Sterling Heights, Michigan has a population of about 127,000 people and is a core suburb of Detroit. Sterling Heights is on the Clinton River. Sterling Heights has won many awards for being a good place to live, such as being ranked in the top 100 for best places to live by Money magazine. The majority of citizens living there said in a 2006 survey that they felt it was ‘an excellent place to live.' Sterling Heights prides itself on its sense of community, and anyone thinking of moving here would find exceptional neighborhoods and schools in Sterling Heights. Those moving to Sterling Heights will discover a great small town environment.
Economy:
Sterling Heights has a slightly better median income than the rest of the state, and a slightly lower cost of living than the rest of the nation. The unemployment rate for Sterling Heights is 13 percent. In 2006, Money magazine ranked Sterling Heights number 37 in its top 100 places to live. Major companies in Sterling Heights include DaimlerCrysler, IBM, and General Dynamics.
History:
The area was first inhabited by the Chippewa Indians. The first settlers were actually released European prisoners of the Chippewa, who recognized the potential for successful farming in the rich soil found there. After the War of 1812, many others settled there from Detroit. Large farms raised wheat and corn, and peach and apple orchards were planted. The town enjoyed steady growth ever since. In 1950, manufacturing came to the town, and Ford, Chrysler, and Briggs all built companies there. With the influx of workers for these companies, the town's woes grew as well. After three failed attempts at incorporating as a city, Sterling Heights finally was incorporated in 1968. They had to call the town ‘Sterling Heights' instead of just ‘Sterling' because they had waited so long to incorporate that another Michigan town had already taken the name.
Tourism:
In July, SterlingFest is an arts and crafts fair that also features a midway. SterlingScape is an annual outdoor art exhibit of sculpture. There is music in the park concerts throughout the summer. In August, there is a three day Arts and Jazz Fair. The American Polish Festival is in July. Of course, being a suburb of Detroit, you also have all the attractions and events that Detroit has to offer as well.