Madison Heights City Guide

Food is diverse with American comfort, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Highlights include Detroit-Style pizza, Chinese dumplings, Vietnamese pho, and Mediterranean grills. Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. Late-night spots like The Telway and Green Lantern Pizza are popular.

Nightlife centers on bars and casual spots like sports bars and pubs. Some have live music. There are no major nightclubs in town, but nearby Detroit offers concerts and bigger venues.

There are many cafes and coffee shops, some suitable for working remotely with Wi-Fi and outlets.

Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars, usually around 15-20%, and for taxi drivers and delivery workers.

Buy SIMs at T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, or Best Buy. Main networks are T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Budget options like Mint Mobile use these networks. eSIMs are easy to get with providers like Nomad and Airalo. No ID usually needed for prepaid SIMs.

The city is moderately clean with regular public maintenance, though some industrial areas may feel less tidy.

Some gyms and bars are open 24/7, but many places close by midnight. Convenience stores and some restaurants stay open late.

You can find international foods at Asian marts like 168 Asian Mart and New Saigon Market. Major supermarkets include Meijer, Costco, and Hollywood Markets. Stores usually open 8 AM to 9 PM weekdays and Saturdays, slightly shorter hours on Sundays.

Most places accept credit and debit cards. The city encourages non-cash payments for services, though cash is still accepted.

There are many ATMs from major banks like Bank of America and Chase, some with 24-hour service. Use Allpoint or MoneyPass networks to avoid fees. Out-of-network ATMs usually charge about $3-$3.50 per use plus operator fees.

Public schools are served by Madison District and Lamphere Public Schools. Metro Detroit has several international schools offering German, French, Arabic, and IB programs. Most schools teach in English and offer language support.

Madison Heights has a small nomad and remote worker community. The area's proximity to Detroit offers more networking and coworking opportunities.

Madison Heights offers several parks and nature areas like Red Oaks Nature Center and city playgrounds.

Good trails and parks like Red Oaks Nature Center and longer regional trails provide running routes.

Gyms range from 24/7 access and personal training to yoga and climbing facilities.

Public tennis courts are available in parks, with private clubs nearby. Bookings are usually first-come, first-served, and equipment rentals are rare.

Padel courts exist nearby, including facilities in Sterling Heights and Madison Heights. Pickleball courts are under development.

Multiple yoga studios and classes are available, including Studio One and options at fitness gyms.

Several gyms and studios offer martial arts training including karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and boxing.

Several ski resorts like Pine Knob and Mt. Holly are within an hour. Ski season runs late November to April or May with snowmaking. Equipment rental is available.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and jet skiing are popular on Lake St. Clair and the Clinton River. Rentals and lessons are available seasonally.

Surfing is possible on the Great Lakes with wind-driven waves on Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. It's best in fall to spring and requires cold-water wetsuits. Surf spots are a few hours from Madison Heights.

Diving in the Great Lakes focuses on shipwrecks in cooler water. Several dive shops and certification centers are nearby. Wetsuits or drysuits are needed outside peak summer.

Henry Ford Madison Heights Hospital offers 24/7 emergency and specialty care with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are common for over-the-counter meds. Healthcare quality depends on your insurance plan.

Tap water meets state and federal standards. It's treated from the Detroit River, with ongoing monitoring for contaminants and lead.

Madison Heights has many parks with playgrounds and picnic areas. Attractions include Red Oaks Waterpark, Red Oaks Nature Center, and Dinoland indoor play. Nearby are the Detroit Zoo and CJ Barrymore's arcade and rides.

The local community is generally accepting with resources mainly in nearby Detroit, which has a larger LGBTQ+ scene and events.

Pets are allowed in many parks and some public spaces. Some rentals and businesses welcome pets, but restrictions apply in parts of town.