Southfield Downtown - Southfield, MI

Southfield spent much of its history as a sleepy suburb of Detroit. It was first settled around 1823, but didn't begin establish its own fire department and police department until the 1940s and 50s. During the 1970s, the area began to build a reputation as the commercial and business headquarters of metropolitan Detroit. The Southfield Town Center, a complex of five skyscrapers, came to house the majority of office space in the area. As the population of workers in the area continued to expand, so did the local cultural scene.

Nearby museums include the Cranbrook Institute of Science, Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum, the Cranbrook Art Museum and the Holocaust Memorial Center. The site of the original Town Hall, which was built in 1873, also houses the Southfield Historical Museum.

Southfield also has a thriving pottery community that holds annual events, including the Potters' Market every December.

Residents can choose among a variety of authentic restaurants that represent the diverse culinary tastes of international transplants to the area. Head to Athens Souvlaki for some of the best Greek food in the Detroit area. Homemade Greek yogurt and perfectly spiced gyro meat complement any meal. Follow up your lunch or dinner with a delicious side of honey-covered baklava.

For unbeatable Italian food, visit Bacco Ristorante. This award-winning establishment prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients and eye-popping presentation. Dishes incorporate both local produce and special ingredients that can only be found in certain parts of Italy. In addition to yummy pasta dishes, they also serve up unique entrées. Try the duck meatballs or the stuffed quail served with sides of seasonal greens and potatoes.

Downtown Southfield plays host to a handful of casual sports bars, including 7 Bar and Grill and the Pub Sports Bar and Grill, both of which provide a fun and welcoming atmosphere to enjoy a beer and watch the big game. For a more sophisticated night on the town, head to the SideBar Wine and Martini Bar. This swanky establishment (located inside Beans & Cornbread-A Soulful Bistro, a must-try upscale soul food restaurant) has a great wine list and specialty cocktails that keep customers coming back.

For a taste of the local nightlife and music scene, visit the Groove Lounge to listen to live music playing four nights a week. This club welcomes talented jazz and blues groups from around the country and provides a spacious dance floor to take your date for a spin. LUNA provides great late night hotspot. The DJs play more alternative dance music that keeps patrons on the dance floor.

Southfield residents enjoy easy access to major highways and expressways. The Lodge Freeway runs through the city and takes drivers to what has become known as "the mixing bowl," or the major intersection of I-696, US-24, M-10 and several other routes. Drivers can quickly travel to downtown Detroit or hop on another thoroughfare to get to other parts of the state, making driving by far the easiest way to travel the city.

Residents visiting the downtown area can easily find parking in the many lots and decks available. While some spots do require a fee, most parking remains free evenings and weekends.

Because of Southfield's status as both a commercial and transportation hub, sidewalks and bike lanes tend to be limited to subdivisions that lie just outside of the downtown area and are meant more for exercise than commuting.

Passengers looking for a ride can hail a cab downtown, use local Uber services or pay just $2 per ride to use the local SMART bus system.

Downtown Southfield houses many smaller neighborhood parks that allow families to live within walking distance of playgrounds. The Bauervic Woods Park sits in a largely wooded area and provides benches and a large play structure for kids to burn off some energy. The David H. Shepherd Park offers baseball fields, basketball courts and picnic tables for the more sports-minded visitor looking to get in some exercise. Visit the Civic Center Park for even more amenities including open fields perfect for playing catch with the dog, a golf course, an ice rink and an indoor pool. Visiting the parks is free, but patrons pay a fee to use the indoor facilities at the Civic Center.

Annual events include the Taste of Southfield, Eat the Beat Summer Concert and Independence Day Celebration.

The cost of living in downtown Southfield runs significantly higher than Detroit and above that of other neighboring suburbs. A one-bedroom apartment rents for about $770 per month. Commuters pay $2 per ride to use public transportation, but drivers spend 8 percent less on a gallon of gas than the national average. Enjoy a beer at one of the local bars for about $4 a pint.

The Tel-Twelve Mall houses many popular retail chains such as Best Buy, Discount Shoe Warehouse, Michael's and PetSmart, providing residents a convenient location to stock up on essentials, do some back-to-school shopping or treat themselves to a new outfit.

Southfield also features some truly unique specialty stores. Serious collectors can bid on priceless works of art at the Park West Gallery. Visitors can peruse the galleries and enjoy famous paintings by Picasso, Dali and Rivera. Those looking to buy great artworks can try and snag some works by famous and up-and-coming artists who are also featured at the gallery.

The Irresistible Boutique is a must-visit for fashionistas on the hunt for something unique to add to their wardrobes. The shop works hard to bring the style and glamour of the world's fashion capitals to suburban Detroit. Shoppers can browse a wide selection of clothing, jewelry, handbags and other accessories.

To stock up on groceries, residents visit the local Meijer grocery store. This popular regional chain has locations throughout the city. The Lathrup Farmers Market also provides residents with the opportunity to purchase local produce during the summer months.