About The City Of Grosse Pointe
City At A Glance
A Sense of Community
Located on the southwestern shore of Lake St. Clair, Grosse Pointe is a community of close-knit residential neighborhoods. The City is known for its stately tree-lined streets and lakeside recreational facilities. The picturesque retail district provides unique shopping and business opportunities – Grosse Pointe residents enjoy a distinctive small-town atmosphere, and yet are within easy reach of the nation’s fifth largest metropolitan area and the entire Great Lakes region. The result is a delightful mix of the traditional and the contemporary flavored with a strong sense of community. Certainly, this is why Grosse Pointe has a national reputation as one of America’s most charming small cities.
Quick Facts
- Established in 1893
- Incorporated as a home rule city in 1934
- Population: 5,421 (2010)
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Education level: over 69% of adults have 4 or more years of college
- The City of Grosse Pointe is 1 of 5 communities along Lake St. Clair that share a school system and often cooperate on common issues and projects
- Collectively the “Grosse Pointes” have a population of approx. 50,000
Cooperation
The Grosse Pointe City government works with area businesses to help maintain and upgrade the business district. They jointly endeavor to plan and manage special promotional events. City representatives meet regularly with business organizations such as the Grosse Pointe Village Association and Grosse Pointe Business & Professional Organization of Mack Avenue to facilitate cooperation between city government and the business sector.
Shopping
The Village, a unique three-block retail district on Kercheval Avenue, is home to some 40 stores and businesses that offer everything from sophisticated adult and children's clothing and antique jewelry to hardware, pet items, toys, books, prescriptions and other everyday goods and services. Additional shopping is also available on Mack Avenue and on Fisher Road.
Health Care
Beaumont Hospital Grosse Pointe, a full service medical facility with an emergency room, is located in the City; close by are Cottage Hospital in Grosse Pointe Farms and St. John Hospital in Detroit. Grosse Pointe residents also have access to two major medical research centers – the Detroit Medical Center and the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Education
The Grosse Pointe Public School System, shared with five neighboring towns, has a long tradition of academic excellence. It is consistently ranked among the top K-12 school systems in the nation. The system features top notch facilities and resources – including a planetarium and access to a statewide computer network for research. Grosse Pointe schools also boast a highly trained staff – more than 80% of classroom teachers have earned a Master’s degree or higher. A majority of these educators live in the district. The immediate area also has a number of private schools, including University Liggett School and The Grosse Pointe Academy. Numerous daycare centers and preschools are within easy reach.
Access
…with Southeast Michigan’s extensive freeway network, Grosse Pointe is just a short drive away from renowned art and historical museums, symphony orchestra concert sites, major-league sports arenas and regional commercial centers. The City is just a 20 minute drive from Detroit’s central business and convention district; 25 minutes from Canada; and 55 minutes from Ann Arbor. Detroit City Airport is just 20 minutes away; Detroit Metropolitan Airport is 40 minutes.
Something Special
Community activities are a hallmark of life in Grosse Pointe, and throughout the year the City sponsors and/or hosts numerous special events for residents to enjoy. Please see the event calendar on the main page for a complete list of local activities, programs, special events and The Plaza Concert Schedule.
Additionally – the area hosts a number of races, such as the 10K run sponsored by The Pointer and the Fun Run and Walk. Sailing regattas and races are held on Lake St. Clair during the summer months.
