New arrivals moving to Farmington Hills can look forward to the epitome of suburban life in a city that is consistently ranked among the safest in the USA. Roughly 22 miles (35km) northwest of downtown Detroit, this family-friendly city has a population of around 84,000, and its residents enjoy the abundant options for outdoor recreation.
Farmington Hills should not be confused with the neighbouring city of Farmington, which is much smaller. Farmington Hills has a remarkably diverse population, many of whom have moved here for lucrative salaries and highly rated schools.
Cost of living in Farmington Hills
The cost of living in Farmington Hills is higher than the US average, but not by a wide margin. Accommodation has become more expensive, but newcomers on a tighter budget can still rent a spacious apartment at a reasonable rate.
Groceries cost about the national average, but salaries in Farmington Hills are high, so most residents find the overall cost of living manageable. This is a car-dependent city, so new arrivals should factor the cost of buying and running a vehicle into their monthly budgets.
Healthcare costs in Michigan tend to be lower than in many US states, although what you pay out of pocket will come down to your insurance coverage.
Getting around in Farmington Hills
Most residents getting around in Farmington Hills rely on a car, and new arrivals will likely need to buy one for an efficient commute. The regional transport authority, SMART, runs six fixed bus routes across Farmington Hills that connect residents to employment and educational opportunities.
The Farmington Hills government has partnered with SMART to introduce a ride-hailing service in the city. SMART Flex fares are affordable, and the service is convenient. Rides are available seven days a week from 6am to 11pm, and newcomers can request one through the SMART Flex app.
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Healthcare in Farmington Hills
Healthcare in Farmington Hills is served by excellent hospital facilities, both within the city and close by. Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital and Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital are the two main options for emergency and urgent care.
Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital is a 330-bed teaching hospital. Its services include a sleep clinic, a heart health centre, cardiac rehabilitation, and other rehabilitation care. The hospital is also a Level II trauma centre, so patients have access to a high level of care.
Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital is just outside Farmington Hills, but it is still one of the largest hospitals in the region. It employs specialists across many fields and runs a certified stroke centre. Health insurance is essential for accessing care in the area.
Understanding Health Insurance in the USA
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Schools in Farmington Hills
Several of the schools in Farmington Hills are considered among the best in Michigan. Farmington Public Schools is the district that runs public schools in both Farmington Hills and Farmington, and it has a strong academic reputation and a markedly diverse student body.
Farmington Public Schools runs an International Baccalaureate high school and a STEAM academy, and it provides special educational services for students with additional needs. Many private schools in Farmington Hills are religiously affiliated, usually Catholic or Jewish, although you can also find schools that follow alternative teaching approaches.
Parents can also choose from several private Montessori schools that take children from preschool age. Those looking for a foreign curriculum are better off searching in Detroit, where international schools teach overseas systems such as the German and French ones.
International Schools in Detroit
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Weather in Farmington Hills
The weather in Farmington Hills is typical of a humid continental climate, and residents experience four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, and around 39 inches (99cm) of snow falls in a typical year. Average winter highs are around 33 to 36°F (1 to 2°C), and lows are often well below freezing.
Wet weather is common throughout the year in Farmington Hills, although spring and summer tend to be the wettest. Summers are hot, and average highs are around 83°F (28°C). July is the hottest month.
Working in Farmington Hills
The job market in Farmington Hills is healthy, and several multinational companies have local offices here, including Bosch, Panasonic, Nissan’s North American technical centre, and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Among the biggest employment sectors are manufacturing, professional services, healthcare, and retail.
Thanks to the excellent road network, new arrivals find it easy to live in Farmington Hills and commute to Detroit for work. Highly qualified and experienced newcomers will find plenty of management roles, and administrative and sales vacancies are common too.
Accommodation in Farmington Hills
Accommodation in Farmington Hills is plentiful, and newcomers can choose from more than 20 neighbourhoods. The city is known for its safe streets and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Many of the city’s homes are single-family houses on large lots. Condos and townhouses are also available, and there are apartments for those who prefer communal living. The city’s road network is well connected, so residents are never far from a major route, wherever they choose to live.
Wood Creek and Copper Creek are pleasant neighbourhoods with a strong sense of community and charming homes on tree-lined streets. Families value the access to well-regarded schools, including North Farmington High School. Wood Creek is right next to Heritage Park and Woodland Hills Nature Park, and Copper Creek has its own golf course and clubhouse.
Professionals looking for recreation on their doorstep may consider Farmington Ridge, which has its own tennis courts and community pool. Nearby Orchard Lake Plaza has dining and shopping options for residents.
Renting Accommodation in the USA
Lifestyle in Farmington Hills
The lifestyle in Farmington Hills is relaxed, and the city is a haven for nature lovers and anyone after a slower pace of life. For more variety, nearby Detroit has plenty on offer, from nightlife and shopping to sports and live music.
Farmington Hills has more than 600 acres of public parks, and Heritage Park is the most popular. The park has 4.5 miles (7km) of hiking trails, which become cross-country skiing trails in winter. It is a great spot for families, and its facilities include a splash pad, a youth playground, an inline hockey rink, and a nature discovery centre.
Golfers moving to Farmington Hills are in for a treat. The Farmington Hills Golf Club and Copper Creek Golf Course are good places for a leisurely round, and the Farmington Hills Golf Club has its own clubhouse and pro shop.
Art lovers have plenty of options too. Several galleries host exhibitions throughout the year, including the Plein Air Artist Gallery at Heritage Park. Young theatre fans can develop their skills at the Farmington Hills Youth Theatre.