Southgate, MI Area Guide

Southgate was formerly a part of the Ecorse Township of Michigan, the largest township in the area. Before the French came to the area in 1679, the Potawatomie and Wyandot Indian Tribes lived in the region. In 1795, one of the first European settlers, Pierre Michael Campau, visited the area, followed by other English and French settlers. After the completion of the Erie Canal in 1830, western migration became easier for those coming from the East Coast.

In the later part of the 1800s, the area known as Southgate was composed of 64 farms. The local population boomed after World War II, as the area went from housing fewer than 2,000 people in 1940 to about 10,000 in 1950. Southgate became its own city in 1958.

The Southgate Historical Museum, in the historic 1920s Grahl house, showcases history related to Southgate. Detroit hosts many galleries, along with a new and growing art scene.

Southgate has a diverse range of restaurants and eateries that cater to every tastebud. Many of these restaurants are clustered on Eureka Road.

For a true Italian meal — heavily seasoned with garlic in the traditional fashion — head over to Vic's Casual Dining. Enjoy fresh bread from a basket placed on the table as you ponder whether you'll dine on the Salvatore Scallopini or the Chicken Fettuccine. When placing your order, don't be surprised if you find yourself being served by Vic himself.

Experience true city pride while savoring a popular Southgate roll at Sushi Kami. Choose from a number of American-influenced sushi rolls, including the Obama Roll and the Michigan Roll. Make sure to ask for a seat at the counter so you can watch the sushi chefs as they expertly prepare your meal.

At Tubby's, you'll find giant sub sandwiches in 6, 12, and 18-inch sizes. Order the battered mushrooms or boneless Buffalo wings to pair with a steak sandwich piled high with onions and peppers. Tubby's even has gluten-free bread. At night, head to Stix Martini & Cigar Bar for a vast Scotch menu, or check out 3 Nicks Tap Room for a DJ and live music on Fridays.

Most people in Southgate commute via their own cars, taking advantage of available parking near downriver restaurants and shops. From the neighborhood, city roads connect you to access points for Interstate 75 and Michigan Highway 85. The 016 Dexter bus, serviced by Department of Detroit Transportation Authority, takes you to downtown Detroit.

Amtrak headquarters are located in Detroit, providing one of many ways for locals to travel beyond Michigan. The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, located 12 miles from the center of Southgate, also makes traveling to international and domestic destinations a breeze. Cyclists often take to the city streets for recreational biking. Parks within this and neighboring areas provide miles of additional bike trails. An Uber lift within the city center starts at 5 dollars. You'll often find people walking within the neighborhood, to ball games or restaurants.

When you’re seeking greenery and playgrounds, Southgate’s 74.7-acre parks system provides you with most of what you need. Here, you’ll have free access to 9 neighborhood parks, 2 community parks, a Little League baseball playing field hosting major tournaments, public baseball diamonds, ice-hockey rinks and an 18-hole municipal golf course with a clubhouse on-site.

For a fitness-centric park, head to RiverWalk in Detroit for miles of paved pathways lending themselves to views of downtown Detroit and Canada. Bring your well-behaved dog along for outside play time.

Annual activities native to Southgate include the Heritage Days Festival, held in the summer each year, and Concerts in the Park, held during the summer at Homer Howard Park. Don't miss the city's annual ice show, and make sure to do some ice skating during the fall and winter season at the ice and hockey rinks in town.

Cost of living in Southgate is comparable to that of Detroit, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging about $650 per month. $1.50 will buy you a single fare on the bus toward the city center. Beer at the local pub can be as low as $3 for a full pint, and $1 during happy hours. Gas prices in Southgate run about 25 percent less than the national average for gas.

Southland Center in Taylor represents the closest major mall to this community, and contains all the typical retailers.

Visit Willow Tree in Wyandotte for fashionable accessories, including women's clothing, watches, socks, and purses. Designer styles sold here include those by names such as Maggie London and Sydney Love.

For skate shoes and street wear from top designers, stop into Anime to Skateboards. This trendy shop stocks everything from Japanese snacks and plush toys to top-quality skateboard decks. Don't forget to check out the phone charms, buttons, and other knickknacks behind the glass counter before you leave.

In town, do some grocery shopping at Kroger and Crystal Market. Slightly outside of Southgate, grocery stores include Concessi's, Jerry's Food Market, Meijer, Aldi, and Walmart. For produce, Trentwood Farms, Wyandotte Farmer's Market, Ruhlig Farm & Gardens, and Kurtzhals' Farms are a few of the nearby organizations that sell farm-fresh local goods.