Garden City, MI

The first notable settlement of the area begin in 1835. Developers planned the city according to the then-popular idea of a "Garden City," where each plot of land had enough room for residents to have their own vegetable gardens. For this reason, the city is laid out in a classic grid system, although many of the original plots have been split up and reduced in size. Otherwise, Garden City has developed in step with the automotive industry alongside many other suburban Detroit cities.

Residents visit nearby Detroit to enjoy rich artistic and cultural scenes, which include the Detroit Institute of Art, the Detroit Opera House and the Holocaust Memorial Center. Closer to Garden City, the Straight Farmhouse has been preserved and now serves as the headquarters of the Friends of Garden City. Visit to learn more about the history of the area.

Metro Detroit hosts a diverse population of immigrants that call the area home. Their presence can especially be seen in the abundance of authentic restaurants throughout both the city and the surrounding suburbs.

Many establishments, such as the popular Amantea, provide a full menu that features both traditional dishes and more Americanized versions that appeal to a wide audience. Diners can be as adventurous as they want and always enjoy a hearty Italian meal. From pasta to seafood and steaks, this local institution has it all. Order the tender, well marbled prime rib and pair it with your choice of sides for a delicious meal. Or go for the house special, lasagna Amantea, and slice into layers of cheese, pasta and meat for a truly decadent meal worth all the calories. Wash it all down with a glass of excellent Italian wine from the restaurant's impressive cellars.

For a taste of the Middle East, visit Al Sultan off Inkster Road. The bright decor and casual dining room don't do justice to the caliber of food served here. Local diners love the hummus and pita triangles that come with just about any dish and the beef, chicken or lamb shawarma can't be beat when it comes to flavor and tenderness. Their menu has all the favorites from spinach pie and falafel plates to baba ganoush.

Most of the bars in the area consist of sports pubs and casual neighborhood establishments that cater to the after-work crowd. Chain restaurants such as Applebee's and Chili's provide reliable meals and nightly drink specials. The entertainment complex at Albert's on the Alley features game rooms, several bar areas, big screen TVs and live bands almost every night. On the weekends, DJs play top 40 hit music and open up the dance floor. Residents can visit and let loose without having to venture far from home.

The grid street system and proximity to major east/west routes such as I-96, I-94 and M-12, make Garden City a driver-friendly neighborhood. Shopping centers line the major roads, providing plenty of free parking lots. While the streets do not provide space for bike lanes, pedestrians can take advantage of the extensive sidewalk system that is full of joggers, cyclists and moms pushing strollers almost any time of day.

For alternative transportation, residents can take advantage of Uber services, call ahead for a cab or use the SMART bus system to travel out of the city. The buses have 3 regular routes that stop at points on the outskirts of town.

Small neighborhood parks are spread throughout the local subdivisions, allowing families to walk just a few blocks to enjoy benches and playground structures. For an afternoon outing, residents head to west to the River Rouge Park, which houses baseball and soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, a 2-mile jogging trail and 8-mile bicycle trail, plenty of riverfront acreage, and a nature center. Patrons can bring their dogs and use most of the park for free although the outdoor pools do require a small fee.

Garden City hosts a long list of family-friendly annual events including the Chili Cook Off in October, the Flea Circus pet event in June and the Lucky Squirrel Arts and Crafts Festival every May.

The cost of living in Garden City runs on par with some of the less expensive suburbs in the area. A one-bedroom apartment rents for just $550 per month and drivers appreciate being able to save at the pump with gas prices typically trending about 9 percent below national averages. Schedule a SMART bus pick-up ride and pay just $2 to head into downtown Detroit or stay close to home and order a beer at one of the local pubs for just $4 a drink.

While Garden City proper encompasses a rather small area, residents still enjoy easy access to a shopping center that houses major retail chains such as Target, Walgreens and K-Mart. The city also plays host to many locally owned specialty shops. Visit A-Z Cards and Comics for some great collectibles. From sports memorabilia to limited edition comics, collectors flock to this store for its great selection and knowledgeable staff. Locals can also sign-up for game tournaments and test their skills against other players from the area. The International Bike Shop serves as another great hobby store right in the neighborhood. It carries all the major brands such as Schwinn, Fuji and Haro and provides repair services and expert advice. Whether shoppers are looking for high performance mountain bikes or BMX trick bikes, they can find it at this specialty store. To take advantage of more high-end retail opportunities, residents can take the short drive into Detroit to visit the Somerset Collection or head to downtown Birmingham, which hosts a long list of fashionable shops. Locals do all their grocery shopping at Meijer and can pick up local produce at the Garden City Farmers Market held during the summer months in the public square downtown.