NEIGHBORHOODS
State Sen. Gilda
Jacobs with her
daughters, Jessica
and Rachel, and her
husband, John
HUNTINGTON WOODS
BERKLEY
Population:
Huntington Woods: 6,151
Berkley 15,531
KNOWN SIMPLY AS "THE WOODS" to
many native Detroiters, this 1.5-square-
mile city has had a strong Jewish com-
munity for many years.
The homes of Huntington Woods are
as diverse as their inhabitants, ranging
from small bungalows to stately homes
whose architecture reflects the era in
which they were built. Many residents
love the area so much that they move
FAMILY SPOTLIG
Jacobs
across the street or to the next block when
they need to up- or downsize, and houses
often sell by word-of-mouth before the
owners even have a chance to post a sign.
Founded 75 years ago, Huntington
Woods and some of the adjacent subdivi-
sions were part of what was then Royal
Oak Township. The area became a village
in 1926, and was incorporated as a city in
1932.
Despite its size, Huntington Woods has
many popular amenities, including side-
walks, parks, a small yet comprehensive
library, and a newly renovated recreation
and aquatics center complete with tennis
courts and a full-sized gymnasium.
Huntington Woods has always been
known for its "neighborliness," which is
characterized by its many community
events.
Although Huntington Woods has
always had a solid Jewish presence, it has
increased considerably in the last 20
years, according to Gilda Jacobs, state
senator and longtime Huntington Woods
resident.
"While it was once 40 percent Jewish,
S
tate Sen. Gilda Jacobs and
her husband, John, first con-
sidered Huntington Woods at the
recommendation of friends who
had recently moved there.
"We just fell in love with the
community," she said. "Some of our
family were already living there,
and we had an instant circle of
friends. This is where I created my
political base. It was the best
decision we ever made as a family."
Three years later, while
expecting their second child, the
Jacobs heard about a larger house
three blocks away. They snapped
it up, and have: lived there ever
since. And, in true Huntington
Woods fashion, the family who
sold them the house moved right
across the street.
"Our neighborhood has always
been very closeknit," Gilda said.
"Everyone has always been there
for everyone else."
A group of current and former
neighbors has been gathering
together for the second seder of
Passover for the last 15 years.
The group has grown to almost
5() people, including the children
and grandchildren of some of the
original members.
"When my daughter, Rachel,
got married, she talked during the
ceremony about growing up in
Huntington Woods and how the
neighborhood created a real sense
of family for her," Gilda said.
The Jacobses are members of
Temple Emanu-El, of which John, an
attorney who practices in Southfield,
is a former president. They are also
active in JARC, where Gilda worked
for 1 5 years before being elected a
state representative.
I would guess the Jewish population is
now closer to 60 percent," said Jacobs.
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT:
Huntington Woods residents utilize the
"I love walking our dog, Jake, around the neighborhood," Gilda Jacobs said. "The
school district of their neighboring city,
annual Fourth of July parade is my favorite community event. It's like a slice of old-
Berkley, which is located to the northwest.
fashioned Americana."
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