Selecting the right place to live is crucial for your family’s future, as it shapes a child’s worldview and everyday experiences. In Macomb County, choosing the ideal town is made easier.
Niche, a website offering rankings and statistics on towns, schools and colleges, publishes a ranking of the best places to raise a family. See the rankings below to find out how towns in Macomb County stack up.
These statistics were calculated based on public schools, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Data for these categories come from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC and other data sources. You can find the full methodology here.
This article was updated on Sept. 6, 2024, by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. Her work included adding the 2024 Niche rankings for the “Best Places to Raise a Family in Macomb County.” Questions? Please reach out to katina@metroparent.com.
Here are the top 10 best places to raise a family in Macomb County on the list:
1. Shelby Charter Township
- Average home value: $316,400
- Population: 79,407
With a spread out, suburban feel, Shelby Charter Township offers families excellent public schools, good outdoor activities and many restaurants.
2. Macomb Township
- Average home value: $337,900
- Population: 91,418
In Macomb Township, the vast majority of residents own their homes and the public school options are highly rated. Macomb Township is the most populous civil township in the state.
3. Sterling Heights
- Average home value: $243,400
- Population: 133,744
As the second largest suburb in Metro Detroit, and the fourth largest city in Michigan, Sterling Heights has many options for families. It earns a “B+” both in the public schools and good for families categories from Niche.
4. Utica
- Average home value: $199,600
- Population: 5,195
This suburb boasts a small historic district as well as many walking paths and small shops. Utica earns an “A-” in the public schools category from Niche.
5. Chesterfield Township
- Average home value: $258,200
- Population: 45,414
Although Chesterfield has a spare suburban feel, there are many options for restaurants, businesses and shopping. The public schools, cost of living and diversity in Chesterfield are above average.
6. New Baltimore
- Average home value: $283,500
- Population: 12,104
Located on Lake St. Clair, New Baltimore offers residents many family activities, including access to beaches, fishing and boating. In 2016, the state’s largest and tallest flagpole was erected at the Walter and Mary Burke Park.
7. Romeo
- Average home value: $228,800
- Population: 3,727
Romeo has a suburban and rural mix as well and a smaller population. It earns a “B+” in public schools, diversity and good for families categories from Niche.
8. Fraser
- Average home value: $178,900
- Population: 14,668
Fraser offers its residents a dense suburban feel and above average public schools. Also located in Fraser is the Arts Academy in the Woods, a free public charter academy for students interested in the arts.
9. St. Clair Shores
- Average home value: $181,300
- Population: 58,656
St. Clair Shores offers residents access to Lake St. Clair. The city is well known for its “Nautical Mile” along Jefferson Avenue. It earns a “B” from Niche in the public schools and diversity categories.
10. Richmond
- Average home value: $221,500
- Population: 5,852
Richmond is a small, tight-knit community known for its charming downtown area and historic homes. Located at the northern edge of Macomb County, it offers residents a blend of rural and suburban living.
Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.
