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.
Kalamazoo
Nestled in southwestern Michigan between Chicago and Detroit, Kalamazoo is the fun-loving home to Western Michigan University. This college town boasts a sprawling campus and innumerable entertainment options. Locals enjoy cheering on the Broncos at Waldo Stadium and watching the Kalamazoo Wings at Wings Event Center. But more than just athletic events, this lively city features top-notch local amenities. After you find your affordable apartment in the city, you can sample the craft brews at Bell’s Brewery, taste the fresh produce at the Bank Street Farmers Market, peruse the outdoor Kalamazoo Mall, or catch a live performance at Famers Alley Theatre. Outdoor recreation and exploration is a popular activity in this suburb, from the biking trails at the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail to the exhibits and walking trails at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Whether you’re an art, science, or culture enthusiast, Kalamazoo has you covered! Check out the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and Gilmore Car Museum. This community comes together for several seasonal festivals, including the Kalamazoo Animation Festival International, Irving Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, and the Bach Festival.
Grand Rapids
The second largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids rests on the Grand River, about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. Formerly known as the Furniture City, Grand Rapids is now nicknamed the River City as well as Beer City USA for its riverside locale and proximity to 40 craft breweries. Grand Rapids is also the hometown of former United States President Gerald Ford. Fans of the 38th president can learn more about his life and impact on American history at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Notable as an artistic haven, Grand Rapids hosts the annual ArtPrize competition, a 19-day affair drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and featuring artwork all throughout Downtown Grand Rapids. Frederik Meijer Gardens exhibits an expansive variety of sculptures and gardens both indoors and outdoors. Meyer May House is revered as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces. Located within an hour’s drive of Kalamazoo and Lansing, Grand Rapids is convenient to major highways and Gerald R. Ford International Airport, making for simple travels and commutes.
