Riverview, MI

In 1749, Monguagon Township was filled with quarries operated by the French. In the Battle of Monguagon during the War of 1812, American forces overcame British and Indian forces to settle the area. Riverview was incorporated in 1922 as a village and become a city in 1959. Part of Riverview was once known as Monguagon Township, the former home of the Nike Missile launch site used during the Cold War. An integrated fire-control site used to be where Rivergate Nursing Home and Terrace now rests.

Famous people from the area include former Michigan head football coach Lloyd Carr and Derek St. Holmes, vocalist for Ted Nugent.

The Wyandotte Museum nearby showcases the history of the Wayne County area. Biddle Gallery in Wyandotte features work by local artists. For even more pertaining to the rich automobile history of Detroit area, visit the Henry Ford Museum.

Most locals head to shops near the Detroit River for their food and shopping needs. Cuisines available in the area include Mexican, Italian, American and Chinese. Nightlife activities abound in the downriver communities; you're able to take part in enough activities in neighborhoods nearby to keep you satisfied on nights you don't want to head all the way to Detroit for action.

Sample Stone Pizza’s signature sauce made from vine-ripened California tomatoes under toppings that include pepperoni, onions and green peppers. The company makes its dough from scratch to complement their multiple-spice sauce, combining it with up to five different cheeses. Pies are baked fresh while you wait.

Chicken rice soup, almond chicken or sesame chicken are dishes you can’t go wrong with at popular Chinese food eatery Chopstick Inn. Reasonably priced meals are made fresh to order and rushed to your table in an average of 10 minutes from ordering. The decor inside showcases Mediterranean wood and wall fixtures from the 1970s and a pristine, clean feel.

If you suffer from food allergies, but crave a hearty Mexican food meal, head over to Julio’s Mexican Grill. The owner prides himself on accommodating requests, serving up steaming plates such as huevos con chorizo and shrimp ranchera customized to order. For those who want to skip the hefty side serving of rice and beans, the restaurant also offers a healthy green salad.

At night, Marlow’s Bar in Trenton hosts may types of entertainment, including sports games on television and local bands. The Rockery in Wyandotte hosts live music by local bands and carries a large selection of Michigan craft beers to choose from.

Most people in Riverview commute by car, taking advantage of the ample parking available near Downriver restaurants and shops. Highways nearby include Interstate 75 and Michigan Highway 85. For $1.50, the 025 Jefferson bus, serviced by Department of Detroit Transportation Authority, takes you to downtown Detroit, or hop on the 125 to the 160 bus to get to Trenton for more shopping and food.

Amtrak has headquarters located in Detroit, with a few locations a couple of miles away from the city center. The nearest major airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, located only 12.4 miles from the center of Riverview, makes traveling to international or domestic destinations easy. Cyclists often take to the city streets for recreational biking. Parks within this and neighboring areas provide miles of additional accessible bike trails. An Uber lift within the city center starts at $5. Neighborhoods near the waterfront and on Main Street can be traversed by foot.

Quite a few free parks can be found right in Riverview.

Coachwood Park contains a picnic area and playground equipment. For a tennis court, basketball court and baseball court, visit Glens Park. Kid-friendly Jefferson Tot Lot has a dedicated playground for children. Kennebec Park has additional basketball courts. For a long walking trail passing through much beautiful outdoor greenery, hit up Kingswood Nature Park. Memorial Park provides cabins, playground equipment and a basketball court. In-line hockey facilities and tennis courts can be found at Vreeland Park.

Take your dog out for a toss of the ball or Frisbee at Brownstown-Township, one of many dog-friendly parks located in nearby Trenton.

The library and community center area rests in Young Patriot’s Park, where you find a reflection pond and outdoor equipment for exercise and play. Young Patriot’s Park is also the home of Summerfest, an annual Riverview event that takes place over the course of two days, with fireworks, pancake breakfasts, 1980s tribute bands and many other festivities.

The cost of living in Riverview is comparable to that of Detroit, with one-bedroom apartment rents averaging $601; $1.50 gets you a single fare on the bus toward the city center. Beer at the local pub can be as low as $3 for a full flight and $1 during happy hours. Gas prices in Riverview are 25 percent lower than the national average price.

Southland Center in Taylor remains the closest mall to this neighborhood, and houses several department stores and other typical merchants.

For the best boutiques, head to the river for many storefront shops. Visit Willow Tree in Wyandotte for fashionable accessories; including women's clothing, watches, socks, and purses. Designer styles include Maggie London and Sydney Love.

Does a member of the family have an old ball gown or other formal dress that they can't wear anymore? Then head to Style U Boutique which will buy those items depending on their condition. Patrons naturally find similar merchandise for sale. For your grocery needs, there are many options, including Concessi's, Jerry's Food Market, Kroger, Meijer, Aldi, and Walmart Supercenter. Door to Door Organics, a paid service, delivers organic produce straight to your door. If you like to purchase your produce directly from the farm, Trentwood Farm, Wyandotte Farmers Market, Ruhlig Farms & Gardens, and Kurtzhals' Farms are a few of the stands and stores nearby providing local goods.