Introduction

If you’re looking at Garden City, you’re probably thinking something like: “I want Metro Detroit access… without Metro Detroit chaos.” That’s a fair vibe check. Garden City, Michigan is a smaller Wayne County suburb with quick routes to major job hubs, a lot of brick homes that have been standing confidently for decades, and the kind of “run errands in 15 minutes” daily rhythm that relocation folks love.

This guide is the honest, practical breakdown—where it sits, what homes cost, how taxes work (in plain English), what you’ll actually do on a weekend, and a balanced pros/cons list so you can decide if it fits your lifestyle.

Where Is Garden City, Michigan Located?

Garden City is in Wayne County and sits about 15 miles west of Downtown Detroit, placing it in the western Metro Detroit suburbs. According to Wikipedia’s city overview, it borders several nearby communities (including Westland, Inkster, Dearborn Heights, and Livonia). Wikipedia

For commuting and everyday driving, Garden City is closely tied to the Ford Road (M-153) corridor, with nearby access to major regional freeways like I-94 and I-96 (often reached via short connector routes through neighboring cities). According to the M-153 (Ford Road) route overview, M-153 is a key trunkline in the area.

From a size/density standpoint, Garden City is compact: the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts table lists a 2020 land area of about 5.88 square miles and a 2024 population estimate of 26,410, which helps explain why it can feel “close-knit” geographically—most drives are simply not that long. Census.gov Census.gov

Cost of Living in Garden City, Michigan

Housing tends to be the biggest driver of “cost of living” conversations here. Based on U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (2019–2023), the median value of owner-occupied housing units in Garden City is $162,400 and the median gross rent is $991. Census.gov

For context, the State of Michigan’s QuickFacts table shows a higher median home value ($217,600) and higher median gross rent ($1,084) over the same period—so Garden City often lands below the statewide midpoint on housing costs. Census.gov

If you like cost-of-living “index” snapshots, BestPlaces.net reports Garden City’s overall cost of living as lower than the national average, and it also publishes local housing/rent estimates (useful for quick comparisons, but not a substitute for current listings). BestPlaces

Transportation costs vary by lifestyle, but one data point helps ground the conversation: the Census QuickFacts table lists the mean travel time to work in Garden City at 24.2 minutes (2019–2023). Census.gov

Real Estate & Housing Overview

Garden City’s housing is largely “classic Metro Detroit suburb” in feel—established neighborhoods, plenty of brick exteriors, and a layout where you’re typically a short drive from main corridors for shopping and dining.

On the data side, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts reports:

• Owner-occupied housing unit rate: 79.2% (2019–2023) Census.gov

• Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $162,400 (2019–2023) Census.gov

• Median gross rent: $991 (2019–2023) Census.gov

If you’re trying to compare Garden City to other Metro Detroit suburbs quickly, Niche compiles rankings and a broad “place profile” using public data and resident reviews (helpful for a high-level scan—then you validate the specifics with listings, inspections, and local tax details). Niche

Market note (no crystal ball, I promise): pricing and days-on-market can change month to month based on rates and inventory. The safest “trend” is simply this—if a home is updated, priced correctly, and in good condition, it usually gets attention faster than something that needs major work.

Property Taxes in Garden City

Michigan property taxes can feel confusing because the bill is built from millages (think: a tax rate per $1,000 of taxable value) and because taxable value rules can change after a purchase. The Michigan Department of Treasury explains millage rates and provides public resources for looking up rates by local unit. michigan.gov

Two big “newcomer” points to know:

• A Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) may reduce the school operating portion of taxes for an eligible primary home, and the Michigan Department of Treasury provides the PRE overview and guidance. michigan.gov

• After a transfer of ownership, taxable value can “uncap” under Michigan’s rules—Garden City’s own Tax Office FAQ specifically warns new homeowners not to assume they’ll pay the same taxes as the prior owner because of Proposal A mechanics. Garden City

Garden City’s Tax Office FAQ also lays out a plain-language way the bill is calculated (taxable value × millage rate ÷ 1,000). Garden City
Bottom line: always verify taxes for the exact address you’re considering (and confirm PRE status) before you fall in love with a house and a payment number that might not be real.

Things to Do & Lifestyle

Garden City’s lifestyle is very “suburban convenience + parks + community facilities,” which is often exactly what relocators want.

A few highlights grounded in local sources:

• Parks: The City says the Garden City park system includes 9 park properties totaling 84 acres of green space. Garden City

• Garden City Park: The City’s facility listing notes Garden City Park is 56 acres and includes play structures, ball fields, a multi-use field, fitness features, and a skate park. Garden City

• Radcliff Center: The City lists the Radcliff Center at 1751 Radcliff Street and describes it as home to Parks & Recreation offices plus multiple community-focused services and programs. Garden City

• Recreation options: The City’s Parks & Recreation page highlights ice rink reservations and community programming. Garden City

For getting around without a car every single time, SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) publishes service-by-community information for Wayne County-area communities, including Garden City.

And yes—because someone always asks—Garden City’s “go-to” everyday rhythm tends to be: errands on Ford Road, parks when the weather is cooperating, and quick hops to nearby dining/shopping in surrounding suburbs when you want more variety.

Schools & Education (Neutral Framing)

Garden City is primarily served by Garden City Public Schools, and GreatSchools provides a district overview and individual school profiles/ratings (which can vary school to school, so it’s worth checking the specific buildings tied to an address). GreatSchools.org

For an additional lens, Niche publishes school-related summaries and community education snapshots based on public data and reviews (useful for broad research, then you verify specifics directly with the district). Niche

If schools are part of your decision, the most practical approach is: confirm the assigned schools for the address, compare programs that matter to your household (academics, activities, support services), and tour when possible.

Pros & Cons of Living in Garden City

• Pros: Median home value ($162,400) is below the Michigan median ($217,600) based on U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, which can make ownership more attainable. Census.gov+1

• Pros: Median gross rent ($991) is below the Michigan median ($1,084) per Census QuickFacts (2019–2023). Census.gov+1

• Pros: Mean commute time is 24.2 minutes (2019–2023), which is a helpful benchmark when comparing suburbs. Census.gov

• Pros: The city reports 9 park properties totaling 84 acres, including a flagship City Park with multiple amenities. Garden City+1

• Cons: Property tax bills can change after purchase due to taxable value uncapping under Proposal A, so you must verify taxes per address before closing. Garden City

• Cons: Public transit exists, but service patterns depend on routes and schedules—most households still plan around driving for day-to-day convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Garden City, Michigan

• Is Garden City, Michigan a suburb of Detroit?
  Yes—Garden City is about 15 miles west of Downtown Detroit, which is why it’s commonly considered part of the Metro Detroit suburban area. Wikipedia

• What county is Garden City in?
  Garden City is in Wayne County. Wikipedia

• What’s the population of Garden City?
  The U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts table lists a 2024 population estimate of 26,410. Census.gov

• Is Garden City considered “small”?
  Geographically, it’s compact: Census QuickFacts lists about 5.88 square miles of land area (2020). Census.gov

• How long is the average commute from Garden City?
  Census QuickFacts lists the mean travel time to work at 24.2 minutes (2019–2023). Census.gov

• What do homes cost in Garden City?
  Census QuickFacts reports a median owner-occupied home value of $162,400 (2019–2023). Census.gov

• What does renting look like price-wise?
  Census QuickFacts lists the median gross rent at $991 (2019–2023). Census.gov

• How does Garden City compare to Michigan overall for housing costs?
  Michigan’s QuickFacts median home value is $217,600 and median gross rent is $1,084 (2019–2023), both higher than Garden City’s QuickFacts figures. Census.gov+1

• Does Garden City have parks and recreation?
  Yes—the City reports 9 park properties totaling 84 acres, managed by the Parks & Recreation Department. Garden City

• What’s the main “big” park in Garden City?
  The City’s facility listing says Garden City Park is 56 acres and includes fields, play areas, and fitness features. Garden City

• What is the Radcliff Center used for?
  The City describes Radcliff Center as a community hub housing Parks & Recreation offices and multiple programs/services. Garden City

• How do property taxes work when you buy a home in Garden City?
  Garden City’s Tax Office FAQ notes that taxes can change for a new homeowner due to Proposal A rules, and it provides a straightforward tax calculation method (taxable value × millage ÷ 1,000). Garden City

• Is there any tax reduction for a primary residence in Michigan?
  Michigan’s Department of Treasury explains the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) and how it can reduce certain school operating taxes for eligible primary residences. michigan.gov

• Is public transit available?
  SMART provides public transportation in many Metro Detroit suburbs and publishes service-by-community information for Garden City.

To Conclude:

If you're looking to move to, from, or within the state of Michigan in one day or a million, I help people do just that and I love it as a Michigan Realtor. Please reach out anytime for help — I’m happy to be your go-to resource.

Question for you!

If you moved to Garden City, what would matter most to you: a quick commute, a bigger yard, or being close to parks and everyday shopping?