These Are the Top Detroit Suburbs in 2024

Whether you’ve lived in the Motor City for years, or you’re contemplating a move there, why not consider one of the top Detroit suburbs for your new home? This area is a midwestern gem that rests right along the shores of the Detroit River, with easy access to all the beauty and fun adventures that Lake Erie can provide, as well. And once the powerhouse of American motor vehicle production, the city has undergone a renaissance like many other previously industrial cities and now has a variety of thriving industries providing jobs to residents.

Planning a move to the Detroit area? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

Another major draw for folks of all ages is the low cost of living — especially when it comes to housing costs. Detroit still has a lot of housing vacancies, which keeps the cost of both owning a home and renting an apartment affordable and much lower than the national average. You’ll end up paying less for other essentials like healthcare, groceries, and utilities in the city and surrounding suburbs, as well.

Detroit is a resilient city, and its residents have a lot to enjoy, including its music scene (Motown Records was founded here), its food (Detroit-style pizza anyone?), and its access to outdoor activities (the Detroit Riverfront is stunning in all four seasons). And the suburbs of Detroit give residents all the amenities of a big city but with a slower pace of life. If you’re ready to find a Detroit suburb that’s right for you, check out our top picks below.

Detroit at a Glance

• Detroit has a population of around 633,218.
• There are a lot of younger professionals who choose to live in Detroit’s city center, thanks to lower housing costs, but you’ll find most families and retirees choose the suburbs of Detroit.
• The average home value in Detroit is a very low $72,300, compared to the Michigan state average of $253,000 and the national average of $363,400.
• Detroit’s average rent of $1,200 is comparable to the average rent in Michigan of $1,300 and several hundred dollars less than the national average of $1,700.
• Detroit is great for culinary adventures, arts and culture (especially the music scene), a thriving sports scene (with four professional sports teams), and lots of access to outdoor fun.

Detroit Suburbs — FAQs

Q: Where are the nice suburbs of Detroit?
A: Birmingham is one of the nicest suburbs of Detroit, and it’s located north of the city.

Q: What is the richest suburb of Detroit?
A: One of the richest suburbs in Detroit is Bloomfield Hills.

Q: What’s the nicest neighborhood in Detroit?
A: Lots of folks agree that Grosse Ile Township is one of the nicest areas of Detroit.

Q: Is Ann Arbor considered a suburb of Detroit?
A: No, Ann Arbor is not considered a suburb of Detroit.

Top 12 Suburbs of Detroit

There are plenty of community events in Farmington for the whole family to enjoy.
(Source: Downtown Farmington via Facebook)

1. Farmington, MI 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,275
• Average home value: $312,700
• Great for: Families, public schools, safe community, jobs

If you’re looking for a safe Detroit suburb that’s a wonderful place to live, then consider finding out more about Farmington. You’ll have lots of great schools at your disposal if you’re interested in raising a family there, including Longacre Elementary and Farmington High School. This community also offers lots of opportunities to stay active, no matter what your age is! Head over to Shiawassee Park, for instance, where you can enjoy tennis courts, hiking trails, a playground, and a picnic area. 

There’s a fantastic downtown corridor that has everything you need, as well, from shopping to restaurants and cute cafes. Head over to Blue Hat Coffee before you check out the great deals at the Farmington Downtown Center. Or enjoy a bite at Los Tres Amigos before catching a flick at the Farmington Civic Theater or visiting the seasonal Farmington Farmers Market.

2. Beverly Hills, MI  

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Average home value: $539,000
• Great for: Families, public schools, housing options

Beverly Hills is the place to be if you have a family. In fact, it’s ranked as the best place to raise a family in the Detroit area by Niche. And while it may not be as famous as its sister suburb in California, there are plenty of things to do and see in this suburb of Detroit! There are lots of quiet communities throughout Beverly Hills that offer great schools for growing families like Beverly Elementary School and Birmingham Covington School. 

And, yes, there are lots of family-friendly areas in Beverly Hills, but folks of all ages enjoy the pristine Beverly Hills Village Park that offers trails for walking and biking, as well as basketball courts. You can also head out on the green for a bit at the Lincoln Hills Golf Course or explore the Rouge River at the Douglas Evans Nature Preserve. Prefer to exercise indoors instead? Then head over to the nearby Beverly Hills Athletic Club or the Beverly Hills Club.

When you’re done working up an appetite, consider grabbing a bite and a drink at the popular Beverly Hills Grill or Brady’s Tavern.

3. Bloomfield Hills, MI 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,650
• Average home value: $615,800
• Great for: Families, retirees, public schools, jobs

A great Detroit suburb to retire in, which also happens to be one of the most affluent, is Bloomfield Hills. This suburb is conveniently located right along Route 1, which makes traveling around the Detroit metro area very easy. Residents take advantage of this and frequently visit not only the city of Detroit but also the nearby Pine Lake, Orchard Lake, and Cass Lake (among others) for fun on the water. Bloomfield Hills itself has its own Vhay Lake with the Bloomfield Open Hunt golf course and its indoor tennis club nearby. You can also enjoy getting out on the links at the Stonycroft Hills Club or the Bloomfield Hills Country Club.

And when they’re not golfing or enjoying the outdoors, residents get their fill of culture at the Cranbrook Art Museum and Gardens, St. Dunstan's Theatre, and the Cranbrook Institute of Science.

Located along Royal Oak’s Main Street, you’ll find plenty of fun bars and restaurants for a night out on the town.
(Source: Downtown Royal Oak via Facebook)

4. Royal Oak, MI 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Average home value: $329,500
• Great for: Young professionals, affordable housing, nightlife, fitness options

The Detroit suburb of Royal Oak is considered to be one of the top places to live in Michigan, especially if you’re a young professional. It’s situated right at the intersection of I-75 and I-696, and it’s only 14 miles outside of the Detroit city center, making it perfect for a commute. The community is very walkable, and you’ll have no problem getting to green spaces like Quickstad Park, Worden Park (that also offers the John Lindell Ice Arena — featuring two NHL-sized ice rinks), and Starr Jaycee Park. Playing at the Royal Oaks Golf Course is a must for golf enthusiasts, and bowlers will also love Bowlero Lanes and Lounge. 

And located all along Main St., you’ll find plenty of fun bars and restaurants like HopCat Royal Oak, Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina, and the music-themed The Morrie.

5. Berkley, MI

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,200
• Average home value: $307,800
• Great for: Families, public schools, affordable housing, jobs

Looking to buy a home? Berkeley may be the place! In fact, Niche considers Berkely to be the best place to purchase a house in the Detroit area. Located on the other side of Route 1 across from Royal Oak, this area is great for families, retirees, and anyone looking for a slower pace of life. But just because it’s a quiet suburb doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do. You’ll always find residents enjoying Oxford Park (that includes a splash pad), Berkley City Parks Public Tennis Courts, and Bacon Park. 

The downtown area along Twelve Mile Road is also full of lots of places to explore. Whether you’re looking to grab a bite at family-owned Alex’s of Berkley, you need a pick-me-up at Chazzano Coffee Roasters, or you need something sweet from Clark’s Ice Cream, you won’t have to go far to find what you’re looking for!

There are plenty of things to do outdoors when you live in Troy, Michigan.
(Source: Troy Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

6. Troy, MI 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Average home value: $438,400
• Great for: Families, retirees, housing options, jobs, outdoor activities

Troy is ranked as the #1 best Detroit suburb by Niche. This northern suburb offers lots of space and a tight-knit community feel, but it’s also located right along I-75, so it’s easy to get into Detroit’s city center for work or for entertainment. Residents love how convenient it is to get around town, too — whether they want to visit the trails and volleyball courts of Firefigher’s Park or the Stage Nature Center or enjoy the shopping and dining available along Big Beaver Rd. This main road features everything from Italian at Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria to Brazilian at Fogo de Chao as well as the Troy Commons Shopping Center and stores like Nordstrom’s Rack.

The Troy Community Center is also popular with all ages, as it offers a skatepark, bocce ball, and shuffleboard for those who want to practice their moves. Like golf? Then you’ll love living in Troy! Residents can take advantage of the Sanctuary Lake Golf Course, the Somerset Golf Club, and the Sylvan Glen Golf Course.  

Looking for things to do in Detroit this weekend? If you find yourself searching for “Detroit things to do” this weekend, you’ll be happy to know you have lots of options! Whether you live in the Detroit suburbs or closer to the city, you can enjoy a sports game, take in a museum, or even check out a music festival like the Motor City Summer Festival or the Riverfront Music Festival.

7. Huntington Woods, MI

• Average rent (all sizes): $2,200
• Average home value: $501,000
• Great for: Families, public schools, safe community, outdoor activities

Another northern suburb of Detroit that offers easy access to the big city is Huntington Woods. Although it’s ranked as one of the best places to raise a family by Niche, this community welcomes people of all ages and walks of life. Huntington Woods is home to friendly residents who take advantage of all the green space that’s available and spend lots of time enjoying outdoor activities at Burton Park, Scotia Park, or at the Gillham Recreation Center. 

Did you know that the Detroit Zoo is also located in this suburb of Detroit? That’s right, residents have incredibly easy access to the red pandas, wolverines, wolves, reptiles, polar bears, and all kinds of other animals.

And conveniently located next to the zoo is the Rackham Golf Course, which was designed by legendary golf course creator Donald Ross. When you’re done enjoying the outdoors, stop in for a coffee, sandwich, and friendly banter at the Monarch Market Cafe.

Northville’s downtown area is very walkable — and very convenient — with all the stores and restaurants you could need, all in one place.
(Source: Downtown Northville via Facebook)

8. Northville, MI

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Average home value: $543,100
• Great for: Families, public schools, affordable housing

One of the most popular western suburbs of Detroit is Northville, which is only 20 miles away from the bustling college town of Ann Arbor. This quiet suburb is the place to be if you enjoy being active, no matter what season it is. Residents love that they can easily get out on Lake Success, Curtis Lake, or Swan Harbour Lake for boating, swimming, or water skiing. They’re also just a short drive away from Maybury State Park that offers biking trails, horse stables, fishing, volleyball, camping, and picnic areas. And when winter arrives, there are plenty of areas that offer sledding and ice skating.

The downtown area is very walkable, as well, and all the stores and restaurants you could need are available in one same place. Whether you’re craving Mediterranean at the Lava Grille, need your coffee fix at Sweet Brew Cafe, or prefer Italian at 160 Main, you can find it all and more along Main Street.

9. Grosse Ile Township, MI 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $383,300
• Great for: Retirees, families, public schools, outdoor activities

Grosse Ile Township is one of the nicest suburbs of Detroit, but it’s also one of the best to retire in. Located south of the city center of Detroit is this lovely island community that has views of both the U.S. and Canada. If you’ve always wanted to raise a family or retire close to the water, then this could be the suburb for you. Yes, it’s an island, but that doesn’t mean you need to go to the mainland for everything — the residents here find that they have all they need and more right outside their doors. And because you’re close to the water, there are a variety of areas that have access to boating and other water activities. In fact, lots of residents choose to join the Grosse Ile Yacht Club or the Ford Yacht Club.

But if that’s not your thing, there are three golf courses, a national wildlife refuge, a bird sanctuary, and plenty of green spaces for walking and biking. And you can shop at Kroger and enjoy local restaurants like Hungry Howie’s Pizza right on the island.

10. Franklin, MI

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $815,100
• Great for: Families, public schools, housing options

One of the wealthier northern Detroit suburbs is Franklin, which is situated right along Route 24/Telegraph Rd. Residents here enjoy estate-style living, and you can expect to find houses with a good amount of property and privacy. If you enjoy golf, you’ll appreciate that the Franklin Hills Country Club is practically in your backyard. It’s also considered a great place to raise a family, and schools like West Maple Elementary and Birmingham Covington School are top notch. 

The community prides itself on its charming appeal, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t modern amenities here. You can stay active at the Franklin Athletic Club, grab some soul food at Cornbread Restaurant and Bar, or grab burgers and drinks at the Rusty Bucket — just to name a few.

Kayaking on the Clinton River is a popular pastime for residents of Rochester Hills.
(Source: City of Rochester Hills- Government)

11. Rochester Hills, MI

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
• Average home value: $447,100
• Great for: Families, public schools, housing options, jobs

Niche considers Rochester Hills one of the top places to buy a house in the Detroit area. There are plenty of housing options on tree-lined streets in this suburb that are in close proximity to places where you can get out and stay active. In fact, residents use their parks year-round for activities like kayaking in the Clinton River, playing pickleball in Borden Park, hiking in the Avon Nature Area, playing golf at the Hampton Public Golf Course, and sledding in Bloomer Park.

Oakland University is also located in Rochester Hills, making it a prime place for students to get a great education — and enjoy affordable housing, as well. And residents of all ages love the vibrant downtown district that features outdoor shopping at the Village of Rochester Hills and the expansive Eugene S. Nowicki Park. Make sure you grab an iconic Detroit hot dog at Leo’s Coney Island!

12. Birmingham, MI 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $656,400
• Great for: Retirees, families, jobs, nightlife

Located just south of Charing Cross and right along Route 1 is the charming community of Birmingham. Although very popular with retirees, anyone who enjoys lots of outdoor activities and a vibrant mix of tree-lined streets, local shops, and lots of good dining options would be happy in this suburb. The Manor Nature Preserve is perfect for walking and bird watching, and golfers would be right at home at the nearby Springdale Golf Course. At the center of the suburb is Quarton Lake, which offers residents nature trails, fishing, and even a sculpture park by a famous Detroit sculptor.

Looking for a great place for lunch or a fun night out with friends? Then look no further than the downtown that runs along Maple Rd. Here you’ll find lots of entertaining options, including the Birmingham 8 Movie Theater, the Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro, the Birmingham Museum, and Social Kitchen and Bar.

Move to One of These Detroit Suburbs With PODS

If you think a move to one of these suburbs of Detroit is right for you, let PODS help you get there. They’ll deliver a portable storage container right to your driveway, so you can load it up on your schedule. Should you need additional help moving the larger items, PODS can also refer you to local companies that would be happy to assist with packing or loading. Once it’s ready to go, a PODS professional will pick it up and take it to your new place in the Detroit area.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.