Sterling Heights, MI Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Sterling Heights, MI: What You Need to Know

Sterling Heights in southeast Michigan was once farmland known as the Rhubarb Capital of the World. Today, it’s a core Detroit suburb with a diverse economy.

Job Opportunities

Located 20 miles from Detroit, Sterling Heights is part of a thriving economic region composed of 11 counties. There are over 11,000 businesses in Sterling Heights itself. Area businesses generated nearly $7.9 billion in gross regional product in 2020. Mayco Plastics, General Dynamics Land Systems (manufacturer of military vehicles), Key Safety System, and Jet’s Pizza are based in Sterling Heights. Other major employers include KUKA Systems Corp. and US Farathane Corp.

Cost of Living

If you want to be near the employment and cultural opportunities in Detroit without the hustle and bustle, Sterling Heights (population: 132,438) may be right for you. The city’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 4.2%,13%, and 6.8% lower than the national average respectively. The median gross rent is $1,025. The Wolverine State imposes a flat income tax rate of 4.25%, one of the lowest rates for states with a flat tax, and 6% in sales tax. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

Sterling Heights is in Macomb County, just off the coast of Lake Saint Clair, with plenty of outdoor activities. The city has top-notch schools, lots of affordable housing options, and a diverse population. Within Macomb County, there are only a few places with schools as good as those in Sterling Heights, including Shelby Charter Township and Utica. Shelby residents bemoan their hometown’s fast growth, especially the worsening traffic. Utica is a bedroom community, so don’t expect much entertainment.

Things to Do in Sterling Heights

General Motors Heritage Center in Sterling Heights is a must-see for car enthusiasts. The 81,000-square-foot museum displays more than 150 GM vehicles. Each car is chosen for depicting a certain milestone or design, technical or sales accomplishment in automotive history. The center also hosts conferences and other events and houses GM’s collection of historic literature and artifacts. Every summer, up to 120,000 people flock to the Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair, a three-day celebration featuring live music, carnival rides, food vendors, kid-friendly activities and performances, and the SterlingFAST 5K run and walk. 

Shopping

Lakeside Mall is a major shopping destination not just in Sterling Heights but in the region. It’s a one-stop shop with 100 stores and restaurants sprawled along 1.5 million square feet of space. Lakeside Mall is the largest shopping center in Michigan.