Farmington Hills, MI Neighborhoods

Farmington Hills is a large suburban city located in southeastern Michigan, just west of Detroit. With a population of over 80,000 residents, Farmington Hills contains a number of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and appeal. Here is an in-depth guide to the major neighborhoods of Farmington Hills.

Downtown Farmington

Located along Grand River Avenue, Downtown Farmington serves as the historic heart of Farmington Hills. It features a traditional small-town Main Street with a walkable commercial district lined with local shops, restaurants, and businesses. Some highlights include:

• Riley Park: Charming community park with a gazebo, fountain, and paths for strolling. Hosts concerts and events.
• Sundquist Pavilion: Outdoor pavilion for Farmers Market and summer concerts.
• Farmington Civic Theater: Historic 1930s movie theater that still shows films.
• Harrison High School: Historic school building dating back to the 1920s.
• Kramerbooks: Popular local independent bookstore.
• The Cheese Lady: Shop selling a wide variety of artisanal cheeses.

With its quaint, old-fashioned feel, Downtown Farmington offers a pleasant, friendly community vibe in the heart of Farmington Hills.

Warner Farms

Warner Farms is a family-friendly neighborhood located north of Downtown Farmington. It contains many historic homes built in the 1950s and 60s in the mid-century modern architectural style. Other features include:

• Warner Farms Park: Large park with sports fields, playgrounds, and wooded trails.
• Warner Middle School: Highly-rated public middle school serving the neighborhood.
• Botsford Hospital: Major 350-bed regional hospital that has served the community since the 1960s.
• Farmington Hills Golf Club: Public 18-hole golf course open since 1926.

With its quality schools, recreation, and close proximity to downtown amenities, Warner Farms is one of the most desirable neighborhoods for young families in Farmington Hills.

Brookdale

Brookdale is a middle-class residential area located in the northern part of Farmington Hills, centered around the major intersection of 12 Mile and Middlebelt Roads. It contains ranch and colonial style homes primarily built in the 1960s and 70s. Features include:

• Brookdale Park: Active park with athletic fields, playground, and ice rink. Home to a community pool and waterpark.
• Cowley Elementary: Neighborhood public elementary school.
• Amerigas: Landmark gas storage tanks visible from the neighborhood.
• Busy commercial district along 12 Mile Road and Middlebelt Road with restaurants, grocery stores, and shops.

Brookdale offers reasonably priced homes with quick access to major roads and area businesses. It provides a solid middle-class lifestyle.

Longacre

Longacre is an upscale residential area located west of Downtown Farmington. It contains large custom-built homes in styles ranging from colonial to mid-century modern. Notable features include:

• Longacre House: Historic 1830s Greek Revival mansion that is one of the oldest homes in Michigan. Open for tours.
• Farmington Hills Country Club: Exclusive private golf club and banquet hall.
• Longacre Elementary: High-ranking elementary school serving the neighborhood.
• Nature trails throughout the neighborhood, following the branches of the Upper Rouge River.

With luxury homes and proximity to elite amenities like the Country Club, Longacre is one of the most exclusive, high-income areas within Farmington Hills.

Farmington Oaks

Farmington Oaks is a master-planned golf course community located in the southern part of Farmington Hills. Built in the 1990s around two championship golf courses, it contains large custom homes in a variety of luxury styles. Amenities include:

• Arthur Hills and Gary Player golf courses: Two renowned 18-hole public courses.
• Clubhouse: Lavish clubhouse with dining, banquet facilities, and pro shop.
• Farmington Oaks Park: Community park with playground, trails, and open spaces.
• Neighborhood pools: Several small pools scattered throughout the development.

With its emphasis on golf and resort-style amenities, Farmington Oaks caters to upper-class buyers who want a luxury country club lifestyle. Home prices easily exceed $1 million.

Farmington Meadows

Farmington Meadows refers to the residential neighborhoods located along the southern border of Farmington Hills, adjacent to the city of Farmington. It contains affordable 1950s and 60s brick ranches and colonials. Features include:

• Farmington Meadows Park: Sledding hill park with baseball diamonds and playground.
• Farmington Public Schools: Neighborhood schools are part of the well-regarded Farmington district.
• Proximity to downtown Farmington: Quick access to cute shops and eateries just over the border.
• Express bus service: Smart bus route along Farmington Road offers direct transit into Detroit.

With its modest homes and excellent school district, Farmington Meadows offers a reasonably priced family-friendly lifestyle.

Orchards

The Orchards refers to the residential subdivisions located in the hills along the eastern edge of Farmington Hills, adjacent to Orchard Lake. It features large luxury homes on wooded lots. Highlights include:

• Upper Straits Lake: Scenic lake nestled within the neighborhood, with a private members-only beach club.
• St. Mary Mercy Hospital: Major hospital center that has served western Oakland County since the 1950s.
• Nature trails: Paths for hiking and biking throughout the wooded landscape.
• Proximity to Orchard Lake Village: Neighborhood shops and restaurants located just down the hill.

With its natural beauty and high-end homes, the Orchards attract affluent residents looking for privacy and seclusion within commuting distance of Detroit.

Conclusion

Farmington Hills offers a wide variety of residential neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles and budgets. From the quaint charm of Downtown Farmington to the luxury estates of Farmington Oaks, Farmington Hills contains vibrant communities with excellent schools, recreation, and amenities. With its diversity of housing stock and location near major job centers like Detroit and Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills is likely to remain a sought-after suburb for years to come.