These Detroit Suburbs Provide Picturesque Neighborhoods and Small Town Charm

Only a 30-minute drive from Detroit you will find the vibrant town of Birmingham, filled with gorgeous neighborhoods, upscale dining, a vibrant nightlife scene, and more than twenty parks. On their community calendar, you will find a plethora of outdoor concerts thanks to their Summer Concert Series that ranges from July to September. Birmingham also takes pride in its public art displays, which can be seen all throughout the town.

Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is the fifth-largest city in Michigan. While the University employs a large number of residents, the town is also home to a plethora of tech companies and award-winning restaurants. With a large number of art galleries, museums, golf courses, hiking trails, and four separate downtown districts, there is always something to do in this exciting city.  Families will be happy to know that the area caters to family-friendly activities such as petting farms, hands-on museums, and botanical gardens.

A small town with only around 3,000 residents, Clinton Michigan offers a rural feel while still only being an hour from Detroit. Home to the Southern Michigan Railroad, Clinton is known as “The Gateway To The Irish Hills”. With many antique stores and historical buildings, the town provides a quaint neighborhood feel while also being conveniently located.

On the shore of Lake St. Clair, you will find the prestigious city of Grosse Pointe. Comprised of many sought-after neighborhoods and communities, here you will find tree-lined streets and stately homes. Their downtown area, known as The Village, is a three-block area filled with dining options, shops, and bars that is always lively. To score some breathtaking views of Lake St. Clair, head to Neff Park, located right on the shore with lake access and plenty of room for picnics and game

The town of Berkley is located only 20 minutes from Detroit, yet prides itself on its small-town feel. With quaint communities and high-ranking schools, more and more families are being drawn to the area every day. Berkley has an exciting community calendar with events such as Art Bash, SummerFest, Taste of Berkley, and Berkley Street Art Fest. Their downtown area offers two shopping districts home to many small businesses with everything from handmade jewelry to unique restaurants and beautiful boutiques.

Another popular Detroit suburb, Beverly Hills is only a 25-minute drive to the city but provides picturesque neighborhoods and excellent school districts. The area is perfect for those who love outdoor activities because the town offers over 34 acres of nature trails, sand volleyball, and a plethora of skating and sledding opportunities. The community events put on by the town include a Memorial Day Parade, Community Garage Sales, and their popular Halloween Hoot. With a wonderful community feel and close proximity to the city, it’s no wonder many families are moving to the area.

For those seeking small-town charm with picturesque neighborhoods, look no further than Northville. The town offers a lively business district, historic downtown area, and tree-lined neighborhoods that look as though they are from a storybook. Home to the 944-acre Maybury State Park, the outdoor activities are endless including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The locals also enjoy dining at Genitti’s, a family-owned Italian restaurant that serves a seven-course meal followed by a live show.

Only 10 miles west of Detroit, Plymouth Rock is a lively town with so many things to do. The area has twelve spacious parks, over 50 different recreation programs for kids of all ages, and an NHL-sized ice area. A large number of annual events including the Plymouth Ice Festival in January and Art in the Park in July keep things in the community lively. For dining and shopping options, their downtown area offers many businesses that surround Kellogg Park. With close proximity to the airport and highways, Plymouth Rock is a sought-after place to call home.

Flourishing with historic properties and charming homes, Franklin is home to a small community of residents. The first place in Michigan to have their downtown designated as a historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is easy to get swept away by the delightful feeling of this town. They are home to the Franklin Cider Mill, a national historic site built in 1832, that offers fresh cider, hot donuts, and freshly baked pies that is a frequent stop for all residents.