington – Truly a Perfect City"

I grew a fondness for Lexington many years ago. My mom goes a couple times per year to visit a friend, so the first time I tagged along, I fell in love with the city. So much so, that it is on my list of locations I’m considering for my move this year. You won’t find a friendlier community and more things to do anywhere; it just feels like home.

This small village only has a little over 1,000 residents, but it welcomes a lot of tourists so you do need to be prepared for a little traffic. There are fantastic parks, and it sits right on Lake Huron so the beaches are beautiful. There is a marina where you can rent kayaks, boats and even take sailing lessons.

Lexington is a haven for the antique-lover. The city is full of boutiques, antique and folk art shops and of course, OH’ Fudge Shoppe. There are also a ton of restaurants along Lakeshore Road; the Cadillac House has phenomenal pizza.

If you have a family, Lexington is about the safest place you can choose to live. Seriously, this is the type of place you can leave your door unlocked at home and your purse sitting on the front seat of your car and nothing will happen. The school district is small so students get plenty of attention.

You will find that many residents work in Sandusky or Port Huron, both of which are about 20 miles away, so the commute isn’t bad. However, most people who live here work at local hotels, restaurants or run their own B&B’s for the constant flow of visitors.
Pros
  • Friendly community
  • Always something to do
  • Zero crime rate
Cons
  • A bit of a drive to a large city
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Lapeer – Not a City that Impresses Me"

I have only been to Lapeer a few times, and they all involved either rescuing a dog or picking up one from animal control to transport to a rescue. That being said, there is nothing that I can find about this city that makes people want to live there. The closest big city to work in would be Flint, which is still a good 25 to 30 minute commute, but I guess you don’t have to worry about so much traffic when you come back home.

The houses are okay, none that really caught my attention. The downtown area is quaint, lined with specialty gift, clothing and home furnishing stores, but again, nothing to get excited over. The highlight of the year for the city is when it hosts their annual Lapeer Days Festival in August with rides, food and entertainment.

For how small the city is, it does offer a nice selection of restaurants and bars, mostly along Main St. Farm House Family Restaurant is a favorite spot for breakfast while EG Nick’s Grill & Tavern and Blind Fish are good for dinner.

There are actually a couple nice parks in Lapeer. The school district is also pretty good. The closest colleges are about 20 miles away though. Although Lapeer offers the impression as being a safe city, it’s really not. They actually have a pretty high crime rate and 96 registered sex offenders.
Pros
  • Little traffic
  • Decent restaurantss
  • Good school district
Cons
  • High crime area
  • Long commute to Flint
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Lambertville – Right on the Ohio Line"

Lambertville is the perfect place to live for those who work in Ohio because the city is right on the state line. The neighborhoods here are all beautifully maintained; it is one of those cities that you drive through and you just feel “home.” The area is extremely safe, and since it is on the border of Sylvania rather than North Toledo, you really don’t have to worry about having too many problems.

The city is really in a perfect location because you are minutes away from Toledo, which offers everything you could possibly want, including the University of Toledo, where I attended school. Franklin Park Pall (one of my favorite malls), is right up the road and there are a couple of nice parks and golf courses nearby.

Although Lambertville is quite small, it offers grocery stores, convenience stores and some great restaurants. AJ’s Doolittle’s is a preferred choice. Sidelines is a nice little neighborhood pub too, where you will typically find a lot of locals. If you are craving something sweet, the Arctic Café has a fantastic peanut butter flurry! Lambertville does have gas stations if you really need to fill up, but if you drive a few miles into Toledo, gas prices are always a lot cheaper.
Pros
  • Safe neighborhoods
  • Close to Toledo and Sylvania
  • Great schools
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"St. Clair Shores – The Place to Be In the Summer"

My grandparents lived in St. Clair Shores for my entire childhood so I have always had a fondness for the area. Now the only time I go back is in the summer to eat and drink at some of the best establishments in Michigan including Fishbones Rhythm Kitchen Café and of course, the Beach Grill, which offers outdoor seating on the water as well as a few docks.

Crime rate is average here, mainly a lot of theft, but what do you expect when thousands of people venture to the bars and restaurants along the waterfront all weekend long to drink in the summer. You will find houses are quite moderate; a lot of one-story brick homes in tree-lined neighborhoods. If you want to see some of the most beautiful houses in the entire state, you will drive down Lakeshore Drive along the water and into Grosse Pointe Woods to marvel at some mansions.

The only thing that I find undesirable about St. Clair Shores is that depending on which way you are coming from, you have to drive through Roseville, Eastpointe, Fraser or Mt. Clemens to get there, none of which thrill me to pass through, especially because the potholes are nasty.
Pros
  • Great place to be in the summer
  • Fantastic bars and restaurants
Cons
  • Undesirable surrounding areas
  • Surprisingly high crime rate
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"South Lyon – Home to Pumpkinfest"

The first time I was introduced to South Lyon was for Pumpkinfest, a festival that takes place every October. You don’t have to have kids to enjoy it either. There is plenty of food, live entertainment, a craft show, dog show and of course, a pumpkin contest. It’s really a nice way to spend a day. If you live in South Lyon, this is about the only time you will feel overwhelmed with traffic.

Residents are friendly, typically make above average income and the houses are really nice. The location is perfect, because you can work and enjoy all the amenities in Brighton, Novi, Wixom and Milford, which happens to be a city that is booming with growth. The school district is fantastic and the city is safe.

I personally love this area because there is a lot to do outside. There are a ton of golf courses and gorgeous parks in the city and nearby, including Huron Meadows Metro Park. If you have a dog, there is a nice dog park in Wixom at Lyon Oaks. They have “wolf” day on Friday’s at 1 pm where everyone brings their Huskies and Malamutes. Of course, other dogs are welcome as well!

If you are looking for an exceptionally nice neighborhood that is not overdone or so rich that it’s stuffy, South Lyon offers some pretty friendly communities.
Pros
  • Perfect location
  • Fantastic schools
  • Friendly neighborhoods
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Sault Ste. Marie – Home to the International 500 Snowmobile Race"

There are a few common misconceptions about Sault Ste. Marie. Some assume most residents are seasonal, but this is absolutely not true. If you love snow, this is the place to be. The majority of people who live here are in no hurry to escape when winter weather arrives and nearly everyone has a snowmobile. Second, some think that this is an expensive place to live since it is such a touristy city when in fact, housing is pretty cheap and most people make well under the state average. Third, it is easy to assume that there is no crime up here, but Sault Ste. Marie definitely sees its fair share!

You really don’t have to deal with a lot of traffic in Sault Ste. Marie, especially in the winter, except when the annual International 500 Snowmobile Race comes to town in February. This is a huge event that attracts visitors from all over the United States and Canada.

This is an ideal place for singles or retirees who just love being outdoors. There are plenty of couples and families living here too though. This is a small school district that welcomes parent involvement. If you are a college student who loves cold weather, you really can’t ask for a better arrangement than to live here where it is inexpensive and attend Lake Superior State University.

You will find that a lot of the bars and even stores in the city do close up in the winter, but there are plenty left open to enjoy.
Pros
  • Affordable housing
  • Plenty to do outdoors
Cons
  • A lot of registered sex offenders
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Saline – Close to Ann Arbor, But Quieter"

Although most people enjoy Saline for different reasons, I love their Farmer’s Market! Sure, there are markets like this a lot closer to where I live, but the one in Saline is more like an outdoor shopping extravaganza full of plenty of organic and homemade goods. It’s clean and open and just a delight to go to.

Saline is in a fantastic location. You will find that a vast majority of residents work in Ann Arbor, but prefer to live here because it’s a lot quieter and more mature. Parts of Ann Arbor can be cluttered by University of Michigan students; Saline is an expensive neighborhood where college students typically stay clear of.

Crime rate is low and if you are going to have a family, this is a great city to do so. The schools are fantastic, neighborhoods are safe and Curtiss Park is here which is well manicured with a lovely little waterfall.

Saline is close enough to Ann Arbor to enjoy the endless supply of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs, festivals and shopping malls, yet far enough away to not deal with the constant commotion. Michigan Ave has a hospital, shopping center and a few great places to eat, such as Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shop and Guilin Restaurant, where you will find the best Chinese in the area. If you enjoy a stiff drink, head over to Dan’s Downtown Tavern.
Pros
  • Close to Ann Arbor without the traffic
  • Safe
  • Nice homes
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Royal Oak – An Artistic and Trendy City"

I have mixed feelings toward Royal Oak, as many people do. I love going into the city to eat and enjoy the bars, especially the rooftop at Woody’s in the summer. It’s a great place to go shop at the boutiques or simply walk around. That being said, I could not live in this city, I find it hard to understand why people pay such a ridiculous amount for the lofts here when they could buy a gorgeous house for the same amount of money elsewhere. Not to mention, the parking issues and noise of the city could drive me insane.

Yes, the lofts are nice, but seriously, parking in this city is horrible. There is minimal street parking so wherever you go, you have to park in a lot and walk. This isn’t bad in the summer but it’s a mess in the winter. Not to mention, traffic is horrible. You know when everyone is on lunch hour in this city because it may take you a half hour to move 2 miles. Traffic is so bad, there are cones set on the streets on weekdays to act as crosswalks and you have to stop constantly to allow pedestrians to cross. Half the streets are one-way too. So, if you miss what you are looking for, you have to go way out of your way to come around again.

Royal Oak is a young, trendy city where everything just feels cluttered, and for the amount that you pay to live here, you would think it would boast a better crime rate. There are great schools in Royal Oak and there are certainly numerous families living here, but I would recommend the city for singles, professionals or even students. If you can find a roommate to afford the housing, the city is only minutes away from seven colleges and universities.
Pros
  • Plenty to do
  • Nice lofts
  • Great schools
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Horrible traffic
  • Seriously parking isssues
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Roseville – Retirees Moved to Florida and the City Went Downhill"

Roseville – Retirees Moved to Florida and the City Went Downhill

It frustrates me beyond belief to write a review of Roseville because this is a place I visited often as a child as my grandparents lived nearby in St. Clair Shores. Many years ago, Roseville was actually pretty nice. It is a city, filled with countless neighborhoods of single-level brick houses and tree-lined streets. I remember playing putt-putt golf here with my grandmother and going to the mall. Roseville was a place where most residents lived for decades and raised families. Then, it seemed as though everyone ages, retired, moved to Florida and slowly these neighborhoods started deteriorating.

Quite honestly, Roseville has nothing to offer residents today except a horrible school district, potholes big enough to swallow a car and an endless supply of crime. You are surrounded by Eastpointe, Warren and Fraser; all throw away cities in my opinion.

There are a few parks, none of which are maintained. About the only plus side to Roseville is that it is 2 miles from Macomb Community College, so it is not a bad place to find affordable housing, if you are a student. That being said, I would definitely recommend a roommate. The crime rate is ridiculous. In addition to several hundred auto thefts, burglaries and assaults per year, Roseville sees more than its fair share of rapes and murders. If you need to live in this area, I would recommend north parts of Warren instead, which puts you on the border of Sterling Heights. You can still find affordable housing, but it’s not such a dangerous and run down area.
Cons
  • High crime area
  • Poor school district
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Students
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Rochester Hills – Stoney Creek Metro Park in Your Backyard"

I live right on the border of Rochester Hills and quite honestly, I can’t say anything bad about the city. You will find an abundance of neighborhoods with beautiful houses, the school district is significant in size and one of the best in the state, and it is located minutes away from Shelby Twp., Auburn Hills, Troy and Birmingham. It is a classy area with a diverse racial makeup and all the amenities you could want.

Rochester Hills is pretty expensive though. The average resident makes double what the state average is and you can clearly tell by the houses and vehicles. The city has a reputation for being a bit snobby, but it’s not as bad as what people say.

There are 14 parks in Rochester Hills so this is a haven for anyone who walks, jogs, bicycles or has children who enjoy nice playgrounds. Stoney Creek Metro Park is the largest of these parks and one I go to a few times a week, even in the winter. There are plenty of trails as well as a nice 6 mile paved loop around the water. In the summer you can rent bikes or enjoy the beach.

Yates Park, which is connected to Yates Cider Mill, is the place to be on the weekends for fresh cider. You will want to stock up on Honey Crisp apples from here in the fall. If you can afford the housing and taxes, Rochester Hills is a fantastic city to live.
Pros
  • Perfect location
  • Great schools
  • Plenty of parks for outdoor enthusiasts
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Traffic and get out of control
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Richmond – Hike the Macomb Orchard Trail"

Richmond seems to stay under the radar a lot. Since it is so close to Shelby Twp., Sterling Heights and even Rochester Hills, people tend to flock to these cities, but Richmond is really a hidden gem. It is especially desirable for someone who loves the outdoors.

Not only is Richmond home to Bailey Park, Beebe Street Memorial Park and Gierk Park, this is the city where you find the beginning to the 23.5-mile Macomb Orchard Trail. The parks here have tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields and even an outdoor swimming pool. This is really a fantastic place to have children.

The school district is small, but the closest college is in Clinton Twp. This is a fairly quiet city, and about the only time you would really deal with traffic is when people from surrounding areas come to enjoy the annual Richmond Good Old Days Festival. If you like demolition derby or if you have a car to register, you won’t want to miss this one.

There are a few family owned restaurants where you will find all the local residents. Ken’s Country Kitchen is the place to go for weekend breakfast while the Village Café is well-known for their beer battered chicken tenders.
Pros
  • Nature trails
  • Parks
  • Good school district
Cons
  • Surprisingly high crime rate
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Richland – Enjoy Kalamazoo Without the Traffic"

One might assume that Richland is a stuffy village when they venture there for the first time, but it’s really not. Yes, the homes are gorgeous, streets are clean and you can tell residents make more than the state average, but this is a really nice place to live.

This is where you live when you work in Kalamazoo, but want to get away from the constant chaos of the city. It is amazing that this quiet, small village can exist 10 minutes away from a city that has it all. This means that there is always something to do just a few miles up the road.

There is virtually zero crime here in Richland; it is really a fantastic place to have a family, if you can afford the housing. The class sizes are extremely small and you are about 11 miles away from Western Michigan University.

If you need to pick up necessities and groceries, there are a few small grocery stores and gas stations, but you will need to go into the city for a mall, specialty store or a place like Whole Foods. Surprisingly, there are quite a few restaurants in this small city on North 32nd St and D ave. Blackhawk Bar & Grill is where everyone meets up after golfing and Richland Pub has a great happy hour with daily specials, not that many people in Richland need a deal.
Pros
  • Very safe
  • Close to Kalamazoo
  • Great community
Cons
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Reading – Where Nothing Ever Happens"

You better really love rural living to move to Reading. Although considered a city, it is seriously only 1 square mile, where about 1,000 residents live. This is certainly not an elite neighborhood either. Housing is super cheap and the majority of residents are well below the Michigan income average, many under the poverty level as well. That doesn’t necessarily mean that people are struggling here though, you will find a pretty friendly community.

There are a few family owned restaurants in the city but other than that, there is not much happening here. Even to go to the gym, you will need to drive into Hillsdale or Coldwater, which are both only a few miles away. There is a nice place to walk trails right over the Ohio line at Lake La Su an Wilderness Area. Reading does not have much in the way of entertainment, but what it does offer is location. Not only are you minutes away from Hillsdale and Coldwater, you are right near the Ohio and Indiana border, so there are always things to and places to work in surrounding areas. Not to mention, this is about as safe as you will find. Although nothing exciting happens here, nothing bad ever seems to happen either. Not sure if this place even has a police department, but they certainly don’t need one.
Pros
  • Very quiet
  • Central location
  • Very safe
Cons
  • Nothing to do
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Potterville – A Cursed City?"

Potterville is a quaint city just outside of Lansing. Houses are nice, landscaping is maintained and it feels more like a giant neighborhood than a city. There are only a little over 2,100 people living here and well over half have families, so it is a great place to go if you have children. The public schools are small and terrific, and of course, Michigan State University is only about 15 minutes away.

It is nice because it’s close enough to enjoy the amenities of Lansing without dealing with noise, traffic and a cluttered feeling all of the time. That being said, this city makes the news not because of crime, but because it seems to be a magnet for disaster. Lighting struck the water at Fox Park and traveled up the beach, injuring over 20 people in 1994 and the city felt a rare earthquake that same year. A train derailment occurred in 2002 carrying propane so the city was evacuated and fires seem to be an epidemic here. If that’s not enough, the area is plagued by more tornadoes than most locations in Michigan. Although disaster can strike anywhere, this city just seems to see more than its fair share.

Potterville is most well-known for County Mill Orchard and Cider . So, although residents here rarely see traffic, a lot of clutter can be expected around the mill on the weekends from people escaping Lansing to come enjoy cider and donuts. This is where you will get pumpkins at Halloween too! Potterville is really a fantastic city; you just have to be prepared with a disaster plan to live there.
Pros
  • Great sense of community
  • Fantastic schools
Cons
  • Prone to disaster
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Grand Blanc – Planned, Progressive and Prestigious"

When people describe Grand Blanc as being planned, progressive and prestigious, they are right on the money. This is the headquarters for Genesys Regional Medical Center and the Service Parts Operation for General Motors, so you can just imagine the employment opportunities available here.

Despite the fact that Grand Blanc has well over 35,000 residents, it has not lost its small town feel. Residents enjoy planned recreational activities, events and fundraisers, and there is plenty of opportunity to give back and volunteer.

Medium income is slightly above Michigan average, but housing is considerably more expensive. Still, you can find some good deals on apartments if you look. There is a nice mx of races here, and although there is a little crime, it is incredibly low compared to the population index and to surrounding cities.

Grand Blanc is a fantastic place to raise a family. The school district is voted as one of the best in the state and there are plenty of nearby colleges and universities, all within driving distance.

The city is large enough where you don’t have to leave to find a good time either. Any night of the week, you will find the locals catching up at Brick Street Bar & Grill, Cobblestone Lounge and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Pros
  • Plenty of employment opportunities
  • One of the best school districts in the state
Cons
  • Housing can be quite expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Gladwin – Affordable, Beautiful and Nearly Perfect"

There is no denying that Gladwin offers some of the greatest views around. When you have a county where over 50 percent is still naturally forested, offering parks, walking trails, wildlife and streams, an outdoor enthusiast can’t help but fall in love.

This is a small city, housing is affordable and well over half the residents are married. The public school system is fantastic, but there are also private schools available, primarily for the Amish or religious. Colleges and universities can be found in surrounding areas, including Harrison, Midland and Mt. Pleasant.

Interestingly, Gladwin seems to see more snow that a lot of surrounding cities. While one city a half hour away gets a light dusting, Gladwin residents are shoveling their way out, but nobody is complaining! You’ll find that a lot of residents have snowmobiles and look forward to the accumulation.

The city is laid out where everything is easy to find. N. Silverleaf St and W. Cedar are the two main streets, this is where you will go for shopping and restaurants. A few popular favorites include the Riverwalk Grill, Mr. M’s Pizza Lounge and Chee Pang. When you want to mingle with the locals, you can find everyone at Hunter’s Pub Bar Tavern, Slyder’s and O’Sullivan Pub, rumored to have the best burgers in Michigan.
Pros
  • Strong sense of community
  • Fantastic schools
  • Haven for nature-lovers
Cons
  • Lacking in some amenities
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Farmington Hills – Not as Elite as it Used to Be"

Although it used to be that Farmington Hills was simply considered an extension to the elite city of Bloomfield Hills, this reputation is slowly deteriorating. Sure, there are still some outstanding neighborhoods with gorgeous houses, but perimeter areas near Grand River are getting shadier and crime rate is on the rise.

That being said, most of Farmington Hills really is a fantastic place to live. You have an endless selection of restaurants, shops, grocery stores and bars. If you want a mall, EmagineTheater or a place to play arcade video games, you head up the road to Novi. Are you in need of a good yoga studio? Go to Bloomfield Hills. Want to hit the clubs for the night? Detroit and Pontiac are less than 30 minutes away. You are literally in the perfect location.

Schools in Farmington Hills are considered above average and there is a nice mix of races. College students are 15 minutes away from seven colleges and universities, including University of Michigan. There are hospitals and 24-urgent care centers in the city and even though nearly all residents have at least one vehicle, buses do run like clockwork, especially down Orchard Lake rd.
Pros
  • Centrally located
  • Has everything you could want
  • Great schools
Cons
  • Traffic is congested
  • Some areas can be expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Auburn Hills – Home to the Pistons"

Although not a heavily populated city, this is an area that draws a crowd for employment and events. Of course, the main attraction is the Palace of Auburn Hills, home to the Detroit Pistons, Detroit Shock and an endless supply of concerts. Don’t want to pay for parking? Catch a bite to eat or a drink across the street at the Post Bar and they run a shuttle across to the Palace every 15 minutes. After the event, you can shuttle back and go home, or stay and enjoy the DJ. Be warned though, it is standing room only on game days, so if you want a table or a seat at the bar, get there early!

Although Auburn Hills is deemed a safe city, there can be a few questionable areas, especially close to Pontiac, but it is rare to ever hear anything awful about the area. Many commuters venture into the city daily to go to the headquarters of Chrysler, Oakland University, Walter P. Chrysler Museum, RGIS, Guardian Industries and Great Lakes Crossing, an enormous outlet shopping center with movie theaters, arcades and Toby Keith’s I love This Bar.

There are only a little over 21,000 permanent residents, and the area is considered a melting pot of races. This is a city for singles, couples and families as the Avondale School District has a lot to offer. If you have a son, their varsity boys soccer team is the state champs!

Many people don’t realize that Auburn Hills has a lot to offer for outdoor enthusiasts as well. The Clinton River Trail provides a 16-mile path for walking, cycling and jogging. Then, there are also an abundance of other parks, picnic areas and even a nature center with cabins that can be rented. The Civic Center Park has disc golf, tennis courts and a fishing pond while Auburn Hills Skate Park is a main attraction for kids from spring through fall.

Although most people think of Auburn Hills as the place to go for an event, there are a lot reasons to call this area home.
Pros
  • Concerts
  • Employment opportunities
  • Sporting events
Cons
  • Traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
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"Frankenmuth – Christmas All Year"

Everyone loves Frankenmuth for their own special reasons. For some, it is indulging in mouth-watering food at the Bavarian Inn & Lodge while for others, it is getting lost in the endless holiday decorations in Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. Of course, there is even some that come just to take home some fudge. Regardless your reason, even you will agree that Frankenmuth is a magical place.

Surprisingly, few realize that there certainly are permanent residents here! In fact, there are nearly 4,800 people who live here, enjoy the historic establishments, participate in the 50 clubs the city offers and nearly everyone volunteers for at least something. Although you can commute to nearby cities to work, there are enough job opportunities right in the city where you really don’t have to.

Frankenmuth’s school district is small enough to provide individual attention yet large enough to offer a challenge and competitive academic programs. In fact, their ACT scores are consistently some of the highest in the state. They offer an abundance of music, art and athletic programs as well as club activities and competitions.

The city of Frankenmuth promotes wellness. There are year-round activates in both the warm and cold months, including adult volleyball and basketball leagues. There is also a world class exercise facility. If that’s not enough, every month is filled with festivals and events such as Snowfest, Easter Celebration, World Expo of Beer, Concerts in the Park, Oktoberfest, Holiday Candle Walk and a whole lot more.
Pros
  • Always something to do
  • Fantastic schools
  • Great restaurants and shopping
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Bellevue – It Just Feels Like Home"

From long wooden walkways to a hand painted welcome sign to natural moss-covered ponds, there is a lot of beauty to drink in when you first visit Bellevue. This is the type of small community where you won’t find neon signs and folks can actually ride their bike to the corner store and not worry about it getting stolen.

Bellevue is the type of city where residents attend village meetings and everyone can be seen at the weekend Farmer’s Market. The city even offers a nice gym with fantastic cardio equipment and weight machines. Even the library here is a popular place to spend some time.

Bellevue is a great place to have a family. Although there are a few extra-large homes, most are average size and just look cozy. The public school district is quite small, students definitely get the attention they need and parents are encouraged to volunteer and stay involved. There are even colleges and universities within driving distance, including Michigan State University and Western Michigan University.

You will even find a healthy helping of restaurants along Main St and E. Capital Ave, including Riverside Café, Plezall Restaurant and Lounge, The Wolfe Whistle and Hometown Kitchen. If you want to go a few miles into Marshall, you can get homemade apple pie, or a giant waffle cone for dessert at Cornewell’s Turkeyville. You will find a Dinner Theater here as well that you need to experience at least once.
Pros
  • Great sense of community
  • Fantastic schools
  • Really nice local gym
Cons
  • Lack of public transportation
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Belleville – Downtown on the Lake"

Belleville is one of those cities that just has it all. It is not so big that it feels cluttered or loud, but it is not so small that you have to drive somewhere else for amenities. It really has everything you need, plus an inland lake.

The city itself only occupies about 2 square miles and at least a mile of it is lakefront property, including a quaint downtown area with a charming retail district. There is actually a nice mix of races here and very little crime. Belleville is definitely a safe area where you can raise a family. The school district is larger than you might think but definitely a recommended one. If you are a college student, you can be to Eastern or University of Michigan in less than 15 minutes as well as several other colleges.

Commuting to work in nearby areas is not an issue since I-94 runs right through the city. You will also find that for as small as the area is, there are some exceptional dining choices to enjoy, including Bayou Grill, Dos Pesos Mexican Restaurant, Johnny’s Grill and Culver’s, where there is even Wi-Fi. You will also get to look forward to the annual Belleville Strawberry Festival!
Pros
  • City has it all
  • Fantastic schools
  • Lakefront property
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Beaverton – A Long and Colorful History"

Nestled away in Gladwin County, Beaverton is a small city of around 1,000 residents. It has had an exciting history from building the first mill in the area to 20th century gun battles in the streets to tragic fires and regrowth. As soon as you set foot in Beaverton, you are transported back in history. You can almost feel the blood, sweat and tears that has gone into every bit of growth of this area. When people move here, they don’t leave; it just feels like home.

Although you are secluded, the city has its share of resident-owned stores and restaurants, such as Delina’s Family Restaurant, Beaverton Tavern and Beaverton Dairy Bar. Rent and housing is way below Michigan average, so if you don’t mind a 20 to 60 minute drive, this area is perfect for college students. You will find seven colleges and universities scattered around in Harrison, Midland, Mt. Pleasant and Big Rapids.

The school district is small and special. Students get a lot of attention since classes are small, and this is the type of district that encourages parents to really get involved.

The biggest turn off to Beaverton is the 47 registered sex offenders, but they genuinely keep to themselves. This is a city that has virtually no crime, not even theft.
Pros
  • Plenty of history to appreciate
  • Sense of community
  • Great schools
Cons
  • Far away from amenities
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Bear Lake – National and State Forests in Your Backyard"

For some, the location of Bear Lake is a dream come true. What could possibly be better than having constant access to not one but two major parks? Both Pere Marquette State Forest and Manistee National Park are right there for walking, jogging, cross-country skiing, bird-watching, having a picnic and more. Then, of course, to the left is Lake Michigan. What else in the world could you possibly want? Who cares if there aren’t nightclubs, or other amenities of the big city, there is a never-ending supply of outdoor adventure!

While one might think this area is for the wealthy, most here bring in an average income. They are not after big fancy houses, they receive their enjoyment from being close to nature. You will find some resident-owned restaurants and stores and this is a friendly area, but houses are pretty spread apart, so don’t expect your neighbor to invite you over for a barbeque.

Most residents of Bear Lake are married. There is an elementary school and one high school so kids are given a lot of attention. This is the type of place where friends are made for life, as they grow up together and start their own families.
Pros
  • Perfect for nature lovers
  • Quiet and safe
  • Great schools
Cons
  • Far away from amenities
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Ashley – Blink and You’ll Miss It"

If you live in Ashley, you must really love seclusion. Although other rural cities in Michigan seem as though they are in the middle of nowhere, they are generally 10 to 15 minutes away from a major city. The closest cities to this small village are Alma, Carson City and St. John’s, none of which can be described as a happening place.

There is only around 500 residents in Ashley and seven are registered sex offenders, but they don’t seem to have any problems. The homes are nice, nothing to get excited over, but the residents clearly take pride in their property. Although you will find a few retirees and singles here, Ashley is predominantly a village full of families. Therefore, if you have children, you will certainly fit right in.

It is easy to find affordable housing here, which is why it is attractive to those who work in surrounding area. If you are a student and don’t mind driving 20 to 30 minutes for classes, you can save a lot of money in rent, compared to what you would pay closer to the school. Michigan State is over in East Lansing and there are about seven other colleges and universities to choose from as well. All-in-all, a nice quiet, safe area.
Pros
  • Nice and secluded
  • Safe
  • Great schools
Cons
  • Lacking in ammenities
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Argentine – Escape the Crowd"

Argentine is a haven for someone who truly just cannot take another day of busy streets and loud neighborhoods. This is a small town feel that comes with a pretty big price tag.

Although you are pretty secluded out here in Argentine, there are still medical centers and all the amenities you need in Howell, Grand Blanc and Flint, which are all about 12 minutes away. The downtown area does offer some resident-owned restaurants and shops; these are establishments that are always full with people from the community.

Argentine is the perfect place to have a family. It is extremely safe and there are great schools in the area. If you are a student or have older teenagers, there are seven colleges and universities all within driving distance.

Houses are pretty expensive here. In fact, it is rare to find one under $200,000, and you know it just by driving through. Everything is clean and well-manicured, but it doesn’t appear stuffy and neither do the residents. Most working professionals commute into the surrounding cities as there are plenty of opportunities. You will also find that most homes sit on a substantial piece of property so there is plenty of room to have that garden you have always wanted.
Pros
  • Great sense of community
  • Nice houses
  • Fantastic schools
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 1/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 1/5
Just now

"McDouglas Hunt – No Reason to Visit"

It is a shame that the fact that McDouglas Hunt borders a cemetery, is the positive note of this neighborhood. Although, one might think that the resting dead would invoke a sense of respect or calmness over the area, it’s quite the opposite. No one goes to McDouglas Hunt unless they have a really good reason.

The income here is well below the rest of the city and nearly 50 percent of the residents have not finished high school. Fortunately, public transportation is readily available because there are more people without cars than with them. Although, even if you have one, you likely don’t want it parked on the street in front of your house here. There is a plus side to the neighborhood though, if you do have a legitimate job and live here, the highway is right around the corner. There is also a nearby medical center, which you might need if you look at someone the wrong way here.

There is really no reason to live in this neighborhood. Even if you are struggling and need a place to live, there are other safer neighborhoods in Detroit. This is certainly not somewhere to raise a family or retire; just stay away.
Pros
  • Neary hospital
  • Eastern Market is right next door
Cons
  • Unsafe area
  • Deserted homes and vacant lots
Recommended for
  • Singles
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Mohican Regent – Throw in the Towel"

It is a shame to see a neighborhood such as Mohican Regent, clearly grasping for life while far too many people are dragging it down. This is a neighborhood that was clearly cared about once upon a time. There are likely still a few stragglers and retirees lingering that would like to see their neighborhood improve, but judging by the obnoxious foot traffic, it’s probably not in the cards.

You can drive through Mohican Regent and almost always get a stare down from someone as if you are doing something wrong or you just don’t belong. The crazy thing is, you have to wonder if most of the people hanging out on the streets even live here, or if they are guests of others who just don’t care.

About the only thing Mohican Regent has going for it is that it is in a good location to jump on the highway from nearly any direction. Not to mention, busses run along Gratiot and 8 Mile, if you need public transportation. Edmore Marbud Park falls within the neighborhood, which you might be able to enjoy if there aren’t overgrown bullies making it their meeting spot for the day.

Although not much in the way of fine dining or nice shopping areas, there are plenty of stores and small restaurants, such as Lenny’s Ribs & Chicken Subway and Dunkin Donuts.
Pros
  • Cheap housing
  • Close to Eight Mile for retail shopping
Cons
  • Unsafe area
  • Poor schools
  • Unfriendly community
Recommended for
  • Singles
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"North Rosedale – Focusing on Community Involvement"

Unlike other Detroit neighborhoods you certainly do not receive any extended and intimidating stares as you stroll through North Rosedale, nor do you feel as though you have to watch your back. This neighborhood may be in the city but it definitely offers a suburb feeling.

This is the type of neighborhood where you can move to raise a family, and then enjoy your grandchildren coming back to visit decades later. There is a private community house, tree-laden sidewalks, beautiful brick homes and a 4-acre park to enjoy; not a bad place to call home! There is even a community calendar full of general meetings, Girl Scouts events and more. Residents here watch out for one another, plant trees and take pride in their community.

North Rosedale has been voted as one of Detroit’s most family friendly areas. This is the type of area where kids in the neighborhood can grow up together and parents get involved.

If you need public transportation, you can catch a bus on Grand River, Southfield or McNichols. Of course, due to the great location, you can work downtown or the suburbs and be there rather quickly, as you are close by I-96 and I-696.
Pros
  • Friendly residents
  • Strong neighborhood association
  • Very nice homes and clean streets
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Parkland – Great for the Outdoor Enthusiast"

Really, what could possibly be better than having a park right in your backyard to enjoy whenever you want? This is a great place to walk your dog, go for a long jog or take a bike ride. Many people are not aware that this park also offers a golf course, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, picnic tables and even swimming pools.

Parkland borders Dearborn Heights so commuting to work in Detroit, Dearborn or surrounding areas won’t be a problem. There are also enough major streets here that catching a bus is pretty easy and consistent. This is a pretty mixed areas of African Americans and Arabs, and due to location, residents from K-8 typically attend Ann Arbor Trail School, which no one is complaining about; this is actually a pretty good school.

The neighborhood is fairly safe, not a bad place to raise a family. Warren Ave offers everything you could want including a car repair place, veterinary hospital, party store, food market and Sanlia’s Pizzeria & Ice Cream Parlor. If you are looking for affordable housing with a great central location and plenty of opportunity for outdoor fun, Parkland might be the place you are looking for.
Pros
  • Good school
  • Welll maintained area
  • Nice park to enjoy
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Warrendale – Definite Potential"

“They” say it’s all about location when choosing somewhere to live. Well, Warrendale definitely gets high marks when it comes to geography. It may not be the most glamorous neighborhood, it doesn’t offer the best schools and it isn’t the safest area you can find, but if you need to commute, shop, eat out or go to school, Warrendale puts you in a decent spot.

This is a rather large neighborhood, some areas are very well-maintained, others are mediocre and some will still boast a few boarded up windows here and there. Interestingly, Warrendale puts you in a corner where there are just as many Arabs as there are African-Americans. It is a nice mix here that seems to work, because crime isn’t nearly as bad as some surrounding areas.

If you need to commute, Southfield FWY, I-96 and I-94 are all right here. There are a ton of restaurants on Warren Ave, or if you venture over to Fairlane North Shopping Center, you will find a few other options. If you go a little farther to the main Fairlane Shopping Center at Christmas, you will find one of the most beautiful Santa displays around. Fairlane offers every name brand store you could want from cheap clothing you’ll wear once and throw away to high end labels that aren’t always easy to find.
Pros
  • Great location
  • Close to major shopping malls
  • Public transit is provided
Cons
  • Run down areas
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Van Steuban – Suburb Living with Lower Prices"

If you have no desire to live in the heart of Detroit but financially just can’t afford the surrounding suburbs, Van Steuban is a tiny neighborhood that may be of interest to you. Don’t get too excited, because you will still find boarded up houses, overgrown lawns and piles of litter, but you will also find residents there that do care.

The houses are rather charming, and quite honestly, if a few dozen people invested in buying the empty homes and manicured the landscaping, this could have the potential to be a neighborhood with impressive resale value.

Van Steuban is a lot closer to the suburbs than it is to downtown, so it’s quiet, there is less traffic and a lot less crime. It might not even be a bad place to raise a family, especially if you have neighbors who also have children.

Commuting is easy because I-94 is right around the corner and you can catch the bus on Gratiot and 8 mile. You will find that there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars within minutes of your home, including Zorba’s and Alinosi Ice Cream, rumored to have the best around. There are even a couple small playgrounds in the neighborhood for kids to enjoy.
Pros
  • A lot of potential
  • Close to the suburbs
Cons
  • Mediocre school district
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Springwells – Hit or Miss"

It is sad when you have a neighborhood with a lot of potential that looks as though it is only a matter of time before it fits in Detroit’s list of rundown and abandoned areas. Springwells is the type of place you can walk down a street and get a cozy feeling for a minute, as a few houses have nicely manicured landscaping and just look well-kept. Then, a couple steps later, you hit a stream of homes with garbage everywhere, lawn overgrown and a solid feeling that nobody cares. It is really a shame.

Whether you work in the city or the suburbs, you have easy access to I-94 and I-75, but public transportation also runs down West Vernor Highway. You will also find a ton of restaurants and shops along this road including Las Brias Restaurant and Los Altos Restaurant. If you are craving something sweet, rumor has it that Family Treats on Springwells makes the best milkshakes around.

As of now, it is not a bad place to find affordable housing, but the diversity in upkeep of housing and streets in general leaves you wondering if this isn’t the next neighborhood to check off the list of livable conditions.
Pros
  • Easy access to highways
  • Plenty of public transportation along West Vernor
Cons
  • Not the friendlist community
  • Mediocre school district
  • Some poor, run down streets within the neighborhood
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Sherwood Park – A Refreshing Change"

It can be discouraging to drive through Detroit and see one run down and abandoned neighborhood after another. Then, something sort of magical happens; you get to a neighborhood like Sherwood Park, and you nearly feel as though you’ve been transported somewhere else. Well, you have been, you’ve stumbled upon a gem of a neighborhood where the community actually cares. What a refreshing change!

Since the neighborhood is bordered by Livernois and Seven Mile, public transportation is available. Otherwise, both I-75 and the Lodge Fwy are just a few miles away. You are right around the corner from Detroit Golf Club, State Fair Grounds and the University of Detroit Mercy too!

There are quite a few restaurants along Livernois including 1917 American Bistro, Sherwood Forest Coney Island and Jade Garden, and Livernois Square Shopping Center is right there too.

The location of Sherwood Park is pretty ideal too because there is a more upscale neighborhood just a little closer to Woodward, so you don’t have to feel as though as soon as you leave your neighborhood that you will be in danger.

All-in-all, not a bad community. If you are going to invest in Detroit, this is a neighborhood that is likely to hold its value when others continue to fall.
Pros
  • Great sense of community
  • Beautiful homes
  • Homes holding their value
Cons
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 1/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 1/5
Just now

"Westwood Park – Even Mace Won’t Help You"

Westwood Park is one of those neighborhoods you will hear mentioned, but there is never anything good being said. If you are looking for adventure and enjoy watching robberies, fights and pathetically young children speaking with the foulest language you’ve ever heard, then Westwood Park might be for you. Are you someone who just can’t sleep without the roaring sound of sirens all night? Again, you will love this neighborhood.

Sure, there are a few well-kept streets where neighbors even plant a few flowers, but is it really worth sleeping with one eye open and constantly wondering if your car will be vandalized, or even missing when you wake up? Yes, you can find dirt cheap housing here, but if you look hard enough in other neighborhoods, you will find good deals with more of a neighborly spirit. This is not the area where you want to be the new person everyone picks on. If you think you’ll have peace-and-quiet while kids are at school, think again. This is the neighborhood for dropouts.

There are a few positive notes tough. First, you can find public transportation nearby, but it’s rarely on time. Second, you are close to downtown so you can find things to do, restaurants to eat at and bars to have a drink, but there certainly are not any quality grocery stores nearby.
Pros
  • Inexpensive housing
  • Public transportation is available
Cons
  • High crime area
  • Median population 18 years
  • Loud and noisy on Schoolcraft
Recommended for
  • Singles
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Barton Hills – Close to Ann Arbor Minus the Traffic"

What could possibly be better than living in the college, trendy and hip city of Ann Arbor? How about living just outside of it so you can enjoy all the amenities and events that the city has to offer, without traffic congestion and loud music?

Don’t blink when you go through Barton Hills, if you even realize you are in this tiny village. There are just over 300 residents, so this brings new meaning to knowing all your neighbors.

Everyone loves to go to Ann Arbor; the streets are lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques, shopping plazas, art galleries and even cafes with poetry readings, but not everyone enjoys dealing with the constant chaos that many neighborhoods offer. Living in Barton Hills means that you enjoy all this, plus outstanding schools, fantastic hospitals and everything else you could want, only in a small, quaint community.

Barton Pond is lovely, there is a wrought iron bridge and streets are lined with lush shade trees. The houses are gorgeous, landscaping is manicured and the area is beyond safe, but you are going to need to make a lot of money to live here, because the average home costs around $850,000.
Pros
  • Beautiful homes
  • Close to everything
  • Fantastic schools
Cons
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Alpena - Warm and Friendly Port"

Alpena’s motto of “Warm and Friendly Port” really is the perfect description for this charming city. While most people only visit the northern part of Michigan for a vacation, there are plenty of folks who call this area home, with many good reasons.

This city offers the feeling of a small neighborhood where everyone seems to know one another. There is a community calendar that is full at any given time with cultural and sporting events like fairs, festivals, fundraisers, car shows, bike rides, bowling tournaments and more. This is the type of city where parents can actually have date night while other parents take their turn babysitting.

The public school district in Alpena is fantastic and there are private schools in the area as well. There is one community college in the city, but another seven that are around 100 miles away.

Alpena is an average/wealthy neighborhood. Houses are more expensive here than what you would find further south but well worth what the area has to offer. You will find a small shopping center, grocery stores and family owned restaurants, pubs and boutiques. Despite what you may assume, you certainly do get cellphone service up in Alpena, and no, you’re not paying roaming charges.

So, what is wrong with Alpena? Well, there are 73 sex offenders and a surprising high crime rate, including its fair share of murders, rapes, burglaries and assaults.
Pros
  • Community involvement
  • Always something to do
  • Great schools
Cons
  • A lot of registered sex offenders
  • High crime rate
  • No nightlife
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Allen Park – Home to the World’s Largest Tire"

Even people, who don’t actually realize that they are driving through the Allen Park area on the highway, are familiar with the massive 80-foot tall Uniroyal Tire that can be seen from the road. No one will likely give you rave reviews of this “downriver” area, or tell you it’s a fantastic place to live because it’s not. It is simply average.

Allen Park is predominantly a Caucasian city. It does offer an abundance of stores, restaurants and all the amenities that you need as far as gyms, tanning salons, etc., but there is just nothing that stands out about the area. It held a place on the list of “America’s Fastest Declining Cities” from 2000 through 2008, with many good reasons.

Safety could be increased substantially, but it is not really any better or worse than the surrounding cities of Taylor, Lincoln Park and Dearborn. About the only really good thing it has going for it is that there is easy access to the highways, if you happen to work in Detroit. There are seven registered sex offenders, an above average crime rate and mediocre schools; surely there is somewhere else better to move?
Pros
  • Plenty of restaurants and stores
Cons
  • High crime rate
  • Medicore schools
  • Nothing special
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • LGBT+
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Allegan – Offering a Beautiful Waterfront Plaza"

It is nearly impossible to visit Allegan and not fall in love with the area. Although an extremely small city with less than 5,000 residents, this may be the perfect place to call home. The downtown area is quaint, lined with resident-owned business, restaurants and boutiques, but it is the waterfront plaza that just makes you feel all warm and cozy.

Park benches under gorgeous shade trees dot the length of the river front walking area. This is a clean city where you can tell the residents take pride; it is highly unlikely you will find any litter anywhere.

Much of the architecture in Allegan dates back to the Civil War era and the city is voted as being one of America’s best preserved residential, small-town districts. There are fantastic public schools as well as seven colleges and universities within driving distance. Allegan even has a small 24-hour hospital and there are larger hospitals about 20 miles away in Holland, Kalamazoo and Paw Paw. So, what’s wrong with Allegan? Nothing, except for the fact that there are 70 registered sex offenders! That is a pretty high number considering the small population. Still, their crime rate is low, so no one seems to be complaining.
Pros
  • Beautiful waterfront plaza
  • Plenty of restaurants and boutiques
  • Great schools
Cons
  • A lot of registered sex offenders
  • Not much of a night life if you're looking for one
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Algonac – The Venice of Michigan"

If you are someone who loves boats and waterfront concerts in the park, you will enjoy living in Algonac. This is a small city with less than 5,000 residents, but it sure does have a big heart. At the core of Algonac is a park that offers a long boardwalk along the river. This is where you are always bound to run into someone you know either out walking their dog, jogging, or simply sitting on a bench enjoying the cool breeze.

An abundance of canals flow through the city, which is why it was granted its nickname of “Venice of Michigan.” The historical museum is great to visit on a rainy day or you can take a ferry over to Walpole Island in Canada. Algonac hosts waterfront concerts all summer long as well as annual events, such as the Algonac Rotary Art Fair and Annual Pickerel Tournament. Plenty of family owned restaurants and small boutiques can be found everywhere here to enjoy.

There hasn’t been a murder in Algonac in over a decade and if it wasn’t for the fact that there are 25 sex offenders living here, it might be the perfect little city. Still, this is a desirable place for families. The school district is small so kids get personal attention and there are seven colleges within driving distance.
Pros
  • Great sense of community
  • Smal classroom size
  • Plenty of restaurants and boutiques
Cons
  • A lot of registered sex offenders
  • Not much of a night life if you're looking for one
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Redford – Culturally Diverse"

Redford seems to be a melting pot of different races, making the city pretty unique, compared to some surrounding areas. No one used to ever talk about moving to or even hanging out in Redford, but it slowly is making a name for itself. Of course, this could be due to White Rhino Sports Bar that has the most amazing and crazy pizza combinations, as well as Bullfrog Bar & Grill, which is voted as having the hottest staff in Michigan!

Redford is certainly not a bad place to raise a family. The vast majority of residents with children have grown up here themselves, so there is a solid sense of community. You really cannot complain too much about the school district, and there are 15 parks to enjoy. These aren’t just ordinary parks with trails and playgrounds either. Redford offers ball diamonds, a skate park, an outdoor ice rink and a new splash park, so there is always something fun to do that doesn’t involve video games. There are also three great hospitals minutes away in Livonia, Farmington Hills and Garden City.

Although the selection of restaurants could be better, you will find establishments with every cuisine you could possibly want in the surrounding cities.
Pros
  • Fantatic Selection of Parks
  • Nearby Exellent Hospitals
  • Strong Sense of Community
Cons
  • Not much for Shopping or Fine-dining Restaurants
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"West Village – A Hidden Gem"

Due to the neighborhood’s location, it is easy to understand why the West Village often gets overlooked; when compared to other historic areas, it doesn’t necessarily meet the mark. However, when evaluating the area on its own without comparing surrounding neighborhoods, you will find that it does have a lot to offer without the higher cost of living.

The West Village is welcoming to singles, students and families, due to the diversity in housing. Sure, there are some expensive historical homes, but there are also plenty of smaller ones, duplexes and apartments. Of all the historical districts, this one also offers the largest mix of races.

The school district is mediocre, there are definitely better, but you could do worse as well. Bus routes travel down a few main roads if you need public transportation, or a highway is nearby if you need to commute.

Of course, there are always bonuses to being close to the downtown area. You will never find yourself short of things to do from enjoying fine cuisines and entertainment to simply walking around.

If you appreciate an eclectic mix of Queen Anne, Tudor, Colonial and Mediterranean Revival style houses, you will enjoy living in this neighborhood.
Pros
  • Plenty of Things to do Downtown
  • Beautiful Homes
  • Welcoming to a Diverse Mix of Races
  • Homes maintaining value
Cons
  • Not the Greatest School District
  • Crowded
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Rivertown – Perfect if You Don’t Want a Yard"

Rivertown is the perfect place for working professionals, retirees and students, who are just too busy with work or their personal lives to enjoy a home with a yard. This area is a haven for the condo-lover and anyone who is always looking for something exciting to do.

Rivertown borders the Detroit River and puts you right in the middle of the action. It is quite possibly the trendiest area in the city, comparable to the vibe that SoHo in New York City has to offer. Expensive boutiques, fantastic restaurants with award-winning cuisine and overpriced, but very cool places to enjoy a cocktail can be found in abundance here.

You will have easy access to the many events at Joe Louis Arena, the Renaissance Center and you’ll have a front row seat to riverfront activities such as the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, Jazz Festival and fireworks over the river.

Public transportation is available, or you have easy access to highways if you commute out of the city for work. If you don’t have a family, or simply do not want the upkeep of yard work and house repairs, this is a great area to explore.
Pros
  • Plenty of Activities
  • Great Selection of Restaurants, Bars and Clubs
  • The Detroit Riverwalk
Cons
  • Horrible Traffic
  • Lack of Houses
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Indian Village – Historical Homes and a Great Community"

Although many of the gorgeous historical homes in Indian Village have been restored, they have been done so thoughtfully, to not disrupt the early 20th century vibe you get as you drive through. It is considerably more expensive to live here when compared to other parts of Detroit, but well worth it.

This is a safe, nice community with a healthy mix of races. The residents of the neighborhood come to gather to coordinate a massive number of events and volunteer opportunities. There is a community calendar with something going on somewhere nearly every day. If you have young children, you will want to look at Detroit Waldorf School, but the public schools are quite good as well. If you are looking for something to be a part of, there is both a men’s and women’s gardening club.

The location puts you close to everything that Detroit has to offer, including casinos, ball games and countless restaurants and bars. If you can afford one of the beautiful homes in Indian Village, it is definitely a great place to live whether you are a busy single professional, retiree or family with several children. This is truly a fantastic place to live.
Pros
  • Beautiful, sprawling homes with great classic architecture
  • Good schools
  • Amazing Homes and History
  • True Sense of Community
Cons
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 1/5
Just now

"Belle Isle – What Happen to this Place?"

Once upon a time, not so long ago, Belle Isle was the place to go where you could simply walk around, enjoy the views of the water and breathe in some fresh air. It used to be you couldn’t find a parking spot anywhere near the water on the weekend, now the lots sit empty. Well, except for the solicitors at night! Seriously, this used to be a nice place; it is a shame the police and the community have allowed the area to simply go to waste.

Now, it should be noted that Belle Isle is not a horrible place to visit during the day; it is just not the same. The death trap giant slide is still around to enjoy in the summer and there is a beach where you can rent paddle boats, BBQ and have a picnic. This is also a prime place to watch the fireworks in the summer, but this is the one time you will have a hard time finding parking.

If you go to Belle Isle, you do want to make a point to visit the Whitcomb Conservatory, which is definitely the main attraction these days. Contrary to what others say, it is indeed still open. There is clear deterioration but it is still a beautiful place to spend a day. You will find five horticultural houses that exhibit plants from different regions around the globe and there’s even an outside Lily Pond Garden, a popular place to have wedding photos done.

All-in-all, Belle Isle is a nice place to get away from the day, especially in the warmer months, but avoid staying there after dark.
Pros
  • Beautiful Conservatory
  • Great Place for a Picnic
  • Waterfront views
Cons
  • Not a Safe Area at Night
  • Many of the Attractions are Closed
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Chandler Park – Never Short of Fun"

If you had to pick one affordable neighborhood to raise a family in Detroit, it would definitely be Chandler Park. Of course, the main attraction here is the Chandler Park Water Park, where you can escape the heat of summer for a full day of fun whenever you want. There is also an 18-hole golf course, playgrounds and walking trails to enjoy as well. Who needs to pay for a gym membership when you can walk here and breath in the fresh air? The park even offers swimming lessons and it is a great place to have a birthday party.

Commuting to work is easy since I-94 is pretty much in your backyard, and the bus does run down a few roads. In fact, about 20 percent of residents do take the bus and nearly 25 percent carpool, which shows the neighborly spirit there is to be appreciated here.

Compared to other Detroit neighborhoods, Chandler Park is nicely manicured. You can tell residents likely work hard for their money and go out of their way to take care of their property. It is centrally located where you can find plenty of shopping, restaurants and bars nearby too.
Pros
  • Safer than Surrounding Areas
  • Fun Activites for Kids
  • Close to Amenities
  • Close to Everything
Cons
  • Detroit School Districts
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Palmer Woods – Where Architecture Steals the Show"

Whether you move to Palmer Woods or just take a casual drive through, you will never grow tired of marveling at the phenomenal architecture. Most houses boast a Tudor or Colonial Revival style and sit on a lot large enough to get pretty creative with landscaping. This is the type of neighborhood where people have elaborate gardens and gorgeous outdoor décor.

This is where Detroit’s elite come to live. It’s clean, manicured, safe and fit for a family. Although the neighborhood falls in the Detroit School District, residents attend the best ones, where teachers actually care. To ensure the safety of all residents, the community participates in a voluntary neighborhood association and has its own security service, which is probably why the area is never in the news.

Although there aren’t many residents in Palmer Woods that will need public transportation, the neighborhood is bordered by 7 mile and Woodward, where busses run; do not expect them to be on time though. You are also close to I-94 and John C. Lodge Fwy, so commuting to work in surrounding cities is not a problem.

There is always something to do close by if you live in Palmer Woods too, because the downtown area is minutes away. You will find an endless selection of restaurants, bars and nightclubs as well as the Detroit Historical Society, Greektown Casino, Detroit Institute of Arts and the Fisher Music Center.
Pros
  • Beautiful Architecture
  • Fantastic Schools
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Eastpointe – A High Crime Area"

Some people will say that Eastpointe is worse than Detroit when it comes to crime. Sure, maybe there are not blocks of abandoned houses and thousands of unchained dogs running the streets, but Eastpointe is not the place to raise a family, that is for sure! Aside from numerous rapes and murders in the past couple years, there have been thousands of assaults, burglaries and car thefts. Although you can find some cheap housing, it’s really not worth it.

I-94 sits in your backyard, so commuting to Detroit, Southfield or any of the northern suburbs is easy. There is a mix of races here and over half the population is married. Interestingly, there are plenty of families with children in Eastpointe, along with 27 registered sex offenders! If that’s not enough to deter you away, this is a favorite place in Michigan for tornadoes. If you do need medical attention, there is a hospital four miles away however, it’s St. John’s, not necessarily a recommended facility.

Fortunately, if you want to head to a ballgame or one of the Detroit casinos or clubs, you’re minutes away. If you just need something to eat or drink, Eastpointe is a haven to the pizza delivery, Chinese restaurant or fast-food drive-thru lover. There are a multitude of dive bars all along Gratiot as well, but your car might not be in the parking lot when you get out.
Pros
  • Close to Major Cities for Employment
Cons
  • High Crime
  • Horrrible School District
  • Minimal Public Transportation
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Keego Harbor – Surprisingly Friendly"

Keego Harbor is really in a fantastic central location. It is a small city with a ton of waterfront property on Cass Lake, and it is minutes away from West Bloomfield Twp., Waterford and Pontiac. If you don’t mind a 20 to 30 minute commute, you can also find endless opportunities for jobs, entertainment and shopping in larger cities, including Sterling Heights, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills and Farmington Hills.

Although Keego Harbor seems as though it is a Caucasian community, there is actually a nice mix of races here. Residents are mainly professional but it is not a stuffy or overly expensive city by any means. There is a nice blend of singles, families, retirees and even students here. The city is extremely safe and there hasn’t been a murder in well over a decade!

The downside is you won’t find public transportation unless you call a cab and if there is an emergency, you are going to a hospital in Pontiac; not necessarily the most desirable option.

If you are a college student or if you have kids getting ready to attend, you couldn’t pick a better city to live in. There are about seven colleges and universities all within about 20 minutes. If you are yearning to dance at a club, there are plenty of clubs in downtown Pontiac, just watch your back in the parking lot and make sure that you don’t go on a teen night! There are plenty of great restaurants and bars right in Keego Harbor or down the road, including Lodge at Orchard Lake, Harbor Steak House and Jeremy Restaurant and Bar.
Pros
  • Centrally Located
  • Safe
Cons
  • Closest Hospital is Horrible and in a Shady Area
  • Lack of Public Transportation
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Lake Isabella – Middle of the Mitten"

Anyone trying to figure out where Lake Isabella is just needs to look at the map of Michigan and find the middle of the mitten. While you would assume by the name, that the city is on a major lake, it’s not.

Lake Isabella is a small, primarily Caucasian community. Residents here are educated and the average person drives well over 20 minutes to commute to a surrounding city for work. The vast majority of residents are married and this is a great place to raise children. It is incredibly safe and there is not one registered sex offender in the area. Most houses are on a bit of property though, so playtime with friends typically means that you are going to have to drive them somewhere.

Although Lake Isabella feels as though you are in the middle of nowhere, you are actually not far from amenities. Mount Pleasant is right around the corner with a hospital and you are not too far from Harrison, if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding. If you are a college student or have older children, Central Michigan University is only 13 miles away.

If you are looking for entertainment or shopping malls, you will need to venture into a surrounding city, but there are plenty of neighborhood restaurants and pubs to enjoy such as Newk’s Family Diner and Blue Bar & Restaurant.
Pros
  • Safe
  • Great Schools
  • Close to Skiing
Cons
  • Miminal Shopping
  • Lack of Public Transportation
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Lake Orion – Where a Dragon Lives in the Water"

A prank over a century ago started a legend that a dragon lives in the water. Of course, no one who lives here is afraid to indulge. However, you will want to register your rowing team in the “Dragon on the Lake” race in August, the biggest event of the year.

This is a wealthy, quiet, family community that always seems to have something going on whether it’s a bake sale for school or an organized run through the city. Someone somewhere will find an excuse to organize something and everyone is happy to participate. Residents enjoy a wonderful Farmer’s Market spring through fall with plenty of public parking.

The downtown area is lined with family-owned and operated restaurants and personal boutiques. You won’t have to go far to enjoy the 440-acre lake or one of the beautiful parks with walking and bicycle trails.

You will never have a hard time finding some mouthwatering cuisine in this city either. Times Square, Blue Ox BBQ, Christi Bar & Grill and CJ’s Village Café Inc. are where you will find the local residents.

If you have children, school districts don’t get much better than this one. From fundraisers that encourage parents to get involved to their great athletic teams to the thoughtful peanut-free lunches, this is an excellent system. Just make sure your child’s meal account card always has money on it or they will not be permitted to buy lunch. This is a strict rule! Don’t worry a complimentary snack and drink will be provided along with a reminder; they won’t them go hungry!
Pros
  • Always Something to Do
  • Great Place for Families
  • Outstading School District
Cons
  • Expensive
  • No Nightclubs
  • Minimal Public Transportation
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Pleasant Ridge – A Haven for Same Sex Couples"

Pleasant Ridge ranks seventh in the nation for same sex couples, but this is a family city as well. In fact, about 30 percent of the residents here have children, and nearly everyone seems to be making a good living. Pleasant Ridge is perfect for professionals, hard-working entrepreneurs and even successful artists. This is the kind of city where you can be yourself without being judged by your neighbors or complete strangers. Folks are just sort of laid back and surprisingly accepting here.

This city is an outstanding location to commute to Royal Oak, Ferndale, Clawson, Troy, Madison Heights or even into Detroit. Since it is so centrally located, you will never have a hard time finding restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shopping. However, you don’t have to go too far because there’s some great selections right in your backyard, including Mae’s, Cork Wine Pub and the Fly Trap Restaurant.

Also, since Pleasant Ridge is surrounded with such great cities, there are endless places to go and things to see, including the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak and a Farmers Market where you will get fresh organic produce. You will also enjoy a front row seat to the Woodward Dream Cruise every August. Be warned though, as exciting as the Dream Cruise is, you may as well forget about traveling any main roads for a week.
Pros
  • Accepting Community
  • Great Central Location
Cons
  • Traffic
  • No Nightclubs
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Plymouth – A Quaint City with a Fantastic Main Street"

It is hard to visit the downtown area of Plymouth and not find yourself browsing the real estate listings the next day. Sure, parking is an enormous pain in the winter when you have to park over in the structure and walk to your destination, but the city keeps these sidewalks clear at all times! Downtown is one fantastic restaurant, bar, café and lounge after another and nearly every venue has outdoor seating, so this is the place to be spring through fall.

Nearly 97 percent of the population is Caucasian and it is more than obvious that itis an upscale area. You can walk downtown at 3 am and not feel as though you are in danger. The Plymouth-Canton Community School District is fantastic and it includes the only educational park in the state.

There are more than 50 recreational programs for people of all ages offered by the city as well as 12 well-manicured parks and an NHL-size ice arena. Plymouth does host a few annual events where traffic gets a little crazy, but you will likely just want to head downtown and participate anyway. Art in the Park, Ice Sculpture and the Fall Festival are a few you don’t want to miss.
Pros
  • Countless Restaurants, Pubs and Bars
  • Safe
  • Great School District
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Poor Parking Downtown
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Detroit Beach – No, it’s Not Part of Monroe!"

Although most people assume Detroit Beach is actually Monroe, it’s not. It is a small community in Monroe County. This is nearly a 100 percent Caucasian neighborhood where everyone knows one another. If you are having a bonfire, expect uninvited guests; everyone is family here. You will also find that the vast majority of residents have a boat, jet ski, motorcycle, ATV or snowmobile; some have one of each.

There are few oversized homes in Detroit Beach. In fact, you may be quite surprised at just how small and simple most are for the price. Sterling State Park is to the southwest and there are other surrounding beaches and harbors around Monroe County if you can’t get a dock.

Nearly everyone who lives here eats at or orders from Detroit Beach Pizzeria several times a week. It is a very small, family-owned and operated establishment at the front of the community that is adored for not only its pizza, but gnocchi, calzones and soup. A few random dive bars are minutes away and chances are good, someone in the area will drive you home if you have had a little too much to drink. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, grocery stores and a mall in Monroe so you don’t have to drive more than a few minutes to get whatever you need. If you’re after a nightclub or a mall with high-end labels, Toledo is about 30 minutes away.
Pros
  • Friendly Neighborhood
  • Cool Breeze off the Water at Night
  • Safe
Cons
  • Mosquites, Mayflies and Spiders
  • No Nightclubs
  • Horrible Hospital in Monroe
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Beach Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Bloomfield Hills – One of the Wealthiest Cities in the United States"

You don’t need statistics to tell you that Bloomfield Hills is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States; you can smell the money as you drive through. Tour through the neighborhoods and notice that each house is bigger than the last and somehow, everyone’s vehicle always seems clean, even in the winter.

Although the census will tell you that of the nearly 3,900 residents, that 87 percent are Caucasian, in all actuality, the majority are Jewish. So, what does this mean? Delis everywhere! If you enjoy a fat corned beef or pastrami sandwich from a place that knows the difference between an old and new pickle, you will love Bloomfield Hills.

The school system is dynamic, as one might expect, but do plan on keeping up with expensive trends and name brands. Kids of all ages here are stylish. You will find countless spas, a few amazing yoga studios, workout facilities, and an abundance of boutiques, organic grocery stores and an impressive selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and martini lounges. What you will not find is a drive-thru anywhere! There are no fast food restaurants or coffee places that use a drive-thru in Bloomfield Hills.

There are also a few points of interest to enjoy, such as the Cranbrook Institute of Science, Cranbook Art Museum and a few country clubs, including Forest Lake, Oakland Hills, Bloomfield Hills, the Heather’s Club, Stoneycroft Hills and Wabeek.
Pros
  • Gorgeous Houses
  • Fantastic Restaurants and Bars
  • Great School District
Cons
  • Traffic is Horrible at Certain Times
  • Minimal Public Transportation
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Romeo – The Birthplace of Kid Rock"

You might feel like you are out in the middle of nowhere, but basically, that’s because you are! People move to Romeo to escape the noise of the city and constant traffic congestion. This is a village where you are nearly guaranteed to find a bonfire somewhere from early spring through late fall, and chances are good, no one will care if you just pop in without an invitation.

Most homes in Romeo are on fairly large lots, if not a nice piece of land, and nearly everyone has a garden. This is a small community, less than 4,000 residents, with over 92 percent being Caucasian. There are a ton of married couples and families here but with homes being so spread out, it is not like a traditional neighborhood where kids can simply walk out the door and meet up with their friends. The school district is small with intimate classrooms so lack of undivided attention is not a concern.

Don’t look for nightclubs here because you won’t find them. You will enjoy neighborhood bars and family-owned restaurants though. A few favorites include Younger’s Irish Tavern, Main Street Bar & Grill and Thee Office Pub and Cookery. Both Shelby Township and Rochester Hills are nearby if you are looking for a trendier option.

Aside from being the birthplace to Kid Rock, Romeo is known for two other things. First, the Peach Festival takes place annually on Labor Day Weekend where there is a parade, craft show, car show and events downtown. Second, you better love Halloween if you move to Romeo. Elaborate decorations adorn Tilson Street and thousands trick-or-treat here. There’s always one of the best haunted houses in all of the Detroit area over here too!
Pros
  • Huge Halloween Celebrations
  • Country Living
  • Quiet
Cons
  • Minimal Nightlife
  • Minimall Shopping Opporunities
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Berkley – The Best Place to go for the Woodward Dream Cruise"

Since Woodward borders the entire city, this is a hot place to be during the annual Woodward Dream Cruise. Although traffic in Berkley is hardly considered terrible, during this event, it is nearly impossible to get in, out or around the city. Although the cruise itself is the third Saturday in August, expect traffic jams for a good week. Berkley is considered a cozy area with an active downtown, tree-lined neighborhoods and a fantastic place to raise a family. The school system is great, and you can walk home from the park after the sun goes down and not feel panicked. The population is around 15,000, predominately Caucasian, made up of working or retired professionals.

Although there isn’t a highway right in your backyard, I-696 is close and traffic on Woodward moves pretty fast, so getting to work on time anywhere in the surrounding area isn’t a problem.

You don’t have to go far for great food or a good bar either. For as small as Berkley is, it offers a lot in this department. A few you should make a point to check out include Berkley Front, Blarney Stone Pub, Sweet Lorraine’s Café & Bar, Duggan’s and Amici’s, where you can find pizza in vegan and gluten-free options!
Pros
  • Great Location
  • Front Row Seat for Woodward Dream Cruise
Cons
  • Minimal Public Transportation
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
Just now

"Bay City – Where Everything is Cause for Celebration"

If you are looking for a city that offers countless celebrations and festivals, Bay City is it! It seems as though every time you turn around, residents are gathering to have some fun. Just a few of these exciting festivals include River of Time, Independence Day Fireworks Festival, St. Stan’s Polish Festival and River Roar.

Bay City is made of about 90 percent Caucasians with nearly half the population being couples. This is a family city where parents can feel safe letting their kids walk to their friend’s house three doors down without anything happening. Everyone seems to look out for one another here and the school district is outstanding.

The Farmer’s Market is open May through Fall where you can run into nearly everyone you know picking up fresh produce, flowers and homemade goods. The downtown area is voted as having one of the best “Great American Main Streets,” made up of restaurants and one-of-a-kind boutiques, nearly all family owned and operated. This is a community that supports one another.

Bay City is a haven for art lovers too. There are an abundance of artisan cooperatives and art studios with a diverse collection of work. This is just a laid back city. You can sit on a bench, enjoy your espresso and nearly everyone will take the time to say hello.

When you are not shopping, dining or enjoying riverfront views, other points of interest include State Theater, Bay City’s Antique Toy & Firehouse Museum, Trombley House and Appledore Tall Ships.
Pros
  • Abundance of Festivals
  • Perfect for Families
  • Safe
Cons
  • Lack of Nightclubs
  • Minimal Public Transportation
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Dundee – Get Away from the Busy City"

If you enjoy peace and quiet, weekend bonfires and dirt roads, Dundee is the place for you. Although it is right down the road from Monroe and pretty close to Toledo, Ohio, it offers a nice country vibe. Sure, there is a main strip, lined with cafes, boutiques and the occasional restaurant, but there is also plenty of wide open space if you don’t want neighbors living too close.

Dundee is a village where you raise a family. Tree-lined streets meet with playgrounds and parks; it is the type of place parents can take turns hosting sleepovers without a second thought. You don’t have to worry about your children being neglected in overcrowded classrooms either because there are only about 1,600 students in the Dundee Community Schools from pre K-12.

If you need a mall, you will have to drive into Monroe, but Dundee is home to only Cabela's in Monroe County so it stays busy. There is also a Farmer’s Market every Saturday, spring through early fall. Despite its secluded vibe, it has seen a tremendous amount of growth. Splash Universe is here, an indoor water park, as well as Dundee Golf Course, Houpt’s Pumpkin Patch, Serenity Day Spa and a ton of restaurants and bars, including Lone Star Steakhouse, Applebee’s and Wilderness Sports Bar & Grill. Although there is not any upscale restaurants or nightclubs, downtown Toledo is 21 miles away and full of plenty of excitement.
Pros
  • Country Living
  • Great Place for Families
  • Good School District
Cons
  • Approximately 30 minutes to Nightclubs
  • Lack of Shopping Mall
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Grixdale – A Tree-lined Neighborhood to Call Home"

It is hard to think of Grixdale as being a Detroit neighborhood; it just doesn’t fit the mold. Sure, there are expensive historic districts and then there are ghettos, but Grixdale falls somewhere in the middle, even grass seems greener here. This quaint neighborhood is in Detroit’s North Central District, in a location where you could work in Ferndale, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Oak Park or the downtown area itself, and be there quite quickly.

I-75 is basically in your backyard, as are Conant Gardens, State Fair Grounds, Chaldean Town, the Detroit Golf Club, Palmer Park Golf Course and many shops at Gateway Park. Therefore, while there is always something to do, expect the highway and main roads to be congested.

It is important to not confuse Grixdale Rd with Grixdale Farms neighborhood; they are not even close to the same thing. You can expect to pay a decent amount for homes in this neighborhood but it is considerably safer than other Detroit areas. There are even many houses built on double lots with large yards. Most homes here were built in the early 1900s so the style is quite distinctive.

Although there is not much in the neighborhood for restaurants, other than a nearby Coney Island and buddy’s Pizza, but Grixdale Farms is fairly centrally located to find plenty of restaurants, bars and entertainment.
Pros
  • Reasonable Cost of Living
  • Houses aren't Crammed Like Other Areas
  • Close to the Highway
Cons
  • Traffic
  • Lack of Local Restaurants and Bars
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
_C2
_C2 The map shows the Grixdale neighborhood on the Eastside. Grixdale Farms is on the West Side of Detroit near Palmer Park. Some of the Historic homes in Grixdale Farms are quite nice and big. http://grixdalefarms.org
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4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Woodbridge – A Romanesque City from the Second Empire"

There are few neighborhoods in Detroit that are more architecturally intriguing than Woodbridge. You really can’t appreciate why the area is listed as a historic place on the National Register, until you walk the streets and marvel at Romanesque-inspired buildings, such as the Hunter House, Trumbull Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Trinity Episcopal Church.

Although a quiet and safe neighbourhood, you won’t find many houses on double lots. These homes decorate the streets in polite rows, many only with street parking available. Woodbridge is the type of neighborhood you can walk your dog and most of your neighbors will likely smile and wave, unlike most other Detroit areas.

Whether you work in the city or commute to the northern cities, you don’t have to drive through any rough areas; Woodbridge is centrally located to I-94, I-96 and John C. Lodge Fwy. There is 16th Forest Park and Ewald Playground to enjoy if you have children or simply like the outdoors and Woodbridge Pub on Trumbull St is the restaurant of choice for most residents. If you cross the Lodge Freeway, you will have your pick of countless restaurants, cafes and bars, including Motor City Brewing Works Inc., Mario’s Italian Restaurant and Cass Café.
Pros
  • Victorian homes
  • Low unemployment
  • Retail outlets along Grand River
Cons
  • Mediocre School District
  • Heavy traffic
  • Expensive housing
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Brush Park – A Storybook Neighborhood Surrounded by Concrete and Steel"

Nestled neatly in a 24-block area, surrounded by Woodward, Mack, Beaubien and the Fisher Freeway, is a neighborhood reserved for the elite Detroit residents. If you have ever dreamed of living in a dollhouse, Brush Park is where you will want to take up residence, as streets are lined with Victorian homes. There are even houses that have been fully restored, dating back to the Second Empire and French Renaissance Era. You can expect to spend a pretty penny though; this is an expensive neighborhood to live in.

Brush Park puts you centrally located in the middle of the action. Jump on I-75 and you can be downtown at Comerica Park for a ball game or at one of the casinos in a matter of minutes. Of course, to the east is the Eastern Market where you will want to flock on Saturday morning like 40,000 other people. Hundreds of open-air stalls sell everything from organic produce to homemade jams to fresh-cut flowers.

Since Brush Park is bordered by both the Chrysler Fwy and Fisher Fwy you can work in the city or the suburbs and be there without driving through any questionable neighborhoods.

Finding a great place to eat or have a drink is never a problem either. Hockeytown Café, Elwood Bar & Grill, Cheli’s Chile Bar, Roman Café and Union Street Restaurant are minutes away.

The only downfall of living in Brush Park is the school district. If you have children, they will be attending Detroit Public Schools, which have never had a solid reputation. On the plus side, if you have teenagers entering college, you will be right around the corner from Wayne State University as well as their Wayne State Medical Center.
Pros
  • Historic District
  • Gorgeous Architecture
  • Safer than Surrounding Areas
  • Close to Everything
Cons
  • Very Expensive
  • Lack of Public Transportation
  • Medicore School District
  • Still Areas Nearby That Need Attention
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Flat Rock - Centrally Located for Plenty of Employment Opportunities"

Flat Rock gets overlooked a lot for some reason. Although it is considered "down river" by the locals, it doesn’t see the crime rate sister cities, such as Taylor experiences. Although you may have to drive a ways to get to a nice club, museum or sporting event, you are also in a prime location between Monroe, Detroit and all the suburbs in between. If you are looking for a rural environment without being too far away from the amenities of the city, Flat Rock is a good choice.

It should be noted that just because Flat Rock is away from the hustle and bustle, does not mean that it’s void of traffic. This city is where you will find AutoAlliance International, a plant co-owned by Ford and Mazda. Therefore, you have a ton of workers coming from the north and south every day. If you happen to be a server or a bartender, you can make a decent living in this city as restaurants, pubs and bars get packed during breaks and after shifts.

There are less than 9,000 residents with around 95 percent Caucasian. The majority of the city is married and a high percentage of couples have children. The school district is relatively small so students certainly get their share of attention, and there are plenty of places for outdoor activity at the Flat Rock Baseball Complex and the local skating rink.

The one bad thing that Flat Rock is well-known for though is tornadoes. While cities all around are experiencing storms and high winds, Flat Rock sees more tornadoes than anywhere else in Michigan!
Pros
  • Centrally located
  • Great for families
Cons
  • Can get cluttered with traffic
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 5/5
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"Auburn Hills – Home to the Pistons"

Although not a heavily populated city, this is an area that draws a crowd for employment and events. Of course, the main attraction is the Palace of Auburn Hills, home to the Detroit Pistons, Detroit Shock and an endless supply of concerts. Don’t want to pay for parking? Catch a bite to eat or a drink across the street at the Post Bar and they run a shuttle across to the Palace every 15 minutes. After the event, you can shuttle back and go home, or stay and enjoy the DJ. Be warned though, it is standing room only on game days, so if you want a table or a seat at the bar, get there early!

Although Auburn Hills is deemed a safe city, there can be a few questionable areas, especially close to Pontiac, but it is rare to ever hear anything awful about the area. Many commuters venture into the city daily to go to the headquarters of Chrysler, Oakland University, Walter P. Chrysler Museum, RGIS, Guardian Industries and Great Lakes Crossing, an enormous outlet shopping center with movie theaters, arcades and Toby Keith’s I love This Bar.

There are only a little over 21,000 permanent residents, and the area is considered a melting pot of races. This is a city for singles, couples and families as the Avondale School District has a lot to offer. If you have a son, their varsity boys soccer team is the state champs!

Many people don’t realize that Auburn Hills has a lot to offer for outdoor enthusiasts as well. The Clinton River Trail provides a 16-mile path for walking, cycling and jogging. Then, there are also an abundance of other parks, picnic areas and even a nature center with cabins that can be rented. The Civic Center Park has disc golf, tennis courts and a fishing pond while Auburn Hills Skate Park is a main attraction for kids from spring through fall.

Although most people think of Auburn Hills as the place to go for an event, there are a lot reasons to call this area home.
Pros
  • Sporting events
  • Concerts
  • Employment opportunities
Cons
  • Traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
Just now

"Alden Park - Boasting one of Detroits most historic buildings, but not much more!"

There is a good chance that if you blink, you might miss Alden Park. Although the population of the neighborhood sees an average of 650 residents, at least half live in Alden Park Towers, one of the most popular and historic buildings in Detroit. Located at 8100 East Jefferson, it was registered as a historic place in 1985. Four 8 story, charming red brick buildings stand in a neat row with intriguing roofs and bay windows. There is even a laundry facility and grocery store inside so residents don’t have to go far for amenities. All this being said, when an apartment complex is the highlight of a neighborhood, that’s not saying much.

There is nothing exciting to do here other than lay your head and sleep, but on a positive note, the Chrysler Freeway is at your back door. So, whether you work in the heart of the city or commute into the suburbs, you don’t have to drive through any rundown or vacant neighborhoods to get there.

Though cost of living is a tad higher than other parts of Detroit, crime ratio is not as bad either. Nearly half the residents have children so if you are trying to escape neighbors with kids; this is not a place where you are likely to find serenity. Alden Park doesn’t offer much, but it does put you close to downtown to take in a baseball game or hit up a club.
Pros
  • Close to the highway
  • Plenty of children for yours to play with if you have your own
  • Alden Park Towers offers affordable and nice apartments
Cons
  • Not much entertainment unless you go to the city
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids

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