Every parent wants to raise a healthy child, and some communities make it easier than others.
The ease of access to health care, outdoor spaces and recreation facilities are factors for many families when it comes to choosing where to plant roots. Luckily, Niche, a website offering rankings and statistics on towns, schools and colleges, also publishes a ranking of the healthiest places to live. See the rankings below to find out how towns in metro Detroit stack up.
These statistics were calculated based on factors like obesity rates, alcohol consumption, access to healthcare and more. Data for these categories come from the CDC and the U.S. Census. You can find the full methodology here.
Here are the top 10 healthiest places to live in metro Detroit on the list.
1. Ann Arbor
- Average home value: $416,500
- Population: 122,216
Ann Arbor consistently earns a place in best places to live rankings nationwide. The home of the University of Michigan is renowned for its historic charm, access to facilities and caring community.
2. Warren
- Average home value: $169,300
- Population: 138,588
Warren snags the top spot in Macomb County when it comes to healthy living. Closeby hospitals make getting a check up simple and its many parks mean families can spend more time outdoors.
3. Detroit
- Average home value: $66,700
- Population: 636,787
Detroit’s highly rated riverwalk and its special island park, Belle Isle, make it a great city for enjoying a day outside.
4. Birmingham
- Average home value: $679,700
- Population: 21,738
Birmingham’s bustling downtown, excellent schools and well maintained parks are some of the reasons so many families choose to live there.
5. Bingham Farms
- Average home value: $523,900
- Population: 1,623
This small suburb located between Beverly Hills and Franklin is home to many health care offices, from pediatricians to dentists.
6. Pleasant Ridge
- Average home value: $393,900
- Population: 2,609
Located just north of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge is known as a safe, tight knit community with excellent parks and facilities.
7. Beverly Hills
- Average home value: $459,500
- Population: 10,550
Along with being a healthy place to live, Beverly Hills boasts high ranking schools and highly rated parks. The city earned an “A+” in the “public schools” and “good for families” categories from Niche.
8. Franklin
- Average home value: $710,700
- Population: 2,653
The quaint city of Franklin provides a glimpse into small town life where neighbors look out for one another and residents feel safe.
9. Southfield Township
- Average home value: $483,200
- Population: 14,826
This civil township consists of three villages: Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and Franklin. The township is served by the Birmingham City School District.
10. Royal Oak
- Average home value: $289,800
- Population: 58,053
Residents and visitors alike love Royal Oak for its major festivals like Arts, Beat and Eats and the Woodward Dream Cruise. Its charming downtown area is filled with thriving restaurants, cafes, salons, boutiques and more.
Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.
