"I went down to Lake Erie / just to see what it was like /Just to see if I could see the other side /Never thought the water could be this wide." (-- Danielle Doyle, "Lake Erie")
If you have your telescope, maybe you can see the other side from Westland, Michigan, just a short half-hour drive from the banks of Lake Erie. The city of pride, progress and promise, has been dubbed by many visitors as the place to be if you want to excel in all the important aspects of your life. And the reasons are here today.Despite all the praise, Westland still happens to just a medium-sized city positioned in the state of Michigan, with a population that's living and earning their daily bread here. Occasionally, they eat it, too. Even though many of the surrounding cities have been adversely affected by poor finances in the recent years, Westland has been consistently well-managed, resulting in budget surpluses every year.
Moving to Westland
The Westland real estate market covers a location of some 20 square miles in Wayne County, about 16 miles from Detroit. So people looking for houses to rent in Westland have more than enough geographical area to do their search and find a convenient residence to call home. And the best place to start, considering the size of the aforementioned geographical area, would be the Internet (then a realtor, if nothing impressive shows up.)
If you're looking to rent in Westland, you need to be convincing as terrific tenants to potential landlords -- as nothing else will give you access into their houses. So, arm yourself with documents that speak positively about your ability to pay the rent and also take care of the landlords property. Easy enough, right? Think credit report, employers note, paycheck or even a referral letter from your current landlord. Also check out the landlords take on pets, just in case there is any aversion -- or allergy -- of them.
Scoping the Neighborhoods
If you are going to live here, rest assured that you have made the right decision. The charm and serenity of Westland's neighborhoods are disarming for newbies. Below is a short description of the main neighborhoods.
Happiness Rd: You definitely won't be sad here. Rent is average in this area, and the vacancy rate is 14.3 %. There is a lot of hope should of finding a house, should you decide this is the place. You will have the option of settling into a 1- or 2-bedroom apartment or one of the many family houses that dot this locale. Commuting is not a problem, as it takes roughly 30 minutes to get to most places of work. If you take a dip in the carpool, then the time taken could be considerably shorter.$$$$
City Center: The average rental cost in Westland City Center is very low. However, the 2.7%-vacancy rate does not make things easy. This is a retiree's dream community, and perhaps that's the reason why no one is moving out soon. It's calm and peaceful, has a very low crime rate. And two local parks reside within this neighborhood's borders. $$
Joy Rd / Edward N Hines Dr: If you can navigate through the vacancy rate of 5.6 %, expect to land an averagely sized or small, single-family house. Apartment complexes also exist for those who like to tower above others.$$$
Warren Rd / N Wayne Rd: Expect to easily land a medium-sized, single-family house or spend your life living in an apartment complex if you end up in this neighborhood. A one-way commute to work could take you less than half an hour, if you dont take any detours to White Castle. $$$$
S Newburgh Rd / Avondale St: The average rental prices in this locale is higher than most neighborhoods in Westland. If you choose to move here, in the southern part of the city, expect to get a medium-sized or large family house or apartment. At prices that range from yikes to OMG.$$$$$
Cowan Rd / N Wayne Rd: This neighborhood is primarily comprised of medium sized to small, single-family, homes and townhomes. The average rent demanded by landlord is ridiculously inexpensive, and the vacancy rate is 4.7 %. Perfect for fishermen and fisherwomen--Nankin Lake is a wonderful summer hangout. $
Warren Rd / N Newburgh Rd: The vacancy rate in this neighborhood stands at 8.8 % and if convinced to live in this place, most job locations are a bit further from this community. Also expect to live in either a medium-sized, single-family home or an apartment. $$$
Ann Arbor Trl / N Middlebelt Rd: Both family homes and apartments are available in this side of town. The existing vacancy rate is a bit higher than other areas of Westland. The west portion of the Middle Rouge Parkway juts into this neighborhood. Great spot for strollin'.$$$$
Cherry Hill Rd / S Newburgh Rd: Located just east of the 275 highway, this area has a very low vacancy rate, and not as many cherry trees as one would expect. The neighborhood is primarily made up of medium-sized to large-family houses. $$$$$
Central City Pky / N Wayne Rd: This real estate locale is primarily comprised of average-sized apartment complexes and some single-family houses. Shoppers will be excited about--or scared of--the close proximity to West Ridge Shopping Center, Westland Center, and Westland Crossings Shopping Center. Confused yet?$$$
Life in Westland
Westland is very conducive for commuters, and it takes an average of 30 minutes to get to work. And when work is not in the cards, the local citizenry have many other options to keep them busy.
The Wayne/Westland Parks and Recreation Center has an abundance of indoor and outdoor recreational services to meet the needs of all ages, genders, shapes, and sizes. With about 37 parks, which includes athletic fields, bike parks, and playgrounds, one can easily tell what kind of leisure activities people in Westland value.
The Wayne Community Center, found at the edge of Howe Road and Annapolis, is a meeting place for people to take pleasure in each others company. This community center houses the Patrick J. Norton Recreation & Exercise Club, the Ice Arena, Ted D'Pulos Aquatic Area, and many other interesting activities. Who needs video games and cable TV? As for schooling, there are over 20 schools to choose from; if you have young children or are looking to start a family. So that area is well covered, too.
