Founded in 1879, the Grosse Pointe community originated as a farming and hunting society. Through time, it evolved from a farming hub to a summer getaway, and then eventually to the home of over 50,800 residents. With such a rich history, dating back to the 17th century, Grosse Pointe is a community filled with strong ties, making it such a compelling place to live. With this being said, Grosse Pointe has developed its own distinct culture that makes the community unique.
Being right on the border with Detroit, Grosse Pointe has access to big city life, in contrast with the small town feel of the city. This proximity allows for a plethora of opportunities, right next door to the community. Gina Tecos, an archivist with the Grosse Pointe Historical Society, describes what exactly these opportunities are.
“I think there’s many reasons why people are attracted to the Pointe’s,” Tecos said. “The access to Lake St. Clair, historic architecture, the appeal of a small community with local shops/restaurants/community theater, and at the same time proximity to the great things that Detroit offers – a world-class symphony, sports, concerts and museums.”
Not only is there such close proximity to an entertainment hub, Grosse Pointe has its own developed culture. The saying, “The Grosse Pointe Way,” or “The GP Bubble” are some phrases used among residents. However, the city has its own exhibited charm, beyond some phrases used.
“There is stunning, historic architecture with tree-lined streets, and a close-knit community feeling,” Tecos said. “There are also beautiful natural surroundings with lakefront views, and excellent schools.”
Generations of families have found themselves residing in Grosse Pointe. Although residents end up leaving for college, many end up back in Grosse Pointe to start, or form a family. Grandparent Joyce Campbell has lived here her whole life, and does not plan on leaving.
“What I love the most is I feel so comfortable, and have a sense of belonging,,” Campbell said. “I walk in a store and I get ‘Hi Joyce,’ It’s like happiness walking to the lake. The most beautiful community ever, our schools are amazing. I feel so fortunate to live here.”
The generations of families in Grosse Pointe is not a rare pattern. Among the past few years, new families have struggled within the homeowners market, due to some of these generational patterns. There has been an influx in older residents staying in the city, while newer families have struggled to find housing. While some may view this as a downside, relationships and bonds within the community are often seen as stronger than most, due to these generational patterns.
“I love seeing my kids, and now their friends’ kids living here now,” Campbell said. “Generation after generation.”
Many people also find themselves in Grosse Pointe for different reasons. Whether it is family duties, a new job, or new opportunities, adapting to the culture and lifestyle of Grosse Pointe can be an adjustment for newcomers, especially students. This change within the schools and social culture can take some getting used to, especially for new Grosse Pointe South student Josie Gehrig ’27.
“Everyone here is really nice, the lake is fun, and there are more opportunities to join clubs and sports than at my old school,” Gehring said.
Being new to any place can be challenging, especially in such a tight knit community like Grosse Pointe. With generations of families established, or lifelong friendships developed, getting used to the “Grosse Pointe Bubble,” can be a struggle for newcomers. It can be intimidating to try and adjust to the culture and lifestyle of a brand new city, and Gehring was no exception.
“If I could describe Grosse Pointe, I would say it is a very closed circle community,” Gehring said. “Everyone knows everyone here.”
On top of the ever-developing culture, one of the key aspects that make the Pointe’s so appealing to fresh eyes is the architecture, not just among the schools and businesses, but among homes. With such a distinct historical background, many Grosse Pointe residents live in homes built throughout the 20th century, some even prior. With these old homes come extravagant architectural designs and unique features, most of which cannot be found in modern builds. Grosse Pointe resident and realtor, Cathy Harber, is no stranger to the advantages of homes in Grosse Pointe.
“I think there are five reasons why people tend to live in Grosse Pointe,” Harber said. “School, lifestyle, being that it is small-town USA, parks, walkability and proximity to Detroit.”
When coming to Grosse Pointe, many families have one thought in mind: kids. A large percentage of the population is new parents, or future parents looking for their first home. According to Harber, new homeowners keep this idea in the back of their minds at all times. This being said, many families who find themselves in Grosse Pointe end up there because of the family friendly environment.
“It is an absolutely magical place to raise kids,” Harber said. “Nowhere is perfect, but it creates the opportunity for independence.”
Additionally, Grosse Pointe has found itself taking on more roles in social life. “After 6 on Kercheval”, the social plaza in The Village, and yearly events in The Hill give community members opportunities to get out of the house and socialize. Even outside of these social ‘hubs’, Grosse Pointe has not been shy to charity events, school events and individual block parties. Grosse Pointe South Activities Coordinator, Melissa Petz, recognizes the expansion of social life, and what it has done for the community.
“Grosse Pointe Park has taken on some of those special events and downtown events,” Petz said. “I think all of these small events have gotten people out of their homes, and brought people together to create more community.”
These social events allow members to create a sense of community which in turn help define this “Grosse Pointe Charm.” Uniquely, Grosse Pointe has accessibility to smaller commodities, that other communities don’t have, making it an even more magical place for homeowners.
“It’s taking everything in about walkability, a community, lifestyle, into good value for what you’re getting out of it,” Petz said. “You’re getting curbside trash pickup, leaf pickup, 90-second Police response times, I mean those are huge things. You also get the water (Lake St. Clair) within a block, or a five-minute walk for most people.”
From Lake St. Clair to The Cabbage Patch, Grosse Pointe is home to a plethora of opportunities, activities and a safe place environment, all in which the “Grosse Pointe Charm” shines through. With over 45,000 residents in all five of the Pointe’s, someone is sure to find a place in any corner of the city.
“I’ve had people come visit me from when [I] was in Cincinnati,” Harber said. “They’re like, this is like a fake world here, but you don’t realize it when you’re living in it. It’s so magical.”
