New Haven offers rural-style living just outside of Detroit
If you’re looking for a quiet, countryside lifestyle without being too far from the amenities of a major metropolitan area, New Haven could be your next home. “It’s relatively close to the major freeways and close to a lot of modern amenities, but it still has that country feel to it,” says Melissa Sica, a salesperson with Select Real Estate Professionals – James Ray & Associates, who has a listing in the area. “It sounds kind of cliché, but it has that downhome country feel.” New Haven is about 35 miles north of Detroit along the Interstate 94 corridor. With a mix of housing styles and proximity to suburban shopping and dining, this small country village is experiencing plenty of growth.
Classic, established properties next to new subdivisions
Subdivisions have been built throughout the village, featuring new traditional and Colonial Revival homes. Most houses have siding on the exterior and spacious built-in garages to the side. Turret windows are common in the newer houses. The homes in the subdivisions are relatively close together, giving the neighborhood a suburban feel. Sidewalks offer walkability for residents, while young trees dot the landscape and add a touch of natural beauty. More established homes in New Haven include brick Colonial Revival houses, manufactured homes and even log cabins. These homes were here before the subdivisions and usually have more land, sometimes more than 10 acres. A three-bedroom home in New Haven will likely cost between $250,000 and $300,000, although houses with more land will cost upwards of $400,000. A four-bedroom house can cost anywhere between $300,000 and $450,000.
Public schools offer dual enrollment and supplemental academic support
Students in New Haven will likely attend New Haven Elementary School, Endeavour Middle School and New Haven High School. Each school receives a B-minus rating from Niche. New Haven High is home to approximately 350 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. The school offers several programs to help students succeed, including a daily academic center class period where students can do homework and receive help and guidance from teachers. Students can enroll in college-level courses through a partnership with Macomb Community College and earn dual enrollment credit that counts towards both high school and college.
Parks with a wide range of recreation options and waterfront day trips
The village has a few public parks for residents to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. Community Park on Haven Ridge Road has room for several activities. Bring your basketball or soccer ball for a pick-up game with friends, or grab a volleyball for a match on the sand court. The park also has a playground, picnic facilities and horseshoe pits. The field behind the New Haven Community Schools administration building has five baseball and softball fields, walking paths and a field that can be used for soccer and football. Sica also points out that the lakeside city of New Baltimore is just five miles away and has several parks where you can spend a day by the water, cast a line or launch a boat for a trip on Lake St. Clair.
Big-box stores and local restaurants are minutes from home
While many residents seek out New Haven for its laid-back, slow pace of living, living here puts you close enough to modern amenities you can regularly take advantage of. “You’re not far from shopping and dining. New Haven is at 26 Mile Road. Anywhere between 21 Mile Road and 24 Mile Road, you have malls, outdoor shopping and all the big chain restaurants. It’s really not that far,” says Sica. Driving 4.5 miles south on Gratiot Avenue, you’ll find several shopping and dining options in Chesterfield. You can visit chain and local restaurants serving Coney Island hot dogs, pizza and subs, and classic American bar food. Amore’s Grill and Spirits is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Locals enjoy the friendly service and comfort food like chicken pot pie soup.
You can also choose from several grocery stores along Gratiot Avenue, including Meijer and Gordon Food Service Store. There are big box stores like Target, Lowe’s, Kohl’s and Hobby Lobby. Head to MJR Chesterfield Cinema 16 to catch the latest blockbusters and take advantage of free refills on popcorn and soda.
Navigating the area via Interstate 94
A car will be necessary anytime you want to travel throughout Metro Detroit, as the village has no public transit. Interstate 94 is just 2 miles southeast of New Haven, giving you an easy start to any commute throughout the metro area.
Photography Contributed By
Owen Kaufman
