Temperance, MI
- About the city
- Geography
- Climate and weather
- Landmarks and recreation
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Facilities and Services
Temperance is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Monroe County, Michigan, United States, with a population of 9,188 as of the 2020 census.
About the city
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Temperance, Michigan.
- Administrative Role: Temperance is an unincorporated community and a Census-Designated Place (CDP). This means it is a defined area for statistical purposes by the U.S. Census Bureau but does not have its own municipal government. It is part of Bedford Township .
- Country and Region: The community is located in the United States, in the state of Michigan, specifically within Monroe County. Monroe County is in the southeastern corner of the state, bordering Lake Erie and the state of Ohio, and is part of the Monroe metropolitan area .
Date of Founding and Age
- Year of Establishment: The community was first established as Bedford Center in 1859 .
- Current Age: Based on its founding in 1859, Temperance is 166 years old as of 2025.
- Founding and Name Origin: The name was changed from Bedford Center to Temperance in 1884 when a post office was established. The name was suggested by the wife of one of the founding landowners, who was a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, a group that promoted abstinence from alcohol. In its early years, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages was prohibited in the community .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: Latitude 41°46′45″N, Longitude 83°34′08″W (41.7792, -83.5689) .
- Location Relative to Natural Features: Temperance is located in the Great Lakes region, near the western end of Lake Erie, approximately 10-15 miles from the lake shore . It is not situated on a major river.
- Elevation: The elevation of the community is 623 feet (190 meters) above sea level .
- Geographic Type: Temperance is a suburban residential community and a "census-designated place" located on generally flat terrain in southeastern Michigan.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Temperance is primarily a residential suburban community. Its economy is closely tied to the nearby larger cities of Toledo, Ohio (approximately 10 miles south) and Monroe, Michigan. Many residents commute to these areas for work. The community itself has a mix of local small businesses and services .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the population of the Temperance CDP was 9,188 .
- Population Class: Temperance is a small town or small community. It is not a city and is classified as a CDP.
- Demographic Features: The community has a population density of about 1,992 people per square mile. It is predominantly residential, with a mix of families and individuals. A significant portion of the workforce commutes to jobs outside the community, with an average commute time of about 26 minutes .
"City's Business Card" (Briefly)
Temperance, Michigan, is a quiet, family-oriented suburban community with a unique name rooted in the 19th-century temperance movement. Located just north of Toledo, Ohio, it offers a small-town atmosphere within the larger Monroe County area, known for its access to parks and a relaxed pace of life.
Geography
National and Natural Parks
While there are no national parks within the immediate vicinity, the area offers several local parks for recreation.
- Carr Park: Located on Lewis Avenue, north of Temperance Road, this 6-acre park is a central recreational facility for residents. It features a playground, basketball and tennis courts, a baseball diamond, picnic tables with grills, and a sheltered area. It is also the location of the Carr Community Center, a facility available for events and meetings .
- White Park: A smaller park that features an easy, 1.3-km (0.8-mile) circular walking trail. It's a quiet, dog-friendly spot for a short walk in nature .
Climate and weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Temperance has a humid continental climate (Dfa) under the Köppen climate classification. This is characterized by warm to hot, humid summers and cold winters with significant seasonal temperature variations .
Average Temperatures by Month
The warmest months in Temperance are June, July, and August, while the coldest are December, January, and February .
- Hottest Month: July is typically the hottest, with average daily highs around 84°F (29°C) and average lows of 60°F (16°C) .
- Coldest Month: January is the coldest, with average daily highs around 32°F (0°C) and average lows of 16-18°F (-8 to -9°C) .
- Extreme Temperatures: Temperatures can occasionally rise to as high as 35°C (95°F) in the summer and can drop to as low as -26°C (-14°F) during winter cold snaps .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Annual Precipitation: Temperance receives an average of 34-40 inches (864-1016 mm) of precipitation per year, which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year . The wettest months tend to be May, June, and July .
- Snowfall: Average annual snowfall is around 36 inches (91 cm), with January typically being the snowiest month .
- Rainy Days: There are, on average, 123 days per year with measurable precipitation .
Sunny Days and UV Index
- Sunny Days: The area experiences about 180 sunny days per year, slightly below the US average . However, it enjoys a total of 2,933 hours of sunshine annually .
- UV Index: The UV index is highest during the late spring and summer months (May, June, July), reaching a maximum level of 10, which is in the "Very High" category .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June-August): Warm to hot with average highs from 80-84°F (26-29°C). It can be humid. July and August are the most pleasant .
- Winter (December-February): Cold with average highs in the low 30s°F (0-2°C) and lows in the teens°F (-7 to -9°C). Snowfall is common .
- Best Time to Visit: The most pleasant times of year for outdoor activities are typically from June to September and early fall, when temperatures are most comfortable .
Landmarks and recreation
[Carr Park]
Carr Park is the primary community park in Temperance. It is located on Lewis Avenue, just north of Temperance Road. The park offers a range of recreational facilities including children's playground equipment, a basketball court, two tennis courts, and a ball diamond. It also has permanent grills, benches, and numerous picnic tables, some of which are under a covered shelter, making it a popular spot for family gatherings and community events .
- Carr Community Center: Adjoining the park is the Carr Community Center. Originally built by the Temperance Rotary Club, it is now owned by Bedford Township. The center features a meeting/recreational room with a kitchen and restrooms, with a capacity of 83 people. It is used for organizational activities, family and social events .
[White Park Walking Trail]
For those seeking a simple nature walk, White Park offers a short and easy trail. The trail is a 1.3-kilometer (0.8-mile) loop that is mostly flat, with an elevation gain of only 1 meter. It is suitable for walking, is child-friendly, and allows dogs, some areas of which may be off-leash. The trail is an easy way to enjoy a bit of the local outdoors .
Transport
Commuting and Travel
Transportation in Temperance is typical for a suburban community, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting.
- Major Highways: While not directly on an interstate, Temperance is located just north of the Ohio border and is in close proximity to major routes into Toledo, Ohio, including I-75 (a major north-south interstate) and US-23, which provide access to the wider region .
- Public Transit: Public transportation options within Temperance itself are extremely limited. Data shows that 0.0% of residents use mass transit for their commute, highlighting the near-total dependence on personal cars .
Other Transportation Options
- Ridesharing and Taxis: Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Temperance, offering an alternative to personal cars and traditional taxis for getting around town or to nearby areas .
- Air Travel: For air travel, residents typically use the nearby airports. The closest major airport is Toledo Express Airport (TOL) in Ohio, located about 25-30 miles southwest. For a wider range of flights, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is approximately 45-50 miles north of Temperance .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Mi Ranchito Taco Shop
While Temperance itself may not have a centuries-old culinary tradition, it is home to Mi Ranchito Taco Shop, a cozy, family-owned eatery that specializes in serving authentic Mexican cuisine . This local spot offers a casual dining experience with a menu featuring a variety of tacos, burritos, and other traditional Mexican dishes. It represents the local taste for flavorful, hearty meals and is a popular choice for both locals and visitors looking for a casual bite .
Forest View Lanes - Recreation Bar and Grill
For a classic American small-town experience, Forest View Lanes combines recreation and dining. This local bar and grill is known for its great bowling and a huge selection of craft beers . It's a place where the community gathers, offering a casual menu to accompany a game of bowling or volleyball, embodying the social and culinary spirit of Temperance .
Museums
Historical Society of Bedford Inc
The primary keeper of Temperance's local heritage is the Historical Society of Bedford Inc . Established in 1971, this non-profit organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the Bedford Township area, which includes Temperance, Lambertville, and Samaria. The society operates out of two historic buildings: the Old Bedford School (built in 1887) and the Little Red Schoolhouse (built in 1869), one of the oldest one-room schoolhouses in Michigan. Both buildings have been restored and are open to the public for tours, educational programs, and community events . The society maintains a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the area's history, available for research, and hosts annual events like an ice cream social, a Christmas open house, and a fall festival .
Museums in Nearby Toledo
For a wider variety of museum experiences, the nearby city of Toledo, Ohio, offers several options. The Yelp review highlights a small, friendly museum in Toledo full of artifacts from the city's history, staffed by welcoming volunteers . This museum is geared toward history buffs and offers tours and special events. Additionally, searches for space-related exhibits show results in Toledo and Maumee, suggesting the presence of science and space museums in the greater metropolitan area, just a short drive from Temperance .
Sport and Sports Legends
Bedford Hills Golf Club
Temperance is home to the Bedford Hills Golf Club, a public 27-hole golf course established in 1993 . Located on Jackman Road, the course offers a challenging experience for golfers and features a driving range, putting green, and chipping green for practice. The club includes a clubhouse with a pro shop, bar, and snack bar, and golf carts and clubs are available for rent. With green fees that are affordable, it's a popular local spot for sports and recreation .
Bedford Senior High School Football Field
High school sports are a cornerstone of the community in Temperance. The Bedford Senior High School Football Field serves as the home field for the local high school team . It provides a venue for student-athletes to compete and for the community to gather, supporting the team and fostering school spirit and pride among students, families, and fans .
Forest View Lanes
Another hub for local sports and recreation is Forest View Lanes, which offers great bowling and volleyball . It's a community-focused establishment where residents can engage in friendly competition and socialize, further highlighting the importance of recreational sports in Temperance .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Monroe County Community College - Whitman Center
Higher education has a significant presence in Temperance through the Whitman Center, a satellite campus of Monroe County Community College (MCCC) . Opened in 1991, the Whitman Center was built to better serve the growing population in southern Monroe County. This facility offers the same services as the main campus, including offices and a bookstore, but in a single building with eight classrooms and a computer lab . It provides local residents with convenient access to associate degree programs and general education courses.
Spring Arbor University at the Whitman Center
The Whitman Center is also home to a site for Spring Arbor University (SAU) , a Christian liberal arts university . In 2016, SAU relocated its Metro-Toledo site to the Whitman Center, partnering with MCCC to offer convenient and affordable access to bachelor's and master's degree programs. This partnership allows students in Temperance and the surrounding Bedford community to complete bachelor's degrees in fields like social work, nursing, and business, as well as master's degrees in social work, counseling, and nursing, without having to travel far . The programs are designed for working adults, with classes typically meeting one night a week .
Healthcare Facilities and Services
Family Medical Center Of Michigan
For primary and community healthcare, residents of Temperance can visit the Family Medical Center Of Michigan . Located on Lewis Avenue, this medical group practice specializes in Dentistry and Social Work, offering a range of services to the community. The facility has an onsite pharmacy and offers telehealth services. Patient reviews frequently mention positive experiences with appointment scheduling, staff friendliness, and the providers' willingness to listen and answer questions . The center also provides language services in Hindi and Urdu .
Hickory Ridge of Temperance
For long-term care and short-term rehabilitation, Hickory Ridge of Temperance is a nursing home facility located on Hickory Creek Boulevard . This medium-sized, for-profit facility has 88 beds and accepts Medicare and Medicaid. According to U.S. News ratings, it performs "As Expected" for both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. The facility has above-average health outcomes for short-term residents, with a high percentage able to return home after discharge. Staffing levels are generally average, with residents receiving about 3 hours and 53 minutes of total nurse staffing per day .