Cody-Rouge - Detroit, MI

Cody-Rouge was originally developed between the 1920s and 1950s as a bedroom community for the booming manufacturing industry in Detroit. French colonists gave Detroit its name, after the Detroit River. Detroit itself has a rich history, including being a refuge for slaves during the time of the Underground Railroad.

Before becoming famous for Ford Motors in the early 1900’s, the area was already becoming a fast-growing hub for transportation due to a steady rise of shipping, shipbuilding and manufacturing industries in the 1800s.

The city of Detroit has become a haven for artists, with a burgeoning art scene centered around urban living. Of note in nearby Deerborn, the Henry Ford Museum contains many car-based artifacts showcasing the unique history of this area. Additional attractions close to Cody-Rouge include an arts institute, the North American International Car Show, and the Detroit Zoo.

For dining, head to nearby Dearborn to the east or Dearborn Heights to the west of the neighborhood. Options include Lebanese, Italian, American, Middle Eastern and Japanese cuisine.

An active nightlife can be found in the neighborhoods bordering Cody-Rouge, with a speakeasy, pubs, dance clubs and lounges catering to music lovers, sports lovers and those who just want to shake their body.

Just $3 buys you an Italian sub, handmade with fresh ingredients such as fennel and provolone cheese, at Alcamo's Market. You'll have a hard time getting your mouth around each bite of this giant sandwich packed with condiments, vegetables and meats, but don't let that deter you from eating the entire thing in one sitting.

Grab Middle Eastern treats and French pastries at Shatila Bakery. Choose from cakes, tortes, cannoli and eclairs. To settle your sweet tooth, try the mango mousse covered in dark chocolate.

Satiate your Italian food cravings at Roman Village, whether you love soft and tender gnocchi or huge pizzas. Freshly made pasta complements dishes loaded with Alfredo or red sauce. Try the spaghetti carbonara if you want a familiar dish, or the Rita sauce if you're dying to try something new. Don't be surprised if the owner himself checks in with you while you dine. Visit Hu Ray's Varsity Club, a dive bar serving up burgers and top shelf liquor, for access to a pool table, a jukebox, free WiFi and dart boards. Smoke a custom hookah pipe while eating sushi and watching big screen TV at The Lava Lounge or head off to Traction Bar & Grill for a small family feeling along with $2 beers.

Detroit being a car-famous metropolitan area, most locals favor automobiles to get around. The Smartbus is available as well, for those who prefer public transportation. With fares as low as $2 for a single ride, this bus provides frequent transportation to the downtown neighborhoods of Detroit. Public parking remains free and plentiful. Access M-153, or Ford Road, to the south and I-96, or Jeffries Freeway, to the north for quick connection to Detroit. Most people don't travel by foot here.

There aren’t many cab companies that service this area, though you can call Gem’s Taxi Cab or Checker Cab if you need one and Uber will take you to Detroit for as low as $20.

Residents bike as a sport rather than for commuting. Though it’s not impossible to ride through the streets of this neighborhood, you won’t see many bikes on the road. If you’re looking for an outdoor trail to use, the Rouge River greenway trail begins at the parking lot near Andiamo's and loops through the woods, passing the Henry Ford Estate.

Rouge River Park, the largest park in Michigan, holds a focal point in this neighborhood. Taking up 1,181 acres of land, the sheer size of this park alone makes it the only park you need to visit, though there are plenty of other parks outside of the community. This park has 12 playgrounds, swimming areas, 200 picnic tables, and fields to play sports on -- including basketball, tennis, soccer, football and baseball. With 2 miles of hiking trails and 8 miles of biking trails, the park serves those seeking an exercise oriented outing. Access to the park is free.

You won’t find any dog parks close by, though if you’re willing to drive a few miles out of town on the weekend, there are dog parks in downtown Detroit and Livonia.

Annual activities native to Detroit include a few that take place in Midtown, including Delectricity, a festival of lights and sculpture, and Marche du Nain Rouge, a 5K costumed run aimed at driving Le Nain Rouge, or the red dwarf, out of the city.

Cost of living in Cody-Rouge is much lower than in that of Detroit. A one-bedroom will only cost you $451. A single fare ride on the Smartbus to downtown Detroit costs $2. Gas prices in this car-centric city are 8 percent lower than the national average. Beer at the local pub is cheap, averaging as low as $2.

Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn caters to those seeking specialty department stores, such as Macy's and Sephora. The center contains an AMC movie theatre with 21 screens as well as the fast food and chain restaurants one would expect from a modern mall. You won't find many boutiques in this neighborhood, but both Dearborn and Dearborn Heights offer a few options.

If you are a man who has trouble finding fashionable clothing at most boutiques, V- Male Detroit Vintage is your go-to spot, carrying vintage 70s clothing and funky shirts for gentleman, sold right alongside petticoats, wigs, purses, feather fans and hair clips for ladies. The owners cull their selections and rotate them often, so make sure to visit more than once.

Feel free to stop by Kroger for your groceries, or try out Pelham Market or Super Greenland Market. Organic local options are also available at the Dearborn Farm Market. Though not a traditional farmer's market, this small market sells fresh produce along with meats and cheeses in a small neighborhood space.