South Lyon, Michigan

South Lyon is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 11,327 at the 2010 census.^[3] The city is part of the South Lyon-Howell-Brighton Urban Area, which had a population of 106,139 according to the 2000 census. South Lyon is located in the far southwest corner of Oakland County and shares a border with Livingston and Washtenaw counties.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.4 square miles (8.8 km²), all land. The city has grown in size over the years through a series of annexations of land from neighboring Lyon Township. These annexations have created several township islands on the Livingston County border separated from the rest of the township by the city. The city and township recently approved a land exchange to release a portion of the city back to the township.

History

The Detroit, Lansing and Lake Michigan Railroad was built through South Lyon in 1871.^[4]

Demographics

As of the census^[1] of 2000, there were 10,036 people, 4,246 households, and 2,704 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,958.2 per square mile (1,143.0/km²). There were 4,461 housing units at an average density of 1,314.9 per square mile (508.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.68% White, 0.39% African American, 0.17% Native American, 1.09% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 1.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.60% of the population.

There were 4,246 households out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.3% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city the population was spread out with 24.8% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 36.0% from 25 to 44, 17.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $53,395, and the median income for a family was $67,167. Males had a median income of $53,818 versus $32,083 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,187. About 2.8% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over.

Schools

South Lyon Community Schools covers approximately 88 square miles (230 km²) that includes parts of Oakland, Livingston, and Washtenaw counties and parts of area codes 248, 734 and 810. The school district history goes back to 1834 when a one-room log schoolhouse was built just east of town. Today the school district consists of two high schools (South Lyon High School, and South Lyon East High School), two middle schools (Centennial Middle School, and Millennium Middle School), and seven elementary schools (Kent Lake, Sayre, Salem, Dolsen, Bartlett, Brummer, and Hardy). The administration facility, built jointly with the City of South Lyon, is the first shared school/municipal building in the State of Michigan. Common facilities such as parking lot, conference rooms, auditorium, and reception area/lobby are shared between the two bodies of government. This arrangement garnered awards from the Center for Joint Public Services, Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments, 1998 [Award-Winning Joint Projects, 1998, SEMCOG/MAC 1998].

McHattie Park & The Witch's Hat Depot Museum and Historic Village

South Lyon's McHattie Park (on the west side of Pontiac Trail between 9 Mile and 10 Mile Roads) is the location of the Witch's Hat Depot Museum and Historic Village. The historic village consists of six buildings: Washburn School (built 1907), Queen Anne Depot (a.k.a. the Witch's Hat built 1909), the Caboose (circa 1926), the Little Village Chapel (built 1930), the Freight House (built 1984), and the Gazebo (1990). With the exceptions of the Freight House and the Gazebo which were constructed on site, the historic buildings were moved to the park from their original sites starting with the Witch's Hat in 1976.

McHattie Park and the Museum and Historic Village host public events including Depot Days and free Concerts in the Park.

McHattie Park is also connected to a portion of the Huron Valley Trail System which converted an old railroad line into a public trail. The trail is managed by the Western Oakland County Trailway Management Council.

Pumpkinfest

Pumpkinfest is the largest annual festival in the South Lyon community, and traditionally takes place during the first weekend of October. Events include the children's outdoor activity venue with several large inflatable rides, games, and carnival food. Also, the Kid's Creation Station w/Monster Mural, a parade through the downtowne area, live entertainment, a dog show, The Great Pumpkin & Fun Veggies Contest, arts & crafts show, and the huge home arts contests & exhibits.

Media

References

External links

• City of South Lyon
• Chamber of Commerce for the South Lyon Area