West Bloomfield Township, MI

Before Detroit became the automotive capital of the United States, West Bloomfield consisted largely of open fields, farms and apple orchards. When the automotive industry entered its most profitable years after World War II, residents began to move out of downtown Detroit and into the outer suburbs. As a result, the population of West Bloomfield grew dramatically after 1960, and the area shifted from a farming community to a prosperous suburb for business professionals.

Today, West Bloomfield hosts a growing cultural scene. Residents enjoy Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum and the museum at the Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society. The Jewish Ensemble Theater Company and the Geiger Ballet present a regular program of theatrical and dance performances throughout the year. Locals come out in droves to participate in community festivals, including the Fall Fest, the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show and the Great Jewish Family Festival.

West Bloomfield houses a variety of midpriced restaurants serving Asian, American and Mediterranean cuisine. Many restaurants line Orchard Lake Road, which sits conveniently in the center of the township. For a quick dinner on the way home from work, try the Kang Pao stir fry or the garlic chicken at the Apple Grill. The restaurant serves enormous portions, so you have enough to share.

Locals rave about the shawarma at the Princess Mediterranean Grill, a friendly spot with an extensive menu. Start your meal with a hummus plate and a bowl of lentil soup, and bring an order of tabbouleh home to enjoy later. When you're in the mood for Mexican, the classic dishes at Huerto Restaurant and Tequila Bar are sure to hit the spot. Sip a strong Huerto margarita while you dig into a taquito appetizer and an order of buffalo shrimp tacos. If you still have room, try the sweet and silky flan for dessert. The restaurant also serves several gluten-free options. West Bloomfield offers a limited number of nightlife options; for a wild night, residents often head to Ann Arbor or downtown Detroit. Sink into the cozy chairs at Lux Lounge on Haggerty Road and enjoy the quiet, upscale atmosphere. Occasionally, the lounge shows movies on its big-screen monitors. Bring a group of friends to try a hookah pipe at the BLU Hookah Lounge, a cozy spot with conversation-friendly furniture groupings. Get to this local favorite early to secure a spot and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi, board games and video game stations.

Due to the widespread layout of West Bloomfield and the multitude of lakes that dot the landscape, residents tend to get around by car. Smaller residential developments may feature convenient sidewalks, but the neighborhood as a whole is not very walkable. A few bike lanes help cyclists ride safely on major arteries, and many bikers opt to take the West Bloomfield Trail. Call in advance to schedule a cab, or take advantage of the convenient Uber service. Public transportation options include SMART Bus lines 405, 780 and 851, which connect residents to points east and downtown Detroit.

Businesses in West Bloomfield offer free outdoor parking, but street parking can be difficult to find in residential areas. Check for permit restrictions before parking along roads in the township. Most residences feature assigned parking spots or driveways. Highway 696 sits just a few miles south of West Bloomfield's southern border.

West Bloomfield houses numerous parks within its boundaries. Sports fans in the area take advantage of Community Sports Park, which features walking paths, tennis courts and a variety of ball fields. At Drake Sports Park, the skate park attracts local boarders, while runners flock to the paved trails and built-in exercise equipment.

West Bloomfield families love the indoor and outdoor pools at the Family Aquatic Center and the playgrounds at Bloomfield Knolls Park. Other kid-friendly parks in the area include Bloomer Park, Sylvan Manor Park and Schulak Farm. If you have a dog, visit the fenced off-leash area at Karner farm. While you're there, exercise your green thumb in the community garden or bring a picnic to enjoy on the sloping lawns. Residents use West Bloomfield parks free of charge, but the dog park and community garden require a paid permit.

The West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission hosts a multitude of family-friendly events in the township's parks each year. Check out Winterfest, the Trick or Treat Trail or the Earth Day Celebration at popular Marshbank Park. Other events include the Spring Fling Egg Hunt and the Kids Komotion Concert Series.

West Bloomfield's cost of living comes in at more than double that of Detroit. Housing, in particular, drives prices up. One-bedroom apartments, which can be difficult to come by in the neighborhood, rent for approximately $1,000 per month. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment home hovers at $1,500.

A bus ride from West Bloomfield to downtown Detroit will cost you $2.00 on the SMART Bus 851 fixed-service route. On a night out, you can pay an average of $5 for a pint of beer and a minimum of $10 for a cocktail. Gas prices in West Bloomfield tend to match the national average.

Orchard Lake Road serves as West Bloomfield's main commercial corridor, and the bulk of the shopping options in the area gather on either side of the street. Stores run the gamut from discount chains such as T.J. Maxx to high-end designer boutiques.

At Eden Revolution, you can find a wide selection of unique clothing and accessories that help set your style apart. The store also features a "Made in Michigan" section with items from designers from around the state. Give your wallet a break at Closet NV on Orchard Lake Road. This elegant consignment store carries a well-organized selection of designer clothing and handbags, all at deeply discounted prices.

For the ultimate high-end shopping experience, West Bloomfield shoppers frequently make the drive to nearby Birmingham to visit Tender, an upscale boutique that carries a carefully selected collection of designer goods. The store specializes in brands that are difficult to find in Michigan's mainstream outlets, including Thakoon, Giambattista Valli and Valentino. Stop in for the twice-yearly sale, where store clerks mark down discounted items by a minimum of 50 percent.

Residents of West Bloomfield choose from a wide variety of grocery stores, including Whole Foods, Meijer, Sam's Club and Hiller's Market. At Busch's Fresh Food Market on 14 Mile Road, you'll find an extensive wine selection and high-quality fresh fish and seafood. Local foodies love Plum Market on Orchard Road for its large selection of organics and specialty gourmet kitchen gadgets. Stock up on Michigan-grown vegetables at the farmers market at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.