If you’re excited about the possibilities for the future of The Motor City, but aren’t quite sold on city life, these peaceful and charming suburbs should be at the top of your list. We looked at a whole bunch of data to figure out which Detroit suburbs were the best of the best. These suburbs have beautiful homes, great amenities, and close-knit communities, just a quick drive away from downtown Detroit. Let’s take look at the winners.

 

1. Birmingham

Key Stats:

  • Median household income: $98,750
  • High school graduation rate: 98 percent
  • Unemployment rate: 5.2 percent

Birmingham kicks off our list of the best Detroit suburbs to live in with a variety of housing options for potential home buyers. Chic modern condos, historic craftsman style houses, and cozy Cape Cod style homes are common. A thriving downtown gives residents access to local boutiques, specialty stores, and restaurants. Grab fresh local produce at the Birmingham Farmers Market or enjoy a summer concert in the park. Golf enthusiasts can hit the links at the Birmingham Golf Club.

2. Franklin

Key Stats:

  • Median household income: $139,000
  • Average commute time: 20 minutes
  • Unemployment rate: 1.5 percent

The historic suburb of Franklin has a population of just over 3,000 and is perfect for residents seeking a small town vibe. Home buyers have a range of options, from cozy craftsman style homes to stately Nantucket style mansions. Shop local artists, enjoy live music, and get to know new neighbors at Franklin’s Art in the Village, or grab a bottle of hand pressed cider at the historic Franklin Cider Mill. Community organizations like the Franklin Historical Society and the Franklin Garden Club keep this charming suburb beautiful.
 

3. Northville

Key Stats:

  • Total crimes per 100k: 918
  • Average commute time: 21 minutes
  • Total amenities: 853

Northville is another lovely historic suburb that earns the third place spot on our list with one of the lowest crime rates of any place we ranked. Home buyers have a range of options, from modern townhouses and condos to stately Victorian homes. Arts and culture enthusiasts will love the gallery exhibits and public classes at the Northville Art House. Well maintained city parks provide plenty of space for outdoor recreation enthusiasts to bike, hike, swim, or fish.
 

4. Plymouth

Key Stats:

  • Total amenities: 1,815
  • Unemployment rate: 5.9 percent

The small suburb of Plymouth earns the fourth place spot on our list with plenty of amenities to keep residents entertained. Home buyers will find modern condos, beautiful craftsman style homes, and classic Colonials. Hit the links at the scenic Hilltop Golf Course, or enjoy a stroll through Plymouth Riverside Park. Numerous city events like Art in the Park, Taste of Plymouth, or the weekly Farmers Market are the perfect way to meet new neighbors.
 

5. Berkley

Key Stats:

  • Total crimes per 100k:1,055
  • Average commute time: 22 minutes

Berkley earns the fifth place spot on our list with plenty of beautiful housing options for home buyers, including Cape Cod, cottage, and craftsman style homes. Get to know the community and enjoy arts, culture, and entertainment at city events like the Berkley CruiseFest or Art Bash. Numerous local dining, nightlife, and shopping options are available along 12 Mile Road.

6. Bloomfield Hills (tie)

Key Stats:

  • Median household income: $147,969
  • Total crimes per 100k: 936
  • Total amenities: 2,561

Bloomfield Hills has a population of just fewer than 4,000. The winding streets, large private lots, and spacious Colonial and craftsman style homes give residents of this Detroit suburb plenty of privacy and room to spread out. Stroll through the Cranbrook House and Gardens, or view exhibits at the Cranbrook Art Museum. Golf enthusiasts can hit the links at the Stonycroft Hills Club and Bloomfield Hills Country Club.

7. Royal Oak (tie)

Key Stats:

  • Average commute time: 22 minutes
  • Unemployment rate: 6.4 percent

The sizeable suburb of Royal Oak is tied for sixth on our list. Home buyers will find a range of options, from modern condos and townhouses, to Cape Cod and Colonial style homes. Hit the links at the Red Run Golf Club, have a picnic in numerous well maintained city parks, or enjoy a live performance or comedy show at the Royal Oak Music Theater. The Detroit Zoo is also conveniently located in Royal Oak.
 

8. Beverly Hills

Key Stats:

  • Median household income: $106,847
  • Average commute time: 22 minutes
  • High school graduation rate: 98 percent

The village of Beverly Hills earns the eighth place spot on our list of the best Detroit suburbs with plenty of charming Cape Cod style homes and stately craftsman and Colonial style houses. Enjoy a picnic or go fishing at scenic Riverside Park, or bike and hike through the 34-acre Beverly Park. Numerous brand name retailers, specialty stores, and restaurants are located along Southfield Road.
 

9. Farmington

Key Stats:

  • Total crimes per 100k: 1,217
  • Total amenities: 1,151

The peaceful suburb of Farmington earns the ninth place spot on our list. Home buyers have a range of options, from modern townhouses to charming and historic craftsman style homes. Grab fresh local produce at the Farmington Farmers Market, or catch a flick at the historic Civic Theater. Shiawassee Park is the perfect spot for a picnic or a stroll along the creek.
 

10. Clawson (tie)

Key Stats:

  • Total crimes per 100k: 876
  • Average commute time: 23 minutes

Clawson is tied for tenth on our list of the best Detroit suburbs with one of the lowest crime rates of any place we ranked. Home buyers will find plenty of charming historic homes in bungalow and craftsman styles. Downtown Clawson is full of specialty stores, local eateries, and upscale bars and breweries clustered around Main Street and 14 Mile Road. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy biking, walking, sports fields, or a picnic in Clawson City Park.

11. Farmington Hills (tie)

Key Stats:

  • Total amenities: 4,948
  • Unemployment rate: 6.7 percent

The sizeable suburb of Farmington Hills rounds out our list with plenty of amenities for residents to enjoy. Home buyers will find modern condos, classic Colonials, and historic bungalow style homes. Outdoor enthusiast will love picnics, hiking, volleyball games, and cross-country skiing at Heritage Park, while arts and culture enthusiasts will flock to the Art on the Grand festival and gallery exhibits at City Hall.
 

Our Methodology

To figure out which Detroit suburbs would make the cut, we took a look at the following criteria:

  • Amenities per capita
  • Standard of living (cost of living, median home value, median rent, median household income, and high school graduation rate)
  • Total crimes per 100k
  • Unemployment rate
  • Average commute time

We ranked each suburb in the above categories and averaged the scores. The suburbs with the lowest overall scores made our list of the best Detroit suburbs to live in. For this list, we sourced data from the U.S. Census and AreaVibes. To see how the rest of the Detroit suburbs we ranked measured up, check out the table below: Best Detroit Suburbs To Live In Like This Post? You’ll Definitely Love These: