Downtown Troy - Troy, MI

Though settlers in the area are recorded as far back as the 18th century, Troy is a relatively young city, not officially incorporated until 1955. Downtown Troy is one of the newest neighborhoods born from major development projects. The city grew along with nearby Detroit, yet has continued to prosper even during Detroit's decline.

Two of the nation's largest Protestant churches, Kensington Community Church and Woodside Bible Church, are located within Downtown Troy. The Troy Historic Village pays homage to the early settlers and features hands-on exhibits that give visitors a detailed view of life during the 1700s.

Residents celebrate the holidays at the annual Wild Lights event at the Detroit Zoo. To sample the arts scene, visit nearby Royal Oak and browse the galleries that line 9 Mile Road, or attend the Troy Festival Arts & Craft Show for a juried selection of work from local artisans.

Downtown Troy is a great place to sample international cuisine, making it a refreshing alternative to the usual chain restaurants. This area has embraced a diverse population from around the world, which provides you with a unique opportunity to sample authentic dishes.

To treat your taste buds, head to Priya for the neighborhood's best Indian food. Test your tolerance for heat by choosing whether you want your food mild, medium or spicy, then dive into the lamb curry, with its tender cuts of meat, sweet coconut milk and deliciously blended spices.

Ridley's Bakery Cafe is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth. From cookies and muffins to bread, everything is baked fresh daily and served up with a smile. Ridley's also supplies plenty of savory options, including chili, panini sandwiches and the café's special hearth-baked stromboli, which is stuffed with gooey cheese, your choice of meat and lots of fresh garden vegetables.

Ocean Prime provides the perfect atmosphere for a romantic date night or a quiet evening with friends. This upscale restaurant offers a classy modern dining room and a menu of steak and seafood dishes. Dress to impress, and enjoy the chef's specialty: Chilean sea bass in champagne truffle sauce.

As for the local nightlife, the neighborhood provides plenty of bars and pubs where you can sit, enjoy a pint and listen to live music on the weekends. Bailey's Pub and Grille and CJ Mahoney's Sports Bar & Grill comes out on top as a local favorite. If you want to test your luck, the Motor City Casino Hotel is just a short drive south on I-75, with live entertainment and classic games. Spend some time at the slot machines, or get tickets to some of the big acts that swing through town.

Downtown Troy is crisscrossed by many major thoroughfares, and private vehicles are by far the most common way to get around. M-59 runs east and west through the city, providing easy access to nearby cities. I-75 intersects with M-59 just a few miles east of Downtown Troy, so that drivers also enjoy a convenient connection to a major north/south route.

The downtown area is filled with convenient parking lots and plenty of spaces. While on-street parking will cost you $1.25 during peak hours, but there are plenty of free lots available.

For a $2.00 fare, residents can also use Smart shuttles to get around town and to visit some of the nearby towns. Cabs are ready and waiting to take you to your next destination, or you can use Uber to catch a ride. While the neighborhood is walkable, a lack of bike lanes can make it dangerous to ride on the road. The neighborhood is perfect for drivers, but it is probably best to avoid commuting on bike.

Troy's numerous parks provide an easy way to get out and enjoy some exercise. For a great family day out, visit Boulan Park, which has a huge playground area and jungle gym, tennis and basketball courts. For a larger event like a family reunion, Firefighters Park is filled with picnic tables and pavilions.

Raintree Park provides another great place to residents to play. The combination of open spaces and wooded sections, caters to a variety of activities. Residents enjoy walking the paved paths and testing their skills on the disc golf course. All of the parks are dog-friendly and free of charge, making them great for walking, biking or just enjoying the outdoors.

Most annual events and festivals take place on the streets of Downtown Troy, but the parks do serve as the monthly meeting place of the Troy Nature Society.

The cost of living in Downtown Troy is higher than the city average, reflecting the abundant local amenities. Rent for a one bedroom apartment runs around $1,080 per month, and a beer at the local pub costs $5 a pint.

A gallon of gas runs about 10% cheaper than the national average.

One of the defining qualities of Downtown Troy is its world-class shopping. Somerset Collection, a sprawling, upscale mall, houses some of the most exclusive shops in the state. This beautiful shopping center houses 180 specialty stores including Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co, providing Manhattan-caliber shopping right in suburban Detroit. For more economical shopping, the Oakland Mall sits at Troy's northern border. You can visit and stock up on your favorite Gap t-shirts or find the perfect scent at Hudson's perfume counter.

Chain supermarkets like Kroger and Whole Foods serve everyday grocery needs. But the Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace stands out as the local store. This sprawling store has the widest selection of fresh produce, spices, and international foods in the area. The abundant quantity and affordable prices make it a true favorite among locals. While Downtown Troy does not have a farmer's market, Nino Salvaggio is a great alternative.