Ferndale, Michigan, is a small city that’s a part of the larger Detroit Metropolitan area, but is a very popular town in its own right, with a unique, progressive, neighborhood feel. Ferndale is mainly a residential area, but it does feature several different bars, dance clubs, and other stores. The city is known for its progressive policies which have attracted a large LGBTQ population. In fact, in 2007, the first openly gay mayor in the state of Michigan was elected in Ferndale. For so many reasons, Ferndale would make a wonderful place to call home!
A Look at Ferndale's History
Around the time of World War I, Ferndale was developed as a bedroom community for the workers in Detroit. It was first incorporated as a village in 1918, and in 1927 it was reincorporated as a city. Since its founding, Ferndale has grown steadily, both as an extension of the greater Detroit metro area and in its own right. It has long had a reputation for being a progressive, forward-thinking, and diverse city, and it remains so to this day.
A Few Fun Facts About Ferndale
Read more fun facts about Ferndale here.
Ferndale’s LGBTQ Community
Ferndale is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Detroit is the Ferndale area’s closest local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
Affirmations is Michigan's longest-running LGBTQ community center and is truly a
pillar of the Ferndale LGBTQ community, and of the greater Detroit area. The mission of Affirmations is to provide a welcoming space where people of all identities and expressions can find support, acceptance, and a connection to the community. The group accomplishes this mission by offering events, services, networking opportunities, resources, and more.
What's the Weather Like in Ferndale?
Those who live in Ferndale can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. Winters can be cold and snowy, with temperatures typically dropping to around 19ºF in January. Summers are usually mild and pleasant, with the high temperature in July usually rising to an average of 84ºF. Spring and fall are also wonderful times to enjoy the outdoors, and between blooming flowers and the bright colors of changing leaves, there is plenty of natural beauty to enjoy in both seasons. Ferndale receives around 38 inches of rain, on average, each year, and about 34 inches of snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Ferndale
Ferndale Pride is the largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration in the area, and it’s one celebration you’ll want to put on your calendar. This annual celebration draws wonderful, friendly crowds each year, and includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
Ferndale is close enough to Detroit that it’s well worth making the drive into the city for the Motor City Pride Festival. This festival, Detroit’s largest pride celebration, draws thousands of visitors from near and far each year, to celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the greater Detroit area. You don’t want to miss it!
The Best Neighborhoods in Ferndale
Ferndale is a smaller city within the larger Detroit metro area, which means that it doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” or area where most of the LGBTQ population lives. Because the entire city is very LGBT-friendly, there’s no gay neighborhood per se. Instead, many gays and lesbians live throughout the area. Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find a Ferndale LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit.
If you love mid-century modern architecture you will find it here in buildings that used to be old bowling alleys, department store chains, and bakeries. The area is also famous for its "Gingerbread" style of Victorian architecture common in the late 1800s. The streets are beautiful and have been narrowed so that they are friendlier to the development of many locally-owned, eclectic, and wonderful small businesses and eateries.
The current median list price of homes for sale in Ferndale is around $220,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Ringwald Theatre is located in the Affirmations LGBTQ community center, and it is one of the best performing arts groups in Ferndale. The group puts on a variety of excellent, inspiring, and entertaining performances each year. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a show!
The Rust Belt Market is a warehouse-style marketplace featuring more than 40 boutique stores, craft vendors, vintage resalers, bars, and restaurants. It’s a very popular shopping and entertainment spot in the city, and a great spot to spend the day having fun.
Parks and Recreation
Martin Road Park is a beautiful park in the heart of Ferndale that offers much to enjoy, including basketball hoops, a sledding path, picnic spots, a playground, and plenty of open green spaces for relaxing and enjoying a beautiful Ferndale day.
Palmer Park is another beautiful park in Ferndale, known for its beautiful trails and spots for relaxing – 296 acres of space, in fact. It’s a great spot for walking, running, picnicking, enjoying wildlife, or all of the above.
Ferndale Nightlife
Located conveniently on Nine Mile just west of Woodward Avenue, Q is a popular, eclectic LGBTQ hangout, and one you’ll definitely want to put on your list for a fun night out in Ferndale. The bar is known for its lively dance floor, great drag shows, fun theme nights, strong drinks, and welcoming, friendly crowds.
Contact a Ferndale Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Ferndale, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Ferndale, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Ferndale gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
