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.
Novi
Situated about 29 miles northwest of Detroit in Oakland County, Novi is a scenic suburb frequently recognized as one of the best places to live by numerous digital outlets and publications. Novi touts a family-friendly atmosphere, with an excellent school system, great recreational opportunities, and convenience to Paradise Park—a family-fun center equipped with go-karts, mini golf, arcade games, laser tag, and more. Novi is also home to the Michigan State University Tollgate Farm and Education Center, which offers hands-on learning experiences in agriculture for children, families, and adults. Novi residents enjoy their beautiful surroundings and recreational activities at Lakeshore Park, Maybury State Park, and nearby Island Lake State Recreation Area. Shopping opportunities abound in Novi, with Twelve Oaks Mall and Novi Town Center supplying a host of brand-name retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options in town. Should you want to get out of town, you’ll have no problem, with access to I-96, I-696, I-275, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.
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.
