Northeast Warren - Warren, MI Area Guide

Originally founded in 1830 as Beebe's Corners, the town was a carriage stop, home to a trading post, tavern, mill and distillery for those traveling from Detroit to Utica. The first official resident was Charles Groesbeck, though the city got its name from Reverend Abel Warren; a War of 1812 veteran and frontier cleric, who later became the first preacher to hold a license in Michigan. Warren was incorporated as a village in 1893 and a city in 1957.

Annual events such as the Warren Symphony Orchestra, which holds a number of concerts throughout the season at the community and recreation center, and the Woodward Dream Cruise bring residents together from several surrounding communities to celebrate the arts and show their appreciation for classic cars. The cruise spans 12 miles, with fun activities for kids, various awards in a number of car categories and tasty festival foods.

The city has plenty of culinary options and exciting nightlife to choose from every night of the week.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Chocolate Gallery Cafe on Chicago Road with a plate of chocolate and strawberry stuffed French toast or lemon ricotta pancakes. The casual setting lets you focus completely on your meal, while the friendly staff always puts you first. Serving breakfast, lunch and brunch every Thursday through Sunday, this charming cafe can also be rented for special events and private classes.

Change things up with some authentic Salvadoran food at Pilar's Tamales on Mound Road. Try the tamale special, which comes with curtido, fried plantains, casamiento and a house drink. The signature horchata remains a favorite among locals, as well as the house made pupusas. Using only the freshest ingredients from local vendors, this casual, welcoming diner has locals returning for more.

Add some spice to your meal by ordering some curry noodles, traditional pad prik or pad ped served with Thai jasmine rice at Amarin Thai Cuisine on East 12 Mile Road. The quiet, relaxing atmosphere and fast, helpful service make this a great spot to enjoy dinner with the family, a night out with friends or a romantic meal for two.

If you like cold craft brews in a warm and rustic setting, head to Dragonmead Brewery on East 11 Mile Road. This brewery has earned both national and international awards for their fine selection of beers, taking first place for the ESB and Cherry Mead at the Mazer Cup International. Order a sampler and relax with friends on the weekend, schedule a fun and informative brewery tour, or grab a table up front to enjoy a variety of live music, including folk, country, rock, jazz, blues and indie tunes.

When you want to dance with friends, belt out your favorite song during karaoke or watch your favorite game on TV, head to Tipsy McStaggers on East 12 Mile. Free Wi-Fi, great drink specials and a fun, lively crowd guarantee an exciting, high-energy night out. If you want to see your favorite nationally known band or comedian without having to travel far, head to the beautifully designed Royal Oak Music Theater on West 4th Street. The opera-house architecture and classic decor provides a warm vibe as you enjoy comedy concerts, theatrical performances and rock shows throughout the year.

Being located close to Interstate 696 and routes M-53, M-97 and M-102 makes getting around Northeast Warren easy by car. Use your own vehicle or hire a taxi, private car or airport shuttle through the Uber app on your smartphone. The neighborhood and surrounding area doesn't lend itself to bicycle lanes or walking paths, making an outdoor commute less likely. If you prefer to use public transportation, the SMART ride runs several fixed bus routes throughout the day and night for a nominal fee, while providing curb-to-curb services for disabled and senior citizens unable to access the regular routes.

When traveling to downtown Detroit, you can feel secure knowing you have plenty of safe, convenient public parking garages to choose from. The Port Atwater Parking Garage on Beaubien Street has six levels of spaces and charges just $6 to park for the entire day.

Enjoy some outdoor fun at family-friendly Altermatt Park on Toepfer. The small, neighborhood setting, beautiful foliage and impressive play structure make it the perfect stop after school or on the weekend. Smaller walking paths at this admission-free park let you take the dog for a quick stroll or watch as the kids practice riding their bikes.

Austin-Dannis Park on Stephens Road has something for everyone, including plenty of wide open space to sit back and relax with a good book, share a picnic with friends or play a game of fetch with your pooch. Numerous walking and running paths allow you to get some free cardiovascular exercise, while the large play structures, sports fields and outdoor ice rink help the kids burn off that extra energy in the form of fun.

The cost of living in Northeast Warren can be classified as low to moderate, averaging 5 percent less than the greater Detroit area. A one-bedroom apartment goes for an average of $610 per month, while a pint of beer at the local pub will typically set you back about $4. The price of gas hovers around 2 percent higher than the national average and a one-way ride on the SMART bus costs $2.

Whether you prefer one-stop shopping at the mall or a leisurely afternoon browsing local boutiques, this city has you covered. Treat yourself with warm cinnamon rolls at Cinnabon before heading off to find the perfect pair of jeans and latest in men's and women's fashions at Express in the Oakland Mall. Snag a bargain on trendy tops and shoes from the expansive Forever 21, then grab a bite to eat at Chili’s. The natural lighting provided by the skylights lets you enjoy the sunshine, no matter the temperature outside.

For the latest in women's dresses, shoes and accessories, visit the Edge Boutique on Dequindre Road. Catering to women of all shapes and sizes, The Edge promotes an ideal that every woman deserves to feel sassy and beautiful at all times. The friendly, helpful staff will help put together your best look to make you feel your most confident yet.

Embrace a healthier lifestyle, complete with fresh fruits and vegetables and locally produced dairy, meats and breads at the Warren Farmers Market during its open season. Live entertainment, special activities for kids and food assistance programs set this market apart, where encouraging healthy habits among residents takes center stage.

For everyday grocery needs, visit Meijer on Mound Road or Kroger Food & Pharmacy on East 14 Mile Road. Both stores have fully stocked delis and bakeries, with a wide selection of dairy and snack items to help you plan your meals for the week. You can also take care of your drugstore needs and fill your prescriptions at the in-store pharmacies.