Berkley, Mich.
Nearest major city: Detroit
Population: 14,416
Median family income: $83,470
Median home price: $103,799
Unemployment rate: 13.3%
Violent crime index: 28
This tree-lined neighborhood has several parks and a well-regarded school district—Newsweek ranked Berkley High School one of the best in the state a few years ago. Even with a high unemployment rate, activities for both adults and children are organized by local community groups and businesses, such as sports leagues, yoga classes, and ice skating lessons. The downtown area was revitalized in 2002 with bricked crosswalks, new sidewalks, and benches.
