Livonia, Michigan, is a safe, well-planned community of 36 square miles located in northwest Wayne County. Livonia enjoys a strategic location second-to-none in the region, with easy east-west access via the Jeffries Expressway and north-south along the I-275 expressway. Those moving to Livonia will discover a great place to live, work, learn and play.
History:
Rich soil and abundant harvests had first attracted pioneers from New England and New York to this area. They brought with them a new way of life and perhaps the very name "Livonia" - the name of a town in New York and Pennsylvania. By March 17, 1835, when an act of territorial legislature set the boundaries of Livonia Township, a forested wilderness had become an area of prosperous dairy farms and fruit orchards.For the first 100 years, Livonians raised sheep and dairy cattle and grew vegetables and grain. Growth was slow. But gradually, over the years, dirt trails became roads and ten hard-surfaced highways. In the late 1940's, the area took its first dramatic step from agriculture to commerce and industry. In 1948, the General Motors Corporation built an automatic transmission plant, soon to be followed by a Ford Motor Company parts depot. In 1949, the Michigan Racing Association built a thoroughbred a harness race track at a cost of 5 million dollars. In order for the entire area of the Township of Livonia to benefit from racetrack revenues, it became necessary to incorporate. In 1950, the residents of Livonia Township voted to become a City. On May 23, 1950, the entire Township was incorporated into the City of Livonia. Livonia has grown from a population of 17,000 in 1950 to over 100,000 in 1998. The City of Livonia has held on to much of its heritage through historic preservation, and the acquisition and development of over 1800 acres of parkland and open space. Greenmead Historical Village is a 103-acre farm/museum of Livonia's history at the southwest corner of Eight Mile and Newburgh Roads.
Economy:
Livonia is a carefully planned community of residential, industrial, commercial and civic development. The City's motto proclaims "People Come First" in Livonia. Even with its large population, Livonia has successfully maintained its friendly, hometown atmosphere while maintaining a strong emphasis on public safety and public services. At $4.4 billion, Livonia is among the highest in S.E.V. (State Equalized Value) in the State. At the same time, Livonia's property tax rate is the lowest tax rate among cities in Wayne County. A superior education system produces a skilled workforce. There are some 4,300 businesses in Livonia. Major local employers include Ford Motor Company, United Parcel Services (UPS), Roush Enterprises, NYX Inc., Phillips Service Industries, Inc., McLaren Performance Technologies, and St. Mary Mercy Hospital. Livonia's industry is largely concentrated in a six-square-mile corridor combining major railroad and highway access to all sections of the metropolitan region.
Tourism:
Livonia is a great place to play. Recreational options abound, with an array of parks serving as a great place for families and groups to gather for picnics and outdoor activities. Livonia has more than one, 389 acres of recreational open space in which there are 60 parks. The parks also offer play structures at 22 neighborhood parks for all ages, six miles of nature trails, fitness clusters, grill areas, pavilions, and restrooms at various parks. Livonia also offers a number of entertainment venues, including upscale restaurants and movie theaters including a 20-screen state-of-the-art facility. There are several major shopping centers, including Laurel Park Place Mall and Wonderland Village, with construction underway on a new center called Livonia Marketplace. The cultural fiber of Livonia is alive and thriving. Music and the Arts are celebrated and embraced. The Livonia Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1973 and is still going strong. The Livonia Civic Chorus is also an active group in the community. In addition to various performances throughout the city, the Chorus stages an annual spring and a winter holiday performance, much to the delight of their enthusiastic fans.