The arts are alive in Brighton, with sculptures watching over various town entrances. Bob, the baffled and beheaded sculpture of a bald man smiling while taking a look at the sky overhead rests on East Main Street, greeting residents and passersby daily.
Brighton is a charming suburb in Southwestern Michigan, 40 miles from Detroit. The kind of town that has a little something for everyone, Brighton boasts a serene set of downtown blocks, arts and entertainment, and al fresco activity when the weather is fine. Local businesses flourish while chain stores supply demand for items not produced close by.
Moving to Brighton
This captivating small town is teeming with rental deals. If you're seeking a three-bedroom home for rent in Brighton, you'll find it. On the prowl for an antiquated apartment complex? Secured. There are many options up for grabs and it won't take long before the lease is signed and your money is tied up in first month's rent, security deposit and that brand new tapestry you plan to hang in the hallway.
Rental prices here range depending on what area of town you wind up. Budget friendly options can be found without hassle, even though property in the city can prove to be on the high end.
Landlords and management companies here seek responsible tenants. So, equip yourself with a copy of your ID, proof of income, some references and a co-signer if your credit score is lacking girth. Some rental companies charge a fee to run a credit and background check but it's typically minimal. Once accepted, borrow a truck and move your belongings carefully into place. You wouldn't want to be responsible for that tear in the carpet.
The walk score here is 62, which makes walking to take care of errands somewhat simple. However, it's still beneficial to have a vehicle or carpool around town.
Neighborhoods in Brighton
With three large main areas to choose from in Brighton, you'll never be at a shortage of great areas to search for rental homes.
City Center: Hip and easily traversed on foot, Brighton's city center is an area where you'll find smaller properties up for grabs, hi-rise buildings and single-family homes sporting one or two bedrooms. Moderate vacancies make securing the property of your dreams a reality.
Most of the small boutiques, independent shops and nightlife reside here. You can peruse Oh My Lolli for delectable hard candy treats, old-fashioned household d̩cor at Our Place To Yours, or take home some wine and dairy stuffs for the housewarming shindig from Main Street Cheese Market.
Dining establishments of note include Ciao Amici's for Italian cuisine and La Marsa for stupendous Mediterranean fare and great lunch specials. Two Brothers Coffee is the local go-to for java. Take freshly ground beans home for consumption or simply sit and enjoy the surroundings, they even boast a full bar, for those that like to spike their morning cup.
Relaxation comes in the form of muscle manipulation at LaVida Massage. For those that are too ticklish for a body rub, a morning spent at Brighton Lake's east end should do the trick as well.
Green Oak: This suburban portion of town is a bit more serene and sophisticated. Homes here are larger than those in city center, suitable for those three-bedroom homes for rent. While driving is a more viable option for getting around, you'll be able to walk through nature rather than to the local bar. Townhomes and apartment buildings can be found but they aren't as plentiful here as in other sections of town.
For the sizes of property in the area, rental rates are very friendly on any budget. This is the part of town to scour if you're in the market for something large but reasonably attractive.
This area is known for its proximity to outdoor attractions. The Island Lake State Recreation Area as well as Mallard, Trout, Briggs, Fonda, and Island Lakes are here. There's no shortage of activity, from hiking and fishing to sunbathing and swimming, this nature-heavy community isn't lacking in the green space department.
Dining options include Bar None Steak and Fish, which serves not only what the namesake would suggest but also burgers, draft beer and some of the best before dinner bread rolls around. Brighton Supermarket houses all your grocery goods as well as an amazing deli that serves sandwiches and pizza to locals in the know.
Chilson: Large, luxurious houses and townhomes are on the market here, often boasting four to five bedrooms and ample space to park all of your belongings, even if you're a hoarder. Amenities abound, but vacancy rates are low. Scoring a home for rent here may be daunting but with the right amount of effort, very possible. The rent here is high but every penny is well spent on these sprawling properties. No small apartments or condos for rent in this section of town, but if you're looking for a chic and refined lifestyle, this is the place to find it.
Once again, natural surroundings mingle effortlessly with homes in the area. The Mt. Brighton Ski Area as well as Baetcke, Lime, Warden and Brighton Lakes are within community limits. Residents of Chilson enjoy year-round activity outdoors; make certain to bring an ample jacket.
Living in Brighton
Living in town affords plenty of entertainment. If you're ever itching for more, however, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti are a mere 20-minute drive down the freeway. Music venues not found in Brighton can be discovered here and include The Blind Pig, The Ark, and Woodruff's. The regional and national bands that take the stage are worth the short drive.
Art abounds and no better place to find it than the galleries of Brighton that include The Artist's Bench, Art Ventures, and Studio West. If feeling creative, try your hand at your own piece of work at Paint and Pour, a group art venue where you'll learn to paint and meet new folks all at once.