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.
Traverse City
Traverse City, nestled along Grand Traverse Bay, combines small-town atmosphere with modern conveniences. The rental market offers diverse options, with average rents ranging from $1,276 for studios to $1,904 for three-bedroom homes, showing annual increases between 2-7.8%. Downtown's historic buildings feature apartments and condominiums, while established neighborhoods like Central, Old Towne, and Slabtown offer single-family rental homes and duplexes. The walkable downtown area features independent shops and restaurants, with easy access to entertainment and dining options. The city's location on Grand Traverse Bay provides year-round recreational opportunities, with the TART trail system connecting neighborhoods to parks and waterfront areas. Northwestern Michigan College and the Interlochen Center for the Arts contribute to the community's educational and cultural landscape. The National Cherry Festival, drawing approximately 500,000 visitors each summer, celebrates the region's agricultural heritage. Waterfront properties typically command higher rents, while inland locations provide more budget-friendly alternatives. The surrounding region's wine country, featuring numerous award-winning wineries, adds to the area's distinctive character. The rental market shows strong activity in the downtown and waterfront districts, where historic buildings have been renovated into contemporary living spaces.
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.
