Motor City Centered: The Top Towns Near Detroit
Beyond the excitement and cultural pulse of Detroit, MI lay a vast metropolitan area that is dotted with an array of wonderful communities, each offering their own unique charm. The greater Detroit area is full of quaint little suburbs, leaving many to wonder, "What are the top towns near Detroit, MI?" With so many choices, it can be hard to pinpoint which town in the Detroit area is best for you. Here at Lancaster Lakes, Clarkston, Michigans favorite apartment community, we are proud Michiganders located in one of the top towns near Detroit. As a matter of fact, our 1 and 2 bedroom apartments are situated just 40-50 minutes from downtown.
This article will help you determine the top towns in Detroit that fit your lifestyle.
Clarkson, MI
Often referred to as "The Village Up North with Charm," Clarkston, MI offers a picturesque setting complete with a historic downtown area. Located on the northern end of Oakland County, the calm atmosphere of Clarkston feels worlds away from the urban sprawl of Detroit.
Northville, MI
For those who value walkability and architectural beauty, Northville may be the town for you. Commonly referred to as "The Ville," Northville is best known for its historic downtown and Victorian-style architecture. The downtown is large for a town of its size, yet it is still walkable. This area attracts visitors from other towns as its restaurants, shops, and galleries have received a fair amount of accolades.Beyond the downtown area, Northville is a popular spot for those that want a little more space away from the city. There is an expansive park system with modern amenities, making it ideal for youth sports. Schools in the area consistently rank high, and there is no shortage of community events.
Northville is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Detroit.
Keego Harbor, MI
Situated in the heart of lake country, Keego Harbor is one of the best towns for lake lovers. Keego Harbor is wedged directly between Cass and Otter Lake, and Pine and Orchard Lake are just a short drive away. If your life revolves around boating or fishing, Keego Harbor is probably one of the best options for you.Keego Harbor is about a 35-minute drive from downtown Detroit.
Troy, MI
If career growth and short commute times are a high priority, Troy is the town for you. Troy is home to many corporate headquarters and serves as an economic hub. Many automotive suppliers, healthcare companies, and tech companies have major operations in Troy. Beyond career growth, Troy also has a fantastic public school system, and municipal services also rank quite high. The town also boasts an impressive park system, which includes the local favorite Firefighters Park. This park alone has 9 soccer fields, a hiking trail through a wilderness area, disc golf, playground, and riverbank fishing.Troy is about a 25-minute drive from downtown Detroit.
Rochester, MI
For hikers and those who value walkable towns, we recommend Rochester. The downtown area is famed for its historic brick streets, boutique shops, and dynamic dining scene. While the downtown area is a year-round attraction, it really comes to life during the holiday season. The city illuminates the downtown area with over a million Christmas lights, creating a charming festive spirit. Rochester is also home to some fantastic trails for walking, jogging, and bicycling. The Popular Paint Creek Trail and Clinton Trail offer fantastic views for outdoor enthusiasts.Rochester is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Detroit.
Royal Oak, MI
Should you want to be a little closer to Detroit and seek exciting nightlife, Royal Oak provides an exciting urban-like atmosphere. This bustling suburb is well known for its active downtown area that is full of bars, trendy clubs, live music venues, theatres, and a large array of independent restaurants. And with its proximity to Detroit, commutes are very manageable in this vibrant town.