Detroit Suburbs: A Movers Guide to Living Near the City
Relocating to the Detroit, MI, area? Also, know as Motor City, Detroit is the largest city in Michigan and home to a number of diverse communities. From vibrant art scenes and exciting nightlife to quiet residential . Follow along as we tour the some of the top neighborhoods around the city and reveal why the Detroit suburbs are ideal for relocating families, weekenders, and visitors of all kinds.
Photo by Tom Rumble on Unsplash
Get to Know the Detroit Suburbs that Storage Sense Calls Home
Utica
Population: 5,188
Located in Macomb County, Utica offers a small-town feel just minutes north of bustling Sterling Heights. Historic downtown Utica features unique shops and eateries lining picturesque Main Street. The community comes together for events like classic car shows, similar to many other Detroit suburbs known for their histories in the automotive industry. Residents find green space galore with Riverbend Park’s wooded trails and wetlands along the Clinton River. With new mixed-use developments joining its quaint downtown, Utica provides big city conveniences with old fashioned charm.
See our available storage units in Utica and nearby Chesterfield, MI.
Orion Charter Township
Population: 38,124
Orion Charter Township is north of Detroit in Oakland County. This middle to upper class community combines beautiful lakeside living with convenience. Parks like Bald Mountain Recreation Area offer beaches, trails and scenic overlooks. The historic downtown district labeled “Lake Orion” features local shops, restaurants and a brewery. New housing developments draw families to Orion for its top-ranked schools, while established subdivisions offer residents a serene setting. Outdoor lovers especially delight in Orion’s many lakes, trails and scenic vistas amidst its small town vibe.
See our available storage units in Orion Charter Township and nearby Waterford Township, MI.
Bald Mountain State Recreation Area in Orion MI by Quentin Stafford-Fraser lic CC BY-NC 2.0
Oak Park
Population: 29,677
A 20-minute drive to Detroit, Oak Park is an easy commute into work. With historic homes and tree-lined streets, Oak Park offers both beauty and diversity just north of Detroit’s border. You can settle in and raise your family in this cozy neighborhood. Newer condos and apartments have joined the brick bungalows and Colonials, appealing to young professionals and growing families. Berkley High School is one of the best public schools in the area, and the town is very family-oriented. The area works hard to make this home for many.
Parks are a point of pride, including Shepherd Park with its concerts and summer events. The community comes together to celebrate at festivals like Winterfest and the Independence Day Fun Fest, as well as arts events at the Oak Park Community Center. You can also enjoy events like the Oak Park farmers market in the summer.
See our available storage units in Oak Park, MI.
Redford Charter Township
Population: 49,092
Situated in Wayne County, Redford Charter Township offers residents a cozy, small-town vibe just west of Detroit. Neighborhoods with brick ranch homes and quiet streets maintain a peaceful pace of life. The suburb boasts more than 38 parks with amenities like ballfields, trails, and picnic spots for residents to enjoy. Historic homes can be found in the Redford Downtown District along with unique shops, eateries, and community events. Family friendly attractions range from the Red Oaks Nature Center to 1950s-themed diners. Home to Ford Motor Company’s headquarters, Redford provides a more affordable alternative to pricier suburbs while retaining its own charm and appeal.
Looking for some quality dining options? Check out Redford Grill & Bar or Murphy’s Restaurants, both staples to the area.
See our available storage units in Livonia and Redford, MI.
Trenton
Population: 18,489
On the banks of the Detroit River in Wayne County, the downriver community of Trenton combines industry with scenic water recreation. It was founded in 1834, and the river has played an integral role in the development of the area. The city maintains over 200 acres of parkland including the picturesque Elizabeth Park with marinas and river access. Elizabeth Park is a local jewel in the area with the Detroit River on its coast. With more than 1,300 feet of paths for walking and biking, the park is a great place to get outside and enjoy the community.
Housing ranges from historic Colonials in Old Trenton to affordable apartments and new housing developments. At Elizabeth Park, families can enjoy riverfront views, fishing spots and a marina. The Westfield shopping plazas offer retail conveniences including big box stores. For outdoor enthusiasts, Trenton provides trails, ballfields, and water sports opportunities just 25 miles south of Detroit’s downtown.
See our available storage units in Trenton and nearby Flat Rock, MI
Wayne
Population: 17,624
Tucked between Westland and Romulus, Wayne offers residents a peaceful suburban lifestyle just outside Detroit’s borders. Spots like the Hype Recreation Center and Wayne Community Center provide places for families to gather, while Attwood Park gives you space to explore outdoors. Downtown Wayne is your place to go if looking for local cuisine and shopping options. Wayne’s location provides convenience with access to both Detroit Metropolitan Airport and major highways into the city. Residents can catch a Detroit Tigers game or show at the Fox Theatre within 30 minutes. With a family-friendly small town vibe and proximity to the big city, Wayne strikes an ideal balance.
See our available storage units in Romulus and Wayne, MI.
Eastpointe
Population: 34,148
Eastpointe borders the east side of Detroit with a landscape of older homes, churches and apartments. The population of over 30,000 is made up of a wide range of residents and unique businesses. Annual community events bring neighbors together for highly anticipated —celebrations like Cruisin’ Gratiot, an car cruise that invites enthusiasts from all over for a weekend of fun.
Eastpointe Manor Shopping Center offers retail and fast food favorites. The downtown area along Gratiot Avenue provides shops and eateries with a local flavor. Nearby Memorial Park features gazebos, fountains and pathways for taking in the scenery. Eastpointe is close to four college campuses, Wayne State, Oakland University, University of Detroit Mercy, and Macomb Community College.
See our available storage units in Eastpointe, MI.
Find Storage Sense Near Detroit
Need more space for your move? Storage Sense offers more than a dozen locations in the Detroit suburbs to support you through your move, life transition, or next business adventure. With our self storage space, you have the room to spread out and settle into your new daily routine. See how Storage Sense can help you simplify your storage needs!
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Katie Mest
About the Author: Katie Mest is a Content Marketing Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors and snuggling in with a crochet project and her cat, Billie.
