[Beetuna]

Hi folks,

I've been commuting to Dearborn for about 5 years for my job. Right now I live in Farmington Hills (north west corner, near Twelve Oaks mall). It takes about 35 minutes "at best"... snow or traffic increases that time.

I am looking to move to a house and considering all surrounding areas as possibilities.

I have primarily been looking through the Farmington Hills, Novi, Northville, Plymouth, Canton areas. I have found that I seem to prefer the "west side" a bit over anything to the east. (Just feels "nicer" to me, but I haven't spent a great deal of time out that way).

I'm wondering what else may be within driving distance to Dearborn. (Same or less time than I spend now)

Are Ann Arbor/Dexter/Saline within driving distance?

Any tips are appreciated!

[Coldjensens]

Depends on what you are looking for. If normal subdivisions/suburbia appeal to you consider Southgate, Riverview and Woodhaven. Not quite as high end as say Canton, but quite nice places, very livable and close to Dearborn (depending on where in Dearborn).

Southgate touches dearborn.

Also why not look in Dearborn? Parts are very nice and very livable.

[Detroiteanca]

I work in Dearborn and I come from the Southfield/Farmington border and I know the commute can be tiring. There aren't a lot of more upscale communities that don't come with a drive to Dearborn unless moving to west Dearborn near the country club would be an option. It is a lovely area but it is serviced by Dearborn schools which are not on par with Farmington, Novi or Northville schools if that is an issue. You could save a few minutes by moving to Canton but I am not sure if that is the type of area you would like after being at 12 mile in FH. Northville is lovely, but I think the commute would not be much shorter than where you are now.

[Coldjensens]

Grosse Ile is physically closer I think but It may well be a longer commute. Grosse Ile is a wonderful community. Not perfect, but certainly unique. Nothing is really like it.

[ForStarters]

This is an unconventional suggestion, but Grosse Pointe Park is actually closer to Dearborn than Farmington Hills. According to Google Maps, you would shave about 10 minutes off your commute (21 minutes from GPP as opposed to 30 minutes from Farmington Hills). GPP is just as upscale as the other western suburbs you mentioned, but it is a much older community with history and character. Lots of very nice architecture in GPP and the schools are superb. It's not as "sprawly" as places like Canton and Novi, but I suppose that all comes down to you.

Personally, I love Dearborn, and some of Dearborn's public schools are good. There's also many private options that aren't overly expensive if you only have 1 or 2 kids. But, I suppose Dearborn isn't for everyone.