Detroit, MI, is the most populous city in the state of Michigan and the largest city on the United States-Canada border. It’s well-known for being the birthplace of Motown Records, home of Detroit-style pizza, and is nicknamed “Motor City” for its rich history involving the auto industry.
While Detroit has lots to offer its residents, it’s not the city for everyone. And even if you work in Detroit, that doesn’t mean you have to live there. There are many cities near Detroit within 50 miles of the city where you may want to move to instead.
So before you commit to buying a house or renting an apartment, find out 9 cities near Detroit that may just meet your needs.
#1: Dearborn, MI
Miles from Detroit: 9
Population: 94,500
Median home sale price: $235,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,360
Walk Score: 58
Transit Score: 47
Dearborn is one of the great cities near Detroit, located just west of the city. You may know Dearborn as Henry Ford’s birthplace and home to the largest Ford Motor Company factory, the Rouge River complex.
If you decide to move to Dearborn, there is plenty to keep you busy. Visit the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. Enjoy a meal at the Dearborn Inn or one of the many excellent restaurants in town. Take a walk or bike through the scenic Ford Woods Park, shop at Fairlane Town Center, or one of the many unique shops in Dearborn.
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#2: Southfield, MI
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Miles from Detroit: 15
Population: 73,000
Median home sale price: $216,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,118
Walk Score: 34
Transit Score: 39
Southfield is a city located in the northern suburbs of Detroit in Oakland County. The city is home to a number of major corporations, parks, and historical museums.
Southfield is a great place to live for people of all ages and interests. With more than 800 acres of parkland, a public golf course, miles of nature and fitness trails, and numerous other recreational activities, Southfield has something for everyone.
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#3: Warren, MI
Miles from Detroit: 19
Population: 134,000
Median home sale price: $205,000
Walk Score: 44
Transit Score: 44
Warren is located near Lake St Clair and is home to about 134,000 people. You’ll find there’s a great balance of small-town charm and big-city living.
There are plenty of things to do in Warren, like exploring local parks, checking out some of the best restaurants, and enjoying local art. The Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum is a popular attraction for Warren locals and tourists. If you’re looking for somewhere to spend time outdoors, there are plenty of parks in Warren, such as Veterans Park, Halmich Park, and Wiegand Park.
Homes for sale in Warren, MI
Apartments for rent in Warren, MI
#4: Livonia, MI
Miles from Detroit: 20
Population: 94,000
Median home sale price: $267,000
Walk Score: 36
Transit Score: 45
Livonia is one of the well-known cities near Detroit and overall a great community with a variety of parks and recreation facilities and lots of shopping and dining options.
Some of the top things to do in Livonia are checking out a book at the Livonia Civic Center Library, visiting Newberg Lake, and shopping at Laurel Park Place. You can also play a round of golf at one of the city’s many courses or explore Greenmead Historical Village.
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#5: Sterling Heights, MI
Miles from Detroit: 23
Population: 132,500
Median home sale price: $277,100
Average 1-bed rent: $1,355
Walk Score: 33
Transit Score: 37
Sterling Heights is just north of Warren and home to just over 132,000 people. The city is home to some large businesses and industries and is a major shopping destination for the region.
There is a lot to do in Sterling Heights. There are several parks in the city, including Freedom Hill County Park, which hosts many concerts throughout the year. There is also Dodge Park, which has a playground, a splash pad, and a golf course. For shopping, there are the Lakeside Mall and the Partridge Creek Mall. There are several great options for dining, including the Sterling Heights Grill, the Fort Street Brewery, and the White Star Bar & Grill.
Homes for sale in Sterling Heights, MI
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#6: Farmington Hills, MI
Miles from Detroit: 23
Population: 81,000
Median home sale price: $337,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,269
Walk Score: 25
Transit Score: 36
Farmington Hills is a great place to live for those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities and want to be close to Detroit. With a population of only 81,000, Farmington Hills provides a welcoming small-town feel. Some of the local attractions in Farmington Hills include the Park West Gallery and Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum. In addition, the city has over 600 acres of public parks and an 18-hole golf course that covers 175 acres.
There are plenty of things to do in Farmington, like visiting the Farmington Farmers Market, which runs from May through October. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, there are plenty of parks and trails to explore in the area.
Homes for sale in Farmington Hills, MI
Apartments for rent in Farmington Hills, MI
#7: Troy, MI
Miles from Detroit: 24
Population: 84,000
Median home sale price: $425,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,921
Walk Score: 29
Transit Score: 41
Troy is located north of Detroit and is home to many businesses and shopping destinations. Troy is home to some great historical museums like Troy Historic Village and parks like Stage Nature Center.
There are many great things to do in Troy. You can enjoy the sunset at one of the parks, visit a museum, or see a play. There are also many great places to eat, including El Patio Mexican Restaurant and Maple Leaf Family Restaurant.
Homes for sale in Troy, MI
Apartments for rent in Troy, MI
#8: Westland, MI
Miles from Detroit: 26
Population: 82,000
Median home sale price: $200,000
Average 1-bed rent: $985
Walk Score: 40
Transit Score: 45
Westland is located in Detroit’s western suburbs, bordered by Livonia to the east, Canton to the south, Wayne to the west, and Garden City to the north.
There are plenty of things to do in Westland. For starters, you can check out one of the area’s many museums or art galleries. If you’re looking for something more active, you can go hiking or biking in one of the many parks, such as Nankin Mills Park, William P. Holliday Park, Central City Park, and Westland Shopping Center Park. And, of course, you can always just grab a bite at one of the many restaurants and bars in the area. Consider checking out Andiamo, Bacco Ristorante, Big Boy Restaurant, and Coney Island Lunch.
Homes for sale in Westland, MI
Apartments for rent in Westland, MI
#9: Ann Arbor, MI
Miles from Detroit: 44
Population: 121,000
Median home sale price: $440,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,719
Walk Score: 52
Bike Score: 49
Transit Score: 71
Ann Arbor is a college town with one of the largest stadiums in the country at the University of Michigan. The university significantly shapes Ann Arbor’s economy, employing about 30,000 workers. Known as “Tree Town,” Ann Arbor has about 1.5 million trees throughout the city.
Some of the top things to do in Ann Arbor are shopping and dining on Main Street, visiting the University of Michigan campus, taking a walk or bike ride through the Huron River Valley, checking out the Ann Arbor Art Fair, and seeing a show at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival.
Homes for sale in Ann Arbor, MI
Apartments for rent in Ann Arbor, MI
Methodology:
All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Detroit. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
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