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Dearborn is a city in Wayne County in the western Detroit suburbs, with a population of approximately 89,000. It is home to the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Ford Motor Company's world headquarters, and the Henry Ford Museum, one of the largest indoor-outdoor history museums in the country. Dearborn has one of the largest Arab American communities in the United States, giving the city a distinctive cultural identity reflected in its restaurants, businesses, and community institutions. The city sits directly adjacent to Detroit and benefits from the broader metro area's ongoing economic revitalization while maintaining its own strong industrial and civic heritage.
The neighborhoods around the UM-Dearborn campus, the most convenient for minimizing the commute.
Bordering Dearborn to the north and west, with a wider variety of rental housing at prices lower than many Detroit suburbs.
South of campus along the Southfield Freeway corridor, popular and affordable for students and young professionals.
Near Michigan Avenue, a denser commercial and residential area with Arab American restaurants, bakeries, and shops.
Short commutes into the city while retaining Dearborn's lower rent levels.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Dearborn.
SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) provides bus service connecting Dearborn to surrounding Wayne County suburbs and the broader Detroit metro. DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation) bus routes connect Dearborn to Detroit proper, expanding access to the city's employment, cultural, and entertainment options. Transit frequency and coverage have improved in recent years but still do not match the convenience of a personal vehicle for most student schedules.
Dearborn's flat terrain and grid-style street layout make biking near the UM-Dearborn campus reasonably practical for students living within a mile or two of the university. Walking is feasible between campus and the immediately surrounding residential neighborhoods but less useful for reaching retail or dining corridors. Bike infrastructure is present near campus, though it is not as extensive as in cities with more developed cycling cultures.
Parking is widely available and generally free or low-cost throughout Dearborn, including most residential streets and campus-adjacent areas. The UM-Dearborn campus provides student parking lots, though permits are required for designated zones. The abundance of parking makes car ownership highly practical for students navigating the Detroit metro.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Dearborn is best known as the home of Ford Motor Company's world headquarters and the Henry Ford Museum, one of the most visited history museums in the United States. The city is also recognized for having one of the largest and most vibrant Arab American communities in the country.
Browse student housing near each Dearborn-area university.