Dearborn, MI

The city was settled in the early 19th century by French farmers who established ribbon-shaped farms along the Rouge River. The community grew once Chicago Road was constructed in the 1830s connecting Detroit and Chicago. The establishment of the Detroit Arsenalt, a supply base for the military, also propelled the municipality toward growth.

The Detroit Historical Museum sits on property that includes the area’s old military facility on Michigan Avenue at Monroe Street. The Detroit Arsenal was instrumental in preparing for war with the British in the 1840s, a war that never occurred. The facility was also instrumental in helping settlers push Native Americans westward out of Michigan. The museum contains a repository of historical documents and artifacts.

The community became an automotive hub, especially after Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn in 1903.

Dearborn's great restaurants with creative menus cluster on Michigan Avenue. L.A. Bistro on Michigan Avenue focuses on very tasty fresh food. Miller's Bar on Michigan Avenue serves burgers with classic sides to hungry locals. Pair your patty and fries with a Jack and Coke or other beverage from the well-stocked bar, or gorge on a grilled cheese sandwich and onion rings. Moose's Martini Club on Michigan Avenue caters to the martini lover or enthusiast in-training with an extensive list of martinis and staff eager to aid customers. Try pairing your drink with toasted raviolis or chicken wings.

After dining, check out the string of bars along Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. Several restaurants bring in DJs once the kitchens close. The drinks at Red's Martini are reasonably priced and strong. Red sweetens the evenings with a DJ and music on Saturday nights. Jam onto the packed dance floor, and have a wild time. The Biergarten, a neighborhood bar, makes everyone a friend. The bar has a selection of session beers and some bar food in the kitchen for a quick snack with your brew.

Dearborn residents have several transportation options. Smart Ride connects many suburban Detroit communities. The city runs five bus routes provided by Smart Ride, the regional public transportation provider. Riders can find two routes on Ford Road, another on Michigan Avenue and another on Telegraph Road. Buses stop at a multiple of places along routes in Dearborn.

Trains run out of the Amtrack station on Michigan Avenue and delivers riders to Pontiac or Chicago. Buses, taxis and hotel shuttles also run out of the train station, making it a transportation hub.

Several taxi companies operate in Dearborn, and so does Uber. Parking in Dearborn can be limited although it’s free.

Dearborn’s residents exercise at several small community parks with trails and children’s structures. For cyclist and runners, the paved Rouge River Greenway Trail begins on Michigan Avenue and ends two miles away at Hines Drive.

Golfers enjoy two courses and the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center contains an indoor swimming pool, climbing wall and aerobic and fitness activities.

Henry Ford created his own museum with a vast collection of cars that document society through the decades in the 20th century through the design and technological changes in automobiles.

Greenfield Village, adjacent to the Henry Ford Museum, enables visitors to relive history with tours through dozens of relocated historical homes tied to famous inventors. There are train rides and cruises in a Model T, one of the first affordable cars Ford produced on a production line.

Visitors can see how craft workers made tools in the early manufacturing era. Main Street contains homes, a courthouse and general store to give visitors a taste of what life was like at the turn of the 20th century.

Dearborn remains a reasonably priced town. The cost of living analysis shows a mix of inexpensive food and expensive rents. The overall cost of living sits at 0.5 percent higher than the Michigan average and almost 10 percent less than the national average.

Although the overall cost of living turns out affordable, rents perch on the high side. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment sits at $976 per month, about 27 percent higher than the state average and 8 percent above national figures.

Almost all food, except ground beef, stays below the national average. Dearborn residents save 3.6 percent on beer compared to what they’d pay in the rest of the country. Gas hangs almost 2 percent higher than the average in the rest of the country, but a game of bowling plays 25 percent cheaper.

Most of the shopping in Dearborn happens within the Fairlane Town Center on Michigan Avenue. Downtown Dearborn on Michigan Avenue has a few independent stores that carry specialty merchandise.

Dearborn Music opened in 1956 and carries a great selection of CDs, tapes and new and used vinyl records. They also sell a wide selection of music merchandise including T-shirts and knickknacks. Store prices can compete well with digital sales. Ski and snowshoe enthusiasts visit Nichols Ski and Snowboard on Michigan Avenue for the latest ski trends. The store housed in a Swiss Chalet-looking building opened in 1954. The shop sells snowboard and ski gear and equipment from famous brands like Salomon, Head and Rossignol.

Every Friday morning from late May to mid-October, shoppers can buy fruits and vegetables at the Farmers and Artisans Market located on Michigan Avenue between Mason and Howard avenues. Locals shop at Alcamo's Market, located on Schaefer Road, and there is also a Save-A-Lot on Michigan Ave.