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Westland, MI

Frequently asked questions

Westland, MI

Westland is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. A western suburb of Detroit, Westland is located about 18 miles (29 km) west of downtown Detroit. As of 2022, the city had a population of 84,037.

During the 18th century, the area was inhabited by the people of a Potawatomi Native American village. Other tribes, particularly three Algonquian tribes, used the area as hunting territory. Though white settlers did not begin to settle the area until about 1824, they began passing through at the beginning of the 19th century. 

Before becoming Westland, the area had several other names. In 1827, the area became known as Bucklin Township, which included what is now the cities of Westland, Livonia, Garden City, Inkster, Wayne, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, and Redford Township. In 1829, it was proposed that Bucklin Township be divided into Lima and Richland; the former is what eventually became Westland. Due to name conflicts under territorial law prohibiting duplication of post office names, Lima was renamed Nankin Township, after the Chinese city of Nanking.

Nankin Township was mostly rural until World War II. The Norwayne subdivision is one of the oldest areas of the city, having existed for over 65 years. The area was built immediately after World War II to provide temporary housing for returning soldiers who worked in nearby factories.

By 1960, Nankin Township's population had increased to 70,000, giving the area the distinction of being the state's largest township. During the early 1960s, the city of Livonia wanted to annex the part of Nankin in which a large shopping mall, Westland Shopping Center, was to be built. The shopping center eventually opened in 1965, joining Northland and Eastland malls in Southfield and Harper Woods, respectively. In reaction to Livonia's annexation attempts, the people of Nankin Township voted on May 16, 1966, to take all other territory to form the City Of Westland. At that time, it was the fourth-largest city in Wayne County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.45 square miles (52.97 km2), of which 20.43 square miles (52.91 km2) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km2) is water. 

Bettendorf places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The Friendship Center is a popular spot, featuring an indoor pool, extensive workout equipment, and various fitness classes to keep the community active and engaged. Bettendorf Family YMCA offers family-friendly facilities including sports courts, a swimming pool, and group exercise sessions. Massage Envy provides therapeutic massages and skin care treatments, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. OrangeTheory Fitness Bettendorf delivers high-intensity interval training sessions designed to improve cardiovascular health and build strength. Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping focuses on kickboxing and strength training to deliver comprehensive fitness results. Rock Valley Physical Therapy provides specialized physical therapy services to aid in recovery and improve mobility.  Cornwell Health Care Center - Westland offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes.

The top sites in Westland, MI are Yoyo's Fun Center, Corrado Park, Westland Historic Village Park

Population: 84,037 (2022). ZIP Codes: 48185, 48186, 48187. Area code: 734. Elevation: 207 ft (63 m). Area: 20.45 sq mi (52.96 km2).

FAQs

What is Westland, MI famous for?

The City is known for having an abundance of parks. Hines Park is located in the northern region of Westland. Residents along this corridor enjoy seeing deer, fox, and hummingbirds all year long as well as easy access to the bike paths of Hines Park. Westland also has numerous City-owned parks throughout many of the neighborhoods.

What is the crime rate in Westland, MI?

The crime rate in Westland is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 18 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Westland is 1 in 56. Based on FBI crime data, Westland is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Michigan, Westland has a crime rate that is higher than 80% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Westland, MI expensive?

Westland, Michigan's cost of living is 11% higher than the national average. Westland's housing expenses are 131% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 2% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 1% higher than the national average. Westland has grocery prices that are 1% higher than the national average. Healthcare in Westland is 1% lower than the national average.

Sources

Westland, Michigan - Wikipedia

City of Westland

Wayne County

Payscale

Neighborhood Scout

Yoyo's Fun Center

Corrado Park

Westland Historic Village Park

Friendship Center

Bettendorf Family YMCA

Massage Envy

OrangeTheory Fitness

Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping

Rock Valley Physical Therapy

Corewell Health Care Center - Westland

Planet Fitness

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