7 Best Detroit Suburbs for Renters: An In-Depth Guide to the Suburbs of Detroit

Detroit sits at the center of one of the Midwest's most sprawling and storied metro areas. The city itself has seen a resurgence, with the best neighborhoods including highlights such as the revitalized riverfront of Downtown Detroit and Rivertown and the eclectic energy in Corktown and Eastern Market. The surrounding Detroit suburbs offer something different: more space, quieter streets, close-knit communities, plentiful amenities, and in many cases, a local downtown of their own. For renters who work in Detroit or the broader Oakland and Wayne County job corridors, the suburbs provide a practical base without sacrificing access to what makes Metro Detroit worth living in.

Each suburb draws renters for different reasons, and the local rental markets reflect that range. Rent prices in some suburbs may be higher than the average rent in Detroit of $1,115/month, though there are many lower-priced spots, just as Detroit has its own affordable neighborhoods.

Whether you're looking to get more square footage for your dollar, settle into a neighborhood with a distinct identity, or live in a close-knit community with a cozy downtown, the suburbs of Detroit deliver. We've rounded up seven of the best options for renters, covering everything from rent data and commute options to local dining, recreation, and what makes each place worth calling home. In a few cases, neighboring cities or townships are covered together because of how closely intertwined they are.

The seven best Detroit suburbs for renters are:

1. Rochester and Rochester Hills
2. Troy
3. Novi
4. Farmington and Farmington Hills
5. Plymouth
6. Royal Oak
7. Bloomfield Hills

Rochester and Rochester Hills: Where Small-Town Charm Thrives in Oakland County

	Rochester	Rochester Hills
Average Rent	$1,245/month	$1,492/month
Renter Mix	38%	25%
Median Household Income	$106,146	$108,909

 

Rochester and Rochester Hills sit side by side in northern Oakland County, roughly 25-30 miles north of Detroit, and together they make one of the most well-rounded suburban pairings in the metro. Rochester's compact, walkable downtown on Main Street gives renters a genuine town-center feel, while Rochester Hills offers more spread-out apartment communities, more inventory, and easy access to Oakland University on the city's west side.

Commute

Both Rochester and Rochester Hills lie above M-59, which leads west to I-75 for a direct shot south to Detroit. A typical off-peak drive to downtown Detroit runs around 40 minutes. The Troy Transit Center is about 10-15 miles away, and SMART bus routes connect both communities to the broader metro area for those who prefer not to drive every day.

Renting

	Rochester Average Rent	Rochester Average Square Feet	Rochester Hills Average Rent	Rochester Hills Average Square Feet
Studio	$851/month	530 sq. ft.	$1,310/month	515 sq. ft.
One Bedroom	$1,245/month	746 sq. ft.	$1,492/month	764 sq. ft.
Two Bedroom	$1,529/month	990 sq. ft.	$1,770/month	1,114 sq. ft.
Three Bedroom	$2,800/month	1,545 sq. ft.	$2,520/month	1,468 sq. ft.

 

The Rochester and Rochester Hills rental market offers a well-rounded mix of apartment communities, townhomes, and single-family rentals spread across a spacious, suburban landscape. Rochester's charming downtown core gives renters a rare small-town feel with easy access to local amenities, while Rochester Hills provides a broader range of newer apartment communities and larger floor plans for those who want more room.

Entertainment and culture

Rochester's downtown Main Street corridor is the social hub for both cities, lined with independent restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques in well-maintained historic storefronts. The Big, Bright Light Show transforms downtown every winter into one of Metro Detroit's most popular seasonal events, where lights illuminate Main Street. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on the campus of Oakland University brings national touring acts to the area each summer, and the Meadow Brook Theatre runs professional productions throughout the year.

Outdoor recreation

Rochester and Rochester Hills are standout cities for those looking for plentiful outdoor recreation. The Paint Creek Trail is the area's signature outdoor amenity, ideal for walking, running, and cycling year-round. It is a converted rail corridor that runs directly through downtown Rochester and connects to neighboring communities and trails, like Clinton River Trail and Macomb Orchard Trail. Bloomer Park in Rochester Hills offers wooded trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, while Rochester Municipal Park in Downtown Rochester stands out for being a community gathering spot for events as well as recreation. For thousands of acres of hiking, swimming, golf, and more, Stony Creek Metropark is just a short drive north.

Troy: A Suburb With Big-City Amenities and Room to Grow

• Average rent in Troy: $1,460/month
• Renter mix: 27%
• Median household income: $114,281

Troy is one of the Detroit metro's most significant business centers, and for renters, that means jobs, convenience, and a well-established suburban infrastructure all in one place. Sitting 22 miles north of downtown Detroit along I-75, Troy draws renters who want proximity to Oakland County's corporate corridor or a chance for a slower lifestyle.

Commute

I-75 runs directly through Troy, with I-696 and M-59 nearby, putting downtown Detroit about 30 minutes away under normal traffic conditions. The Troy Transit Center on Doyle Drive provides rail access for those commuting to Detroit or traveling to Ann Arbor, and SMART bus service connects Troy to the broader metro. Many Troy renters also work locally. The Big Beaver Road corridor and surrounding office parks employ many in automotive, financial, and tech sectors.

Renting

	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
Studio	$1,497/month	508 sq. ft.
One Bedroom	$1,460/month	810 sq. ft.
Two Bedroom	$1,743/month	1,071 sq. ft.
Three Bedroom	$2,290/month	1,430 sq. ft.

 

Troy's rental market is shaped by its identity as one of Metro Detroit's most prominent business and corporate hubs. The inventory is an interesting mix of modern mid-rises and classic communities, all in close proximity to employers, education, and Detroit. Many communities come with a range of amenities, giving renters an all-in-one living experience.

Entertainment and culture

The Somerset Collection on Big Beaver Road is Troy's retail centerpiece with more than 180 stores, upscale dining, and a connected skywalk between its two buildings. The Big Beaver corridor surrounding the mall is packed with restaurants ranging from steakhouses to sushi bars and casual lunch spots. Troy Historic Village preserves a cluster of 19th-century buildings and hosts seasonal events that give the city a tangible connection to its past.

Outdoor recreation

Troy maintains a strong network of parks and natural areas throughout its 34 square miles. Firefighters Park is the city’s largest park at 96 acres, with trails winding through woods, sports fields for games, and a playground. Boulan Park is a popular spot for sports, and Sylvan Glen Golf Course, next to Sylvan Glen Lake Park, gives residents a public course close to home. Red Oaks Nature Center is about 15-20 minutes away and adds another option for hiking and nature programming.

Novi: A Self-Sufficient Suburb With Tons of Fun

• Average rent in Novi: $1,375/month
• Renter mix: 37%
• Median household income: $106,393

Novi has grown into one of the western suburbs' most self-sufficient communities, about 25 miles northwest of Detroit, near the intersection of I-96 and I-275. The city has everything residents could need, from Twelve Oaks Mall, one of Metro Detroit's top malls, to massive festivals and events, such as Motor City Comic Con. This gives the city a distinct character that sets it apart from its neighbors.

Commute

Novi's location at the confluence of I-96, I-696, I-275, and M-5 makes it one of the better-connected suburbs in the metro for drivers heading in multiple directions. Detroit is roughly 35 minutes east on I-96, while Ann Arbor is about 30 minutes west, making Novi a practical base for renters who work in either city. The SMART Ride bus system provides regional transit connections for those who prefer not to drive.

Renting

	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
One Bedroom	$1,375/month	787 sq. ft.
Two Bedroom	$1,833/month	1,120 sq. ft.
Three Bedroom	$2,625/month	1,667 sq. ft.

 

Novi is a well-established suburb with steady growth, meaning there is a mix of apartment communities designed for all kinds of renters. From more spacious, multi-bedroom spaces to ones within walking distance of shopping and dining, apartment communities meet the needs for all chapters of life. This combination makes Novi one of the more dynamic rental markets on Detroit's western frontier.

Entertainment and culture

Twelve Oaks Mall is the city's retail anchor, with 170+ stores across multiple levels and a full dining and entertainment mix. The Novi Town Center adds everyday retail, coffee shops, and restaurants in a more neighborhood-scale setting. Vibe Credit Union Showplace hosts major events throughout the year, including Motor City Comic Con, while community festivals, like Novi Taco Fest and Novi BBQ Fest, connect the residents over shared interests.

Outdoor recreation

Lakeshore Park along Walled Lake is Novi's most well-known outdoor destination, featuring a 10-mile bike trail, a beach, and a genuine "up north" feel without leaving the suburbs. The ITC Corridor Trail runs the full length of the city from north to south, serving as a key link between Novi's parks and a popular spot for a stroll. Maybury State Park, about five miles south in Northville, offers equestrian trails, hiking, and mountain biking across more than 900 acres.

Farmington and Farmington Hills: Nature and Charm Meet in a Single Suburb

	Farmington	Farmington Hills
Average Rent	$1,123/month	$1,364/month
Renter Mix	43%	38%
Median Household Income	$90,941	$96,417

 

Farmington and Farmington Hils share a school district, a border, and a lot of community programming, but each has its own identity. Farmington is the smaller of the two, just three square miles, and its downtown is the heart of the pairing, with a compact, walkable core that punches well above its size. Farmington Hills wraps around it with 34 square miles of established neighborhoods, larger apartment communities, and easy access to I-696 and Route 5.

Commute

Both cities sit about 20-22 miles from downtown Detroit, with M-5, I-696, and I-275 providing multiple highway options for commuters heading east toward Detroit. The drive to downtown Detroit typically runs 30 to 35 minutes outside of rush hour. SMART bus routes serve both communities, and the Royal Oak and Troy Amtrak stations are each about 25 to 30 minutes away by car.

Renting

	Farmington Average Rent	Farmington Average Square Feet	Farmington Hills Average Rent	Farmington Hills Average Square Feet
Studio	$757/month	601 sq. ft.	$998/month	400 sq. ft.
One Bedroom	$1,123/month	818 sq. ft.	$1,364/month	763 sq. ft.
Two Bedroom	$1,338/month	1,102 sq. ft.	$1,688/month	1,156 sq. ft.
Three Bedroom	$1,313/month	1,150 sq. ft.	$2,361/month	1,628 sq. ft.

 

The Farmington and Farmington Hills rental market stands out for offering two distinct but complementary renting experiences within the same community. Farmington Hills provides the larger, more spacious options with a wide range of price points, while Farmington and its walkable downtown environment offers a highly desirable collection of rentals for those who want a more neighborhood-oriented lifestyle. The overall market carries a quieter, more established character compared to faster-growing suburbs like Novi or Troy, appealing to renters who value consistency, community, and a slightly lower-key suburban pace.

Entertainment and culture

Downtown Farmington along Grand River Avenue and the streets surrounding Riley Park is the cultural hub for both cities, with specialty shops, local restaurants, and the Farmington Civic Theater showing films in a restored historic cinema. Riley Park and Sundquist Farmington Pavilion hosts the Rhythms in Riley Park summer concert series, drawing residents out on warm evenings throughout the season. The annual Founders Festival brings the community together each summer with live music, food vendors, and local vendors while the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Markets is a weekly spot to connect and shop.

Outdoor recreation

Heritage Park in Farmington Hills is the area's most-used green space, with miles of walking trails winding through meadows and woodlands along the Rouge River. Farmington Hills Nature Center on the park grounds offers educational programming and a quiet escape from the surrounding suburbs. Close to downtown, Shiawassee Park follows the Shiawassee River and provides a pleasant trail corridor. The West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve is about 20-25 minutes away and adds a more expansive option for wooded hiking in a preserved natural area.

Plymouth: A Close-Knit Community With Trail-Side Living

• Average rent in Plymouth: $1,208/month
• Renter mix: 35%
• Median household income: $105,155

Plymouth is one of the Detroit metro's most charming suburban downtowns, and for renters who want a walkable, community-oriented setting without city prices, it's hard to beat. The city covers just three square miles, but Kellogg Park and downtown act as year-round gathering points that gives Plymouth a genuine town-square feel. Plymouth Township surrounds the city and offers additional options for those who want proximity to downtown without being directly in it.

Commute

Plymouth sits near M-14 and I-275, putting downtown Detroit roughly 30 minutes east and Ann Arbor about 25 minutes west. This dual access makes Plymouth appealing to renters who need to be in reach of either city. Edward Hines Drive also provides a scenic, low-stress route eastward through Dearborn and toward Detroit. Like most Detroit-area suburbs, Plymouth is car-dependent, though downtown itself is genuinely walkable for daily errands and dining.

Renting

	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
One Bedroom	$1,208/month	772 sq. ft.
Two Bedroom	$1,526/month	1,037 sq. ft.
Three Bedroom	$2,435/month	1,471 sq. ft.

 

Living in Plymouth is defined by charm, community, and a strong sense of place that sets it apart from most other Detroit suburbs. Plymouth has one of the smaller footprints of this list, meaning that there are fewer choices compared to some of the more expansive suburbs. However, this means that renters can enjoy close-knit communities where everyone knows each other.

Entertainment and culture

Downtown Plymouth along Main Street and the streets surrounding Kellogg Park are packed with independent restaurants, boutiques, and specialty shops. Penn Theatre is a beloved single-screen historic venue that shows movies and hosts live music. Kellogg Park hosts outdoor concerts in summer, the Plymouth Ice Festival in the winter, one of the region's most popular winter events featuring chainsaw-carved ice sculptures, and Art in the Park each July.

Outdoor recreation

Along Edward Hines Drive is Hines Park Trail, a 15-mile parkway that runs through Plymouth along the Rouge River. This is the area's primary outdoor corridor for cyclists, runners, and walkers, with several picnic areas, parks, and lakes along the route. Neighborhood parks are scattered throughout the suburb, meaning green space is usually within walking distance. Maybury State Park in nearby Northville adds equestrian trails, mountain biking, and hiking across more than 900 acres for those who want a longer outing.

Royal Oak: Where Nightlife and Culture Fill Every Corner

• Average rent in Royal Oak: $1,387/month
• Renter mix: 33%
• Median household income: $93,580

Royal Oak is known for its downtown core of restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues. This gives the suburb a more city-like feel, compared to a traditional suburb. For renters who want walkability, a dense dining and nightlife scene, and easy access to both Detroit and the Oakland County job corridor, it consistently delivers.

Commute

Royal Oak is served by the Royal Oak Amtrak Station, which connects to Detroit's main station in about 20 minutes, one of the most convenient rail links in the metro. I-75 and I-696 are both easily accessible, and Woodward Avenue runs straight into Detroit's Midtown and downtown, making the drive south a straightforward 20 to 25 minutes in lighter traffic. The SMART bus system also provides regional connections for those commuting around the region.

Renting

	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
Studio	$1,267/month	452 sq. ft.
One Bedroom	$1,387/month	714 sq. ft.
Two Bedroom	$,1736/month	990 sq. ft.
Three Bedroom	$2,645/month	1,473 sq. ft.

 

Royal Oak brings big-city energy to the suburban rental landscape, offering a denser landscape and a rental market that reflects that activity. The inventory here is heavily influenced by the city's active, walkable downtown, resulting in a strong supply of modern apartment communities that feel more city-influenced than traditional suburban. Rentals offer access to Royal Oak's lively dining, nightlife, and arts scene without paying Detroit prices.

Entertainment and culture

Downtown Royal Oak along Washington Avenue and Main Street is one of Metro Detroit's most active suburban entertainment districts, with more than 70 restaurants, bars, and music venues concentrated in a walkable area. Royal Oak Music Theatre is a mid-size concert venue that draws national touring acts, and Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle has been a well-known comedy club since the late 1970s. The Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre presents live theater year-round. Major annual events include the Michigan Lottery Arts, Beats & Eats Festival over Labor Day weekend, and the Woodward Dream Cruise, which runs along Woodward Avenue through multiple cities, including Royal Oak, each August and draws hundreds of thousands of classic car enthusiasts.

Outdoor recreation

Royal Oak is home to 50 parks and two natural reserves that provide active and relaxing ways to enjoy the outdoors. Starr Jaycee Park is one of the busiest parks in the suburb with a playground, picnic pavilions, sports fields, train rides, and more. Tehave Woods in Quickstad Park provides walking paths through acres of woods next to the Royal Oak High School athletic campus. The Detroit Zoo, one of Detroit’s main attractions, is a 125-acre facility that’s home to more than 2,000 animals. It is located in the southwest corner of Royal Oak.

Bloomfield Hills: A Prestigious Address With a Peaceful Setting

• Average rent in Bloomfield Hills: $1,314/month
• Renter mix: 11%
• Median household income: $197,025

Bloomfield Hills is one of Metro Detroit's most prestigious addresses, set in a wooded, low-density corner of Oakland County about 20 miles northwest of downtown Detroit. The city's apartment inventory is smaller than most suburbs on this list, but renters who do find availability here get access to an exceptionally quiet setting, top-tier cultural institutions, and some of the best-maintained natural surroundings in the metro. Renters can also look in surrounding Bloomfield (officially Bloomfield Township) for more options.

Commute

Bloomfield Hills sits near US-24 (Telegraph Road), M-1 (Woodward Avenue), and I-75, with access to both the Troy and Pontiac Amtrak stations. Driving to downtown Detroit takes roughly 30 to 35 minutes, and the surrounding Oakland County job market in Troy, Auburn Hills, and Southfield is well within reach. The city's lower density means local driving is easy, though a car is essential for daily life here.

Renting

	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
One Bedroom	$1,314/month	796 sq. ft.
Two Bedroom	$1,828/month	1,150 sq. ft.
Three Bedroom	$2,665/month	1,940 sq. ft.

 

Bloomfield Hills is among the more exclusive in Metro Detroit, shaped by the area's identity as one of Michigan's most affluent communities. The city leans towards spacious rentals where you can easily spread out with access to premium amenities, like country clubs. For renters seeking prestige, privacy, and generously sized homes in an ultra-low-density setting, Bloomfield Hills offers that and more.

Entertainment and culture

The Cranbrook Educational Community is Bloomfield Hills' defining cultural landmark. It is a 319-acre campus that includes the Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science, the Cranbrook House and Gardens (a collection of historic and architecturally significant homes), and an entire school system. The nearby city of Birmingham adds a cozy downtown with restaurants, boutiques, and a strong arts scene that residents treat as their own backyard.

Outdoor recreation

The area contains numerous country clubs, including Bloomfield Hills Country Club, Forest Lake Country Club, and Oakland Hills Country Club, that provide residents with excellent amenities such as equestrian facilities, swimming pools, golf courses, and more. Johnson Nature Center provides guided nature programming and quiet walking trails within the city, and it's one of the few publicly accessible green spaces in an otherwise private landscape. The Cranbrook Educational Community grounds offer beautifully landscaped gardens and reflecting pools open to the public during certain seasons.

Your Next Home in the Detroit Suburbs Is Waiting

There's no better time to make your move to the Detroit suburbs. Visit Apartments.com to browse listings across all seven neighborhoods on this list, filter by price, pet policy, commute time, and amenities, and read reviews from renters who already call these communities home. With thousands of up-to-date listings and powerful search tools that let you compare neighborhoods side by side, Apartments.com makes moving easy.

This article was originally published on March 4, 2014 by the Apartments.com Team.