Known by the nickname "Motor City," Detroit and its many suburbs combine for a sprawling metro area of about 4.3 million residents. Detroit itself has a population of 3,548,000, making it Michigan's largest city. In addition to being the hub of the automotive industry, the city is known as the birthplace of the Motown record label.

The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, typically referred to as the Detroit Metro Airport, covers about 4,850 acres and is considered a major international airport for the U.S. The airport serves over 140 destinations and has been recognized as the best large U.S. airport for customer satisfaction. Finding a home near the airport is essential for those who travel often, either for pleasure or business reasons. Fortunately, it's easy to find waterfront homes, condominiums, and other home styles in the nearby suburbs.

Keep reading for some of the best cities and towns near the Detroit Metro Airport, and discover what makes them great places to live.

Romulus

Romulus is a suburb on the southwest side of the Detroit metro, with about 23,672 residents. It is best known as the home of the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

The township of Romulus was separated from Huron Township, becoming its own entity in 1835. The village of Romulus was platted in 1871 and incorporated as a city in 1970.

Romulus lies about 23 miles from downtown Detroit, allowing it to have some autonomy while still offering its residents ready access to all that the larger metro area offers. It is considered a part of the Downriver group of communities.

The city's economy is bolstered by the General Motors Romulus Engine plant located there. It is also home to an Amazon fulfillment center, which employs about 1,600 people.

The city is home to many small businesses, including restaurants, bars, and lodging. However, the community has not attracted many national chain retail establishments, and most citizens travel to adjacent cities for shopping and access to major supermarket chains.

Romulus is home to six city parks, as well as the Romulus Athletic Center.

The quickest route from Romulus to the airport is using Interstate Highway 94 East. It would take between 5 and 7 minutes to get from Romulus to the airport, whether leaving at 7 a.m., 1 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.

Taylor

Taylor is located in Wayne County and has a population of about 61,000. Taylor is located about 17 miles southwest of downtown Detroit.

The community was organized as Taylor Township in 1847 and did not incorporate as a city until over a century later, in 1968. Taylor is named for President Zachary Taylor, who served several roles in the Michigan Territory government before his presidency.

Taylor is home to several city parks, golf courses, and a recreation center. The city's Heritage Park hosts the Junior League World Series, drawing participation from around the globe.

In addition to its many restaurants, the city boasts a particularly robust retail sector with many shopping options. Taylor is the home of Southland Shopping Center, a regional shopping destination with over 100 stores. Taylor also features several big-box retailers and national brand department stores.

The fastest route to the airport from Taylor is via Wick Road. It would take 7 to 12 minutes to arrive at the airport, regardless of the time of day, due to the city's proximity.

Wayne

Wayne is a city in Wayne County, Michigan, located about 26 miles southwest of Detroit, along the Detroit River. The city has a population of about 16,740. Wayne's economy was built on the automotive industry, which continues to play a major role today.

The first settlement was a tavern operated to serve travelers along the Sauk Trail. The settlement was eventually named Wayne to honor Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne. The arrival of the railroad accelerated the community's growth. It was incorporated as a village in 1869 and a city in 1960.

Wayne operates 18 parks. Through the city park system, residents enjoy access to sports fields and courts, walking/jogging trails, playgrounds, and other amenities.

Wayne is home to several shopping centers, including Town Square Plaza Shopping Center. It also features many restaurants.

The quickest route from Wayne to the airport is typically S. Wayne Road and Interstate Highway 94 East. It would take about 10 to 18 minutes to get there at either 7 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. At 1 p.m., it may take from 10 to 20 minutes to arrive.

Woodhaven

The city of Woodhaven is home to about 12,432 residents. Woodhaven is located about 26 miles south of downtown Detroit. It is located in southern Wayne County and is considered among the 18 area communities known as Downriver. The city offers its residents easy highway access, with I-75 running through the community.

Woodhaven is best known in the region as the home to the Ford Stamping Plant, which has been operating in the city since 1964. The plant has a 360-acre campus near Interstate Highway 75 and employs about 470 workers.

The city's main retail development is known as Woodhaven Commons, located at the intersection of West and Allen Roads. Woodhaven Commons originally opened in 1971, and it underwent large renovations in 2006. The district includes many chain restaurants, gas stations, national retailers, and big-box stores.

The city features 14 parks and a golf course.

The quickest route from Wayne to the airport is typically Interstate Highway 75 North and Eureka Road. It would take about 20 to 30 minutes to get there at 7 a.m. and 20 to 35 minutes to get there at 1 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.

Dearborn

Dearborn is a city of about 93,709 residents. It is considered part of the Detroit metro area and is located just 8.6 miles west of downtown Detroit.

The area was first settled in the late 18^th century. The community continued to grow in the 19^th century with the construction of the Chicago Road. Later growth was spurred as Dearborn became a significant manufacturing center for the automotive industry. Henry Ford was born nearby and later owned an estate there.

The city was incorporated as a village in 1893 and later as a city in 1927.

Today, Dearborn serves as the world headquarters for Ford Motor Company. The campus also includes finance, testing, research, and production facilities.

The city operates about 20 parks with river views, sports fields, playgrounds, walking paths, and other amenities. The city also features the Dearborn Ice Skating Center, an indoor arena used primarily for youth hockey and ice skating.

The fastest route from Dearborn to the airport is usually to take Interstate Highway 94 West. It would take about 12 to 18 minutes to get there, whether leaving at 7 a.m., 1 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.

Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti is located in Washtenaw County, Michigan, nearly 36 miles west of downtown Detroit. The city is just outside Ann Arbor. About 20,171 residents live in Ypsilanti, and it is best known as the home of Eastern Michigan University.

Ypsilanti was originally a trading post, established in 1809. Communities formed on both sides of the river until merging in 1832 and incorporating as a village. The community was incorporated as a city in 1858. Since the late 1960s, suburban development between the city and nearby Ann Arbor has been unbroken.

The city's downtown area and its adjacent neighborhoods are known for their many historical homes. Ypsilanti has the second largest contiguous historic district in the state. Its arts and culture scene includes the Ypsilanti Greek Theater, the Riverside Arts Center, and monthly art gallery walks. The city is also known for several annual festivals.

The fastest route from the city to the airport is via Interstate Highway 94 East. It would take about 16 to 20 minutes to get there at 7 a.m., while at 1 p.m. or 5:30 p.m., it would take about 16 to 22 minutes to arrive.

Livonia

Livonia lies about 19.5 miles northwest of downtown Detroit, in the northwest area of Wayne County. It has a population of about 93,567 and is considered to be one of Detroit's largest suburbs. Livonia features traditional neighborhoods with homes dating to the 1950s and 1960s, connected to the larger metro through a system of freeways.

Livonia was incorporated as a city in 1950. It is home to the largest amateur hockey association in the state, the Livonia Hockey Association. It also features one of the state's biggest soccer program, with about 1,300 participants.

The city has numerous parks, libraries, and a recreation center. It also features commercial and industrial districts with many restaurants and retail shopping opportunities. It is home to Laurel Park Place, an upscale mall featuring about 74 stores, which opened in 1989.

The quickest route to get from Livonia to the airport is to take I-96 Express, Jeffries Freeway, and I-96 East. Whether leaving at 7:00 a.m., 1 p.m. or 5:30 p.m., it would take from 22 to 30 minutes to get there.

Inkster

Inkster is located in Wayne County, Michigan. The city is about 18 miles southwest of downtown Detroit and has a population of about 24,161.

Inkster's first post office was established in 1857 under the name Moulin Rouge, but the community was later renamed after a local Scotsman who operated a nearby steam sawmill. Inkster was incorporated as a village in 1926 and as a city in 1964.

The city operates 20 parks throughout the community, offering playgrounds, athletic fields, splash pools, and other amenities. It also has several retail options, particularly along State Highway 12, including the Dearborn Plaza Shopping Center, One Michigan Place, and Venoy Palmer Shopping Center. The city's Downtown Development Authority focuses on revitalizing and beautifying the city's downtown district.

The fastest way to get from Inkster to the airport is to take Inkster Road and Middlebet Road. It would take about 8 to 14 minutes to arrive at 7 a.m., about 9 to 16 minutes at 1 p.m. and 9 to 18 minutes at 5:30 p.m.

Westland

Westland is the 10^th largest city in Michigan, with a population of about 81,378. It is about 16 miles directly west of downtown Detroit.

The township of Bucklin was established in 1827 and included Westland and seven other communities.

Westland includes Norwayne subdivision, one of the city's oldest residential districts with homes built immediately following World War II to provide temporary housing for returning soldiers. The city received a $2 million grant in 2009 to restore and rehabilitate the historic district.

Westland is known for its large number of parks. In addition to city parks, the county operates Hines Park on the northern side of Westland. Wildlife, including deer, fox, and hummingbirds, are commonly seen in the area. The city also offers convenient access to the county park's many bike paths.

Although it is longer in miles than the shortest route, it is still generally quickest to take Interstate Highway 275 South to the airport. It would take about 14 to 20 minutes to get to the airport at 7 a.m. At 1 p.m. or 5:30 p.m., it would take 14 to 22 minutes to get to the airport.

Finding Home Close to the Airport

The idea for an airport in the western townships of Wayne County can be traced all the way back to 1927, with the county board of commissioners issuing a $2 million bond to purchase about one square mile of land that now forms the airport's northeastern boundary. Construction was completed in 1929.

Detroit's western and southwestern suburbs offer the most convenient access to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, with several communities located within minutes away. In addition to their proximity to the airport, these cities offer residents many amenities, including parks, walking trails, recreation centers, historic districts, reasonable commute times to Detroit. Many have well-established retail, restaurant, and business districts and are within proximity to downtown Detroit.