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Published: Sep 16, 2019
Fireworks display over Rochester Hills, Michigan
Courtesy of Rochester Hills

About 40 minutes north of Detroit is the family-oriented town of Rochester Hills. Residents enjoy a healthy median household income of $92,706 and there is a strong local school system. Students score well above average in math and reading, and the area's high school graduation rate is 96.4%.

Almost all of the downtown shops and restaurants are independently run or family owned. The natural beauty of the area shines through, thanks to the various waterways, parks, and trails available to residents. Community is important in this city, which has its own community garden that people can cultivate and share homegrown fruits and vegetables. There is also an abundance of community events like the Festival of the Hills, which offers a broad range of family-friendly activities like a petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games, and the second biggest fireworks show in Michigan.

Every Saturday from May to October the residents of Rochester Hills can stroll through the local farmers' market, or enjoy a farm-to-table dinner with neighbors that includes a three-course meal, drinks, and live entertainment. All that, plus a 40-minute drive east will take you to Lake St. Clair, a gorgeous and boat-friendly lake. — Chloe Wilt