$211,054Average Value$182Average Price per Sq Ft35Homes For Sale
From 160 acres to a Michigan suburb
Fifteen miles west of Detroit, Garden City stands apart as the first location of Kmart and Little Caesars. Founded in 1835 when Andrew Jackson transferred 160 acres to John Lathers, the city was patterned after an English concept of “garden cities,” one-acre plots where families could grow their own fruits and vegetables. While the acre-size plots are primarily gone, community remains important here. Events like the annual holiday lights competition or tree planting program keep the more than 27,000 residents engaged. Garden City Hospital also takes pride in serving the community and is a major employer in the area. Other significant employment sectors include manufacturing and retail. Occupying less than six square miles in Wayne County, the overall cost of living here is 9% below the national average.
Residents of Garden City have easy access to medical centers.
Homes neatly line the streets of Garden City.
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Midcentury houses in the Midwest
Garden City has over 11,000 housing units, including detached single-family houses, apartments and condos. Many were built in the 1950s as GIs returned from WWII, and 81% are owner-occupied. Housing prices are 35% below the national average, with a median price of $190,000 in town. Over 400 homes were sold in the city in 2023, spending around 23 days on the market. Homes in Garden City have appreciated considerably over the past decade, with an annual average rate of 9.5%. From February 2023 to February 2024, prices ranged from $40,000 for a two-bedroom workers' cottage to $427,000 for a four-bedroom Neo-colonial home.
Split-level homes line the streets of Garden City.
Brick Cottage Style Home in Garden City
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Locally owned shops 15 miles from downtown Detroit
The town has numerous shopping centers and malls spread throughout the area, making finding everything from clothing to tools that much more straightforward. But Garden City’s treasures can be found in smaller, locally owned shops. Purchases made at the all-volunteer staffed Garden City Thrift Shop support the Senior Center. It’s not to be confused with the Garden City Lucky Squirrel Flea Market, either. The market is open on limited dates from May to September and sells handcrafted artworks, baked goods, beauty supplies and more from over 150 vendors. In fact, it’s one of the largest outdoor flea markets in the Metro Detroit area. The city also has dozens of dining options, from Middle Eastern cuisine to brunch restaurants.
Villa Bakery serves up fresh Cannoli's daily in Garden City.
Grab a slice of cheesy deep-dish pizza at Rogala's Bar and Grill in Garden City.
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Recreation centers, arenas and green spaces
There are almost 23 acres of community parkland in Garden City, with another 100 acres for neighborhood parks. Garden City Park is home to a fitness court where locals can use the free outdoor equipment to complete a seven-minute high-quality workout. There are also horseshoe pits, athletic fields, walking paths and picnic areas. The Radcliff Center occupies 22 acres and contains the Parks and Recreation offices. Community support programs, like a food pantry, veteran services and tax assistance, are housed here along with family resource and senior centers. The Garden City Ice Arena is open for hockey, ice skating and figure skating from September through May, when the ice is removed. The venue hosts a variety of youth and adult programming throughout the summer, too.
Garden City Park has a wide variety of amenities.
Local skateboarder at Garden City Park Skatepark.
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Painting and planting
Garden City is home to several unique venues and clubs. Established in 2013, the Michigan Art Center is a family-owned venue for creating and displaying multiple forms of visual arts. The center offers classes and workshops on making ceramics, jewelry and different types of paintings. The Garden City Garden Club was created in 1956 and sponsors an annual homeowner’s garden walk each summer. The group helps organizations like the Garden City Downtown Development Authority plant and maintain flower beds and butterfly gardens for the public’s enjoyment. The Garden City Public Library has been an essential part of the community for over 100 years. In 2018, over 76,000 items were checked out, and almost 6,000 people attended various programs.
Residents can attend ceramics classes at the Michigan Art Institute in Garden City.
Downtown Garden City features artistic statues.
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Traveling along Michigan roadways
The variety of ways to get around Garden City contributes to a daily 25-minute commute time one-way. Freeways like Interstates 96 and 275 are found just a few miles outside town, while significant roadways like Marquette Street and Ford, Warren and Cherry Hill Roads run through the city. Michigan Avenue and South Telegraph Road are also nearby. Bus services are provided by the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation, or SMART. It offers fixed routes, connections, ADA and community transit for a small fee. Close by, the Detroit Metropolitan Airport oversees 1,100 flights to and from four continents each day on 17 different airlines. It offers more than 140 non-stop flights and serves almost 37 million passengers annually.
Education options in Metro Detroit
The Garden City School District serves over 3,100 students from prekindergarten through graduation across eight campuses. It operates an early learning center and provides before- and after-school care for students until sixth grade. Livonia Public Schools educates more than 13,000 students, making it Michigan’s ninth-largest school system. It offers STEM pathways for all grades and operates one of only four full-immersion schools nationwide. For higher education options, there are a variety of choices a short drive from Battle Creek. The Henry Ford Community College and the University of Michigan have campuses in nearby Dearborn, while Livonia is home to Schoolcraft College and Madonna University.
Garden City Middle School entrance.
Garden City High School aerial view.
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Environmental factors and crime
Sixteen percent of all properties in Garden City have a minor risk of flooding over the next 30 years, and there’s very little chance of wildfires or tornadoes. The city’s crime rate is also 56% lower than the national average, according to statistics released by the FBI in September of 2023. Both violent and property crimes are below the average, too. That trend continues when comparing Garden City to the rest of Michigan. There’s a one in 670 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in the city, as opposed to a one in 217 chance in the state. According to the same statistics, property crimes occur at a rate of one in 112 people here, compared to a one in 65 chance throughout Michigan. Further, the Garden City Police Department is working with the Project Childsafe program to provide free cable-style gun locks to residents. The nationwide effort is targeted at promoting safe handling and storage practices for firearms to reduce the risk of accidental shootings.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Colette Lane
Video By
Tyler Newbold
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tracey Freeman,
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Garden City, MI sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Garden City, MI over the last 12 months is $210,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
If this home could talk, the memories it would share. First time being offered since 1954, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick bungalow offers a unique combination of quality, style & comfort. Pride of ownership is the first thing you will realize when you walk through the front door. Features include large formal living room, cozy eat-in kitchen and spacious primary suite (finished in knotty pine).
Affordable Opportunity in Garden City!Welcome to this solid and budget-friendly home, perfect for first-time buyers looking to get into the market. While it may not be the flashiest on the block, this property offers great value and potential. Enjoy a spacious detached garage—ideal for car enthusiasts, storage, or even a workshop. Located in desirable Garden City, you'll be close to schools,
BEAUTIFUL BRICK RANCH IN A DESIRABLE NEIGHBORHOOD! THIS CHARMING, MOVE-IN-READY BRICK RANCH OFFERS A PERFECT BLEND OF CLASSIC CHARACTER AND MODERN UPDATES. THE HOME FEATURES A BRAND-NEW KITCHEN COMPLETE WITH STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES AND SLEEK FINISHES. PELLA WINDOWS. ENJOY THE WARMTH OF RECESSED LIGHTING AND THE COMFORT OF AN UPDATED BATHROOM WITH AN UPDATED PLUMBING ALL ADDING TO THE HOME’S
This charming ranch is full of potential and has been fully remodeled with thoughtful updates throughout! The cozy family room flows into a spacious kitchen with plenty of counter space and storage. Beautiful floors run through all the bedrooms, and the full bath offers convenient dual entry access from the primary bedroom. Sitting on a generous lot, the backyard provides lots of room to relax,
The apartment homes at River Bend Apartments feature an array of modern amenities and many extras for your convenience. Choose from a variety of living spaces designed to meet your every need. River Bend Apartments is centrally located along scenic Edward Hines Park, shopping centers, golf facilities, recreation areas, and great entertainment. Call today to make River Bend Apartments your new
Well cared for three bedroom brick ranch with basement and 2.5 car garage. Includes stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer. Two year lease available. Applicants must provide written check stubs and proof of income, rental history (if currently renting), and have a minimum credit score of at least 625. Applications without all required information will not be considered.
This property is managed by Beztak, 2024 recipient of the US Best Managed Companies for the fifth year in a row, sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. Call and let us tell you why! Welcome to The Pointe at Cherry Hill. We have spacious one and two bedroom apartments with a private patio or balcony. Our community offers a clubhouse, fitness center, pool with sundeck and an
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