Oak Park, MI

Although founded in 1914, residential growth in Oak Park boomed after World War II when the G.I. Bill made it possible for veterans to buy housing. In addition to veterans, immigrants were also moving to the area during that time. With this double influx of new residents, Oak Park's population grew seven times over by the 1960s.

While you won't find theaters or museums immediately in Oak Park, head just across Interstate 696 to see a Stagecrafters performance at the Baldwin Theatre in Royal Oak. This community theater group puts on a regular schedule of musicals, plays and Christmas shows in a beautiful old theater. The theater also supports youth theater and presents art exhibits.

Restaurants in this older neighborhood tend toward casual diners, delis and pizza joints. Keep your eyes open on Greenfield Road and Nine Mile Road when you're looking for a place to eat.

The Pita Cafe on Greenfield serves up yummy hummus and crushed lentil soup that locals rave about. The chicken tawook sandwich and chicken shawarma also get high praise, and make sure to order a fruit smoothie when you visit.

Ernie's Market may just be a convenience store, but when it keeps winning awards for its sandwiches, you have to pay attention. Ernie doesn't even slice the meat until you place your order, and the crunch of the fresh vegetables as you bite into your huge sandwich will make you smile. Enjoy the free Hershey's kisses and the personal touch that Ernie brings to every enormous, tasty sandwich he makes.

Head to Eddie's Gourmet on Greenfield Road to experience a quirky diner serving amazing classic American food with a foodie twist. Try the Palomino vodka pasta with shrimp, the rich tomato bisque, the steak au poivre with its fruit chutney topping or the zip pasta with chicken, broccoli and mushrooms.

As a quiet residential neighborhood, Oak Park doesn't have bars on every corner, but if you venture just a little way out of the neighborhood, you'll find neighborhood bars and lounges to suit every mood. The Oakland on Nine Mile Road makes elegant cocktails — talk to the bartender before you order to hear his recommendations for your personal taste. One-Eyed Betty's features an enormous beer list neatly divided into types of beer; and you can also order up some high-end pub grub here to complete your evening. Head to the Go Comedy Improv Theater for raucous adults-only improv and a well-stocked bar.

Detroit's SMART bus service runs several routes through Oak Park. Track the next bus using your smartphone, so you never miss a connection. Uber and several taxi companies also operate in Oak Park when you need more personalized transportation.

If you choose to drive from your home in Oak Park, you have many major highways to choose from. Take Interstate 696 to connect to Interstates 94 and 75 leading out of Detroit. State Routes 1 and 10 also run nearby.

Few dedicated bike lanes run through Oak Park though many of the local thoroughfares maintain bicycle-friendliness. While you can stroll the neighborhood for exercise or relaxation, commuting or running errands on foot remains impractical.

While Oak Park only hosts a handful of smaller parks, just on the other side of Interstate 696, Huntington Woods Park features summertime concerts, a great playground for kids and summer camp programs. The pool opens up every summer, and families from all over the neighborhood head here for relaxation, exercise and fun.

Within Oak Park itself, bring your kids to Best Park right next to an elementary school to play on the playground and T-ball field. Dewey Park features several basketball half-courts, including one sized for kids. In the winter, Tyler Park's sled hill lets you have fun in the snow. Many of the neighborhood parks contain baseball diamonds with bleachers so you can watch your kids' Little League games.

The cost of living in Oak Park runs about 7 percent higher than the cost of living in Detroit overall. To hop on the SMART bus to get around town, be prepared to spend $2, and if you choose to drive around town, reap the benefit of gas prices that run 13 percent lower than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment in Oak Park run an average of $657 per month. When drop the local pubs for a beer, expect to pay $3 for a pint on tap.

Oak Park houses a wide variety of chain stores, many of which line Eight Mile Road, Nine Mile Road and Greenfield Road.

Head to Book Beat for all that a great independent bookstore offers, including an amazing selection of pop culture, art and children's books. With calming music playing, fascinating gifts on every shelf and book signings and other events, Book Beat provides a second home to many avid readers in the neighborhood.

Save money on the latest clothing styles at the Grace Thrift Store on Coolidge Highway. Run by Grace Centers of Hope, this compact store overflows with clothing, books and accessories, all at deep discounts.

Aldi offers regular groceries to locals in Oak Park, but you can also choose from many smaller local markets. The K&F Fish and Meat Market carries eclectic Caribbean and African ingredients. If you're looking for friendly service and Michigan-made products, make the short drive to Western Fruit & Meat Market in Ferndale for a varied selection of produce and fresh deli meals. The Southfield Farmers Market opens on Thursdays to sell locally sourced fruits and veggies.