Farmington and Farmington Hills: A Neighborhood Guide - Let's Detroit (2024)

Welcome to Farmington and Farmington Hills, two beautiful cities located in the heart of Oakland County, Michigan. These sister cities are only a few miles apart and share a rich history and vibrant community, making them ideal places for young adults to call home.

Farmington and Farmington Hills offer the perfect blend of suburban living with access to big-city amenities. With Detroit just a short drive away, residents can easily enjoy all that Motor City has to offer while still having a peaceful and charming hometown to come back to. They are also conveniently located near major highways, including I-696, M-5, and I-96, making it easy for commuters to travel to work or explore other areas of Michigan.

Explore Farmington and Farmington Hills’ History

Both cities have strong ties to their agricultural roots. Farmington was founded in 1824 and was nicknamed Quakertown due to its prominent Quaker community. The city’s location along Grand River made it an ideal spot for farming, and the town continued to thrive as it became a major stop on the Underground Railroad.

On the other hand, Farmington Hills was not incorporated until much later in 1973. It was formed by consolidating several small villages, including Farmington Township, which gave the new city its name. Today, both cities have grown into bustling communities with a diverse population and strong local economy.

Parks and Recreation

One of the biggest draws for young adults and families in Farmington and Farmington Hills is the abundance of outdoor spaces and recreational activities.

Farmington Hills has a bustling 21 parks and recreation areas, including a dog park, recreation center, ice area, splash pad, nature center, archery range, seven golf courses, and more. Heritage Park, one of the city’s most popular parks, covers over 211 acres and offers many amenities, such as walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, cross-country skiing, and an amphitheater that hosts concerts and events throughout the year.

Farmington’s parks and recreation system is also nice, offering six parks for residents and visitors to enjoy. Its largest park, Shiawasee Park, offers a children’s playscape, tennis courts, baseball fields, and walking trails. Others also offer a variety of activities, such as the annual Duck Race, youth baseball tournaments, ice skating, and recreation programs shared with the City of Farmington Hills.

Arts and Culture

In addition to its rich history, Farmington and Farmington Hills also offer a thriving arts and culture scene.

Farmington’s historic downtown area is filled with charming boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. It is known for its Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market, which runs from May to November and features locally-grown produce, handmade goods, and live music. In the summer, Farmington’s Riley Park also hosts Rhythms in Riley, a free concert series that showcases local talent and draws crowds of nearly 700 people per event. The city is also home to the old-schoolFarmington Civic Theater, which has been a fixture in Metro Detroit since the 1940s.

Farmington Hills is home to the Costick Center, a multi-purpose facility that offers classes and workshops in art, music, dance, fitness, and more, plus a maker space. The city also hosts various community events and performances throughout the year, such as theater productions, concerts, and festivals. Annually, it collaborates with Farmington’s Downtown Development Authority to host Art on the Grand, a festival showcasing the work of ceramic, jewelry, painting, photography, wood, wearable art, glass, leather, and sculpture artists.

In addition, the Zekelman Holocaust Center, the only Holocaust memorial in Michigan, is located in Farmington Hills. It offers exhibits, educational programs, and events that honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

The Economy and Job Opportunities

But it’s not just about the activities and events in Farmington and Farmington Hills. Both cities are known for their strong sense of community and dedication to supporting local businesses.

Downtown Farmington is filled with unique shops, cafes, and restaurants that offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Some places you can’t miss are House of Falafel, Basem*nt Burger Bar, Farmington Brewing Company, and MI.MOSA.

While Farmington Hills does not have a downtown, its shopping and entertainment district is spread out throughout the city, and it is only a short distance away from Novi’sshopping center andDowntown Farmington.

And for young professionals looking to make connections in the business world, both cities have thriving industries in fields such as technology, health care, and automotive. With top employers like Bosch and Beaumont Health System, there are plenty of opportunities for career growth and development.

Find Your Place in Farmington or Farmington Hills

Regardless of your interests and goals, Farmington and Farmington Hills have something to offer everyone. So why not make one of these sister cities your new home? Come and discover all that this charming and dynamic community has in store for you. Welcome to Farmington and Farmington Hills.