In 1909, Woodward Avenue was paved with concrete, making it the first mile of concrete in the whole world. Woodward Ave is located in Wayne County, where Melvindale is also. It cost exactly $13,492.83 to complete it.
Located just five miles from Detroit, the city of Melvindale offers a seriously short commute for workers
In 1909, Woodward Avenue was paved with concrete, making it the first mile of concrete in the whole world. Woodward Ave is located in Wayne County, where Melvindale is also. It cost exactly $13,492.83 to complete it.
Located just five miles from Detroit, the city of Melvindale offers a seriously short commute for workers. But for those who hesitate thanks to Detroit's more recent economic struggles, it's important to point out the differences between the two areas. As a Downriver community -- that's the Detroit River, which connects Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie, by the way -- Melvindale has a distinctive vibe. In fact, it has several depending on what area you choose to move to. Now there are benefits and drawbacks to every location, and Melvindale has its share of each, but this little CDP by the water proves that a little bitter makes the sweet all that much better. After all, proximity to a big city, low cost of living and a backyard full of nature ripe for exploring isn't found everywhere. Come discover Melvindale and see for yourself how great it is; you won't be disappointed.
Moving to Melvindale
Before you get overly excited about trekking out to the great Motor City and making your way in Melvindale, it's important to plan out your move in advance. Even if you're an expert at shifting locations, it never hurts to have a refresher on what you need to know before lashing up the wagon train. Here are some notes on what you'll need and what to know. May they guide you well.
The Essential Papers
You're going to want to go ahead and organize some of your more important identification papers for the future landlord you're going to have to impress. Start with your ID, then grab some recent pay stubs that prove you can afford whatever place you've set your eyes on (or the budget you've set) and go over your credit report. That last item is especially key. You don't want a nasty surprise in the guise of identity theft to pop up while searching for a rental apartment. Make sure you're familiar with your score before you begin an apartment hunt.
As is often the case, you may not have the most robust FICO score. Don't talk yourself out of the move or wail and gnash your teeth. Or do that but get it together quickly. You can also encourage some appropriate references to have your back when it comes time to negotiate with a prospective landlord. Deep breaths.
What You'll Find
It's more exciting to talk about the housing options available than the financial aspects of any move, so let's get to it. If you have dreams of planting roots in an older home with lots of charm and character, Melvindale is your wish come true. Most of the single-family homes for rent were built between 1940-1970, and there is even a selection of choice abodes from before then labeled "historic." Modern styles are harder to come by, so if you were hoping for open floor plans and oversized bedrooms, you're gonna have a tough search ahead of you. As for apartment rentals, you've got your small complexes with one-bedroom apartments and studios as well as hi-rise apartments with more luxurious two-bedroom styles.
The vacancy rate here is pretty accommodating, depending on where in town you're searching. There are more homeowners than renters, but there's still a sizable percentage of month-to-month types, so don't fixate on that fact.
Neighborhoods
There are three distinctive areas of Melvindale worth contemplating before you move in. Some are just better equipped to handle human life than others, so pay attention. If you fancy one benefit or another, it may prove the difference between finding your own personal paradise and hell on earth. A little research never hurt anyone.
Schaefer HWY and Butler Street: This northern area is almost entirely covered in industrial buildings and container boats. It sits on the Rouge River, which is nice, and there are some very lovely homes between Dix Ave and Eagle St, but for the most part you may want to avoid this part; there aren't any apartments anyway.
City Center: Stuck right smack dab in, you guessed it, the center of Melvindale, this area includes some shopping, dining and other amenities. There is easy access to I-94 and Coogan Park is fun on a sunny day. Check out Melvindale Square Apartments for your perfect no frills one-bedroom apartment with parking.
Dix Road/Oakwood Boulevard: The more southerly portion of Melvindale has a selection of homes, apartment buildings and row houses. There are amenities here too, from shopping to eating, and access to I-94 is just as good. You also have Kemeny Park to play in, and the Melvindale High School is within walking distance of many homes. Check out Willow Cove Apartments for luxury digs or Gale Garden Apartments for something cozy.
Merrymaking in Melvindale
Making the most of your time in Melvindale and Wayne County is easy with so much good stuff nearby. Don't stay shackled to your TV, no matter how fantastic you think Netflix's latest original show is (we're looking at you "House of Cards" fans); take the time to go outside and explore your world. There's a lot more to it than you realize.
The Great Outdoors
Start by renting a boat and going for a cruise down the Detroit River. Fishing, boating and bird watching are all popular pastimes in the Downriver communities, Melvindale included. Besides the water sports, there are also trails ideal for hiking and biking in the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve just across the river, or spend a weekend at the Huron National Forest in the northern part of the state.
Once you've made the most of the wilderness, enjoy one of the local festivals that occur annually. The Grosse Ile IslandFest occurs in May, the Allen Park Street Art Fair happens in July and the Apple Festival is in September. Whatever you're into, there's probably a festival celebrating it here.
Cruising Town
One of the great things about Wayne County and living near Detroit is the public transportation. While a car is still a fairly necessary item to have here -- you probably can't walk to local grocery stores or gas stations easily -- you can get to work and to some other neat spots using the SMART bus system. Close routes to Melvindale include 140, 830 and 125. Using these buses you can easily go shopping, hit the city or explore the other Downriver cities. You may live near Motor City, but nobody said you had to be the one driving.
