Central Township has undergone rapid expansion since the 1970's. Featuring a more diverse mix of subdivisions, shopping options, transportation routes and more, “It’s like a giant resort,” says Ronnie Ahmad, an associate broker with Keller Williams who has sold homes in the township for nearly 20 years. “It has a lot of attractions and it’s continuing to grow. Pretty much anything you ask for, you can get to within 5 miles of Canton.” Ahmad describes the area as “not too busy and not too quiet.” Quiet cul-de-sacs with well-kept, modest homes provide refuge from the noise of busy roads. For residents closer to I-275, some highway noise can seep through, but most residents don’t have the same concerns. Shopping, dining and recreation on Ford Most shopping and dining is done along Ford Road. Grocery store options range from chains like BJ’s, Kroger and Meijer, to locally owned staples like Fresh Thyme Market, a popular grocery store with locally sourced produce, meat and wellness products. Stores like Target offer everyday essentials.As for dining options, “It’s basically got everything you need. I mean everything from Mexican to Arabic,” says Ahmad. Mavericks is a popular, casual spot that serves beers on tap and a broad range of menu options, from burgers to Ahi Tuna bowls. BD’s Mongolian Grill is a casual spot where diners can create their own stir fry bowls, and Black Rock is a date-night favorite where visitors sear their own steaks on a 755-degree rock. Summer events for everyone Annual events keep residents engaged and entertained. The Canton Cup Memorial Day Tournament is one of the township’s largest events and attracts hundreds of teams from across the country. It’s marketed as a “family-friendly” event with multiple divisions across to get all ages and skill levels involved. While it’s headquartered at Independence Park, spectators and competitors gather at 5 venues across the township to kick off Memorial Day. Other popular events include Sumer Palooza. The free event, hosted at Heritage Park, allows families, friends and neighbors to hang out and let the good times roll. Live music, face painting, games and more offer something for residents of all ages. Thursday Night LIVE is a weekly concert series from June to August featuring food trucks, beer and wine tents, live music and more. The free event is also hosted at Heritage Park and allows visitors to kick back, enjoy some good food, drink a cold beer and listen to live music on the amphitheater lawn. Public parks and Pheasant Run GolfHeritage Park is a green retreat at the center of the township. It’s a quiet getaway from the bustle of main roads, providing a space to walk dogs, take daily runs and connect with nature. During summer months, the splash pad and playscape flood with kids. The amphitheater houses summer concerts and can even be booked for private events. Heritage Park also houses Summit On the Park. The community center is open year-round and offers a full gym, indoor swimming pool, basketball court and more. Pheasant Run Golf Club is a public, 28-hole course just south of Heritage Park that suits players of all skill levels. On the west side of Denton Road, Independence Park offers 25 soccer fields and is the primary location of the famous Canton Cup Soccer Tournament. Freedom Park is a bit less busy than the other two and is often visited after school. It offers a playscape, disc-golf course and more. Canton-Plymouth School District One of the main draws to the township is the school district. Plymouth-Canton Community Schools has an A rating on Niche and offers 14 elementary, five middle and three high schools. The top options for kids in central Canton include Hoben Elementary and Liberty Middle, which both have A-minus ratings on Niche. Plymouth-Canton Educational Park is a college-like campus consisting of Salem, Canton and Plymouth high schools. Placement is based on a lottery selection, but Canton High School is a common pull for Canton students. The high school is known for its academics and championship-contending sports teams and has an A rating on Niche. A diverse housing stock Homes in Canton’s central region tend to be smaller than other neighborhoods. While homes in places like Sunflower Village are about 2,800 square feet, those in central Canton are closer to 2,000. Instead of sprawling estates on five acres, like those in Superior Township, houses tend to be cozier and sit closer together. Housing styles range from manufactured homes south of Lower River Rouge to newly constructed colonial revivals near Ford Road. Modest, two-story colonial revivals are the most common finds, but there’s also a mix of ranches, townhouses and condos. Single-family home prices start as low as $65,000 for a manufactured home and climb to $960,000 for a larger new construction near Ford Road. Most homes fall somewhere in the middle at about $350,000. HOAs are the norm and dues hover around $250. Car dependent area This central area is especially popular among residents who commute to big cities for work. With Interstate 275 boarding it to the east, residents can commute 30 miles east to Detroit in less than an hour. Similarly, a 20-mile drive down Geddes Road can get them to Ann Arbor in less than 45 minutes. Between Plymouth Road and Ford Road, traffic on 275 southbound is usually congested during standard commute hours due to construction. Owning a car is a must in the area, as there are no public transit options. Learn more on the Canton city guide.