Detroit
Historically one of the economic and cultural powerhouses of the Midwest, Detroit is full of people who are working towards redevelopment and revitalization. Known as the origin of the automobile industry, the Motor City is moving towards a future of economic opportunity with roots far beyond the world of cars. The cost of living is low while rental rates for apartments, condos, and houses are highly attractive for any budget. Monuments paying tribute to Detroit’s rich history are everywhere while astonishing architecture and public artwork is scattered throughout the city. As the birthplace of Motown, Detroit has a long tradition of producing legendary musicians like Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder. This tradition continues today and it’s easy to find live performances from every genre. The city is a great destination for sports lovers as one of the few American cities with major leagues in football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. With museums galore, lively nightlife, delectable restaurants, and conventions held almost every month of the year, Detroit is a mecca for entertainment. Visit the Motown Museum or catch a game at Comerica Park. Ask any local and they’ll tell you that Detroit is a great city and it’s not hard to see why. Detroit sits just across from Windsor, ON so residents of Detroit have easy access to this Canadian destination.
Jackson
Jackson, the City with Soul, is the largest city in Mississippi. Burned down three times during the Civil War, Jackson has also served as the setting of major events during the Civil Rights Movement, many of which are commemorated with Mississippi Freedom Trail Markers throughout the city. Learning about an array of subjects is easy in Jackson, which is home to a number of museums including the Old Capitol Museum, Mississippi Children’s Museum, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, and the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center. The music, arts, culinary, and culture scenes are all booming in Jackson. Residents can listen to live music at F. Jones Corner or One Block East, appreciate art at any of the many downtown galleries or the Mississippi Museum of Art, experience fine dining at restaurants such as Manship Wood Fired Kitchen and Bully’s Restaurant, and even witness the International Ballet Competition at Thalia Mara Hall. Jackson also contains one of the largest and best equipped planetariums in the South, the Russell C. Davis Planetarium. Accessible to Interstates 20, 55, and 220 as well as Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, Jackson is just a three-hour drive from both New Orleans and Memphis.
Commerce Township
Located in Oakland County, Commerce Township (or Commerce Charter Township) is a suburban community outside of Detroit. Its terrain is comprised of gentle rolling hills, sweeping farmlands, and many lakes. So many lakes encompass this neighborhood that Detroiters would travel here on vacation to spend their summers lakeside. As development grew, more and more people moved to the township full-time. The 61 year-old teal Commerce Drive-In marquee is famous and a hot spot for pictures. Residents enjoy numerous amenities like shopping and dining. The Shops at Commerce and Tim Hortons coffee is an excellent place to relax. In nearby Novi, Twelve Oaks Mall has nearly 200 distinct shops and restaurants to experience. Residents can travel to the mall with ease by way of Route 5 – or go beyond that for I-275, I-96, and I-696. Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and Huron Valley Schools service students in the area.
