Whether you're a young professional, have a growing family, or anyone else, if you’re looking for the perfect place to settle down in Detroit, Michigan, the Detroit suburbs and neighborhoods have something for everyone. With its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant downtown scene, Detroit is an ideal place to call home. Keep reading to discover which area best suits your lifestyle. 

Summary:

• Why Choose Detroit, Michigan, Suburbs for Your New Home?

• Best Suburbs in Detroit for New Construction Homes

• Best Neighborhoods in Detroit

• Which Detroit Suburb Is Right for You?

• New Build Homes in Detroit Suburbs

• Detroit Suburbs Conclusion

Why Choose Detroit, Michigan, Suburbs for Your New Home?

With coveted neighborhoods sprinkled across the Metro Detroit area, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover. Whether your priorities are the community atmosphere or quality education, each suburb in Detroit has a unique atmosphere and attractions. We share the pros and cons of the best places to live near Detroit so you can see what each area offers you.

Best Suburbs in Detroit for New Construction Homes

Detroit’s best suburbs range from small, quaint towns to bustling cities and are constantly evolving. From high-rises to large estate homes, these five Metro Detroit suburbs are some of the best places in the area to find new construction homes. 

Ann Arbor

Home to the Wolverines, Ann Arbor is a charming city overflowing with people, history, and constant activity. Consistently adding new restaurants, shopping venues, and community events, there will always be something new to explore nearby. Plenty of outdoor venues and activities make Ann Arbor one of the best Detroit suburbs to live in. 

Pros

• Ann Arbor offers quality public schools and is home to well-known universities like the University of Michigan. 

• With a jam-packed event schedule year-round, you’ll find lots of fun activities, including summer concerts, art fairs, the Kerrytown Market & Shops, and much more. 

• The city is home to a wide range of businesses, from small companies to large corporations. 

• If those pros aren’t convincing enough, you may appreciate knowing that in 2023, Niche.com ranked Ann Arbor among the top ten best cities to live in America, and U.S. News & World Report put the city at #14 on their “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” list.

Cons

• Housing can be expensive, and the many shops and dining venues are upscale and aren’t always budget-friendly. 

• Due to the city's popularity, downtown is often crowded with locals and tourists. With events and university activities taking place year-round, finding parking or getting a reservation at the local restaurants can be difficult. 

• Residents find property taxes are high. According to Tax-Rates.org, Washtenaw County has some of the highest property taxes around Michigan as of 2023, which may be a concern depending on your lifestyle. 

Novi

Located in Oakland County, Novi is one of the best suburbs near Detroit. With its community-oriented atmosphere and a downtown full of premier shopping, entertainment venues, and parks to explore, it’s easy to see why so many have chosen Novi as their home. 

Pros

• Offering a vibrant city setting, you’ll love having so much to explore. The area has plenty of large shopping malls nearby, delicious local and chain restaurants, and entertainment venues like Emagine Theatres and BATL Axe Throwing. 

• Novi offers quality education. 

• According to Citytistics, as of 2024, the total crime rate in Novi is 9 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the national average. 

Cons

• Novi’s downtown scene can often be busy during the weekends and holidays. Given its proximity to other premier cities, you may find lots of traffic in and out of Novi.

• As of 2024, Payscale® finds Novi’s cost of living is 4% above the national average, so housing and other living expenses may not be as affordable as other areas. 

• While the city offers plenty of activities, many shops and entertainment venues are spread out rather than in one central area. 

Lyon Township

Another place with a quality school system and tight-knit community, the quaint area of Lyon Township is one of the best Detroit suburbs for familites. Surrounded by picturesque nature sites and with convenient access to surrounding Metro Detroit, you’ll love its small-town feel and opportunities for day trips to neighboring cities. 

Pros

• Lyon Township offers easy access to major highways, making it one of the best Detroit suburbs for young professionals and other commuters. Prominent hospitals, universities, and business hubs around Metro Detroit are also within a convenient drive. 

• The area boasts an abundance of nature sites to explore, from the Huron Valley Trail to Atchison Memorial Park. 

• As a close-knit community, you’ll find numerous year-round events for everyone to participate in. From Movies in the Park to the International Kite Festival, there’s plenty of opportunity to meet new people and make new friends while having fun. 

Cons

• The small-town feel may appeal to many, but for some residents, the small population size and spread-out suburban setting make Lyon Township a bit too mundane.  

• With a lack of city amenities, you may have to travel outside of town occasionally for some items you need. 

Farmington

Mostly known for its historic charm, Farmington is an upscale city with a delightful array of quaint coffee shops, scattered parks, and well-kept neighborhoods. Thanks to its vibrant downtown setting and an all-around diverse atmosphere, Farmington is one of the best areas to live in Detroit for young professionals. 

Pros

• From the summer-long farmers market to year-round shopping and community events, Farmington is bursting with life. With easy access to local resources, you’ll discover everything you need within the palm of your hand. 

• Growing households have plenty of quality choices when selecting the right school. Plus, children-based camps, parks, and recreational venues are also nearby.

• For outdoor enthusiasts, Farmington offers plenty of green spaces. Explore the wildlife residing at Woodland Hills Nature Park or play a round of soccer at the Founders Sports Park. 

Cons

• Farmington, already a small city, is experiencing a decline in population growth, which could be a concern down the line due to the economic impacts it may have. 

Northville 

Drawing thousands of visitors annually, Northville is a lively city with 150 years of history. This small town suburb boasts a big city feel, and with everything from specialty shops and art galleries to historic sites and parks, Northville offers an experience for every interest. 

Pros

• Northville has attractions to pique the interest of all ages. Visit Maybury State Park for scenic trails or stroll downtown to enjoy shops, life-sized outdoor games, and live music. 

• From preschool to high school, Northville offers a quality education. 

• Northville is a welcoming city and very diverse. 

Cons

• A combination of high property taxes and expensive housing means Northville is among the more expensive suburbs in Metro Detroit.

Best Neighborhoods in Detroit

As a city mixed with historic and industrial charm, many of the best neighborhoods in Detroit give you a glimpse into the past and a look into the future. From homes dating back to the 1920s to modern high-rises and warehouses, each neighborhood delivers a unique experience in Detroit’s ever-changing landscape. 

University District 

Located just one mile from the hustle and bustle of Woodward Ave, the University District is one of the best neighborhoods in Detroit for young professionals. Home to one of the oldest and largest Catholic universities in Michigan, the University of Detroit Mercy, the area is full of students and young families. Known for having some of the most beautiful architecture in the city, many of the homes date back to the Golden Age of the 1920s. If you love centrally located neighborhoods with historic charm and a dynamic community, the University District is calling your name. 

Green Acres 

As the name suggests, Green Acres offers plenty of greenery with picturesque tree-lined streets cascading over nearly 1,000 homes. Each home has a diverse architectural style, and the community hosts an array of events throughout the year. Close to plenty of flourishing shops and services on Livernois Avenue, you get the best of both worlds with a top-tier location and convenient access to local amenities. The area’s history, liveliness, and favorable location find Green Acres among the nice neighborhoods in Detroit. 

Midtown

Spanning only 3 square miles, Midtown proves good things come in small packages. A true hub of creativity, this neighborhood is bursting with life, art, opportunity, and culture. With an explosion of museums, hip bars, trendy shops, and world-class dining experiences, there is adventure and fun on every corner. Plus, with an easy drive to local attractions like Comerica Park or The Fox Theatre, Midtown is undoubtedly one of the cool neighborhoods in Detroit. 

Sherwood Forest 

Named a Detroit Historic District in 2002, Sherwood Forest is a quaint neighborhood with winding streets, a welcoming community, and some of the most incredible homes in all of Detroit. Named after Sherwood Forest in England, an homage to Robin Hood, this beautiful neighborhood is a vital part of Detroit’s history. As one of the best neighborhoods in Detroit for families, Sherwood Forest offers a diverse atmosphere and is within the Detroit public school district and near several local shops and eateries. 

West Side Industrial

The West Side Industrial neighborhood runs alongside the River Rouge, with apartment buildings, warehouses, and commercial businesses. Packed with industrial charm and an urban feel, this fast-paced area is close to Detroit’s city life in Detroit and is an ideal location for entrepreneurs. 

Which Detroit Suburb Is Right for You?

When deciding on the best suburb of Detroit, take a moment to consider your lifestyle and the factors essential for maintaining it. Is affordability a concern? Do you have a growing household or need to live close to the city? These details are crucial when choosing the best places to live in Detroit. We’ve sorted the best Detroit suburbs for affordability, young professionals, and families so you can decide which suburb best suits your lifestyle. 

Best Affordable Suburbs of Detroit

For both affordability and fun, these three Detroit suburbs have you covered. Offering a low cost of living with easy access to local amenities and community events, you can easily have the best of both worlds: 

• Romulus: Home to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Romulus is one of the western suburbs of Metro Detroit, with many nearby parks and close to major highways. 

• Lincoln Park: With a variety of local shops, eateries, and parks, Lincoln Park is an affordable suburb with a lively atmosphere. 

• Roseville: A hidden gem of Metro Detroit, Roseville has a close-knit community and a range of small businesses. This suburb offers a cost of living 15% lower than the national average, according to Payscale in 2024. 

Best Detroit Suburbs for Young Professionals

From proximity to corporate businesses to vibrant networking scenes, these suburbs are some of the best places to live in Detroit for young professionals: 

• Ferndale: Networking and community events, vibrant nightlife, outdoor recreation, and shopping are all part of what make Ferndale a fun yet entrepreneurial city. 

• Royal Oak: Jam-packed with local attractions, shopping venues, and delicious dining options, this historic and trendy suburb boasts a small-town feel with plenty of opportunities to meet new people and spark potential career opportunities. 

• Troy: A hub for many large corporations, Troy is a buzzing city centered around motivation and inspiration and could be a great place to start your career.  

Best Detroit Suburbs for Families

If you’re searching for the nicest Detroit suburbs to raise your family, these areas might be the perfect fit. With quality public school systems and lively social events, here are three suburbs every person in your household will enjoy: 

• Bloomfield Hills: An affluent city with year-round events, Bloomfield Hills is one the best Detroit suburbs for your family to settle down. 

• Plymouth: An eclectic city teeming with attractions, life is never dull in Plymouth. Your family will have plenty of opportunities to make new friends and get involved in community activities. 
  
  

• Grosse Pointe: Boasting a strong sense of community, quiet neighborhoods, and an active downtown scene, Grosse Pointe is the complete package and ideal for both kids and adults.

New Build Homes in Detroit Suburbs

• The Village at Beacon Pointe: This serene community offers charming ranch-style condos and is conveniently close to Stony Creek Metropark, with over 4,000 scenic acres to explore, numerous shopping centers, and the I-75, M-53, and M-59 highways. 

• Bella Terrace: A private oasis away from the congestion of the big city, Bella Terrace in Saline offers single-family homes in a quiet, wooded neighborhood and is an easy drive from Ann Arbor.

• Townes at Merrill Park: Swim in the beautiful nearby lakes, explore the local shops and restaurants downtown, or play a few rounds of golf at one of the surrounding courses. At Townes at Merrill Park, you can maintain an active, fun lifestyle no matter the time of year. 

• Maple Ridge: Spend less time shoveling snow or mowing the lawn in Maple Ridge, where you can do more of what you love and less of what you don't. Relax in a brand-new, low-maintenance ranch home or explore the many restaurants and shops in Clinton Township. 

• Woodlands of Lyon: With luxurious homes near beautiful nature sites and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, Woodlands of Lyon is the perfect place for nature lovers. Located in the tight-knit community of Lyon Township, adventure awaits here.

Detroit Suburbs Conclusion

With so many incredible options, choosing your favorite suburb or neighborhood among the best places to live in Detroit may be challenging. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of Ann Arbor or the charm of Sherwood Forest's historic homes, each location offers a tantalizing glimpse into your future life. With rich culture, vibrant community, and countless activities outside your front door, one of these Detroit suburbs could soon become your new home. Embark on an exciting journey and make your move today!

Explore new construction homes in Detroit, MI, today or browse more Pulte® blogs. 

Written By: Bella Biafore, Michigan Resident & Marketing Coordinator of Pulte Homes Michigan Division

Last Updated: November 19, 2024