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Ferndale, MI

Frequently asked questions

Ferndale, MI

Ferndale is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. An inner-ring suburb of Detroit on the Woodward Corridor, Ferndale borders Detroit to the north, roughly 10 miles (16.1 km) northwest of downtown Detroit. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 19,190. Ferndale is well-known for its downtown, as well as its position as the hub of the LGBTQ+ community in Metro Detroit, and a center of progressive politics.

Native Americans were original inhabitants of the area now known as the City of Ferndale. In the 1800s farmers began cultivating the land. After the invention of the automobile and the development of the automotive assembly line, the population of Ferndale increased rapidly. 

Ferndale was incorporated into a village in 1918. It was then incorporated into a city on March 7, 1927, by vote of the citizens of the village. It became a bedroom community for Detroit workers, with most of its growth in housing from 1920 to 1951. Through the early 1950s, there were trolley (interurban railroad) lines in the median strip of Woodward Avenue from downtown Detroit to Pontiac. These helped the northern suburbs of Detroit grow as bedroom communities as people could take the trolley to shop or work in Detroit.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.88 square miles (10.05 km2), all land. Ferndale is adjacent to the cities of Detroit to the south, Oak Park to the west, Hazel Park to the east, Pleasant Ridge to the north, Royal Oak Township to the southwest, and Royal Oak to the north. Ferndale is bordered to the south by 8 Mile Road, to the north (west of Woodward Avenue) by Oakridge Street, and (east of Woodward Avenue) by 10 Mile Road and I-696. To the west it is bordered by Republic Street (south of Nine Mile Road), and Hyland Street (north of Nine Mile). To the east, it is bordered by West End, Pilgrim Street, and Lennox Street.

Ferndale places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The LIV Wellness Lounge provides a serene escape with services such as massages, facials, and acupuncture. Hot Yoga Ferndale offers a welcoming environment for practitioners of all levels with a variety of yoga classes, workshops, and wellness events. The Ferndale Project combines a unique brewery experience with community fitness events like yoga and running clubs. Fit2Live offers personalized fitness training and nutrition coaching, focusing on sustainable health and wellness. The Drayton Avenue Cooperative Preschool emphasizes holistic early childhood education with a strong focus on physical activity and outdoor play. The Detroit Flyhouse Circus School in nearby Detroit offers thrilling aerial fitness classes and workshops that promote strength and flexibility. Anytime Fitness offers comprehensive fitness services including group classes and personal training. Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs.

Top sites in Ferndale, MI are SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and Detroit Zoo.

Population: 19,083 (2023). ZIP code: 48220. Area code: 248. Elevation: 646 ft (197 m). Area: 3.88 sq mi (10.04 km2).

FAQs

What is the history of Ferndale, MI?

Ferndale was settled by homesteading farmers in the 19th century. It grew slowly until the advent of the automobile and the opening of the Ford Motor Company plant in nearby Highland Park. In 1918 it was incorporated as a village and in 1927 as a city. Since that time it has become one of the major suburbs north of Detroit. During the late 1960s and ‘70s, Ferndale faced several challenges, such as an aging population, declining school enrollment, and a deteriorating physical environment. Today, thanks largely to efforts by city administrators and the successful revitalization of its historic downtown, Ferndale has become a popular community for members of metro Detroit’s “creative class.”

What are the demographics of Ferndale, MI?

Ferndale is a city located in Oakland County Michigan. Ferndale has a 2024 population of 19,040. Ferndale is currently declining at a rate of -0.23% annually and its population has decreased by -0.89% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 19,211 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Ferndale was White: 83.72%, Black or African American: 5.82%, Two or more races: 5.62%, Asian: 2.47%, Other race: 2.17%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.12%, Native American: 0.08%.

Is Ferndale, MI expensive?

Ferndale, Michigan's cost of living is 11% lower than the national average. Ferndale's housing expenses are 47% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 6% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are about the same as the national average. Ferndale has grocery prices that are 1% higher than the national average. Healthcare in Ferndale is 13% higher than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Ferndale

Achp

World Population Review

Payscale

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium

Cranbrook Institute of Science

Detroit Zoo

LIV Wellness Lounge

Hot Yoga Ferndale

The Ferndale Project

Fit2Live

Drayton Avenue Cooperative Preschool 

Detroit Flyhouse Circus School

Anytime Fitness

Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital

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