Greenfield - Detroit, MI

The Greenfield neighborhood was originally farmland owned by the Grix family. In 1913, the land was sold and became the Grixdale Home Park Subdivision. Historic homes from the 1920s and 30s line the streets and often occupy double-sized lots, making them prime real estate. This neighborhood is also home to the first paved mile of concrete roads in the United States.

During the 1950s, the neighborhood, like much of Detroit, experienced a construction boom. Veterans of WWII were looking for jobs and housing, and the automotive industry was attracting more people to the area. As a result, some lots were split-up and more houses were added.

Today, the African Heritage Cultural Center, the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Ferndale Historical Museum all sit within a few miles of the center of Greenfield, providing a look at the cultural richness of this area. Greenfield sits near a large number of private art galleries, which host events throughout the year.

In addition to the usual cast of characters of national fast food chains, Greenfield also houses many locally-owned restaurants with an international flair.

For a true taste the islands, be sure to visit the Jamaica Jamaica Restaurant and Bakery. It serves authentic Jamaican cuisine complete with house-made ginger beer, oxtail, and spicy jerk-seasoned meats. Order the jerk chicken entree and enjoy perfectly seasoned and tender chicken, but don't miss out on a side of fried plantains.

For the best in all things battered and fried, visit the Nu Wave Fish & Chicken restaurant. Throw caution to the wind and indulge in a wide selection of crispy, fried treats. From chicken wings and catfish to fried okra and cheesecake bites, this restaurant can cover just about anything in batter, dip it in oil and produce a tasty treat. Low prices and great food keep locals coming back for more. Order the Obama Special to sample chicken wings, perch, fries, and coleslaw all in one package.

Greenfield houses a handful of local dive bars that provide residents with a quiet and friendly place to grab a beer after work. Tom's Tavern feature nightly drink specials and a low-key crowd.

For nightlife, residents can head into downtown Detroit, where there is always something happening. Sports fans can catch a baseball, football, or hockey game and music lovers have plenty of great venues to choose from, including the Detroit Opera House, Fox Theater, Fisher Theater, and the casinos, which host many musical acts throughout the year.

Drivers in the Greenfield neighborhood enjoy easy access to major roads. Both Eight Mile Road and Seven Mile Road take drivers east into the heart of downtown and connect with other major north/south expressways such as I-75. Public parking spaces line the streets, allowing visitors to park and explore or visit friends and family without having to worry about paying.

Taxis regularly travel through the neighborhood, making it easy to flag one down for a ride. Residents can also take advantage of Uber services and locate a driver nearby.

The SMART bus system also provides service to the area. Bus stops line the streets, making it easy to catch a ride without having to walk too far or wait too long.

Pedestrians can also safely and easily travel the neighborhood. While streets don't have dedicated bike lanes, the roads are bike friendly.

Residents have their choice of great neighborhood parks to visit. The Gorham, Bale and Viola Liuzzo Playgrounds all sit within walking distance and feature playground equipment and plenty of open space for kids and families to play.

At the Comstock Playground, visitors can use the tennis courts and baseball fields or enjoy a picnic. Residents enjoy the parks free of charge and can bring along the dog to enjoy a day outdoors. While these smaller parks don't host any annual events, larger Metroparks in the city do throw annual winter festivals, Fourth of July celebrations and a summer concert series.

The cost of living in Greenfield runs below the average of the rest of the city. A one-bedroom apartment rents for $520 a month. Use the bus system to get around, and pay just $1.25 per ride, or save even more by purchasing a monthly pass. Drivers also save at the pump with gas prices that trend 20 percent below national averages. Head to the local neighborhood bar and pay $3 for a bottle of domestic beer.

For a unique shopping experience, take Greenfield Road South to One of Five Sisters Jewelry boutique. This family store started with handcrafted items made of sterling silver and expanded to include a whole host of accessories from all over the world, including free-trade beaded earrings and bracelets from artisans in Kenya. A great selection of reasonably priced items make it a great destination for any fashionista looking for a signature piece to complete an outfit.

Residents can also head just north to Nine Mile Road to visit the many locally owned galleries, clothing stores and gift shops. The Rust Belt Market carries a wide selection of vintage clothing, handmade soaps, micro-roasted coffee, and art. Shoppers can chat with vendors to learn more about products and request custom pieces. If it is hip and trendy, shoppers can find it here.

Residents visit the local Kroger location for all the grocery and household needs. The Royal Oak Farmer's Market sits just a few miles to the north and provides another option for fresh produce. The market opens year-round to serve residents.