Dearborn, a city with over 91,000 residents, combines a rich heritage, a strong feeling of community, and a healthy
commercial and industrial base. The earliest settlers had "ribbon farms" with the narrow end fronting on the
Rouge River. The Dearborn area began to emerge as a community when it was chosen as the site for the Detroit
Arsenal in the early 1830's. In 1838, the area around the Detroit Arsenal was incorporated and named Dearbornville
at the request of the arsenal's first commandant who wanted to honor Major General Henry Dearborn, a Revolutionary
War hero under whom he had served. The only arsenal structure left is the commandant's quarters which today houses
the Dearborn Historical Museum.Dearborn may be best known as the hometown of Henry Ford. Henry Ford first boosted Dearborn's growth by constructing the Ford Rouge Plant here in 1917. As Ford Motor Company grew, Dearborn became the location of its World Headquarters.
Some of the biggest tourist attractions in southeastern Michigan are located in Dearborn. Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village which attract visitors from all over the globe have the world's largest collection of Americana. Dearborn's newest attraction - The Automotive Hall of Fame, offers automotive history and education to visitors of all ages. Henry Ford's Fair Lane Estate located on the University of Michigan - Dearborn Campus offers tours and cultural events.
- Dearborn is an established city with an excellent infrastructure and city services. Most homes
were built before 1960, and there is a higher percentage of home ownership than average for the
Metro Detroit area.
- Schools are well-funded with a tax base over twice the state average (second highest in the
county). Spending per student is also well above average (fourth highest in the county). The
vast majority of graduates continue their education after high school.
- Dearborn offers far more retail shopping alternatives than most communities in the metro area,
including the Fairlane Town Center as well as large and small shopping districts along Ford Road,
Warren Avenue, and Michigan Ave.
- Although household density is almost twice the Metro Detroit average, the city maintains
a large number of parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities and services.
- Dearborn is centrally located, a short drive from downtown Detroit, Southfield, Ann Arbor,
the Downriver communities and the airport. Residents also have easy access to public transportation
and major highways.
- Dearborn is representative of the Detroit Metro average in many statistics including the
education level of residents, median income, median housing value, and the size and types of homes,
yet it has its own distinct personality and features that make it a desirable place to live and
work.
- Dearborn offers its Senior Citizen population an abundance of activities and housing.
 | Over 30 parks and playgrounds |
| Camp Dearborn - Located in Milford, Michigan |
| 29 Tennis courts |
| 52 Baseball and softball fields (8 lighted) |
| 2 Ice skating rinks |
| The Dearborn Civic Center |
| Competitive sports leagues and clinics |
| Several private health and fitness club facilities |
| One public and two private golf courses |
| 6 Bowling alleys |
| Dearborn is home to the Ford-Wyoming Drive-In Theatre (9 screens) - one of the few remaining drive-in theatres in the Metro Detroit Area |
Total Area (Sq. Miles)
