Located nine miles south of Detroit, Dearborn features beautiful tree-lined streets and highly acclaimed cultural opportunities. The city fosters a welcoming environment and relaxed lifestyle that people of all ages can enjoy. As the hometown of automotive genius Henry Ford, Dearborn residents celebrate local accomplishments and invite visitors to taste a piece of American history. More than 97,000 people live here and enjoy a unique atmosphere with small-town comforts and big-city conveniences. Look for Dearborn apartments for rent, and find a unique community in southeastern Michigan.
Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac led European settlers into southeastern Michigan in 1701, establishing a colony called New France. Farmers did not begin cultivating crops in the area for another 80 years when maple and oak trees were cut down to create farmland. The main thoroughfare in Dearborn was laid out on the Saux-Fox Trail, and became an important trade route to Chicago. When the Erie Canal was completed in 1825, Dearborn experienced a population boom with new settlers from Europe and the northeastern states. Young families flocked to the area to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Ford Motor Company, which built an extensive world headquarters in town.
Today, East and West Dearborn still have distinctive feelings and diverse populations. The community has come together to promote a city-wide renaissance for local ventures. Residents enjoy the best Midwestern attractions in the surrounding area and enjoy living near the beautiful amenities of the Great Lakes Region. City officials are passionate about delivering exceptional public service and working hard to maintain the trust of local residents.
Dearborn is home to a satellite campus of the University of Michigan and a campus community that is passionate about making a difference in southeastern Michigan. Students work to bring university knowledge and resources to the public that can help revitalize the economy, environment and culture in the region. UMD's metropolitan campus gives students experiential opportunities that bring their studies to a whole new, hands-on level. The University of Michigan at Dearborn is joined by Henry Ford Community College, Sanford-Brown College, Everest College and others in bringing an enriching college experience to local students.
For those seeking work, Dearborn is home to some of the region's most lucrative business opportunities. Manufacturing is the largest industry in town accounting for 20 percent of local jobs. Ford Motor Company has a facility here, and, with more than 30,000 employees, is the city's largest company. Visteon, Severstal North America, the Dearborn Stamping Plant and United Technologies Automotive also have operations here and provide thousands of manufacturing jobs to local residents. Education, healthcare and social assistance are large contributors to the local economy with top employers in town including the Oakwood Health System, Dearborn Board of Education, American Automobile Association and the University of Michigan Child Development Center.
With a prime location near the re-awoken city of Detroit, residents in Dearborn pay high rent prices. United States Census Bureau statistics show that the average Dearborn apartment costs $935 a month, which is $200 more than the Michigan state average. Despite the high cost of rent, everyday living expenses are very affordable in Dearborn. The city received a cost of living index of 90.8, which is below the United States average of 100.
Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum are two of the best attractions in Dearborn. Working in conjunction with one another, they allow visitors to take a step back in history and get a taste of life in the early 1900s. Greenfield Village is a 1900s town fit with historic buildings and a working 1914 model T automobile. At the museum, auto enthusiasts enjoy the history of automation with collections from Henry Ford's estate. Visitors to Dearborn can also tour the Rouge Factory, Arab American National Museum and Automotive Hall of Fame as well.
The Arab International Festival is a local favorite event that celebrates the Arab community's rich heritage. Middle Eastern food and flavors are showcased in the three-day event, as well as the work of many artists, dance performances and the Arab-idol contest.
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