Roseville, MI

Originally farmland in what was known as Erin Township, Roseville opened its first permanent post office in 1846. With the establishment of a plank toll road in 1846 that connected it to both Detroit and Mt. Clemens, the village became a stopping point between the two cities. Roseville continued to grow along with the automotive industry. It experienced a population boom in the 50s as more people looked for small-town suburban life outside the big city. The area officially became a city in 1958.

Although Roseville houses no major museums or fine arts centers, residents enjoy easy access to dozens of cultural venues and events in Detroit. Head to the Roseville Public Library to see artifacts that document the city's early beginnings, including the original toll sign for Gratiot Ave. Each year, the city holds the Big Bird 1 mile run. Runners from toddlers to grandparents take part in this community event that's been a local tradition for 36 years.

Restaurants in Roseville range from well-known chains to eclectic eateries located along both Groesbeck Highway and Gratiot Avenue. Here, you'll find something to satisfy every taste and craving.

Special occasions call for special restaurants, and Mr. Paul's Chophouse has been celebrating with residents for over 30 years. Start your meal with a fresh Caesar salad prepared tableside, and continue it with a melt-in-your-mouth Chateaubriand for two, all while listening to live music from the dining room piano. The fine-dining establishment serves signature seafood and pasta dishes as well.

If you're looking for country cooking with non-stop coffee refills, head to Apple Annie's Restaurant and Bakery on Gratiot Ave. Every day of the week, the restaurant serves up 10 different soups, with something for every palate. Annie's makes breakfast all day, meaning you can sleep in before grabbing a heaping plate of eggs, meat and the restaurant's homemade bread, toasted to your liking. As you pay your bill on the way out the door, make sure to check out the wide selection of baked goods and pick up something sweet to take home with you.

Thai food lovers relish the multitude of menu items at Royal Thai Cafe. Start off with made-fresh-daily spring rolls and an apple salad with onions and sliced coconut. Regulars rave about the pad thai and drunken noodles. Be aware that the cafe serves its food on the spicy side, so you might want to order your meal a level milder than you usually would.

Nightlife in Roseville is as diverse as the community. Grab a seat at the bar, and make some new friends at Club FT. A true neighborhood corner bar, the club puts on an annual Halloween party with wall decorations including everything from smoking cats to a mounted fish. On weekends, catch a live show with local bands or dance to the beat of a DJ. For dinner and an evening of drinks and entertainment, head to the Eastgate Pub, a longstanding Roseville tradition. Enjoy one of the bar's delectable burgers while watching the Tigers on one of several available televisions.

The majority of Roseville residents use motor vehicles for their primary transportation. Easy access to both Interstate 696 and 94 make travel by car to downtown Detroit and west to Lansing fast and simple. You won't have trouble finding a parking space throughout the area as free parking is widely available.

Most of the residential neighborhoods and major thoroughfares feature sidewalks, making walking safe. These neighborhoods provide great opportunities for biking as well, but care should be taken when riding along busy streets such as Groesbeck and Gratiot Ave.

For public transportation, SMART has convenient bus stops on the major roads in Roseville. It will also provide prearranged pickups through its Connector service, though this does require six days advance notice. While you can't hail a cab directly from the street, you can call one of several taxi companies, and Uber provides ride share service in the area.

The city of Roseville provides several parks and green spaces for its residents. At just over 22 acres, Huron Park has plenty of room for all of your favorite outdoor activities. The park provides walking trails, baseball and softball fields and a pavilion that can be reserved.

Veteran's Memorial Park features 15 acres and a gazebo that can be rented for outdoor weddings or other celebrations. Stop by and catch a youth soccer game, one of the most popular activities in southeast Michigan, on a Saturday afternoon. All Roseville parks offer free admittance, but there may be fees to use ball fields and pavilion areas.

While Roseville does not have a dog-friendly park, you can take your best four-legged friend to neighboring St. Clair Shores, just 3 miles to the east, for a romp at Statler-Maloof Dog Park. For carnival fun and a festival atmosphere, several of the area churches hold annual bazaars and family fun weekends throughout the summer months and into the fall.

The cost of living in Roseville sits at 5.9 percent lower than that of Detroit and across Michigan. A one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood will cost you an average of $593 a month. Expect to pay $2 for a one-way ticket to downtown Detroit on a SMART bus, although prices for children and the elderly are slightly lower at $1.50 and $1 respectively. SMART Connector service costs $4.

A pint of beer at a local tavern costs about $3 for domestic and $4 for imports. Gas prices hover around 13 percent lower than the national average.

Shopping in Roseville revolves around the stores that line Gratiot Avenue and the Macomb Mall. One of the earliest true malls in the area, Macomb features anchor stores including Sears and Kohls as well as specialty retailers such as Bath & Body Works and European Perfumes.

You may not be able to catch a wave in Roseville, but you can snag the latest in skater gear and swimwear at Corky's Surf Shop. A longtime neighborhood favorite, this shop features the freshest looks in sneakers, snow and skateboards, outwear and swimwear. The boots at Chester's Boot Shop were made for walking, dancing or even riding your Harley down Gratiot Avenue. The store features of huge selection of everything from work to cowboy boots and a friendly, knowledgeable sales staff.

Supermarkets in Roseville include Kroger and Meijer, which also offers a wide range of department store merchandise. If you're looking for produce fresh from the farm, stop in at Joe Randazzo's Fruit and Vegetable Market. This neighborhood staple has been serving the community since 1953. While Roseville does not have its own farmers market, the Mt. Clemens farmers market, located a just few miles north of town, sells local produce, crafts and other items.