2021 Best Suburbs to Live in the Detroit Area

Troy

• Town in Michigan
• Rating 4.14 out of 5  245 reviews

Current Resident: I really liked how in Troy there are many options in pursuing different high school educations. There is a whole school based on the IB Program. Then the two main high schools are large and inviting and the Niles High School helos students ready for their future jobs get their quicker. There are also opportunities for so much diversity. As in my own neighborhood, we are filled with different people and languages, and ethnicities!...Read 245 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 83,989 Population

Bloomfield Charter Township

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 3.99 out of 5  71 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Bloomfield Township and direct surrounding areas ever since I moved to the Detroit Metro area in 2002. I have no plans of moving anywhere else in the area. This is a great area if not the best. Great for commuting access. You will need a car, public transportation seems to have bypassed most of the area. Higher End stores, malls, restaurants, and people. Higher educated primarily with mostly professionals and retired professionals. The people are diverse yet not really economically diverse. Very safe, quiet, great for schools for children. Clean, surrounded by lakes, and golf courses...Read 71 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 42,054 Population

Beverly Hills

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 3.9 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: The village is cute! It's small enough to be comfortable, but close enough to larger towns and cities that it's easy to find a happy middle ground between not enough stuff and too much to do. Beautiful scenery, affordable housing, has its own police and fire department...Read 20 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 10,387 Population

Ann Arbor

• City in Michigan
• Rating 4.27 out of 5  528 reviews

Current Resident: Ann Arbor is a very diverse and friendly community. The Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) is an awesome school district, as well as other private schools in Ann Arbor. Many family-friendly neighborhoods and children. The U of M hospitals are very professional. Downtown A2 is cozy and welcoming. A variety of places such as the local animal shelter, sports/athletic clubs, small shopping malls throughout the city, and many, many trees everywhere! Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, making this city very well-educated. Many great places to work here. I love living in Ann Arbor; Ann Arbor is an excellent city to live in!...Read 528 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 120,735 Population

Grosse Pointe Park

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.14 out of 5  28 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful, old homes. Variety of home price points ranging from bargains to OMG. Good value for taxes paid. Great school district. The waterfront parks here are amazing. People are friendly. Don't plan on living an anonymous like a big city. That said, the Pointes are insular. People here already have the friends they grew up with, so it takes time to fit in. Parents have an easier time meeting people. Young singles will find this bedroom community a drag. Restaurants offer good comfort food. There's not much emphasis on new cuisines. Politically and socially, the Park leans far more left than the other Pointes, but there's still work to be done to make this community fully inclusive...Read 28 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 11,153 Population

Novi

• Town in Michigan
• Rating 4.13 out of 5  175 reviews

Current Resident: I like that the neighborhoods in Novi are very clean and like mini communities. In my own neighborhood, my friends and I enjoy biking around the small lake. There are lovely trails and scenic spots which are the perfect place to relax or do homework! ...I really wish that Novi had more of a rustic feel and a "town center" to walk in. That probably won't change, but maybe they could create a space for teenagers to hang out in.Read 175 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 60,014 Population

Northville

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.11 out of 5  47 reviews

Current Resident: This neighborhood is a very rich and white area. Everyone here is very nice, but not super accepting to outside minorities and ethnic groups. There is a lot of money and competition in this are, but with the money comes along an amazing downtown, great restaurants near, and the amazing Hines park right down the road for all your outdoor needs...Read 47 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 6,007 Population

Birmingham

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.04 out of 5  70 reviews

Current Resident: We just moved here from California in February 2021 and I really love this town. For making such a big change in geography, I feel very comfortable here. It’s definitely a more high-end town/city. The houses are well maintained, with quality architecture and beautiful landscapes. The neighborhoods are very cute, like being in a Hallmark movie. Some of the homes are amazing mansions. The town center is full of nice restaurants, classy shops, spas and salons, etc. You won’t feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere while living here. Also, the city is so close to everything! I love being able to be 5 minutes away from grocery stores, doctors and hospitals, restaurants, etc. I love walking around this town. It’s just beautiful and the atmosphere seems very safe. Yes, there are some snobby people, but I guess that’s the influence that makes it so nice! I consider this to be the La Jolla of Michigan for those who understand the reference. Minus the ocean!...Read 70 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 21,201 Population

Huntington Woods

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.45 out of 5  20 reviews

Former Resident: I lived in Huntington Woods for two years, ended up moving back downtown for work etc. in Detroit. It’s a great place to live, extremely well-kept, very good services, very nice people and a really pleasant lifestyle. The one thing on the description of this I most certainly can’t agree with is that it votes/ leans conservative. At least in my general area, that was most definitely not the case , it was about as liberal as could be , I believe there was one person in our whole block who was a conservative voter. Not that it really matters, but I would have to strongly disagree on that regard, at least where I lived near the zoo...Read 20 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• 6,322 Population

Grosse Pointe Farms

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.29 out of 5  42 reviews

Current Resident: It’s a very safe community with great education and a great location. Lots of diverse restaurants, and gorgeous houses. Grosse Pointe has many different groups of people and is very welcoming to anyone. It’s very diverse in many ways. There are many people of many different political beliefs, races, religions, and social classes. I always feel safe walking the streets at night and feel that any stranger I meet will be kind, helpful, and welcoming. There is such a small town feel, having no fast food or strip malls, but both of those things are close by. I have loved growing up here and most definitely want to come back to raise by children here...Read 42 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 9,168 Population

Northville Township

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.26 out of 5  42 reviews

Current Resident: Cute little town! Every fall they put out skeletons that are doing various activities such as cutting hair, playing guitar, Marilyn Monroe, Policeman, etc. There are several streets that are closed down to make it easy to go through all the little shops available. Lots of good food and things to see and enjoy...Read 42 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 29,069 Population

Berkley

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.27 out of 5  44 reviews

Current Resident: Berkley, MI is a growing city in the Metro Detroit area of which I am proud to live in! Downtown Berkley is becoming a hot spot for those looking to support small businesses, with restaurants, storefronts, and much more! The location is perfect to settle down and start a family or even begin a career, as it surrounds many opportunities. Though I would like to see a grocery store pop up in this city, I believe that Berkley is a bang for your buck!...Read 44 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• 15,372 Population

Grosse Pointe

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 3.88 out of 5  16 reviews

Current Resident: Lived all over metro Detroit and several other states and Grosse Pointe is our absolute favorite. Strong sense of community, great schools, lakefront parks, safe quiet neighborhoods, beautiful old homes. Don’t want to live anywhere other than the Pointes...Read 16 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 5,206 Population

Royal Oak

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.14 out of 5  109 reviews

Current Resident: Royal Oak is small but has the heart of a big city. It's pretty busy but not overwhelming. Downtown there are a lot of fun small shops and restaurants you can go to. There's always something to do down there! There's so much variety too. Just downtown we have about four theatres, three coffee shops, three pizza places and countless clothing stores. There's also about three large parks in the area to relax in. It's a very safe neighborhood with a lot of schools and affordable transportation. Royal Oak truly has it all...Read 109 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• 59,195 Population

Farmington

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.18 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: Love Farmington! There is great community, a cute downtown, and beautiful parks and libraries. Would recommend.Read 17 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• 10,563 Population

Grosse Pointe Woods

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.02 out of 5  46 reviews

Current Resident: Grosse Pointe Woods is a lovely place to be in. You can take a walk down any street and marvel at the beauty of the houses and their surroundings. In addition, the sky over the lake is absolutely stunning in the mornings and evenings. Not only is Grosse Pointe a nice place to live because of its beauty, but also because the city takes very good care of its residents' safety. The police and safety department are always looking out for us and keeping our streets safe. ...GPW is full of little shops, restaurants, and cafes for all your desires just up on Mack.Read 46 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 15,498 Population

Franklin

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Former Resident: In all of Michigan, this has got to be my favorite town to live. I've been everywhere in Michigan and Franklin just has the best of the best. Professional citizens, charming estate style homes, quaint downtown. Only the best of everything and people who really care! The Police and businesses are nothing but AMAZING! I really like that there aren’t a lot of crisp dollars flying around this town...Read 3 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 3,310 Population

Pittsfield Charter Township

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 3.78 out of 5  64 reviews

Current Resident: I have been living in Pittsfield Township for 3 years. Also lived in Ann Arbor for 2 years. Both are great places to live. Pittsfield is a 5 min drive to south from Ann Arbor and 5 min drive (or less) from Saline. Most of Pittsfield Township residents have Ann Arbor mailing addresses. Their school districts are either Ann Arbor or Saline, and both are top-rated. I personally prefer living in Pittsfield over AA because property tax was MUCH LESS while I could still enjoy the proximity to Ann Arbor. And I think Pittsfield is more family friendly, quieter and more spacious compared with Ann Arbor. Of course there were very nice neighborhoods in AA, but there are some shady spots as well, especially around where college kids live. Just look up criminal reports. Pittsfield Township cares a lot about its residents. Parks and trails are abundant and very well maintained. I feel very close to nature. Overall, I am extremely happy with where I live...Read 64 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 38,567 Population

Rochester Hills

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.25 out of 5  157 reviews

Current Resident: There are so many things to do in Rochester for all ages. The downtown area is full of activities, especially during the holidays where teens and families can hang out. The village is also a great outdoor shopping center where teens can go and hang out. There are plenty of parks and trails in Rochester so people can get some fresh air. During quarantine it was nice to go to one of the clean, open parks in Rochester, I also was able to run or walk my dog on the trial while being socially distanced. In addition, the Rochester schools have very high academic achievements and it is the perfect place for kids to enhance their education to prepare them for college. I would highly recommend to live in Rochester/Rochester hills, it is the ideal place for families...Read 157 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• 74,206 Population

Pleasant Ridge

• Suburb of Detroit, MI

• grade A+

• grade C

• 2,431 Population

West Bloomfield Charter Township

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.06 out of 5  188 reviews

Current Resident: Personally, I love the city of West Bloomfield. Having moved hear from Novi a few years back, I was skeptical of it. However, upon arrival I had realized that I really liked the city. The operative word I would use to describe West Bloomfield is 'safe'. I feel very safe here; almost anywhere I go in the city I feel right at home. As a student at West Bloomfield High School I can say that it is great. The teachers are very helpful and dedicated! One improvement would be more sidewalks! I love to walk around and enjoy the beauties offered by West Bloomfield, these walks would be much better with sidewalks!...Read 188 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• 65,928 Population

Farmington Hills

• Town in Michigan
• Rating 4.05 out of 5  186 reviews

Current Resident: Farmington Hills is a very active little town. There's always something going on downtown and there are a lot of places to explore such as restaurants, stores, entertainment centers like the movie theater. Even at night there's activities such as a band concert or ice skating in the winter! As a resident I can say that Farmington Hills has a great school system, one that is clean and safe; and a very diverse and friendly community, plenty of job opportunities and places to receive volunteer hours...Read 186 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• 81,214 Population

Plymouth

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.41 out of 5  44 reviews

Current Resident: If you are looking for a city with a lovely environment and even lovelier people, then Plymouth is the perfect place for you! The atmosphere that Plymouth brings make you feel at home, ranging from the caring and friendly neighbors to the sounds of birds chirping in the morning. Along with that, everything is within close proximity of the neighborhoods. Things such as grocery stores and parks are very close by, making commutes quicker than other cities. If you plan on moving to Michigan, I highly recommend you take a look into moving into Plymouth Township...Read 44 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• 9,124 Population

Rochester

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.36 out of 5  56 reviews

Current Resident: Rochester is a great place to live! I love the downtown and community they have created. There are many ways to get the most out of living in Rochester, and access to their parks and community events have been very enjoyable...Read 56 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 13,162 Population

Oakland Charter Township

• Suburb of Detroit, MI
• Rating 4.05 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: Perfect balance between nature and proximity to shops entertainment and restaurants. Very family friendly and save!Read 22 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 19,115 Population