University of Michigan University of Michigan Giving 2017 MLK Symposium With the theme “Sounds of Change,” the 2017 MLK Symposium features dozens of events that will explore how sound can mark moments of change. Events include a keynote lecture/conversation with Amy Goodman and Issa Rae and a talk on movement building by BLM activist Shaun King. Learn more about the events Celebrating 200 Years of Excellence At Michigan, we’ve been educating future leaders since 1817. Together we can accomplish great things beyond what any one person can do. Alfred Eisenstaedt/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images Why 1817 Matters With the arrival of 2017, the University is celebrating the 200th year since its founding in Detroit. But for many decades, 1837 was considered U-M’s birth year – in Ann Arbor. Understanding the U-M bicentennial ’TIS THE SEASON Winter break is in full swing at U-M—and so are the arts! Check out a new exhibition, catch a performance or drop in for a guided tour at one of the many museums on campus that are open this holiday season. Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning A.

Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2069 USA 734-764-1300 main The 50 Safest Cities in Michigan | SafeWise The authority on safety and home security news. The 50 Safest Cities in Michigan CLICK HERE to see the most recent 50 Safest Cities in Michigan- 2015 Report! Where you decide to live and raise a family, start a career, or retire is an important decision. In addition to assessing job opportunities, community activities, and quality of education, the most important piece of the puzzle is the safety of the city. We’ve spent a great deal of time examining FBI crime statistics from 2012, including violent crimes as well as property crimes, and compiled this detailed list of the 50 safest cities in Michigan with populations of at least 10,000 residents. While we’re calling it the ‘safest cities,’ we’ve included all municipalities with more than 10,000 population.

If you’re thinking about relocating to Michigan, be sure to explore our Home Security and Crime Prevention Center to find out more about safety in the Great Lakes State. —————————————————————————————————— If your city made list, share the news by embedding the ‘MI Safest Cities’ badge on your site. Click here to get the code, then just copy and paste. 1. New Baltimore When it comes to finding a city that offers the best of everything, it’s hard to look past New Baltimore . Just minutes from Detroit and Canada, this idyllic hamlet on the shores of Lake St. Clair is all about location. Its proximity to Lake St. Clair makes it a great spot for summers at the beach and ice fishing in the winter. It’s also the safest city in Michigan, with no homicides, robberies, or incidents of arson reported to law enforcement in 2012. For those of you with school-aged children, the town’s elementary schools and middle school are completely focused on childhood development with a focus on mathematics, sciences, and humanities. 2. Hamburg Township Conveniently located near Lansing, Detroit, Flint, and Ann Arbor, Hamburg ranks as the second safest city in Michigan.

A large part of the credit for no reported homicides and robberies in 2012 is due to the Hamburg Township Police Department. It is one of the few townships in Michigan that provides its own police force, which translates to a strong relationship with residents and the community they’ve chosen to foster. Hamburg gives residents and visitors the feel of a vacation town, primarily due to the presence of the Brighton State Recreation Area, as well as Bishop Lake. Enjoy camping, swimming, boating, and hiking in one of the most beautiful setting this side of the Upper Peninsula. Courtesy: Dwight Burdette, CC BY SA 3. Riverview This small town is situated just 20 minutes southwest of Detroit along the shores of the Detroit River. It’s both a great city to raise a family in as well as for working. There are many excellent companies located within city limits, including Ash Stevens, Inc., Riverview Energy System, and the Riverview Land Preserve Waste Facility. Riverview is a family-oriented community of nearly 13,000 residents boasts no reported homicides, rapes, or cases of arson in 2012. Its focus on education is evident in its five public schools and one private school.

With two high schools, a middle school and three elementary schools, school-aged kids are well represented in the third safest city in Michigan. Courtesy: City of Riverview 4. Grosse Ile Township With just a single violent crime reported in 2012, it’s easy to see why Grosse Ile Township is one of the safest cities in Michigan. Located on several Detroit River islands, ‘Big Island,’ from the French grosse ile, has a population of just over 10,000 happy residents. Boating is a regular and traditional means of transportation throughout the Township, with the Trenton Channel offering a variety of useful services and recreation for residents and visitors alike. Ranked one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live by “Money, Grosse Ile strives to balance modern life with historic preservation, and suburban living with environmental conservation. The Grosse Ile Township Schools has consistently been rated as one of the top school districts in Michigan, and includes the Grosse Ile High School, a top rated 9-12 college preparatory. It has been ranked by “ NewsWeek as one of America’s best high schools for the past three years. 5.

Berkley Just minutes north of Detroit, the largest city in the Michigan’s top five safest cities boasts just nine violent crimes in 2012, including no murder or manslaughter. Realtor Coldwell Banker ranked Berkley as the 12th best place to live. For car enthusiasts and fans of outdoor parties in general, Berkley plays an important role in the Woodward Dream Cruise, the world’s largest one-day auto event drawing more than 1.5 million spectators and as many as 40,000 classic cars cruising Woodward Avenue. The annual August event includes food vendors, concerts, street dances, and merchants galore. The focus on education in Berkley is impressive, and includes the Norup, a K-8 school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), each playing its part in the larger International Baccalaureate program. Courtesy: City of Berkley 6. Milford For anyone seeking a beautiful city with access to great locations for outdoor activities, Milford should be high on your list of options.

Situated near Troy, Ann Arbor, and Detroit on the banks of the Huron River, residents of Milford are proud of its low crime rates, including no reported murder or manslaughters in 2012. For outdoor enthusiasts, this village offers everything from skating rinks in the winter to beautiful beaches on Kent Lake in the summertime. It’s also home to an extensive trail system, perfect for walkers and joggers, bikers and skaters, and even people on horseback. Courtesy: Dwight Burdette, CC BY SA 7. South Lyon Just north of Ann Arbor is the town of South Lyon . This small, stable community is perfect for families, as 35 percent of households in South Lyon have children under the age of 18, representing nearly one-quarter of the overall population. The low crime rates, including no homicides and just for violent crimes reported in 2012, paired with a median annual family income of just under $70,000, makes this inland hamlet an excellent choice for anyone seeking a safe, quite environment in to live, thrive, and raise a family.

Its annual Pumpkinfest is the largest annual event in the city, and brings the community together in early October games, rides, food, live entertainment, and plenty of children and family-oriented activities. Courtesy: Dwight Burdette, CC BY SA 8. Clawson North of Detroit and just west of the I-75 is the ‘sweetest’ city in Michigan. At just over two square miles, Clawson is a town where every amenity and public service is within walking distance. It’s also a community of friends and neighbors, evidenced by its very low crime rates. 2012 saw no murders and very few property crimes. For anyone with a sweet tooth—or perhaps an enterprising dentist looking for a place to hang his shingle—Clawson is your kind of town. Home to Doc Sweets is Michigan’s largest retail candy store, offering everything from Abba Zaba to Zotz. With more than 5,000 different candies and confections on display, it’s the place to find the familiar as well as some candies you never knew existed. Courtesy: City of Clawson 9.

Rochester If the big city has got you down, or if you’re under the impression there are no more local merchants left in the world, a trip to Rochester will have you singing a different tune. Yes, Main Street America is alive and well in this Detroit suburb, and with just nine violent crimes reported in all of 2012, it’s easy to see why this town is all about neighbors and community. The downtown area boasts more than 350 shops and merchants offering all manner of products and services, 85% of which are locally owned . This is the reason its annual Fire and Ice Festival, held in late January, is such a smashing success each year. Residents and visitors can join in the sledding (including dog sledding), tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and marshmallow roasting that goes on in town. Best of all, there’s no charge to participate in any of the events! 10. Bath Township Rounding out Michigan’s top 10 safest cities is Bath Charter Township , situated directly north of East Lansing.

This small township offers families with school-aged children access to a great public education experience through the schools operated by the Bath Community Schools district, including access to online education. It is also home to one of Michigan’s unique outdoor activities, the annual Bath Days Festival, home of the family-friendly International Bath Tub Races. Only in Bath will you find people racing their bathtubs down Main Street in a bid to be crowned king of the tubs! The festival, held in August each year, draws tens of thousands of spectators who enjoy a range of activities including a classic car show, arts and crafts, local food and drink specialties, a parade, and a spectacular fireworks show to conclude the festival. Courtesy: Bath Township 11. Beverly Hills This town with a familiar name would strongly argue the only Beverly Hills that matters is the one located just northwest of Detroit. Their super low crime rates suggest the convincing won’t be too difficult. With just four violent crimes reported in 2012, including no murders or rapes, it’s easy to see the appeal of this place. Married couples with families will blend right in, as more than 60 percent of residents fit this profile.

For families with high-school aged kids, the Birmingham Groves High School will meet the challenging demands in preparation for college. Its consistently high ACT, SAT, and AP scores keeps this school ranked among the very best in Michigan. Courtesy: City of Beverly Hills 12. West Bloomfield Township The West Bloomfield Township is the 2nd largest municipality in Michigan’s top 20 safest cities, and the safest of any city in the Wolverine State with a population of at least 60,000. In 2012, “ Money ranked this Detroit suburb 37 on its top 100 list of small cities. The township boasts a large number of small and medium lakes within its borders, including Oakland County’s largest, Cass Lake. It is an ideal location for year round outdoor activities, including camping, hunting, and fishing. The West Bloomfield School District is rated one of the best districts in Michigan due in large part to its focus on Advance Placement (AP) curriculum. “ Newsweek ranked the West Bloomfield High School in the top six percent of all public high schools. 13.

Bloomfield Township Just minutes north of downtown Detroit is Bloomfield Township, home to approximately 41,000 residents. For anyone seeking an affluent community in Michigan, Bloomfield might just be the place for you. In 2010, it was ranked the most expensive city in Michigan, and 10th most expensive suburb in America. Its extremely low crime rates, particularly violent crimes, make this township attractive for anyone looking to raise a family or retire in a safe city. 2014 marks the Bloomfield Township Public Library’s 50th year of service to the community. ‘A Night at the Library’ celebration will be held on October 18, culminating a year of smaller activities acknowledging the milestone. Join in the fun feature live music, great food, and an exciting drawing as you watch 50 years of history unfold before your eyes. 14. Midland Midlands low crime rates, median household income, and high school graduation rate each led to Forbes ranking it the 4th Best Small City to raise a family.

Located just 30 minutes from Saginaw, and equally close to the Bay City State Recreation Area at Saginaw Bay, Midland offers the best of many worlds to residents and visitors alike. The Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art offers hands-on science exhibits and features two state-of-the-art auditoriums with seating for up to 1,500 patrons. The Midland Civic Arena, new in 2005, offers ice skaters two NHL-size rinks as well as an Olympic size rink for year round leagues, training, and casual family skating. 15. Green Oak Township This sizeable inland township offers residents low crime rates, including no murders or arson reported in 2012 and property crime rates lower than other towns of comparable size. Green Oak Township offers residents access to some of the best outdoor locations in Michigan. Situated along the Huron River and within the Township’s borders are the Huron Meadows Metropark and the Island Lake State Recreation Area. In fact, 20 percent of the Township is comprised of public parklands.

This quiet community offers the outdoor enthusiast easy access to the many lakes and stream located within the Township, each offering a wide range of winter and summer activities. There’s plenty of good fishing and hiking, as well as boating and canoeing throughout Green Oak. Courtesy: Dwight Burdette, CC BY SA 16. Lincoln Township This is one of Michigan’s westernmost townships this side of the Upper Peninsula, resting on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan. It’s proximity to the Great Lake makes Lincoln Charter a favorite destination among locals, which has created a vibrant nightlife in the area. Its very low crime rates, both personal and property, are testaments to the sense of community and pride shared by residents. Its population grew by six percent from 2000 to 2010, which shows stability and the value of calling Lincoln Charter Township home. Married couples with families make up more than 62 percent of the community, making this a great place to raise a family. A wide range of public and private schools provide access to a well-rounded educational experience for students representing a wide range of academic interests. 17.

Trenton Located along the east bank of the Detroit River as it headwaters into Lake Erie, this suburb of Detroit enjoys steady employment from companies like Chrysler, Solutia, and the Trenton Channel Power Plant. Trenton is also home to the Wyandot Nation of Anderdon, one of four Wyandot communities in North American. The Wyandot, direct descendants of the Iroquois and often referred to as Huron, are indigenous to North America. The community headquartered in Trenton is 1,200 strong. Residents of Trenton love their outdoor festivals, and have made the Roar of the River boat race, the Trenton Summer Festival, and the Scarecrow Festival three of the most popular events in the area. Join the tens of thousands of visitors who descend on Trenton for any of these great outdoor festivals. Courtesy: City of Trenton 18. White Lake Township Considered part of the Detroit Metropolitan Area, the White Lake Township is situated in close proximity to several metropolitan areas, including Ann Arbor, East Lansing, and Saginaw.

White Lake grew by nearly 10 percent between 2000 and 2010, and proudly boasts low crime rates, like no murders or manslaughters reported in 2012. The low crime rates can be attributed, in part, to the White Lake Citizens League, a non-profit organization established in 1961. Representing more than 600 property owners in the area, the League’s purpose is to ‘enhance the beauty and quality of life’ throughout White Lake. Courtesy: Dwight Burdette, CC BY SA 19. Shelby Township Located approximately 15 miles north of Detroit, the population of Shelby Charter grew by more than 10 percent between 2000 and 2010. And yet the crime rate for a city of more than 73,000 residents remains surprisingly low; no murders or manslaughters were reported in 2012. School-aged children attend schools primarily in the Utica Community Schools District, with a considerably smaller percentage zoned into the Romeo Community Schools District. Both offer safe and reliable academic environments, due in large part to 95 percent parent participation in their children’s education. 20.

Farmington With no reported murders, manslaughters, robberies, or arsons in 2012, this suburb of Detroit certainly earned its spot on our list. Due to more than $3 million spent renovating the city, CNNMoney ranked Farmington 27th on its Best Places to Live in 2013 list. Farmington is also home to one of Michigan’s highest rated school districts, Farmington Public Schools. The district is not only one of the largest employers in the area, with more than 2,000 employees, it also serves more than 11,000 students. Downtown Farmington has been the focus of renovation while preserving more than 180 years of history. Residents and visitors will easily find great shopping, satisfying dining, and other social and cultural activities, including ice skating at the Riley Park Ice Rink and first-run movies in one of America’s most enduring old-fashioned movie houses, the Farmington Civic Theater. Courtesy: SuperDude115, CC BY SA 21. St. Joseph Township St. Joseph boasts one of the lowest violent crime rates in Michigan.

With no murders or manslaughters and just three reported robberies in 2012, it’s easy to see why this western Michigan Township is among the state’s safest cities. The population of the Township has held steady over the past decade, and is a great place to raise a family as evidenced by married couples with families comprising more than 62 percent of the residency. The St. Joseph High School offers a superior liberal arts education to its grades 9-12 students, with a focus on college preparatory though Honors and AP curriculums. It is one of Michigan’s ‘Reward Schools’ by being rated in the top five percent of all Michigan schools. 22. Grosse Pointe Woods Grosse Pointe Woods is located approximately 10 miles northeast of downtown Detroit. This affluent suburban area had just five reported violent crimes in 2012. The Grosse Pointe Public School System is the district serving the educational needs of K-12 students, including those with special needs. The Barnes Early Childhood Development Center provides pre-K services to up and coming students. Grosse Pointe fosters a tight knit community and encourages the residents of the city to be active participants in local government.

Grosse Pointe Woods has a Citizens’ Recreation Commission, a Beautification Commission, a Senior Citizens’ Commission, and many other commissions that work to keep the city a safe and a great place to live. Courtesy: City of Grosse Pointe Woods 23. Farmington Hills Part of the upscale northern Detroit suburbs, Farmington Hills stakes claim to impressively low crime rates for a city of more than 80,000 residents. Farmington Hills has plenty to offer residents and visitors, including the only Holocaust memorial in the state of Michigan, the Holocaust Memorial Center. The Center partners with the Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service, which makes it possible for Austrian men to work abroad as interns as fulfillment of their conscription to military service. There are several large employers located within the city’s borders, including the Botsford Hospital, Bosch, Nissan Technical Center of North America, and TD Auto Financial. Courtesy: Dwight Burdette, CC BY SA 24. Huron Charter Township The beautiful Huron Charter Township, just southwest of Detroit, is situated along the Huron River. Its tranquil setting and three riverside Metroparks make this a great place to raise a family.

Its low crime rates attract both families and business, helping make it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Its three Metroparts are Lower Huron, Willow, and Oakwoods and together create miles of hiking and biking paths. Additional activities include kayaking, golfing, and fishing. The Huron School District operates a high school, a middle school and two elementary schools within the area. Its commitment to education has resulted in its school being chosen to participate in the ‘Schools of Choice’ program, which allows parents in Wayne County to enroll their children in any participating schools. Courtesy: Dwight Burdette, CC BY SA 25. Birmingham This suburb of Detroit really has something to talk about when it comes to low crime rates. In fact, the amount of violent crimes reported in 2012 is lower than many other cities with smaller populations. This is one of the primary reasons Birmingham calls itself a Walkable Community. Its renowned downtown area attracts shoppers from all around the Metro Detroit area, and is home to many outdoor events throughout the summer. These include art shows, live music events, and even the Birmingham Auto Cruise, a popular car show dedicated to the area’s automotive heritage.

Residents and visitors flock to the ‘In the Park Concerts’ event, held at Shain Park every Wednesday evening throughout the summer months. The free concerts are great for families and deliver a wide range of musical genres and acts from June through August. 26. Ionia Situated in central Michigan between Lansing and Grand Rapids is Ionia , which boasts very low personal and property crime rates, a reflection of the sense of community held by area residents. It is the county seat of Ionia County, and is home to what it calls the world’s largest free-admission fair. Every July is the Ionia Free Fair, offering something awesome for everyone, including outdoor motorsports, a large midway with more than 50 rides, and all the food and drink you’d expect to find at a huge outdoor festival. More than 10,000 residents enjoy year round benefits of abundant natural resources and the charm of a beautifully restored historic downtown. Smallown values & friendliness make Ionia a great place to live. Courtesy: Andrew Jameson, CC BY SA 2.0 27.

Royal Oak For a city of nearly 60,000 residents, its low crime rates, including no murders or manslaughters reported in 2012, is very impressive. Its vibrant downtown area is testament to its hospitality and sense of community. Motorcycle enthusiasts will love Royal Oak during the summer, when Harley Davidson owners line the Main Street on Wednesdays, and sport bike owners repeat the show on Thursdays. Royal Oak is home to the Detroit Zoo, one of America’s top rated zoos and part of the Detroit Zoological Society. Open every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, the zoo is home to many great habitats and attractions, including the Giraffe Encounter, Science on a Sphere, and the 4D Theater. Courtesy: Stanthejeep , CC BY 2.5 28. Bridgeport Township Just south of Saginaw on I-75 is Bridgeport Charter, an outdoorsman’s dream come true. Situated on the banks of the Cass River, the 2012 reported crime rates in the rural location included no murders and just two robberies, making it one of the safest cities in central Michigan.

For families with school-aged children, the Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District operates three schools in the Township, including an elementary school, a combined elementary-middle school (grades 2-8), and a high school. The quiet community is a rural setting with most business owned and operated by locals. Many residents commute to larger nearby cities like Saginaw for employment. 29. Thomas Township Just 10 miles due west of Saginaw is Thomas Township, a community comprised primarily of married couples with families. In fact, more than 32 percent of the Township’s residents are children under 18. With only 14 violent crimes reported in 2012, none of which were murders, families can really settle down in Thomas Township. This township knows how to have fun and they demonstrate it with lots and lots of outdoor activities that engage and involve the community. Summertime is filled with ‘fun runs,’ softball tournaments, and the always-popular Trash and Treasures city-wide garage and rummage sale, which includes residential and business participants. Courtesy: Thomas Township 30.

Novi Equidistance between Detroit and Ann Arbor is Novi, a city of nearly 50,000 residents who enjoy one of the most diverse locales in Michigan. More than 1,000 acres of parkland is available to residents and visitors offering a full range of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, and fishing. One of the most used attractions in Novi is the Novi Ice Arena, a multi-use location with two NHL-size ice rinks, seating for 750 fans, as well as locker rooms, equipment rental, and a pro shop. For anyone looking for a great place to raise a family, Novi should be highly considered. It’s large enough to offer residents all the amenities and services one would expect from a city this size, but a small enough feel that a sense of community shines through. Its low crime rates are the icing on the cake, as the town reported no murders or homicides in 2012. Dwight Burdette, CC BY SA 31. Woodhaven Southwest of Detroit is the small suburb of Woodhaven . This relatively new city, formed in 1961, has long been known as the home of the Ford stamping plant.

The metal fabrication plant employees more than 1,200 people responsible for creating door panels, hoods, roofs, quarter panels, and many other auto body parts. The low crime rates, including no reported murders in 2012, make this town a great place to work and live. In fact, the community supports the efforts of the Goodfellows Organization and their annual commitment to ensuring no child in Woodhaven goes without a proper Christmas. It is also home to the Uncle Sam Jam festival, an outdoor weekend music festival held each year in July at the Civic Center Park. The festival comes complete with a carnival, circus acts, monster truck rides, petting zoo, plenty of live bands, and all the great food and drink associated with these types of outdoor festivals. Courtesy: City of Woodhaven 32. Davison Township Less than an hour’s drive from Flint, Saginaw, Detroit, and Lansing, and officially a suburb of Flint, is the small community of Davison Township . No arsons or murders, and just four robberies reported in 2012 mark the reasons this eastern township is one of the safest municipalities in Michigan.

Residents enjoy the Abernathy Regional Park, a 138-acre park filled with non-motorized trails, connecting it to the larger Regional Trails and Greenways of Genesee County. Bicyclists, runners, and those who just prefer a casual stroll will discover miles of tranquility on miles of trails that remain free from the damage and noise pollution of motorized vehicles. 33. Waterford Township One of the larger townships on our list with more than 72,000 residents, the Waterford Township reported no murders or manslaughters in 2012. It is home to the sixth business ‘without passenger service’ airports in America, primarily handling private and charter flights. The airport is host to more than 550 private and corporate aircraft resulting in nearly 130,000 takeoffs and landings each year, involving more than 500,000 passengers. The annual Taste of Waterford, an event sponsored by the Waterford Coalition for Youth, includes more than 30 local restaurants providing a wide range of culinary delights. Proceeds go to support the nonprofit’s mission to reduce substance abuse and other high-risk behaviors in the city’s youth.

Courtesy: Waterford Township 34. Marquette This major shipping port, located on the south bank of Lake Superior, is the largest city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In 2012, it was rated one of the top 10 places to retire in the United States by CBS Money Watch. Marquette grew by nearly nine percent, according to its last two census figures, with a median age of more than five years younger than the national average of 35. Families with children will find that 12 percent of the residency is comprised of children under 18, making this a great place to raise a family. One of the most popular Michigan summer festivals, the Hiawatha Music Festival, is held in Marquette each year. Since 1979, festival-goers have enjoyed live bands playing bluegrass, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues, and gospel music played by national, regional, and local musical acts. Courtesy: Bobak , CC BY SA 35. Troy In recent years, Troy has enjoyed having the spotlight focused on its many positive attributes, including being a safe city, a shopping and business center in the Greater Detroit Area, and its overall livability.

This affluent city of more than 80,000 residents had crime rates in 2012 similar to cities a fraction of its size. The past handful of years has seen Troy rated as one of CNN Money’s ‘Best Places to Live’ report , which considered such things as housing costs, quality of education, economic strength, and recreational opportunities. It reported nearly no change in population from 2000 to 2010, which translates directly to stability. For parents with school-aged children, Troy is the place for you. The Troy School District has six national blue ribbons and serves no less than 13 State Exemplary Schools. Its graduation rate exceeds 99 percent with more than 95 percent of those students further their education in colleges and universities. Courtesy: Cadiomals , CC BY SA 36. Sterling Heights Sterling , the fourth largest city in Michigan, with more than 130,000 residents and the largest city on our list, has added more than 6,000 residents, another testament to its safe surroundings, as people with options do not move to unsafe cities. This Detroit suburb is home to an awesome summer event known as Sterlingfest.

Held each year at Dodge Park, this outdoor event offers up live bands, food and drink vendors galore, artisans offering a wide range of wares, and plenty of midway rides and other carnival attractions. Like the Shelby Charter Township, Sterling Heights K-12 students are served by the Utica Community Schools district. Parental involvement in the lives of their school-aged children is directly attributed to the success of the students, teachers, schools, and district. Courtesy: Andrew Jameson, CC BY SA 37. St. Clair Shores Situated northeast of Detroit on the west bank of Lake St. Clair is the sizeable city of St. Clair Shores. This town has a rich history that includes direct connections to Detroit’s vibrant music scene, championship high school hockey dating back decades, and the longest running pageant as a member of the Miss America Organization. Visitors and residents come to St. Clair Shores to spend time along its ‘Nautical Mile,’ a one-mile stretch along Jefferson Avenue brimming with retail shops, marinas, restaurants, and other local attractions. Because of its location, St.

Clair Shores has often been referred to both as the Gateway to the Great Lake as well as the Boating Capital of Michigan. Its low crime rates, with no reported murders or manslaughters in 2012, make settling down in this waterfront city an easy choice. Courtesy: City of St. Clair Shores 38. Saginaw Township The Saginaw Charter Township is the perfect blend of big city conveniences, services, and amenities while also dishing up a healthy serving of small town America. Its low crime rates are impressive for a city of 40,000 residents, and include just a single homicide in 2012. Saginaw Charter Township is a great place to raise a family and there are plenty of extracurricular activities available to the youth of the area. Saginaw Township’s reputation for safety and youth sports helped them land a Regional Soccer Tournament that brought 5,000 soccer players to the community and more than 20,000 visitors. This summer, the same 60 acre regional Township Park will host a tournament bringing children, teens and young men from across Michigan and Canada to play lacrosse.

Courtesy: Saginaw Township 39. Grand Blanc Township Located midway between Detroit and Saginaw is Grand Blanc Township . The area saw explosive growth during the first decade of the new century, and continues to add residents, in part due to the presence of two major employers, Chrysler and the Genesys Regional Medical Center. The low crime rates, including no reported homicides or manslaughters in 2012, also adds to the appeal of the area. For fun and games, visitors and residents venture to Rust Park for its many trails and other features, including annual canoe and rubber duck races along Thread Creek. Courtesy: Grand Blanc Township 40. Chesterfield Township Located along the northwest shore of Anchor Bay is the Chesterfield Charter Township, a mere 30 miles northeast of Detroit on I-94. Its low crime rates, including no reported homicides in 2012 and property crime rates lower than cities with thousands less in population, make this a great area to call home. The Township has seen a steady influx of new residents, growing nearly 20 percent between the 2000 and 2010 census findings.

The Township provides residents police and fire services, parks and recreation, water, and a senior center, separating it from many townships that choose to contract these services out to county or other cities entities. School-aged students in the Township are served by two separate school districts, the L’Anse Creuse Public Schools and the Anchor Bay School District. The L’Anse Creuse High School is a National Blue Ribbon School for its extremely high graduation rates, its focus on college preparation, and the number of students who further their education in colleges and universities around the country. Courtesy: Chesterfield Township Parks & Recreation Department 41. East Lansing East Lansing offers a unique environment to residents or anyone looking for a new place to call home. In addition to being home to one of America’s most popular and prominent universities, Michigan State, it is also just east of the state capitol of Lansing, offering plenty of government-related opportunities for those so inclined. Michigan State University is the largest university in Michigan and the 8th largest in the United States. As a result, it is a major employer in the area offering the widest range possible of full-time, part-time, and seasonal employment.

It’s a college town with the luxury of low crime rates, including no reported homicides in 2012. Image: CC BY 2.5 42. Livonia Located west of Detroit, this large suburb is a family-friendly location with nearly 40 percent of its population comprised of children and young adults 24 and younger. It’s home to the Livonia Hockey Association, the largest amateur hockey association in Michigan. The developmental league teaches both boys and girls, up to age 16, the rules of hockey and expected on and off ice conduct. It is one of the most competitive amateur youth leagues in America. Livonia is also home to one of the largest outdoor festivals in America, the Livonia Spree. The celebration, in honor of the founding of the city, lasts a full week and is held at Ford Field. It includes a midway and other carnival attractions, live bands throughout, food, drink and other snacks galore, and concludes with a fireworks show that typically draws more than 100,000 attendees. Courtesy: Dave Parker, CC BY SA 43. Mundy Township Mundy Township community offers a great mixture of urban and rural living, which attracts families of all shapes and sizes.

The majority of residencies in the Township are owner occupied with just 10 percent renter occupied. This sense of ownership and community plays a direct role in the low crimes rates reported in 2012, including no homicides. Mundy’s proximity to Bishop International Airport, once part of the Township but annexed by the City of Flint, provides stability for the local economy, both directly and indirectly though the many airlines, shipping companies, hotels, and other businesses directly affected by the airport’s economy. Courtesy: Mundy Township 44. Garden City Garden City is west of Dearborn and considered part of the Metropolitan Detroit Area. The town rightly boasts a bit of fun trivia, including being the home of the nation’s first Kmart and first Little Caesars, both of which are still in operation. They are also home to the first McDonalds restaurant offering a dine-in experience. The low crime rates include just a single reported homicide in 2012. It is home to the Santaland parade, hosted in the downtown area for the past 53 years. Established in 1961, it draws thousands of spectators and participants from around the state each year, uniting the community and ringing in the holiday season.

Courtesy: Dwight Burdette, CC BY SA 45. Meridian Township Perhaps no township in Michigan has history as interesting as the Meridian Township, which derives its name from the Michigan meridian. This is the principal north-south line used as a reference in the U.S. geological survey of the state. The meridian is the Township’s eastern border, and is the line all townships were surveyed and measured. Nearly 40,000 Michiganders call the Township home, a population that has held steady in recent years. The low crime rates reported in 2012, which included no homicides or manslaughters, is certainly a sign of the strong sense of community this town has. Lovers of the great outdoors will love it here and likely enjoy its many trails cutting through the Meridian Riverfront Park. Remember to bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis to fully enjoy this area of the Harris Nature Center. Dj1997, CC BY SA 46. Dearborn Heights This Detroit suburb has reasonably low crime rates and easy access to nearby Detroit, Dearborn, and Livonia.

Dearborn Heights is rich with services including excellent schools, top-rated healthcare facilities, and neighborhoods filled with community-minded people who know each other. Four school districts serve the large number of school-aged children in the city, which comprise more than 32 percent of the residency. Its many schools offer a wide range of educational opportunities, including magnet high schools and specialty schools focused on math, science, and technology. Courtesy: Dwight Burdette, CC BY SA 47. Big Rapids This small, rural town is the perfect blend of recreation, culture and community. With just over 10,000 residents, its miniscule crime rates, including no homicides or robberies reported in 2012, are a testament to a community looking out for itself. Big Rapids is home to the annual Tuba Bach Chamber Music Festival. Founded in 1996, by resident Dr. Edward Mallet, the festival has one goal in mind: give the community the experience of attending world-class chamber music performances. Residents can attend shows for free and are treated to some of the best talent in the world. Courtesy: City of Big Rapids 48.

Ann Arbor The city of Ann Arbor is not only one of the most popular and well-known cities in Michigan, primarily because it is the home of the University of Michigan. The university plays a major role in the economic stability of Ann Arbor, employing more than 30,000 full and part time employees. For a city of more than 115,000 residents, its crime rates are impressively low, including just one homicide reported in 2012. There’s every amenity available in Ann Arbor , including a vibrant nightlife, cultural events provided by its many theaters, operas, and art galleries, and access to some of the best college sports teams in America courtesy of the University of Michigan Wolverines. The Ann Arbor Film Festival is one of the premier film festivals in the country, screening more than 2,500 submissions from more than 40 countries. It has the distinction of being one of the handful of festivals serving as an Academy Award qualifier. Courtesy: AndrewHorne , CC BY SA 49. Clinton Township With no homicides or manslaughters reported in 2012, it’s easy to see why so many residents and business call Clinton Township home.

The Township has a wide economic diversity, including some of the most affluent neighborhoods in the state. The Filipo Marc Winery set up shop in the Township in 1999, and is a full service on-premise winery. All of their wines are created at the winery, which offers visitors the chance to taste the vino before purchasing. The Italian American Cultural Society is located in the Township, providing a wide range of services, including a banquet and conference center, educational services, and entertaining outings, like the annual Ladies Night Out. 50. Kalamazoo Township Rounding out the list of the 50 safest cities in Michigan is Kalamazoo Charter Township in southwestern Michigan. Much of the land comprising the original Township has been annexed in recent years by the cities of Parchment and Kalamazoo, leaving four distinct neighborhoods that wrap around three sides of the city of Kalamazoo. Each neighborhood in the Township offers impressive housing, great shopping at local merchants, and plenty of locations ready to be commercially developed. The well-established neighborhoods play an important role in the Township’s low crime rates, which includes just a single reported homicide in 2012. Are you safe in your home?

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Question: What city is home to the University of Michigan?
Answer: Ann Arbor