Livonia, Michigan - 2003 Community Profile

Since its formation in 1950, the city of Livonia has provided its residents and businesses with an unparalleled combination of safety, convenience and opportunity that have made it one of southeast Michigan’s most outstanding communities. Offering the best of residential, industrial, commercial and civic planning, you’ll find Livonia a thoughtfully planned and well-maintained community.

The recipient of numerous awards, Livonia strives to live up to its motto, which proclaims “People Come First.” By doing so, Livonia has successfully maintained a unique, hometown atmosphere in the midst of unprecedented urban growth. In recent years, Livonia has appeared on several “top ten” lists, having been named one of America’s most kid-friendly communities; one of the country’s best places for senior citizens; and a top city for manufacturing businesses. Additionally, Livonia is consistently ranked by the FBI as one of the safest cities in America.

A community’s strength begins with its children, and Livonia benefits from its nationally recognized public school systems, Livonia Public Schools and the Clarenceville School District. The finest in educational opportunities are also available in six parochial elementary schools, a parochial high school and six institutions of higher education, including Madonna University, Schoolcraft Community College, the University of Phoenix, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University and Northwood University.

Livonia’s vibrant economy features 5,500 businesses, with major companies such as Ford Motor Company, Intuit, General Motors, United Parcel Services and St. Mary Mercy Hospital calling the city home. A unique feature of Livonia is that its industry is concentrated in a 6-square-mile corridor combining major railroad and highway access to all sections of the metropolitan region.

A quality lifestyle is not complete without excellent recreational opportunities. Livonia residents and visitors enjoy more than 40 developed parks encompassing 1,800 acres. In March 2003, the city opened its new recreation center, providing the latest in fitness and recreational pursuits in one of the largest and most complete facilities of its type in the country. Add three city-owned and operated golf courses, 21 playgrounds, 77 baseball diamonds, 43 tennis courts, 17 soccer fields, two indoor ice arenas, and an active YMCA program, and you’ll see that Livonia is not only a community that works hard, it is a community that knows when and how to relax.

Livonia offers a number of entertainment venues, upscale restaurants and movie theaters, including its newest, a 20-screen state-of-the-art facility. You can satisfy your urge to shop at one of three major shopping centers — Laurel Park Mall, Livonia Mall and Wonderland Mall — or at many other fine stores and shops.

Outstanding city services include elaborate community centers serving citizens of all ages. City-owned housing units offer splendid retirement living for area senior citizens. Support of the arts is a high priority, with arts commissions, cultural leagues, a city-owned and operated historical village, a symphony orchestra, Friends of the Library, and numerous arts and cultural festivals.

Please take a few minutes to “visit” Livonia in the following pages. You may find yourself wanting to spend a day ... or a lifetime.