Fraser

About Fraser

Fraser is a relatively small city in the Detroit metropolitan area, part of Michigan's Macomb County. It lies 4 miles northwest of St. Clair Shores and 15 miles north of Detroit's downtown area. As a resident of Fraser, you'll find plenty to see and do, including community events, recreational programs and a handful of local parks, despite its small size.

The History of Fraser

You won't find Fraser on any map before the mid-19th century, even though the surrounding Macomb County had been growing for some time before that. The communities of Romeo, Utica and Mount Clemens were already established and in need of a more convenient transportation network. So in 1851, the DetroitErin Blank Road Co. constructed a road connecting the city of Utica with the Gratiot Turnpike. This road would serve as the catalyst for the development of Fraser.

In 1858, a small settlement that would later become Fraser sold the Chicago, Detroit and Canada Grand Trunk Junction Railroad Co. the right-of-way directly through the community. The railroad company built a train depot located on today's Depot Road. Between the train depot and the Utica-Gratiot road, the conditions were right for a crossroads community to flourish. It quickly evolved into a thriving village, serving as a center for commerce in the area.

In the late 1850s, a Detroit lawyer named Alexander J. Frazer came to the area. He had heard about the development potential of the small community and decided to purchase a portion of land. After plotting a subdivision and selling off various pieces of land through 1870, Frazer moved back to Detroit. However, his legacy lived on when the town was named Fraser in his honor.

Living in Fraser

People are attracted to this Michigan city for its low cost of living and easy access to the heart of Detroit. Fraser also has plenty of amenities and recreational opportunities to offer, including its many parks and green spaces. Harrington Park is a popular spot, with its walking trail, baseball field and picnic tables. Steffens Park is another much-loved local park, home to several tennis and basketball courts, picturesque gardens, a gazebo for summer weddings and an outdoor ice-skating rink that's used during winter. Local events and programs also provide plenty of ways to keep busy.

You can sign up for community volunteer events, bring your child to the library story time, sit in on an educational seminar or try out for one of the adult sports leagues. The parks and recreation department, together with the local library, has created a community calendar full of activities for children, adults and senior citizens alike.

Fraser Schools

Fraser Public Schools is a small school district that oversees the public schools of Fraser. Another education option in Fraser is the Arts Academy in the Woods, a public charter school that offers performing and fine arts.

Resources for Moving to Fraser

As you prepare for your move to Fraser, here are a few helpful resources:

• Utilities: DTE Energy is the area's primary energy provider. The city manages distribution and billing of water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash and recyclables are collected on a weekly basis throughout the residential areas of Fraser.
• Transportation: The SMART transit system operates a few fixed routes through Fraser.

Fraser Housing

Most of the homes in Fraser date back to the 1950s, '60s and '70s, with new properties being fairly uncommon. You'll find a variety of affordable housing options, especially because Fraser's median home price is quite a bit lower than the national average. There are also a number of rental properties to consider, ranging from rental homes to apartment communities.