[MIBound2014]

There are many posts on which town has the best schools, commute, value, etc. but I have a slightly different question. What city/area within commuting-range of Milford has the best community feeling?

I'll be working in Milford and moving to the area with my wife, and hopefully in the near future having kids. We're coming from a somewhat smaller town (certainly smaller than Detroit), and while we're excited about the offerings of a bigger city, we're sad to be leaving somewhere with such a strong community feeling.

So what city in commuting-range of Milford has the best community feeling? Somewhere where people take pride in the community they live in. Somewhere where people get involved in local activities, high school football games, volunteering, churches, parades, etc. Somewhere you want to plant roots and stay forever, raise a family. Not just another commuter suburb.

We're looking at Milford, Farmington Hills, Northville, Novi, West Bloomfield, South Lyon, etc. Sure, schools and home prices and all that are important - but a strong sense of community goes such a long way in balancing out all of those other factors.

In what I've gathered through these forums, it seems Milford and Farmington Hills are promising for having a strong sense of community - what are your thoughts?

[mgkeith]

Milford and Farmington Hills both sound like good communities for what you are seeking. Since you are working in Milford, why not start there?

[detwahDJ]

IMO, of the first three - Milford. It's a "small town" rather than a sprawly suburb. Then South Lyon and Northville. Can't speak to West Bloomfield.

[ram2]

Try north of Milford - Fenton.

[aoletsgo]

If your working in Milford I would try that town first. It has a cute downtown and close to a lot of parks. I do not know anybody from there but when I have gone to Milford Memories (big summer festival) and it seemed very friendly.
We have lived in downtown Northville for many years and have many good friends through kid's school/neighbors/church/volunteering/sports/parties. While I think Northville has a strong sense of community I believe it has been diluted lately due to tremendous housing growth and many short-term, transient workers.
I know a few people from South Lyon and they seem to have a strong sense of community, but they have also had a lot of housing growth over the last 15 years.
I would not say Farmington/Farmington Hills has what you would call a strong sense of community. One of their biggest problems is that they have something like 25,000 apartments so a lot of people are moving around all the time.
You could also try Brighton and Howell they might fit your bill.

[Arthur Digby Sellers]

I live in Novi and can tell you it has an excellent sense of community which you described -- the city puts on a lot of community activities throughout the year and the Memorial Day parade is a big to-do. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer through various civic organizations in Novi. The school district is not only excellent, but many, many parents get involved in school events. I think the fact that we have one of the nicest, most modern libraries in SE Michigan reflects a sense of community. We, like you, wanted to find a place we could set down our roots for the next 30 years and Novi definitely fits the bill.

[zthatzmanz28]

South Lyon and Brighton are both cities wit a great community presence. Both have a great little downtown, scheduled events throughout the year and Brighton will have its own micro brewery this spring / summer. Also South Lyon has a micro brewery just south of Nine Mile.
Milford is also nice, but it can be a real PITA trying to get from downtown to I-96 on the two-lane Milford Road.

[Arthur Digby Sellers]

Originally Posted by zthatzmanz28

South Lyon and Brighton are both cities wit a great community presence. Both have a great little downtown, scheduled events throughout the year and Brighton will have its own micro brewery this spring / summer. Also South Lyon has a micro brewery just south of Nine Mile.
Milford is also nice, but it can be a real PITA trying to get from downtown to I-96 on the two-lane Milford Road.

A microbrewery is opening in Brighton??

[mgkeith]

Originally Posted by aoletsgo

If your working in Milford I would try that town first. It has a cute downtown and close to a lot of parks. I do not know anybody from there but when I have gone to Milford Memories (big summer festival) and it seemed very friendly.
We have lived in downtown Northville for many years and have many good friends through kid's school/neighbors/church/volunteering/sports/parties. While I think Northville has a strong sense of community I believe it has been diluted lately due to tremendous housing growth and many short-term, transient workers.
I know a few people from South Lyon and they seem to have a strong sense of community, but they have also had a lot of housing growth over the last 15 years.
I would not say Farmington/Farmington Hills has what you would call a strong sense of community. One of their biggest problems is that they have something like 25,000 apartments so a lot of people are moving around all the time.
You could also try Brighton and Howell they might fit your bill.

Yes, the Farmington/Farmington Hills area has a strong sense of community. Neighborhoods are lovely and stable. Schools are excellent and are certainly well supported by parents. I live here and wouldn't want to live anywhere else in SE Michigan. Really! And I moved here from another state.
There aren't anywhere near 25,000 apartment units either, for heaven's sake. That's silly. Maybe a tenth of that.
But, for the Poster... if you will work in Milford, it just makes sense to me that you might want to look around there first and see what's available.

[Arthur Digby Sellers]

Originally Posted by mgkeith

Yes, the Farmington/Farmington Hills area has a strong sense of community. Neighborhoods are lovely and stable. Schools are excellent and are certainly well supported by parents. I live here and wouldn't want to live anywhere else in SE Michigan. Really! And I moved here from another state.
There aren't anywhere near 25,000 apartment units either, for heaven's sake. That's silly. Maybe a tenth of that.
But, for the Poster... if you will work in Milford, it just makes sense to me that you might want to look around there first and see what's available.

I think it's also worth noting that Farmington Hills is also one of the oldest communities on that list which also adds to its "community feel." However, I agree that Milford makes the most sense based on location and what you are looking for.