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Farmington Real Estate Farmington homes for sale MI Farmington Hills real estate Farmington Hills Homes for sale MI Governor Warner's historic home
Farmington Michigan
A little bit about
If you thinking or moving to Oakland County or relocating to Michigan and looking for a town with a central downtown, Victorian houses, or brick homes then Farmington may be a town you want to look into. Farmington was ranked among Best Places to Live in U.S.A by Money magazine. It was Number two of three Michigan cities in the top 100 MONEY Magazine's Best Places to Live 2007 ranked Farmington no. 55 out of 2,876 U. S. communities with populations ranging from 7,500 - 50,000. According to the article, the editors, "focused on smaller places that offered the best combinations of economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a real sense of community."Out of 2,876 cities with populations ranging from 7,500 - 50,000. MONEY Magazine described Farmington as: "Farmington is a town with a strong commitment to family and community, as evidenced in the large number of initiatives and events focused on bringing the town together. The downtown has recently added the Sundquist Farmington Pavilion and Riley Park, opened in 2005. Those sites host weekly farmer's markets and free concerts on Friday evenings. The town's commitment to the local Civic Theatre has made the theater a popular family destination. Commuters to Detroit or Ann Arbor find Farmington an easy commute." http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/moneymag/0707/gallery.BPTL_top_100.moneymag/55.html Farmington is the crossroads community at the heart of south Oakland County - one of the wealthiest counties in the U.S. In Farmington you'll find a hometown quality of life, easy access to freeways, and beautiful homes. Farmington's residents still look you in the eye and say: "Hello. & You're welcome here!" With over 160 businesses in Farmington's downtown district, they have what you want. The City of Farmington´s combines a historic, small-town feel along with the up scale variety of shops, stores, restaurants, bars, and professional services.
MONEY magazine based rankings on:
Affordable housing based on median home price.
Plentiful leisure activities based on number of: sports, concert and family/arts events within 15 miles (source: Ticketmaster), movie theaters within 15 miles, restaurants within 15 miles (source: InfoUSA).
Plentiful cultural options based on number of: museums in 30 miles (source: American Association of Museums), arts theaters in the city (source: InfoUSA), orchestras within 30 miles (source: Symphony.org), and family arts events within 15 miles (source: Ticketmaster).
Job growth is based on 2000-2006 % growth. Source: Census data, with Onboard projections for 2006 and data normalization for 2000.
Low crime rate is based on violent crime incidences, including robbery and assault, percentages. Source: FBI 2005 incidence reports. Geographic aggregation and estimate (where needed), by OnBoard.
Sunny weather based on number of clear days in the area per year.
Short commute time based on median commute in minutes.
Good health-care access based on number of teaching hospitals in the area. Within a 10 mile radius of Farmington you will find:
152,631 households
33% of which have children living at home
383,840 people
Farmington has a population of 10,423 people within the city limits, a median family income of $75,578 and a median housing value of $173,900. It is 3.7 square miles. There is no better place to live in the Metro Detroit area than Farmington according to city residents. Each summer Farmington's Founder Festival has a parade, a craft show, historical tours, artwork, the Farmington/Farmington Hills Chamber of Commerce raffle and special movies at the Civic Theater over a period of 4 days. The downtown square still displays the well-preserved town hall, one of the early architectural masterpieces of the area.
The area code is 248 and the zip code is 48336.
Fire Department The total fire loss in Farmington in 2006 was estimated at $307,500. This what the fired department did in 2006
577 medical/injured person runs
20 miscellaneous fires
19 odor/smoke investigations
18 fire alarms
15 wires down
11 hazardous material runs
6 structure fires
3 vehicle fires
History Farmington was the site of three Indian trails, the Orchard Lake Trail, the Grand River Trail and the Shiawassee Trail; each generally followed the now-used roads of the same name.
Farmington is located in southern Oakland County, just east of the intersections of I-96 and I-275. This town was first settled in 1824 by Arthur Power and David Smith, Quakers from Farmington New York. First referred to as "Quakertown," this community grew as a result of a sawmill Powers built and a strong religious commitment which included the formation of a church in 1826 by Elkanah Comstock, the first Baptist minister to settle in Michigan.
An interesting bit of Farmington's history which is believed to be part reality, part speculation, is the story of Farmington's part in the Underground Railroad.
The peace-loving Quakers were supporters, of course, of the Abolitionist ideals of freedom for all, so it is natural to assume that they would give what aid they could to runaway slaves traveling to Canada. It is believed that the Farmington routes were used only when the direct passage to Detroit was blocked by the watchfulness of slave hunters.
Although there is no actual evidence to support the claims, several buildings in Farmington are said to have been stations along this route. The first was the old Quaker Meeting House, where Arthur Power lived after 1836. Located on Gill Road, it is now a Convalescent Home.
Other purported stations on the Underground Railroad include: the Philbrick Tavern at Eleven Mile Road and Power, now a private residence; the basement of the First Baptist Church; a home owned by a Judd Webster, which stood where the Thayer-Rock Funeral Home is now located; and the Shaupter Place on Grand River, which is now Executive Office Supply.
Tragically, a major fire destroyed a number of buildings on Grand River in October, 1872. Flames destroyed several shops, the Masonic Hall, township hall and township records. The township built a new town hall at Grand River and Farmington Road in 1876; the Masons leased space in the upper level and still maintain the building today. It incorporated as a village in 1867 and later as a city in 1926.
One of Farmington, Michigan's most easily recognized landmarks, the Governor Warner Museum, resides within an impressive Victorian Italianate mansion built in 1867 by P. Dean Warner.
Warner and his wife Sarah Botsford Warner, adopted two children. Their son, Fred, eventually became owner of the home and, in 1905, governor of Michigan. He was the first Michigan governor to serve three successive terms.
Furnished in late Victorian style, the mansion sits on approximately three acres surrounded by gardens. Visitors will find history on display in the form of period furnishings and artifacts, as well as Warner family memorabilia. The home was deeded to the City of Farmington in 1980 by Warner family members and is open to the public.
Housing Styles There are many Victorian homes (some are historic) clustered around Downtown Farmington. As you get farther away from downtown you see more ranches, bungalows, and colonials. The exteriors of the home are brick, vinyl & brick, and vinyl.
Hospitals Botsford Hospital is with a five minutes drive. St. Mary's Hospital and Providence Hospital is within 20 minutes of the downtown.
Location Downtown Farmington is located at Grand River and Farmington Rds north of 8 mile and close to the M-5 connector. The city is bordered by Livonia to the East and surrounded on the North, East and West by Farmington Hills.
Parks and Recreation Walter E. Sundquist Farmington Pavilion and Riley Park is located near downtown.
Police All of the officers are trained and fully certified as both Police Officers and Firefighters. Additionally, all officers are trained Medical First Responders. The Farmington Public Safety Department is comprised of:
Director of Public Safety
23 full time officers
5 full time dispatchers
7 cross trained public safety reserves
3 fire reserves
1 records supervisor
1 administrative assistant
1 part time records clerk
Crime in Farmington by Year
Type
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Murders
0
0
0
0
2
0
per 100,000
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
19.7
0.0
Rapes
0
1
1
1
1
2
per 100,000
0.0
9.5
9.7
9.8
9.8
20.0
Robberies
4
4
2
4
3
4
per 100,000
38.2
38.0
19.4
39.2
29.5
40.0
Assaults
5
7
17
17
10
16
per 100,000
47.7
66.4
165.1
166.7
98.5
159.8
Burglaries
29
31
36
33
43
45
per 100,000
276.8
294.1
349.6
323.5
423.5
449.6
Thefts
191
188
184
185
164
194
per 100,000
1822.9
1783.7
1786.9
1813.5
1615.1
1938.1
Auto thefts
12
16
19
16
16
12
per 100,000
114.5
151.8
184.5
156.8
157.6
119.9
Arson
0
0
0
0
0
1
per 100,000
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
10.0
Schools There are four elementary and 1 high school in Farmington. The school district is Farmington Schools.
Shopping
Most of the shopping is right downtown Farmington and along Grand River Avenue and Farmington Road. National retailers in Downtown Farmington include Office Depot, ACE Hardware, Dress Barn, Starbucks, Subway, Quizno´s Merle Norman, and TJ Maxx. Local restaurants include Cowley´s Irish Pub, Luigi´s Tratoria, Page´s Restaurant, Gala Restaurant, Dagwood´s Deli, Slice of Italy, Cedars Restaurant, and Big Apple Bagel.
Farmington and Farmington Hills are bandied about as if they are one and the same. They are two separate communities with two different governments.
Farmington Hills, Michigan
A little bit about
Farmington Hills was incorporated in 1973 and has over 82,000 residents and has 33.3 square miles. The community was named for Farmington, NY. Farmington Hills Michigan has all the advantages of a major metropolitan area. Within 30 to 40 minute drive there are major league sporting events, International Auto Show, Woodward Dream Cruise, acclaimed symphony orchestra, opera house, theatres, museums, jazz festivals, The Henry Ford historic museum and village, a zoo and much more. The Holocaust Memorial Center is located at 28123 Orchard Lake Road
FH is the largest city in Oakland County (the most prosperous county in Michigan, and the third wealthiest county in per-capital income in America). It was the safest city in Michigan and 11th safest in the nation in 2003. The median household income is $67,493 and has diverse international population: residents speak more than 80 languages.
Farmington Hills has a friendly neighborhood atmosphere with more than 80 clubs and professional organizations. More than 200 residents volunteer on 50 different city boards and commissions. Farmington Hills has over 40 churches, synagogues and places of worship.
Farmington Hills has 5,000 businesses, 17 industrial and business parks with a total of 836 acres, 10 Fortune 500 companies, more than 70 international firms, and more than 600 acres of premium commercial real estate.
The area code is 248 and the zip code is 48334 and 48331.
Fire Department The Farmington Hills Fire Departments provides fire and emergency medical services (EMS) as well as fire prevention and safety education, and Fire Code enforcement. Services are provided through a combination of career and paid-on-call (part-time) fire fighters who operate out of five fire stations strategically located throughout the community
History
The first white settlers in Farmington Township were Quakers. Farmington Hills trace their native ancestors to the Pottawatomie Indians, who inhabited the land of Lower Michigan and northwestern Ohio and Indiana, and northern Illinois. In 1820, this land was taken over by the U.S. government and was sold to settlers for $1.25 per acre.
Before it was formed as a city two incorporated places, Quakertown and Wood Creek Farms, existed in what is now Farmington Hills. Clarenceville, Michigan was a former town that is now absorbed by Farmington Hills
Housing Styles Farmington Hills housing options to suit every lifestyle and price range. Homes range from $75,000 to $600,000. There are small vinyl bungalows all the way up to large brick colonials. The average housing cost is $195,000. There are a 100 active homeowners associations.
Hospitals Within a 10-15 minute drive there are three hospitals. Botsford, Providence and St. Mary's Hospital
Location Farmington Hills is bordered to the north By West Bloomfield, to the Eat by Franklin and Southfield, to the South By Farmington and Livonia, and to the west by Novi. It is only a 30 minute drive to downtown Detroit and metro Detroit's east side. 30 -40 Minutes to Ann Arbor and to Detroit Metro Airport. I-275, I-696, M-5, Grand River, and 8 mile Rd make getting to anywhere in the Detroit area fairly simple.
Parks and Recreation 70,000 square foot community activities center featuring a swimming pool, multi-purpose gymnasium, art gallery, senior center and various meeting rooms. 4 golf courses including the new Farmington Hills Golf Club and Driving Range. 628 acres of public parks with 10 miles of cross-country ski trails, hiking trails and a nature center. 46 baseball fields and 33 soccer fields. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools and tennis courts. Ice arena with two ice rinks. Wide array of recreational programs, cultural arts programs, classes and festivals to delight all ages
Woodland Hills, a nature park, features a primitive-walking trail winding through the 74-acre park. The focus of this park is to allow the quiet observation of birds and animals in a variety of habitats. Meadows, hardwood forest, a pond, a river and creek are all part of the natural wonders of this park, which is located on Farmington Road just south of I-696.
Police Farmington Hills Police department has 120 sworn officers, 63 civilians, and 21 volunteers consistently deliver community policing services with pride, compassion, and professionalism. A Kansas-based research and publication company, announced its "2004 Safest City" awards which rank 369 cities nationwide. Their report cited Farmington Hills as the fifth safest city in Michigan, as the 12th safest city in the nation in the population category of 75,000 - 99,999 and as the 31st safest city in America overall.
Schools Farmington Public Schools named one of the Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America for 2004. Public schools graduation rate is 98%. 96% of graduating high school seniors go on to college. Emphasis on career preparation, including mentoring collaborations with local businesses. Students age 11-15 enjoy a unique After School Youth Centers program that serves as a national model of innovation ? free for Farmington Hills residents. There are 2 high schools, 4 middle schools, 12 elementary schools.
Shopping Farmington Hills has shopping, dining scattered throughout the city. Though one of the major shopping areas is along Orchard Lake Rd. Twelve Oaks Mall is a 5 -10 minute ride from the city and and Laurel Park Place is about the same drive. There is a wide variety of stores, big box stores located in the city.
Here are some of the famous people that have come from Farmington Hills
Elizabeth Berkley, known for her roles on Saved by the Bell (Jessie) and Showgirls.
Pam Dawber, known for her role as Mindy on Mork and Mindy.
Kirsten Haglund, winner of Miss Michigan (2007) and Miss America (2008)
Al Jean, known for his work on the Simpsons
Jaime Ray New, known for her work on Related and Stargate Atlantis.
Drew Stanton, NFL Quarterback for the Detroit Lions, and previous MSU player.
Here are all sorts of links to help you decide on where to live when searching Michigan homes for sale. Whether you choose to live in Wayne County, Oakland County, Livingston County, or Washtenaw county they are all close to Metro Detroit and it's suburbs by freeway. I hope to give you enough information to make a good choice about Farmington Real estate, Farmington Hills real estate, and Oakland County homes.
Some of the other cities when looking for Oakland County homes for sale are Southfield, Novi, South Lyon, Milford, Commerce Township, Northfield Township, West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Franklin. Other cities nearby include Livonia, Canton, Northville, Plymouth, Redford but they would be in your search of Wayne County homes for sale
When you are looking to buy a home or wondering what your house is worth contact Russ Ravary. The Real estate agent that is going to work hard for you to make your move easier.
Russ Ravary is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Michigan and a Realtor.
Photos, Comp and Listing Information Courtesy of Realcomp II Ltd, Properties shown have been listed and sold by various MLS member REALTOR® agents.
I do not guarantee or warrantee any of the above information. Please feel free to verify any of the facts. I recommend to always have a home inspection, always consult an attorney about contracts, Purchase agreements and any legal questions. Also consult a CPA or accountant about tax consequence regarding a Michigan home sale, or Michigan foreclosure.
