Kimberly Hills - Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas were largely rural until 1837 when the town won a bid to house the University of Michigan. Two years later, the Michigan Central Railroad was constructed and turned the town into a transportation hub. The nearby Willow Run Ford plant also served as a significant contributor to the local economy, especially during WWII when it was used to manufacture B-24 bombers.

Throughout the twentieth century, the town and its population of students, artists and intellectuals gained national attention by participating in major social movements. From Vietnam War protests to Civil Rights marches, the town was often found at the forefront of progressive politics.

As the university continued to expand well beyond its original 40 acres of land, residential areas sprang up to meet the housing needs of thousands of workers and professors. Kimberly Hills serves as just one of those neighborhoods.

While the actual Kimberly Hills neighborhood doesn't have a restaurant scene, locals can take just a short drive in any direction to enjoy a meal. For a more casual dining experience, visit the Achilles Coney Restaurant. It specializes in American-style comfort food and provides a family-friendly dining room with sleek, simple decor. Swing by before work to fuel up on a hearty breakfast of fresh-squeezed orange juice, Belgian waffles, eggs, hash browns and crispy bacon. For dinner, try the Greek combo plate and sample the spinach pie, grape leaves and pastistio.

At Paesano, diners can indulge in rich Italian dishes and sign up for one of the restaurants regular wine-tasting events. During the cold winter months, nothing beats the risotto with porcini ragu and buttery snails. This creamy, decadent entree warms up any night and is even better paired with the perfect wine.

For a pint of beer and some great pub food, head into Ann Arbor, and visit the Arbor Brewing Company. This neighborhood bar features dark wood paneling and a welcoming atmosphere. Locals love the Sacred Cow IPA, and seasonal releases keep fans coming back to try new recipes.

Ann Arbor serves as one of the state's main cultural hubs and features plenty of entertainment options throughout the year. The Ann Arbor Civic Theater produces an annual line-up of popular plays, and Hill Auditorium hosts symphonies, rock bands and a wide variety of other acts. Sports fans can also cheer on the university's teams at home games.

Drivers who live in Kimberly Hills enjoy easy access to several major thoroughfares. I-94 runs just south of the neighborhood and can take drivers into Detroit or west to the other side of the state. Just to the north, Business 23 provides another east/west route, and Highway 23 sits just beyond the eastern edge of Kimberly Hills, taking drivers north or south to other major cities. Since the neighborhood consists mainly of residential properties, parking remains plentiful throughout.

Commuters head west to Packard Street, which houses several major bus stops. Bus fare varies but can cost up to $4.50 for a day pass. Passengers just looking for a quick ride should call ahead for a cab or use Uber to locate a nearby driver.

The Kimberly Hills neighborhood provides plenty of well-maintained sidewalks for residents to take an evening stroll or bike their subdivision. More serious bikers can head to Packard Street and safely use the dedicated bike lanes to travel north into Ann Arbor.

The Ponds neighborhood park sits directly in the middle of Kimberly Hills and provides families with a great place to spend the afternoon. Kids can play on the swing, ride the merry-go-round and crawl all over the play equipment.

For additional amenities, visit 39-acre Buhr Park which features baseball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, basketball courts, an outdoor pool and a winter ice-skating rink. A paved pedestrian path also accommodates joggers and bikers, and picnic tables can be found throughout the park. Feel free to bring along any four-legged friends on a leash, and use most of the park for free. Residents do have to pay a small fee to use the pool and ice rink.

The cost of living in Kimberly Hills runs higher than other areas of Ann Arbor and significantly higher that other Detroit suburbs. A one-bedroom apartment in this exclusive neighborhood rents for about $1,050 per month. Drivers can save at the pump and enjoy gas prices that trend 12 percent below the national average. Visit a local bar and pay about $4 for a pint of beer.

To visit some of the most popular national retail chains, head a few miles west on I-94 to the Briarwood Mall. This center shopping location houses a variety of stores, including H&M, Von Maur, and many more.

To get away from the crowds and find unique items, visit downtown Ann Arbor. The Motivation clothing boutique off of University Avenue carries an interesting mix of cutting-edge street wear. The owners design and sell their own T-shirts and hats, which guarantees that shoppers walk out with a one-of-a-kind item. Be sure to check out the shop's selection of chunky Veritas jewelry that helps anyone make a fashion statement.

At Perpetua, shoppers can browse through men's and women's clothing made from organic and environmentally friendly materials. A husband-and-wife team own the boutique and combine their individual tastes to present an eclectic selection of clothing and accessories. With new products constantly being rotated in, shoppers can visit often and still find new items. From sneakers and handbags to pencil skirts and stylish tank tops, this store carries a great variety of clothing options.

Residents of Kimberly Hills can visit nearby Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Meijer locations to stock up on groceries. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market also opens every Saturday throughout the year to sell local produce and artisan wares.