Plymouth Real Estate and Community Information

Plymouth, named after the city in Massachusetts based on historical ties, was settled in 1825, incorporated in 1867 and became a city in 1932. It is a small, quiet city with a charming historical district, several parks and a rich history. The population as of July 2009 was 8,429 and growing. Plymouth real estate includes everything from carefully restored historic homes to larger homes with acreage.

Before settlers came to the area, the land was filled with swamps and thick forests. It later became rich farmland as well as the only location in Michigan where railroad tracks came in from all four directions. "Old Village" or "Lowertown" was the area where a corner store stood and where the first Plymouth-born resident, George Starkweather, made a road for other stores to develop, including a brewery and cheese factory, cigar shop, soap shop and grist mill. The "Plymouth Plank Road" allowed wagons in and out on a road made of planks from 1850-1872, but this soon gave way to a railway and the Plymouth Railroad Station. The area was later divided in half and became Plymouth and the adjacent Northville Township.

Shopping and Dining

Shoppers can enjoy the historic Greenfield Village, which includes antique shops, art galleries, specialty shops and restaurants. They can travel the area on foot, via bicycle or go by horse-drawn carriage while they tour historical homes, see old farms and colonial buildings and experience village life. Alternatively, the downtown Plymouth shopping area offers bridal shops, jewelry stores, clothing and shoe retailers, bookstores, home furnishings and more. When shoppers get tired, they can spend some quiet time in Kellogg Park, which offers large shade trees, benches to sit on and an attractive fountain.

Diners will delight in Plymouth's many offerings, including family-owned restaurants like Compari's On The Park with a full-service bar, authentic Italian cuisine and outdoor patio dining, as well as restaurants offering international cuisine, steak, seafood and pizza. There are also several coffee shops and local diners. Because the city covers a small area, most Plymouth Michigan real estate is within walking or biking distance of downtown.

Parks and Recreation

Plymouth is home to a dozen parks offering quiet trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and birdwatching, including Auburn Playground, Kellogg Park and Hough Park. There is also a cultural center for weddings, receptions, business meetings and more, and an ice arena that offers open skating, figure skating classes and hockey leagues.

The city offers something for residents to do during all four seasons, from fishing in the summer on Wilcox Lake to skiing in the winter at one of the nearby resorts. The area also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

Living

Plymouth, Michigan offers quiet neighborhoods and a charming historic district. Plymouth real estate offers homebuyers many choices, from historic farmhouses to fully-furnished condo units. Residents can choose to live in the downtown area or on larger lots that offer a lot of green space.

Plymouth's cost of living is below national average, and more than 40 percent of adult residents have a bachelor's degree or higher. The city is just over 18 miles from Detroit and has a very low crime rate. Many residents are employed in the engineering, education and science fields, while many also work as sales representatives and top executives. The Plymouth District Library serves residents from the city as well as surrounding areas.

Schools, Health, Transportation

Plymouth offers families a great educational resources with its award-winning Plymouth-Canton School District. There are several large private schools including Our Lady of Good Counsel School (grades K-8), Spiritus Sanctus Academy (K-8), St. Peter Lutheran School (pre-K to grade 8) and New Morning School (pre-K, K). Plymouth is also home to the Michigan Theological Seminary and seven other colleges and universities within a short 18-mile drive of most Plymouth Michigan real estate.

There are three hospitals that offer acute care and emergency services and within nine miles, including St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Garden City Hospital and Oakwood Annapolis Hospital. There are also three Amtrak stations within 16 miles of the city, and many residents choose to drive or carpool. Most drive less than 25 minutes to work, and many are able to work from home.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, give us a call at (248) 912-9799 or send us an email to explore your options and to find out when is the best time for you to make a move.