West Bloomfield Township, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
West Bloomfield Township, Michigan
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Charter township
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| Charter Township of West Bloomfield | |
Location within Oakland County
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 West Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Oakland |
| Established | 1833 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Supervisor-Board of trustees |
| Area | |
| • Charter township | 31.2 sq mi (80.9 km2) |
| • Land | 27.3 sq mi (70.8 km2) |
| • Water | 3.9 sq mi (10.1 km2) 12.49% |
| Elevation | 984 ft (300 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Charter township | 65,888 |
| • Density | 2,369.5/sq mi (914.9/km2) |
| • Metro | 4,296,250 (Metro Detroit) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 |
| ZIP code(s) |
48302, 48320, 48322–48325, 48328
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| Area code(s) | 248 |
West Bloomfield Township is a lovely charter township in Oakland County, Michigan. It is a northwestern suburb in the Metro Detroit area. The community is located about 27 miles away from downtown Detroit. The township had 65,888 residents during the 2020 census.
Contents
Geography and Lakes of West Bloomfield Township
People often call West Bloomfield the lake township of Oakland County. Many small and medium lakes dot the entire landscape. Over twelve percent of the total area consists of open water. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township covers 31.2 square miles (81 km2). Water covers about 3.9 square miles (10 km2) of this territory.
The largest lake in the county is Cass Lake. Part of this big lake sits inside West Bloomfield. Beautiful Pine Lake lies completely within the borders of the township. Directly west of Pine Lake, you can explore Orchard Lake. That lake is surrounded by the city of Orchard Lake Village.
Several smaller lakes rest around these bigger bodies of water. The township shares borders with Bloomfield Township to the east. It touches Farmington Hills to the south. Commerce Township borders it to the west. Waterford Township, Keego Harbor, and Sylvan Lake lie directly north.
Orchard Lake Road runs north and south through the community. It acts as the main center for local shopping and dining. Many popular stores and great restaurants welcome visitors along this busy road. West Maple Road also features convenient businesses and neighborhood shopping plazas.
Communities Within the Township
- Westacres is a historic unincorporated community near Keith and Commerce Roads.
- Cass Lake Village sits near Cass Lake in the northern section. The state designated it as an official village. Voters approved a charter creating a municipal corporation. This made it a brand-new village inside Oakland County.
Local Economy and Major Employers
The local economy in West Bloomfield features hospitals, schools, and township services. Many residents work right inside the community every single day.
| # | Employer | Employees |
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| 1 | Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital | 1,937 |
| 2 | West Bloomfield Schools | 624 |
| 3 | Charter Township of West Bloomfield | 354 |
Traveling Around West Bloomfield Township
Roads and Highways
A short piece of Northwestern Highway, also called M-10, enters the township. It ends where it meets Orchard Lake Road. Other major roadways pass very close to the township borders. Telegraph Road, or US-24, runs just northeast of the area.
Drivers can also use the Haggerty Connector, known as M-5. This route provides quick connections to I-275 and I-696. It also connects travelers directly to I-96 for long trips across Michigan.
Walking and Biking Trails
The West Bloomfield Trail cuts across the center of the township. It is a scenic rail trail built along an abandoned train track. The Michigan Air Line Railway originally constructed the train tracks long ago. Later, the line belonged to the Grand Trunk Western railroad company.
Today, outdoor lovers can walk, run, and ride bikes safely along this pathway. The township also maintains 68 miles of outdoor safety paths. These paved routes connect friendly neighborhoods to parks, public schools, and stores.
Public Transit
Buses operated by the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation serve the community. These buses connect local neighborhoods with Detroit and other nearby towns.
Local Government and Leadership
West Bloomfield operates as a Charter Township. This special Michigan status provides local leaders with helpful administrative powers. A board of elected leaders manages the daily public services. Jonathan Warshay serves as the township supervisor alongside clerk Debbie Binder. Treasurer Teri Weingarden manages public funds alongside four dedicated trustees.
The township also sends lawmakers to represent residents in the government.
- Representative Haley Stevens serves in the United States House of Representatives for Michigan's 11th district.
- Senator Rosemary Bayer represents residents in the Michigan Senate for district 13.
- Representative Noah Arbit serves in the Michigan House of Representatives for district 20.
Education and Schools in the Community
Seven distinct public school districts serve different parts of West Bloomfield. This is more school districts than any other town in the county. Families may attend the West Bloomfield School District or Waterford School District. Other parts use Farmington Public Schools or Birmingham City School District. Students might also attend the Pontiac School District, Walled Lake School District, or Bloomfield Hills School District.
High school students can attend West Bloomfield High School. Private options include the Frankel Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit. Neighboring Orchard Lake Village is home to St. Mary's Preparatory. Younger Catholic students might attend a K–8 school under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit.
The award-winning West Bloomfield Township Public Library offers books and fun learning events. In 1999, it partnered with the Awaji City Library in Awaji, Hyogo, Japan.
Culture and Community Life
West Bloomfield features a rich mix of different cultures and backgrounds. It is home to the largest Jewish community in Michigan. Residents enjoy the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit and active local synagogues.
The township also includes a large Chaldo-Assyrian community. The Chaldean Cultural Center teaches visitors about this ancient group's heritage. In addition, many people of Japanese heritage call West Bloomfield their home.
Notable People from West Bloomfield
Many talented athletes, artists, and leaders have lived in West Bloomfield:
- Meryl Davis, an Olympic champion ice dancer who won a gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
- Justin Bartha, a movie actor known for adventure and comedy films.
- Brandon T. Jackson, an actor who starred in fantasy and comedy movies.
- Kyle Mack, an Olympic snowboarder who won a silver medal in big air.
- Joe Ginsberg, a former professional baseball catcher for the Detroit Tigers.
- Adetokunbo Ogundeji, a professional football player for the Atlanta Falcons.
- Dana Nessel, a prominent lawyer serving as Michigan Attorney General.
- Jack Berry, a famous sports writer for major Detroit newspapers.
See also
In Spanish: Municipio de West Bloomfield para niños
