Just 30 miles south of Detroit sits Flat Rock, a city that caught the eye of Henry Ford in 1925 as he sought to establish several Ford Motor Company factories after discovering the water power of the Huron River. “It’s a small-town feel, but we offer several recreational activities like kayaking, canoeing, and tubing because of the Huron River,” says Liz Hendley, economic development director and Downtown Development Authority director for the City of Flat Rock.
Interstate 75 is a primary thoroughfare connecting residents to Detroit. It also helps those who work for Ford Motor Company commute to Flat Rock – the city is the global home of the Ford Mustang, which is produced at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant. With several annual events and a focus on small businesses in downtown Flat Rock, the city attracts those looking for a small-town feel with amenities in line with larger cities.
The Flat Rock Assembly Plant is the global home of the Ford Mustang and employs thousands.
The Huron River runs through the City of Flat Rock and offers many recreational activities.
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Residents gather at Huroc Park, Flat Rock Community Center
Huroc Park is the city's cornerstone park, known for its annual events but also as a prime fishing spot for walleye, salmon, and other species. The park features a gazebo often used for weddings and birthday celebrations. A paved, one-mile walking and biking path offers visitors a stroll or ride around the park. The Flat Rock Community Center also provides aquatic and fitness activities with an indoor pool offering swim lessons for members, a fitness center with a weight room, a gymnasium and a track above the gym.
The Flat Rock Community Center offers year-round indoor swimming and fitness facilities.
Huroc Park in Flat Rock is a prime fishing spot on the Huron River.
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Free annual events for each season
There is always something going on in Flat Rock, as the city hosts events highlighting each season. Spooktacular is a free event in downtown Flat Rock that celebrates Halloween with costume contests. Summer Blast is a three-day summer extravaganza featuring free concerts and a car show. “There are several events throughout the year, from truck rallies to concerts and movies in the park,” says Hendley. “Our annual Cruzin’ Flat Rock car and motorcycle show draws many from around the region, and our Tree Lighting Ceremony can’t be beaten.”
The Southern Wayne County Chamber of Commerce also holds events in nearby Trenton, 7 miles north, which brings together Downriver communities, including Flat Rock. “The Downriver area is a group of southern Wayne County communities that come together, and we put on events every year for them,” says Kate Currie, events and marketing manager at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber. “The Taste of Downriver highlights small businesses, while Women in Achievement celebrates women in Downriver communities who are heads of nonprofit organizations.”
Shopping, restaurant district in downtown Flat Rock
Supporting small businesses is a priority in downtown Flat Rock, with novelty shops like Vintage Blossoms and Blue Heron Trading Company in the city's heart. Street tacos and burger restaurants are spread downtown, including Atwater Street Tacos Flat Rock and Wimpy Burger, home of the doughnut burger. Grocery stores such as Meijer and national fast-food chains like McDonald's are located in the northern half of the city along Telegraph Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare.
Blue Heron Trading Company in Flat Rock is a cozy boutique serving fresh coffee.
Atwater Street Tacos in Flat Rock serves tasty tacos along the Huron River.
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Ranch-style and bungalows throughout Flat Rock
With a population of 10,300, most Flat Rock residents live in single-family bungalows and ranch-style homes. “People are drawn here by the good schools and affordable housing, but the price range varies from $100,000 to $500,000 depending on the style and year the house was built,” says Vicki Ashton-Hendrixson, a realtor at Real Estate One-Southgate. The median home price in Flat Rock is $295,000. Brick-style Colonial homes built in the late 2000s are the most expensive, ranging from $400,000 to $500,000.
Newly built Brick-style Colonial homes are a popular option in Flat Rock.
Ranch-style homes in Flat Rock have excellent curb appeal.
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Flat Rock Community Schools receives grant funding for mental health and safety
Flat Rock Community Schools is the primary school district in Flat Rock, serving nearly 2,000 students with a B-minus rating on Niche. The district oversees five schools and was awarded $15,000 in grant funding through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to improve mental health and safety. University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Eastern Michigan are the nearest four-year public universities.
Flat Rock High School offers students an excellent education and a modern campus.
Bobcean Elementary challenges students to excel in Flat Rock.
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A car-dependent city near Interstate 75
While there are plenty of bike lanes and walkable spaces downtown, most Flat Rock residents need a car to navigate in and out of the city. “We don’t have public transportation,” says Krystal Caasi, Flat Rock Water & Public Services Department clerk. “Most people use Interstate 75 to commute to Detroit or Highway 24, which locals use to get to nearby communities.” Residents should also be aware of freight train noise and heavy traffic, as the Canadian National Railroad trains through the city. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is 11 miles away, and the nearest hospital, Corewell Health Trenton Hospital, is only 5 miles away.
Low crime and environmental concerns
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Flat Rock’s crime rates have decreased over the past two years. Due to the city’s proximity to the Huron River, residents should expect flood warnings near downtown Flat Rock.
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