Community Corner
Dearborn Ranked As One of America's Top 'Overlooked Dream Cities'
Affordability, low crime rates, walkability, and amenities were among the criteria used to select Dearborn.

DEARBORN, MI — Dearborn has been ranked as one of the country’s top “Overlooked Dream Cities,” according to the personal finance website GoodCall.com. Nearly 500 small to mid-sized cities across the U.S. were evaluated on affordability, low crime rates, walkability, and amenities.
"This moment is unparalleled in Dearborn's history,” said Robert Marx, president-elect, Dearborn Board of Realtors. “With the expansion of Ford Motor Company and other firms into the city, the timing is perfect not only for investors, but certainly for families looking for a town that has so much to offer. Beyond the diversity, the culturally rich restaurants and attractions, and exemplary city services, makes Dearborn one of the best cities anywhere.”
Dearborn was ranked 14th by GoodCall.com. Three other Michigan cities made the top 30, including Grand Rapids (7), Warren (27) and Ann Arbor (29). The list highlights cities with fewer than 300,000 people that offer a well-rounded lifestyle, and gave Dearborn high marks, leading the way for Southeast Michigan cities on the list.
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“Instead of moving to big cities, many people are looking for smaller, more affordable cities that still have fun things to do,” said Claire Etheridge, Data analyst for GoodCall.com. “Cities at the top of our list are walkable, with lots of restaurants and attractions. They also feature lower costs of living and crime rates so residents can get out and enjoy all the city has to offer.”
Dearborn’s ranking didn’t come as a great surprise to Downtown Dearborn and WDDDA Executive Director Cristina Sheppard-Decius.
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“Dearborn takes great pride in offering some of the best and diverse restaurants, museums, art galleries, entertainment and nightlife in the metro-Detroit area,” she said. “Our hometown flavor and bustling downtown areas make it a desirable place to live for millennials, families and seniors.”
Data sources included the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Data, Sperling’s Bestplaces, and Walk Score. The full report/methodology can be found here: https://www.goodcall.com/data-center/2017-overlooked-dream-cities/
Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images News/Getty Images
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