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.
Detroit
Historically one of the economic and cultural powerhouses of the Midwest, Detroit is full of people who are working towards redevelopment and revitalization. Known as the origin of the automobile industry, the Motor City is moving towards a future of economic opportunity with roots far beyond the world of cars. The cost of living is low while rental rates for apartments, condos, and houses are highly attractive for any budget. Monuments paying tribute to Detroit’s rich history are everywhere while astonishing architecture and public artwork is scattered throughout the city. As the birthplace of Motown, Detroit has a long tradition of producing legendary musicians like Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder. This tradition continues today and it’s easy to find live performances from every genre. The city is a great destination for sports lovers as one of the few American cities with major leagues in football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. With museums galore, lively nightlife, delectable restaurants, and conventions held almost every month of the year, Detroit is a mecca for entertainment. Visit the Motown Museum or catch a game at Comerica Park. Ask any local and they’ll tell you that Detroit is a great city and it’s not hard to see why. Detroit sits just across from Windsor, ON so residents of Detroit have easy access to this Canadian destination.
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.
