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."

3 4 • souRCE 13 () K 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 4