My home by the Fraser keeps calling to me / Calling to come back, to come back where I've longed to be. / My heart keeps o saying, why don't I return / To my home by the Fraser on that bright peaceful shore. -- From "My Home on the Fraser" by yodeling Slim Clark
In 1894, the Village of Fraser was incorporated into the County of Macomb, Michigan, only to be changed into the City of Fraser in 1956
My home by the Fraser keeps calling to me / Calling to come back, to come back where I've longed to be. / My heart keeps o saying, why don't I return / To my home by the Fraser on that bright peaceful shore. -- From "My Home on the Fraser" by yodeling Slim Clark
In 1894, the Village of Fraser was incorporated into the County of Macomb, Michigan, only to be changed into the City of Fraser in 1956. Bigger and better than ever, Fraser refuses to be confused with that uppity Fraser Township over in Bay County! Fraser is currently home to nearly 14,500 people at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census.
Fraser is actually one relatively small part of an on-going urban collection, which means that although it has no neighborhoods of its own, it does include the large sections of land to the west, south and southwest. Its "almost urban" sprawl spreads all the way to the nearby city centers of Sterling Heights and the Charter Township of Clinton.
Fraser, by comparison to the villages and towns around its borders, is actually fairly sparse in terms of commercial and residential buildings, which is great news for those of us who don't like the idea of living in cramped homes with no yard space! Of course, there are apartment rentals available for those of you who are looking -- and they're very warm and cozy, so don't you worry about a thing.
Most of the population lives on the west side of town, nearer to the river than to the Groesbeck Highway.
Found a great house or apartment for rent in Fraser? Good for you! Before you get over-excited and chuck all your belongings into the back of your car, however, make sure to set up your utility accounts. There's nothing quite as disappointing as moving into a new home and suddenly realizing that you forgot to have the electricity turned on, or to hook up the wireless internet.
Contact the City of Fraser to notify the municipal government that you have taken up residence in their fine city, and they'll reward you with your very own running water account! They'll also hook you up with a trash collection schedule, as well as a recycling bin and a schedule for that, too. Rental homes may already have a recycling bin, so keep an eye out for it.
Although power, gas, cable and Internet are provided by private businesses, go ahead and ask the City officials for a list of numbers to get you started. It'll save you some time flipping through the phone book, which you probably don't even have yet. Rental properties will often have the utilities already turned on, but unless you get the accounts switched into your name, they're going to disappear when you least expect it.
Fraser has all the convenience of a big city, with a smaller population trying to get everywhere at the same time. So that's good news for you. Take dance lessons at Encore the Dance Center, chat about music and pick up equipment at the Huber-Breese Music store, or check out the JP Shakers Wine Bar.
Really, whatever you're looking for entertainment-wise, you won't have far to go in Fraser. Looking for a relaxing meal? You've got your choice of the usual fast food joints, as well as some great international cuisine as well. Try out Abby Lane Gourmet Burgers, the Ram's Horn Restaurant for some classic American favorites like liver and onions, or El Charro for some awesome Mexican.
Whether you like to get out there and socialize or keep to yourself, Fraser has what you need to stay fed, comfortable and happy!
