Dearborn Heights, MI

While many of the towns in Michigan date back to the 1800s and earlier, Dearborn Heights has technically only been in existence since 1960. The town almost didn't come into being, as the Village of Inkster objected to the incorporation of the city. Inkster's petition was dropped, and Dearborn Heights was incorporated by way of a Michigan Supreme Court decision on April 8, 1963.

Though it remains a quiet community, this young city still has its share of entertainment. Every summer, Dearborn Heights hosts the Dearborn Heights Spirit Festival. This event offers rides, games, food and live performances for families living in the area.

Dearborn Heights offers a diverse selection of restaurants, as well as bars and clubs, for locals to enjoy. Find Middle Eastern cuisine at many local restaurants thanks in part to the area's growing Middle Eastern population. For nightlife, Dearborn Heights residents head to local bars such as Varsity Club Lounge, a no-frills bar where locals get together to watch the Tigers and Red Wings play. Head to nearby Dearborn for its bevy of bars and clubs that are adjacent to the University of Michigan at Dearborn.

Try authentic Lebanese food, such as tabouli or baba ghanoush, at Al Shallal Restaurant & Cafe. Locals love the laid-back atmosphere that makes this restaurant feel like a family diner. Regulars praise the garlic spread and lemon chicken soup. Affordable prices and generous portion sizes make Al Shallal Restaurant & Cafe a Dearborn Heights favorite.

For food on the go, Moo Cluck Moo offers a great selection. This restaurant caters to the carry-out crowd, though you can find a few sparse tables in the place. Burgers and fries are staples here, but the owners also offer special seasonal favorites. Moo Cluck Moo prides itself on sourcing local ingredients, and it does a great job of creating unique menu items.

When locals want sushi, they head to Wasabi. This casual restaurant has a quiet and cozy atmosphere. Pull up to the bar to watch the sushi chefs at work, or grab a table in the corner for a quiet meal. Sample the gyoza to get the very best dish this Japanese restaurant has to offer.

Dearborn Heights residents need a car to get around town. Situated between I-96 and I-94, freeway access abounds. Hailing a cab from the curb may prove difficult in this area, but several cab companies provide on-call transportation. Uber serves the Dearborn Heights area, giving residents easy access to anywhere they need to travel. Bike paths are not readily available for commuting, but they are available for recreation at local parks.

Dearborn Heights provides plenty of space for recreation at its many parks. Van Houten Park offers a well-manicured baseball field that is open to the public. Central Park has another baseball diamond as well as a playground, picnic tables and a field house. Residents can use the parks at no charge. All of the parks in Dearborn Heights are kid-friendly, though some have more playground equipment than others.

Many of the Dearborn Heights park properties can be rented out for parties or special events. The city's parks department offers year-round activities, including youth sports, senior social activities and adult enrichment programs. A fitness center gives residents a low-cost alternative to joining a gym, with daily, weekly and monthly rates that are discounted for people who can provide proof of residency. Annual passes and youth discounts are available.

For dog-friendly parks, locals go to nearby Westland, Canton or Livonia. For avid hikers, a quick trip to Dearborn provides a scenic route along the Rouge River Greenway Trail.

The cost of living in Dearborn Heights is considerably lower than the national average. Renting an apartment costs an average of $660.40, with the overall cost of housing in the area ranked lower than the national average by nearly 30 percent. Gas prices are 8 percent lower in Dearborn Heights than they are in the rest of the country.

A cup of coffee costs about $4 in the Dearborn Heights area, and grabbing a pizza typically sets you back around $8. Grocery costs are lower than the national average by approximately 8 percent. Overall, the cost of living makes Dearborn Heights an affordable place to call home.

Locals head to nearby Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn for most of their mall-shopping needs. This mall contains shopping mall staples, such as American Eagle, Foot Locker, Claire's and Forever 21, as well as a few high-end options, including a Coach store. For people who want to make a quick trip and don't want to deal with the mall, a Target is conveniently located within Dearborn Heights.

Support local businesses by stopping at one of the many local boutiques in the area. J'Adore Boutique offers a stunning array of evening and cocktail dresses that are perfect for a night out on the town. For the bride-to-be, Victoria's bridal sells everything needed for that big day, including flower girl and bridesmaid dresses. This small boutique may be tucked away in a strip mall, but it provides brides with all of the elegance they expect when shopping for that very special dress.

Grocery store chains in the area include Kroger and Aldi, though there are many specialized grocery stores for ethnic and organic foods. Pure Pastures carries locally sourced, organic meats and vegetables.

The Dearborn Farmers and Artisans Market sells locally sourced and handmade items from May to October every year. Nearly 50 vendors come to the market to sell their wares at this local favorite for fresh produce, meats, cheeses and more.