Michigan is a scenic destination bordered by four of the five Great Lakes. It also has two national parks, one of which is a Lake Superior national park that's home to a "phantom island." Aside from its natural beauty, the state also boasts a rich history, particularly in its largest city, Detroit. It was the center of the American automotive industry and the birthplace of the Motown sound.
But in the mid-20th century, the promising Metro Detroit region suffered an economic decline that led to the city of Detroit's municipal bankruptcy in 2013. It was the biggest in U.S. history by debt of $18–20 billion. Fortunately, the city, along with the 200 municipalities in the surrounding area, has shown major recovery since.
It's best seen in Metro Detroit's "Beverly Hills"—the city of Birmingham, Michigan, which boasts high-end shopping and dining options, luxury homes, and a thriving art scene, while still maintaining a small town charm. Read on to learn how Detroit went from filing a record bankruptcy to having a fancy, walkable town less than 30 minutes away.
The History Behind Metro Detroit's Beverly Hills
Birmingham, Michigan is an affluent suburb of Detroit, known for its remarkable livability—a priority, even back in the region's industrialization, which started in the 19th century. Birmingham's history dates back to over 200 years ago, with pioneers who later transformed the area from mere farmland to a booming hub of foundries, tanneries, blacksmith shops, transportation services, and factories for broom and brick making. The city was named after England's biggest industrial center at that time.
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| County | Oakland |
| Size | 4.80 sq mi |
| Population | 21,216 (2025) |
| Getting There | Drive onto I-75 North from Detroit, MI |
| Nearest Major Airport | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) Located in Romulus, MI, approx. 35 mins away |
But by the 1860s, Birmingham's industrial promise was all gone. The initial ambitions of the city didn't pan out, with the Civil War (1861-1865) undeniably being a huge factor. In 1864, Birmingham was incorporated as a village—marking its silent progress as a local commercial and agricultural center for the farmers in the area. Soon, the town had a newspaper, banks, new businesses, and more community professionals (e.g. doctors, dentists, etc.)
Roads, infrastructure, education, a paid fire department, and other cultural institutions were later developed by the 1890s. Birmingham's success eventually paid off when it was established as a city in 1932. Fast-forward to 2022, Birmingham's former mayor, Pierre Boutros, perfectly described the city to D Magazine as the "closest thing [in Metro Detroit] to Beverly Hills." The small city went from quaint to quiet luxury.
Birmingham, Michigan Blends Upscale, Artsy, & Small Town Experiences
Today, Birmingham, MI is a lovely blend of upscale, artsy, and small town vibes. You'll see this as you explore Downtown Birmingham, which is one of the most walkable downtowns in Metro Detroit.
Also known as the Birmingham Shopping District, it's lined with over 300 stylish shops (Beverly Hills only has over 100 luxury retailers), a wide array of fine restaurants, vintage and antique boutiques, the 98-year-old Birmingham 8 cinema, and a green park to balance it all out.
But what truly stands out about Birmingham is its down-to-earth appeal as an artsy city. The downtown area alone has 24 art sculptures, including a large-scale sculpture that gleams during the sunset. You can visit them all using Birmingham's Downtown Sculpture Tour Map. The city is simply brimming with various arts and culture spaces, such as the nature-surrounded Birmingham Museum and the Balwdin Public Library.
The average price range of properties in Birmingham is $400,000 to over $1 million for smaller condos, and $600,000 to more than $4 million for large single-family homes.
Birmingham is primarily a residential town. It has a diverse mix of high-end properties—from historic Victorian and mid-century modern homes to craftsman-style houses and luxury condos and penthouses downtown. One of the highly sought-after neighborhoods in Birmingham is the Quarton Lake Estates, which is adjacent to the Quarton Lake fed by the Rouge River, and the Quarton Lake Park. This park has a manmade waterfall, a walking trail, and a fishing pier for permitted anglers.
Birmingham, Michigan Is Known For Its Luxury Hotels
A huge part of experiencing Metro Detroit's "Beverly Hills" is staying in one of its luxury hotels. The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, MI is a favorite among guests. Launched in 1988, it's now a Forbes Four-Star and AAA 4-Diamond Hotel known for its elegant interior design, sophisticated service, and high-end amenities.
The Townsend Hotel is also within walking distance of Birmingham's downtown area. A one-night stay at the Townsend Hotel costs about $336 to $423 (prices may vary depending on season).
For a much newer and luxury boutique option, the Daxton Hotel Birmingham is the hotel to stay in. Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, Daxton Hotel is home to over 400 art pieces itself—giving you an epic start to an art exploration around Birmingham.
It's also a short walk from the Birmingham Shopping District and four miles away from the world-renowned Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills, MI. The average nightly rate at Daxon Hotel ranges from $250 to $350, though some report paying over $500.
In Birmingham, Michigan, luxury hotels serve as a gateway to the city's different attractions. These fancy accommodations also represent the successful yet secretive rise of the town as Metro Detroit's "Beverly Hills."
To score better deals on hotels and other travel delights, visit Birmingham during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. These periods offer a colorful scenery and a more peaceful vibe to enjoy everything the city has to offer.