Commerce Township
Located in Oakland County, Commerce Township (or Commerce Charter Township) is a suburban community outside of Detroit. Its terrain is comprised of gentle rolling hills, sweeping farmlands, and many lakes. So many lakes encompass this neighborhood that Detroiters would travel here on vacation to spend their summers lakeside. As development grew, more and more people moved to the township full-time. The 61 year-old teal Commerce Drive-In marquee is famous and a hot spot for pictures. Residents enjoy numerous amenities like shopping and dining. The Shops at Commerce and Tim Hortons coffee is an excellent place to relax. In nearby Novi, Twelve Oaks Mall has nearly 200 distinct shops and restaurants to experience. Residents can travel to the mall with ease by way of Route 5 – or go beyond that for I-275, I-96, and I-696. Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and Huron Valley Schools service students in the area.
Kalamazoo
Welcome to Kalamazoo, a historic city in southwestern Michigan where past meets present. Located between Detroit and Chicago, this community of over 73,000 residents combines cultural attractions with abundant green spaces. As home to Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, the city maintains a strong educational presence. The downtown area features the Kalamazoo Mall, America's first outdoor pedestrian shopping district, lined with independent businesses and eateries. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the extensive Kalamazoo River Valley Trail system, which connects multiple parks throughout the region. Current rental trends show moderate growth, with average one-bedroom apartments renting for $1,054 (up 2.9% year-over-year), while two-bedrooms average $1,295 (up 1.8% year-over-year). Housing options in Kalamazoo span from historic properties in the Vine neighborhood to contemporary apartments near the Western Michigan University campus. Each area offers distinct characteristics - the Stuart neighborhood showcases impressive architecture, while Westnedge Hill features tree-lined streets and classic homes. Downtown has evolved with the addition of residential lofts and new housing developments. The city celebrates its cultural heritage through events like the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and maintains a respected craft brewing tradition. Kalamazoo's legacy of innovation includes being the original headquarters of Gibson Guitar Corporation and pioneering accessibility with the nation's first curb cuts in the 1940s. Today, the city continues this forward-thinking approach through the Kalamazoo Promise, which provides college tuition support for Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates.
Grand Rapids
The second largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids rests on the Grand River, about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. Formerly known as the Furniture City, Grand Rapids is now nicknamed the River City as well as Beer City USA for its riverside locale and proximity to 40 craft breweries. Grand Rapids is also the hometown of former United States President Gerald Ford. Fans of the 38th president can learn more about his life and impact on American history at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Notable as an artistic haven, Grand Rapids hosts the annual ArtPrize competition, a 19-day affair drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and featuring artwork all throughout Downtown Grand Rapids. Frederik Meijer Gardens exhibits an expansive variety of sculptures and gardens both indoors and outdoors. Meyer May House is revered as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces. Located within an hour’s drive of Kalamazoo and Lansing, Grand Rapids is convenient to major highways and Gerald R. Ford International Airport, making for simple travels and commutes.
