Troy's Transformation: 200 Years of Growth
Troy, Michigan's evolution from rural farming community to thriving suburb of 87,000 residents represents one of the most successful transformations in American suburban history. Understanding Troy's history provides context for the city's strong community values, excellent schools, and commitment to quality of life that continue today.
🌾 Early Settlement (1820s-1900)
Pioneer Era
Troy Township was organized in 1827, named after Troy, New York, by early settlers from New England. The area was primarily agricultural, with farms producing wheat, corn, and livestock for Detroit markets 20 miles south.
Key Early Developments:
- 1827: Troy Township officially organized
- 1830s: First schools established in one-room schoolhouses
- 1840s-1850s: Plank roads built connecting Troy to Detroit
- Population 1900: Approximately 2,000 residents
The community remained rural and agriculture-focused through the 19th century, with small hamlets like Big Beaver, Troy Corners, and Crooks serving as commercial centers.
🏭 Early 20th Century (1900-1950)
Gradual Suburbanization
As Detroit's auto industry boomed, Troy remained largely agricultural but began seeing gradual residential development. Improved roads and automobile ownership allowed Detroit workers to consider Troy for country living.
Key Developments:
- 1920s: Paved roads begin replacing dirt paths
- 1930s: First subdivisions platted near main roads
- 1955: Troy incorporated as city (population ~19,000)
- 1950: Population ~11,000
The decision to incorporate as a city in 1955 allowed Troy to control its own development and establish the foundation for planned growth.
🏘️ Suburban Boom (1950s-1970s)
Explosive Growth
The post-WWII suburban boom transformed Troy from small town to thriving suburb. Thousands of families moved from Detroit seeking newer homes, good schools, and suburban lifestyle.
Development Milestones:
- 1950s: Major subdivision development begins (Northfield, Somerset areas)
- 1960: Population ~19,000
- 1969: Big Beaver Road developed as major commercial corridor
- 1970: Population ~39,000
- Troy School District: Rapid expansion, new elementary and middle schools built
- 1969: Troy High School opens
This era established Troy's character as family-oriented suburb focused on quality schools and safe neighborhoods. The city's commitment to planning prevented haphazard development.
🏢 Corporate Hub (1980s-2000s)
Economic Diversification
Troy evolved beyond bedroom community to become major employment and retail center. The Big Beaver corridor attracted corporate headquarters and upscale retail.
Major Developments:
- 1969 (expanded 1996): Somerset Collection opens - Michigan's premier luxury mall
- 1980s: Kmart headquarters moves to Troy
- 1985: International Academy established - becomes #1 high school in Michigan
- 1990s: Kelly Services, Altair Engineering establish headquarters
- 1990: Population ~72,000
- 2000: Population ~80,000
Troy's transformation into employment center reduced resident commuting while increasing tax base for excellent city services and schools.
🌟 Modern Troy (2000-Present)
Premier Suburb Status
21st century Troy solidified reputation as one of America's best places to live, consistently ranking in national lists for schools, safety, and quality of life.
Recent Achievements:
- 2010: Population peaks at ~81,000
- 2025: Current population ~87,000
- Troy School District: Consistently ranked top 10 in Michigan
- International Academy: Maintains #1 ranking in Michigan
- Economic Growth: Headquarters for multiple Fortune 500 companies
- Diversity: 50+ nationalities, 50+ languages spoken
- Property Values: Median home value $300,000 (2025)
Recognition & Rankings:
- Money Magazine: Top 100 Best Places to Live
- Niche: A+ Overall Grade
- SafeWise: One of Michigan's safest cities
- GreatSchools: 9/10 District Rating
🏫 Troy Schools: Educational Excellence
Building Michigan's Best School District
Troy's commitment to education drove much of its success. Strategic investments in schools attracted families willing to pay premium prices for educational quality.
School District Evolution:
- 1950s-1960s: Rapid elementary school construction to serve baby boom
- 1969: Troy High School opens
- 1972: Troy Athens High School opens
- 1985: International Academy established (IB World School)
- 2000s: Technology integration across all schools
- Current: 13,000+ students, 97% graduation rate, 93% college enrollment
Troy's willingness to invest in education (schools receive ~60% of property tax revenue) created virtuous cycle: great schools attract families, increasing property values and tax base, allowing continued school investments.
🏛️ Troy Today: Legacy of Planning
What Troy Got Right:
Troy's success wasn't accidental. Deliberate decisions created the city we know today:
Key Success Factors:
- Controlled Growth: City incorporation allowed planned development vs. sprawl
- School Investment: Prioritizing education attracted affluent families
- Mixed Use Development: Balancing residential with commercial/office
- Quality Infrastructure: Well-maintained roads, utilities, public facilities
- Parks & Recreation: 600+ acres of parkland, comprehensive programming
- Public Safety: Well-funded police and fire departments
- Business-Friendly: Attracting corporate headquarters and quality employers
Troy by the Numbers (2025):
- Population: 87,000
- Area: 33.6 square miles
- Median Home Value: $300,000
- Median Household Income: $90,000
- Unemployment: 3.2%
- School Rating: 9/10
- Crime Rate: 70% below national average
🏠 Protecting Troy's Legacy
Troy's homes - from 1960s ranch houses in original subdivisions to modern custom builds - represent 70 years of the American Dream. Protecting these investments ensures Troy's legacy continues for future generations.
Elite Roofing: Part of Troy's Story Since 1999
For 25+ years, Elite Roofing has protected Troy homes through every era of the city's modern development. We've roofed original 1960s subdivision homes, 1980s custom builds, and today's new construction.
- ✅ 25+ Years Troy History: Protecting homes across all eras
- ✅ GAF Master Elite: Premium quality matching Troy's standards
- ✅ Lifetime Warranty: Protection spanning generations
- ✅ Local Commitment: Invested in Troy's continued success
📚 Troy Historical Resources
Learn More About Troy's History:
- Troy Historic Village: 60 W. Wattles Rd - Living history museum
- Troy Historical Society: (248) 524-3570
- Troy Museum & Historic Village: Tours, events, educational programs
- Troy Public Library: Local history collection and archives