Founded in 1832 by Maynard and Almon Maltby from Brighton, N.Y., the Brighton area grew around the Mill Pond, Ore Creek and the Grand River Trail. Today, Brighton's location continues to make it an ideal place to live, learn and work.
The City of Brighton, located where Brighton, Green Oak Charter, Hamburg and Genoa townships meet, is an ideal location for national and international commerce. Situated at the cross of U.S.-23 and I-96, Brighton is 45 miles west of Detroit, 35 miles south of Flint, 15 miles north of Ann Arbor and 45 miles east of Lansing. The area offers a diverse range of industries; reliable highway, rail and air transportation; excellent schools and a unique mix of retail establishments.
The downtown area, designated a Cool City by the state, features many upscale retail and service businesses. Shoppers will find the clothing and accessories celebrities wear, elegant home furnishings, quality baked goods, local artists and more.
The surrounding areas offer a variety of big box retailers and a lifestyle mall.
Charter Township of Brighton
Population 19,584
Households 6,956
Housing Units 6,911
Household Size 2.82
2000 Median Household Income (1999 dollars) $83,940
City of Brighton
Population 7,547
Households 3,660
Housing Units 3,660
Household Size 2.05
2000 Median Household Income (1999 dollars) $47,897
Genoa Township
Population 20,971
Households 8,171
Housing Units 8,444
Household Size 2.56
2000 Median Household Income (1999 dollars) $71,398
SOURCE: SEMCOG OCTOBER 2007
Green Oak Charter Twp. (Both in Livingston and Northfield Townships)
Population 18,892
Households 6,892
Housing Units 7,075
Household Size 2.73
2000 Median Household Income (1999 dollars) $75,173
Households 3,660
Housing Units 3,660
Household Size 2.05
2000 Median Household Income (1999 dollars) $47,897
Genoa Township
Population 20,971
Households 8,171
Housing Units 8,444
Household Size 2.56
2000 Median Household Income (1999 dollars) $71,398
SOURCE: SEMCOG OCTOBER 2007
Green Oak Charter Twp. (Both in Livingston and Northfield Townships)
Population 18,892
Households 6,892
Housing Units 7,075
Household Size 2.73
2000 Median Household Income (1999 dollars) $75,173
Brighton Recreation Area
6360 Chilson Road, Howell
(810) 229-6566
www.michigan.gov/brighton
5,000 acres open to hunting, fishing, and most winter activities. Bishop Lake beach, hiking, boat launch, picnic areas, camping, cabins and playground. Equestrian facilities and 18 miles of bridle trails.
Genoa Township Memorial Park
2911 Dorr Road, Brighton
(810) 227-5225
www.genoa.org
Gardening and landscaping workshops and special events.
Huron Meadows Metropark
8765 Hammel Road, Brighton
(800) 477-3193
www.metroparks.com
1,540 acres with shore fishing along the Huron River and Maltby Lake. Barrier-free fishing pier, rowboat and paddleboat rental, cross country ski rental, golf course and ice fishing.
Island Lake Recreation Area
12950 E. Grand River Ave., Brighton
(810) 229-7067
www.michigan.gov/islandlake
Beaches, cabins, trails, fishing areas and hunting grounds, hiking and biking trails, a hot-air balloon port, picnic areas, playground, canoe livery, snowmobiling, cross country and sledding areas, and a shooting range.
Imagination Station
Located near the Mill Pond in downtown Brighton
Tables, benches and seasonal restrooms surround the playground.
Kensington Metropark
(800) 477-3178
www.metroparks.com
4,357 acres of swimming beaches, boat launching ramps, fishing, paddleboat and rowboat rental, exercise trail, nature center, equestrian trails, biking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, a sternwheeler, cross country - skiing trails and rental, ice skating, sledding and more.
Lighthouse Skate Park
Brighton Nazarene Church
7669 Brighton Road, Brighton
(810) 844-0693
www.sk8park.org
11,000 square-foot indoor skate park open Wednesday through Saturday.
Meijer Skate Park
Located on Orndorf Drive behind Meijer, Brighton
(810) 225-8096
www,selcra.com
Outdoor park offers inline hockey rink, asphalt trail, skateboard challenge section and pavilion. Available for private rentals. Open from April 1 through October 29.
Lakelands Trail State Park
8555 Silver Hill, Rt. 1, Pinckney
(734) 426-4913
www.hamburg.mi.us/
Gravel trail connects Stockbridge and Pinckney. Enter 1/4 mile north of M-36 on D-19; at West Bennett Park off Merrill Road; off Pearl Street; and immediately north of Zukey Lake Tavern on Girard Road.
Pinckney Recreation Area
8555 Silver Hill, Rt. 1, Pinckney
(734) 426-4913
www.michiganandnr.com/parksandtrails
11,000 acre recreation area features the Potawatomi Trail, access to chain of lakes, beaches, camping. Hunters welcome.
Mt. Brighton Ski Area
4141 Bauer Road, Brighton
(810) 229-9501
www.mybrighton.com