Shelby Township

If you want to learn what it’s like living in the Macomb County suburbs of Shelby Township and Utica, spend some time at Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market. The Vitale family opened the market on Garfield Road in 1983 offering fresh-baked goods, seafood, meats and high-quality produce. But it wasn’t long before the gourmet market became one of the community’s most staunch supporters.

The market is an integral part of this Macomb County community, sponsoring fund-raising events and hosting scores of programs and events for the public. It’s that community bond that has contributed to the steady increase in population over the last decade.

But there are new developments planned – including more modern housing and improvements to the high-achieving schools and parks.

“The Shelby Township/Utica area of Southeast Michigan is just an all-around good place to live,” says Maya Rushing, a Realtor with Keller Williams Paint Creek. “Evidence of that can be seen with all of the new housing developments, whether single-family housing on large lots or new modern homes in a planned development neighborhood.”

Even before the newer development, Rushing says homebuyers already had a wide range of selections of architectural styles, like traditional brick colonials, modern ranch-style and some marrying an updated new traditional style with features inspired by older homes. Opportunities to enter the market at a variety of price points also make this community attractive. A buyer wanting something smaller can get a two-bedroom, one-bathroom manufactured home, with all the community amenities and within walking distance for $30,000. Those wanting a little more house can expect to pay about $1.4 million for a new three-bedroom, four-bath, ranch-style home with a bonus room and buyer’s choice of finishing touches.

“It really just depends on what you need, but mostly it’s here,” Rushing says. The community also includes a number of condominiums that can range anywhere from $75,000 to $300,000. “People tend to love the offerings of attached living options. It’s not for everyone, but there are a lot of people who seek that type of housing.”

While the homes are attractive, parents of school-age children can choose to send their young students to one of the many high-achieving schools in the area. Utica Community Schools operates most of the public schools, including Eisenhower High School, which has consistently been recognized for academic excellence. Additionally, several private schools in the area offer alternative educational opportunities.

One of the most impressive aspects of living in the Shelby Township/Utica area is the abundance of parks and outdoor spaces. There are over 450 acres of parks in the township, with more coming. The new River Bends Park is a massive project set to be completed in 2023 that is expected to become a massive recreational area with trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and pavilions. The River Bends Park is also set to feature a beautiful overlook of the Clinton River, an outdoor-lovers paradise.

But for more indoor action, work is ongoing on a new township community center. The center is planned to be a multi-purpose facility, complete with fitness equipment, a gymnasium, various sports courts, and classrooms. This new center is expected to be a hub for community events and gatherings.

When it comes to restaurants, Shelby Township is home to some of the best eateries in the region. From fine dining establishments to casual cafes and everything in between, there's something for everyone. If you're in the mood for Italian cuisine, be sure to check out Salvatore Scallopini. This restaurant is known for its delicious pasta dishes, seafood, and pizza. For those who prefer Asian cuisine, Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse is the place to go. Here, you can enjoy hibachi-grilled dishes, sushi, and sashimi.

In terms of shopping, there are several supermarkets and department stores located throughout Shelby Township and nearby Utica. Popular stores in the area include Meijer, Target, Kroger, and Walmart. If you're looking for specialty food items, such as organic produce or international fare, be sure to check out Whole Foods Market or Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace.

Photography Contributed By

Eric Lynch

Video By

Syd Silberman