Michigan has much more than auto manufacturing and Bob Seger. For example, the state is home to the world’s largest cement plant, has the world’s largest limestone quarry, has the world’s largest registered Holstein dairy herd, is home to the world’s largest manufacturer of magic supplies, and ranks first in the number of state boat registrations.
Michigan also has the city of Canton. It’s a southeast Michigan suburb of Detroit and is considered one of the best places to live in Michigan.
So let’s train our spotlight on Canton and see what it shows us.
Benefits of Living in Southeast Michigan
First, though, let’s take a look at the benefits of living in Michigan and southeast Michigan in particular, the area where Canton is located . . .
Small-Town Living Near Urban Areas
“There are small towns throughout the state of Michigan that let you settle down and raise a family without the typical worries you experience in the big city,” particularly in southern and southeastern Michigan. And with Detroit nearby, all the amenities of a large urban center are within easy driving distance. “There are dozens of communities in the 40,000 to 80,000 population range, so you can find the exact level of urban living that you prefer.”
Robust Economic Recovery
With the auto-industry bust of the early 2000s, southeast Michigan suffered a painful economic decline. This happened primarily because of the industry monoculture. A large portion of the area’s jobs are in or linked to auto manufacturing, both directly and indirectly. Between 2000 and 2009, 800,000 jobs disappeared.
Since that period, though, “Michigan has seen a fantastic economic recovery. The unemployment rate went from almost 14% to a little over 4%. The automotive industry went from being responsible for every 1 in 6 jobs to about 1 in every 24 jobs. The diversity in the market makes it a viable place for anyone to live.”
Low Living Costs
The cost of living, on average, is about 17% lower in Michigan than it is for the US as a whole. But keep in mind that the cost of living will be a bit higher in the Canton area because of its proximity to large urban centers.
Affordable Housing
The median home value state-wide in Michigan is around $150.000, which makes Michigan one of the more affordable states to live in with respect to the cost of housing. Housing prices are rising, though, as they are across the country, but at a slower rate than in the past few years. And that makes the present a great time to buy . . . before housing prices go up more.
Abundance of Natural Beauty
As we mentioned, there’s a lot more to Michigan than auto factories and big cities. You have, of course, the grandeur of the Great Lakes, as well as many other places with incredible natural beauty. Canton in southeast Michigan puts you right next to Lake Erie and just a short drive from Lake Huron.
Canton, Michigan, Overview
Canton – actually it’s the Charter Township of Canton – is one of southeast Michigan’s fastest-growing communities. With a diverse population and an abundance of business and job opportunities, it is a popular location for young business professionals.
Located in Wayne County and a suburb of Detroit, Canton Charter Township has a population of just under 92,000. Offering a sparse suburban feel, Canton is recognized as one of Michigan’s best places to live.
The abundance of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks is another reason Canton has such a large proportion of young professionals and families. The highly rated public schools also tend to draw families to the community.
The median home value in Canton is $251,900, which is just slightly above the median home value nationwide. In addition, 76% of Canton’s residents are homeowners.
Niche.com’s livability ratings for Canton are as follows:
Public schools – A
Housing – A-
Family suitability – A+
Crime/safety – B
Nightlife – B+
Diversity – A
Overall – A+
Benefits of Living in Canton, Michigan
The benefits of moving to and living in Canton are numerous, so let’s just consider the most salient one . . .
Proximity to Urban Centers
Canton offers the attractive benefits of small-town living with the added plus of proximity to a major urban area. Downtown Detroit is only a 30-minute drive away, and Detroit’s main airport can be reached with a short drive. In addition, I-275 is easily accessible and serves as a main artery providing easy access to many destinations.
Canton is also located at about the halfway point between Detroit and Ann Arbor and is close to several major expressways. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Michigan’s largest airport, is less than 10 miles away.
Quality Schools and Options
As we indicated, Canton is home to top-quality public schools, being served by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Wayne-Westland Community Schools, and Van Buren Public Schools. Canton is also just a short commute from some top-tier colleges and universities, including the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Eastern Michigan.
Family Entertainment
When it comes to family entertainment, Canto has much to offer. “You can enjoy,” for example, “Emagine Theater, Zap Zone, and Arctic Edge Ice Arena, home to many Olympic greats. As for special events, the Canton Liberty Fest is one of the most anticipated family events every year. In beautiful Heritage Park, the township puts on a week of events, right in the heart of Canton, Michigan. The event features live concerts, carnival rides, . . . a movie under the stars, and many other family activities.”
Shopping
Shopping options and opportunities are also plentiful in and near the downtown area. The “Downtown Development Authority District . . . features over 300 retail, medical, and commercial facilities. Canton also draws visitors daily from near and far, as it’s home to Michigan’s only IKEA store.”
Recreation and Fun
If you enjoy outdoor recreation and fun, Canton, Michigan, doesn’t disappoint there either. “You can enjoy the Summit on the Park and Canton Sports Center. Also, there are local golf courses like the pristine Pheasant Run Golf Course, alongside numerous hiking trails and parks.” And for those into exercise and working out, the town has a variety of gyms and health clubs to choose from.
Ready Yet?
It should be apparent by now that Canton, Michigan, has a lot to offer. If you still doubt it, consider . . .
Located between Detroit and Ann Arbor, Canton is one of the safest cities in Michigan. A family-friendly community, it “has everything you could want: proximity to the airport, an outstanding library, nature preserves, shopping, and restaurants. In addition, Canton’s outstanding community center boasts live musical and theatrical performances.” It is also home to many large and small businesses and is bursting with business and employment opportunities.
And despite all that, Canton still manages to retain its small-town feel.
If you’re ready to take the Canton plunge, call on the expertise of the premier real estate agency in southeast Michigan – Kime Realty. Our agents have the local experience to guide you through the whole process.
