Taylor, MI

The town of Taylor presents a fairly short yet distinct history, baring its earliest origins as part of the Ecorse Township. However, due to the town's distant proximity to the township's main municipal occurrences, residents formed a petition to separate from the community. In 1847, the petition was granted, and the town's name was changed to Taylor Township in honor of American war hero and president General Zachary Taylor. Culturally speaking, Taylor's population has consisted of a dominantly Caucasian population since its founding, with a gradual yet slight movement toward ethnic diversity throughout the years.

The Taylor Veterans Museum serves as the town's main museum attraction, displaying a number of military memorabilia in addition to a handful of miscellaneous exhibits. Additionally, the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village in the neighboring town of Dearborn houses a broad collection of rotating exhibits ranging in era and genre.

Taylor houses a diverse selection of dining options, from traditional American-style pubs and fast food spots, to European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern specialty bistros. Several locations sit along the Goddard Road and Eureka Road area.

Malek Al Kabob, or "King of Kabob", supplies some of the most expertly crafted and authentic Middle Eastern cuisines in the Downriver community. The excellent customer service and affordability of the incredibly flavored food at Malek Al Kabob, coupled with the cozy and clean atmosphere, makes the restaurant a regularly visited establishment for many residents. From traditional hummus and pita, to succulent and delectable beef kabobs, this restaurant has it all. Try the shish tawook lemon, a dish comprised of marinated and char-broiled white meat chicken with garlic sauce, house-lemon sauce and mushrooms.

Franco's Pizza, a family owned an operated business Wick Road, provides only the highest quality homemade Italian food. The restaurant presents a full menu that includes everything from simple soups and salads, to freshly baked pizzas and pasta dishes. With their efficient service, Franco's Pizza dominantly specializes in carry-out and delivery orders, but customers sometimes enjoy their meals in the restaurant's small dining area. Franco's Pizza supplies the ultimate value-per-dollar in terms of great tasting Italian food, making it a favorite among locals. Try Franco's Special -- a pizza loaded with fresh toppings including pepperoni, Italian sausage, onion, roasted peppers and pepper rings.

Taylor presents a fairly laid-back and low key nightlife scene, supplying a small spread of bars, pubs and lounges. Goodard Road and Eureka Road contain a large majority of the aforementioned establishments. Big League Brews functions as an authentic neighborhood pub and sports bar, providing a grand selection of drinks, draft beers and great tasting food in a classically and brightly decorated atmosphere. Order yourself the restaurants staple entree, the MT Burger -- a freshly prepared one-half-pound hamburger patty seasoned with a secret blend of robust spices, nestled between two lightly toasted buns.

Meanwhile, spots such as Drinks Saloon present a more dive-bar oriented atmosphere, granting visitors access to a full bar with plenty of great drink specials, in addition to pool tables, darts and the retro sounds of the 1980s and rock music.

Automobiles and public transit serve as the most common means of transportation in Taylor, meanwhile, both the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) provide bus services throughout the area and Detroit. A light distribution of taxi businesses service Taylor, but residents do not rely on them as a primary means of transportation. On a similar note, Uber provides service throughout all of of Detroit and surrounding areas. Privately owned lots and garages, in addition to metered spaces provide affordable parking throughout Detroit, while on-street residential parking in more rural areas of Taylor affords a cost-free alternative. Major highways, I-94 and I-75, intersect Taylor, in addition a 6 mile stretch of Telegraph Road running through the city. Taylor provides the ideal environment for pedestrians and cyclists, with safe roads and access to over 783 bike trails.

Taylor houses a small concentration of neighborhood parks, dominantly baring a focus on outdoor recreation. Heritage Park provides an ideal environment for fishers, joggers and rollerblading enthusiasts, while housing a stocked pond and mile-long walking trail. Bring your furry companion along for a refreshing adventure in the great outdoors. The nearby Heritage Park Petting Zoo serves as an ideal kid-friendly destination, featuring a healthy roster of farm animals at a cost as little as $2 for residents of Taylor.

Be sure to catch the annual Great Heritage Park Campout, a family-friendly event where guests camp overnight, and enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment.

Taylor incurs a fairly affordable cost of living just 4 percent higher than that of Detroit, moreover, residents pay as little as $1.50 when traveling to the city center via DDOT. One-bedroom residences rent for an average cost of $610, while residents pay for gas at an average cost 12 percent below the national average. When you find yourself near a local pub or bar, stop in and enjoy an ice-cold pint for around $5.

Nationally recognized chain retailers dominate the commercial district of Taylor, while a small spread of local specialty stores provide alternative shopping options. High-end and high-value stores primarily populate areas close to the center of Detroit. The Downriver area houses the majority of stores in Taylor.

Adventures In Brewing serves as Taylor's neighborhood beer, wine, spirit and brewing supplies store. Carrying a wide range of high-quality inventory, the store acts as a choice location for home brewing needs. Best of all, knowledgeable and passionate staff members stand readily available, answering any particular questions customers may have or simply providing recommendations.

Meijer functions as a regional combination grocery and department store, selling products ranging from simple household commodities and wares, to fresh produce and meats. The store presents a neatly organized and clean atmosphere, making an ideal one-stop-shop for residents of Taylor. Customers can also visit the location's convenient in-store pharmacy if they need a prescription filled out.

Ray's Prime Food services Taylor as the neighborhood butcher and meat shop, providing a rich selection of fresh meats at affordable prices, while Norm's Market has a broader selection of groceries in addition to a deli and small-scale post office. Taylor does not host any farmers markets, but residents travel to neighboring cities to enjoy the rich selection of local produce and goods at locations including Block’s Stand & Greenhouse and Dearborn Farmers Market.