Metro Detroit

Metro Detroit
Metropolitan area
Metropolitan Detroit
Skyline of Downtown Detroit Skyline of Downtown Detroit
Location within the state of Michigan Location within the state of Michigan
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	Michigan
Counties	Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, St. Clair
Founded	1701
Founded by	Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac
Area
• Metropolitan area	5,814 sq mi (15,060 km2)
• Land	4,858 sq mi (12,580 km2)
• Water	956 sq mi (2,480 km2)
• Metro	3,913 sq mi (10,130 km2)
Elevation	600 ft (200 m)
Population  (2019)
• Metropolitan area	4,319,629
• Density	888/sq mi (343/km2)
• Metro	5,336,286
• Metro density	1,356/sq mi (524/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes	48007-48099, 48201-48299
Area code(s)	313, 248, 586
FIPS code	26-51000
GNIS feature ID	1617959
Website	metromodemedia.com

Metro Detroit, also known as Metropolitan Detroit, is a major metropolitan area located in the state of Michigan, United States. It is composed of several counties, including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, and St. Clair. The area covers a total land area of 4,858 square miles (12,590 square kilometers) and has a population of approximately 4.3 million people as of 2019.

History

Metro Detroit was founded in 1701 by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, a French explorer and adventurer. Cadillac established a fort, known as Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, which served as a trading post and military outpost. The settlement grew rapidly due to its strategic location along the Detroit River, which provided access to the Great Lakes and the interior of North America.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Metro Detroit experienced significant industrialization and became a center for automotive manufacturing. The region became known as the "Motor City" and was home to major automobile companies such as General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. The automotive industry played a crucial role in the economic development of Metro Detroit and attracted a large number of immigrants from various parts of the world.

Geography

Metro Detroit is located in southeastern Michigan, bordered by Lake St. Clair to the northeast and the Detroit River to the south. The area is characterized by a mix of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. The city of Detroit serves as the cultural, economic, and transportation hub of the region.

The metropolitan area is known for its diverse topography, including rolling hills, lakes, and rivers. It is home to several parks and recreational areas, such as Belle Isle Park, Kensington Metropark, and Stony Creek Metropark. These natural attractions provide opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and fishing.

Economy

The economy of Metro Detroit is diverse and has evolved from its historical reliance on the automotive industry. While the automotive sector remains an important part of the region's economy, other industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and entertainment have also gained prominence.

The area is home to several major corporations and headquarters, including General Motors, Ford, and Quicken Loans. The presence of these companies has led to the growth of related industries and a vibrant business environment. Additionally, Metro Detroit has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and music venues.

Culture

Metro Detroit is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. The region has a diverse population, with significant African American, Arab American, and Hispanic communities. This diversity is reflected in the area's cuisine, music, and festivals.

The city of Detroit has a rich musical history and is considered the birthplace of Motown, a genre of soul music that gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. The Motown Museum, located in the Hitsville U.S.A. building, showcases the history and impact of Motown music.

The region also hosts several annual events and festivals, including the Detroit International Jazz Festival, the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, and the Woodward Dream Cruise, which celebrates classic cars and automotive history.

Transportation

Metro Detroit has a well-developed transportation infrastructure that includes highways, public transit, and airports. The region is served by several major highways, including Interstate 75, Interstate 94, and Interstate 96, which connect the area to other parts of Michigan and neighboring states.

The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, located in Romulus, is the primary airport serving the region. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and offers domestic and international flights.

Public transportation in Metro Detroit is provided by the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART). These agencies operate bus services throughout the metropolitan area, providing residents with access to employment centers, educational institutions, and recreational facilities.

Education

Metro Detroit is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Oakland University. These universities offer a wide range of academic programs and contribute to the region's intellectual and cultural vitality.

The area also has a strong K-12 education system, with numerous public and private schools serving students from diverse backgrounds. The Detroit Public Schools Community District is the largest school district in the state of Michigan and operates a network of schools within the city of Detroit.

See also

• Detroit
• Wayne County, Michigan
• Oakland County, Michigan
• Macomb County, Michigan
• Livingston County, Michigan
• St. Clair County, Michigan

External links

• Metro Modo Media - Official website of Metro Detroit