What are the best neighborhoods for young people moving to Detroit?

I started a thread similar to this before, but it didn't really take off the way I wanted it to. So, I decided to map out what neighborhoods each of my 15 friends live in: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en...4e9c35691ddd57

Of my 15 friends who live in the city, everyone in the group is between the ages of 22-30. The group includes a mix of races, but is predominately white. Most live in lofts or apartments and are renters. Only 1 person owns a condo. 14/15 either went to school in Detroit, work in Detroit, or both. 10/14 were born and raised in Metro Detroit. 2 are from another country, 1 is a transplant from the East Coast, and 1 is a transplant from the South West. Only 5 are females [[however, I don't have many female friends since I'm in a relationship :rolleyes:). 14/15 have a bachelor's degree or higher. Less than half have roommates or live with a significant other. None are currently married. Only one has kids [[that I know of!).

I did not include acquaintances, which would bring the total up to around 25-30 city dwellers. I also didn't include friends who did live in Detroit, but have since moved out-of-state, which would add 3 more to downtown and 1 more to Lafayette Park. I also didn't include friends in inner-ring suburbs, but there are at least 8 who live in East Dearborn, Ferndale, Royal Oak, or the Grosse Pointes. Surprisingly, I do not have any friends in Corktown or Woodbridge, so those areas are unrepresented on my map, in addition to many other solid neighborhoods.

The whole point of this is to see where young people are living in the city, and consequently, to determine the best neighborhoods for young people looking to move to Detroit. In answering this question, consider these factors that would make a neighborhood desireable:

• Safest
• Nicest housing options
• Most walkable
• Best bars and restuarants
• Proximity to entertainment and nightlife
• Proximity to cultural and educational institutions
• Proximity to planned or existing mass transit
• Proximity to groceries
• Trendiest areas
• Most interesting

I think these are among the factors that most young people consider when looking for a place in the city. Personally, I like downtown, but could see myself in many other neighborhoods.

So, if you were a young person moving to Detroit, where would you live and why?

I am 24 and I live downtown. It is pretty safe and to be honest I like it because I am close to where I go to school and I like being able to walk to the bars around Greektown or walk to the stadiums.

Haha that is about it.

I'm sorry, I can't resist: "What is the best city for a young person moving out of Detroit?"

Now, to answer your question seriously. In order best to worst: Woodbridge, Southwest, Downtown.

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Originally Posted by socks_mahoney

Now, to answer your question seriously. In order best to worst: Woodbridge, Southwest, Downtown.

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Yeah, but why? What is it about Woodbridge? The Pub? The houses? The proximity to WSU? What is it about SW? The grocers and Mexican food? I think downtown is pretty self-explanatory.

Woodbridge-Lots of other young people, its quieter than most of the city. Close to Midtown, century old trees lining the streets. Lots of energy and visioning going on there. Folks really take ownership of their space: Community gardens, a refreshed The Hole Park. folks really just go for walks. Commonwealth Street may be the most pleasant place to be outside of Belle Isle on a summer day.I think the pub may be overrated, but that just means one of these new people has to open something else, hopefully a bit more low key.

SW-Good walkable access to retail, esp along W vernor. close to the river. Strong community.

Downtown-I dont know if thats the MOST self explanatory. I always thought that my friends who lived downtown existed in this little island where everything you needed was far away. especially late at night. alas, this can be said about a lot of detroit.

cool

Downtown or Midtown

Answer: where ever you want to live. You are young, make that community your own. Get involved.

My wife and I moved downtown to be near everything. Rarely do I use my car on the weekend. We either walk everywhere or People Mover it [[when it makes sense). The particular building I live in has great amenities which make it even better.

Unfortunately the best local grocer for us is Honeybee. But we don't mind heading over there.

However, we are considering purchasing in the next couple years and probably would look to somewhere like Corktown, Woodbridge, or Midtown.

Unless of course I win the lotto and can purchase the Penthouse on top of the Broderick;)

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Originally Posted by sumas

Answer: where ever you want to live. You are young, make that community your own. Get involved.

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The Fourth Street neighborhood, at the northeast corner of Lodge Freeway/Ford Freeway.
EVERYTHING is walking distance, including Wayne State University, College For Creative Studies
[[both campuses), groceries, coffee shops, florists, bakeries, and yes, pubs.
The entire campus area, is alive and vibrant and young and old and mixed race and getting
greener by the minute. Henry Ford Hospital is beginning a new, modern era.
The DMC is beginning a new, modern, new owner era. Wayne State is constantly burgeoning,
and there's new construction going on as we speak.
The whole UpTown/MidTown/Wayne State/Cultural Area, is breaking out, and up!!!!
I personally live in Woodbridge, where we have the best of both worlds.
We are within walking/biking distance of ALL the areas listed above, and,
as mentioned previously, we are a quiet [[mostly) neighborhood. There's a strong sense of
community here, and nearly everyone is involved in some aspect of gardening, recycling,
greening, activism, entertainment, etc. Many teachers/professors live here, and definitely
more than one musician takes up residence within our small community.
The area around the site of the 'Dally In The Ally', is also a pretty happening area, and
directly in the middle of everything WSU.
Take your pick. Detroit, in Midtown anyway, is chock full of good, decent, relatively safe,
places to live, and thrive, as a young person in today's world.
Good luck and cheers.

Brightmoor

I think Brush Park would be pretty attractive. You can get to everything in Downtown and Midtown really easily and you are close to Eastern Market for shopping.

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Originally Posted by sumas

Answer: where ever you want to live. You are young, make that community your own. Get involved.

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Thumbs up.

From an "outsiders view" Midtown seems to have allot going for it, from the not being there reading the press research point of view.

But I am considered old so I have to find somewhere else : )

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Originally Posted by socks_mahoney

Woodbridge-Lots of other young people, its quieter than most of the city. Close to Midtown, century old trees lining the streets. Lots of energy and visioning going on there. Folks really take ownership of their space: Community gardens, a refreshed The Hole Park. folks really just go for walks. Commonwealth Street may be the most pleasant place to be outside of Belle Isle on a summer day.

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This makes me really want to move to Woodbridge. It's a calm contrast to the loud, hectic, chaos of downtown, but still connected.

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Originally Posted by mwilbert

I think Brush Park would be pretty attractive. You can get to everything in Downtown and Midtown really easily and you are close to Eastern Market for shopping.

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I also like Brush Park because it sort of straddles downtown and Midtown. Once the rail line is put in, you really have good mobility. You'd also have the new stadium to look forward to.

BrushStart
I have to assume that this venture or adventure does not involve sending the kids of this young couple into the Detroit public school system? Or is this just a young couple [[late 20-early 30's) looking to make a difference in the urban environment of Detroit for a few years prior to starting to raise a family at which point they would be moving back to the burbs?

Let the arrows fly at will.....

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Originally Posted by EASTSIDE CAT 67-83

BrushStart
I have to assume that this venture or adventure does not involve sending the kids of this young couple into the Detroit public school system? Or is this just a young couple [[late 20-early 30's) looking to make a difference in the urban environment of Detroit for a few years prior to starting to raise a family at which point they would be moving back to the burbs?

Let the arrows fly at will.....

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My wife and I are in our mid to late 20's...almost 30 for me. YIKES!
But really, we anticipate never leaving the city. Private schools are an option for us, albeit expensive. But maybe by the time we decide to have children and they are old enough the school system will be heading in a better direction [[Wishful thinking).

It's great that we have young people moving into Detroit, but I think we need more people who are willing to settle here; have some roots, etc.

I love this town and that's what I plan on doing.

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Originally Posted by EASTSIDE CAT 67-83

BrushStart
I have to assume that this venture or adventure does not involve sending the kids of this young couple into the Detroit public school system? Or is this just a young couple [[late 20-early 30's) looking to make a difference in the urban environment of Detroit for a few years prior to starting to raise a family at which point they would be moving back to the burbs?

Let the arrows fly at will.....

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Well, to be honest, I hadn't really thought about it. I have friends who went to DPS and turned out fine, though they went to the better high schools, Renaissance and Cass Tech. At this point, if I had kids, I probably wouldn't be willing to send them to DPS. I might try for the charter schools or pay for private. Kids are probably 5-7 years out for me, so DPS may be a totally different story by then.

Overall, I guess I am talking about people like me [[basically, yuppies) between 20-35 looking for the best urban lifestyle in Detroit. Come to think about it though, the question can transcend age because a lot of empty-nesters and people at the peak of their careers are also looking for similar things in terms of urban environments. I always just tend to think of it in terms of people in my own demographic because that's my point-of-view.

So, feel free to discuss this in terms of all demographics, not necessarily just young people.

That's kinda why I asked the question. I come from a 4th generation Detroit family, when I was a young kid going to Guyton elementary on the lower eastside, our neighborhood was loaded with my classmates whose family had "roots" in Detroit, maybe not so much anymore but I think to achieve the "best neighborhoods" living experience you are speaking of....kids are a critical element of that vision if you are looking to sustain development and growth anywhere on the planet.

Midtown, downtown, followed by Southwest.

Why? They're all walkable urban areas and relatively safe, especially downtown and midtown. Midtown has WSU and the museums and galleries. As much press as this receives, you'd think its rocket science or something.

Sorry, Woodbridge no longer makes my list. While it is cute as hell and close to everything cool, I know too many people who have been the victims of serious violent crime there. I think there is a lot of crime of opportunity because the bad guys know there are students, teachers, and profs living there with at least something to steal.

You could include Corktown to the list. Close to downtown, bars, 5 minutes from anywhere you want to be. Not as many rentals as Midtown, downtown, or the geographic area of SW, though.

In my experience, midtown and downtown are very safe - especially Midtown with WSU cops on the prowl and only a phone call away.

What interests me most is that these are TINY areas compared to the rest of the city, and while they're hailed as Detroit's resurgence, or whatever the hell is supposed to be happening, I don't see hip young people ever reaching a critical mass and spreading out to 7 mile and Van Dyke for any particular reason or about 100 other square miles of the city.

Eastside, since you invited the arrows...this may not be your intent, but I do find the attitude of "some kids move into the city and then move out when they've grown up" pretty condescending. There is an implication there that these are wide-eyed kids just looking for the thrill of living in the city for a few years and then suddenly one day grab a pair of dockers, a riding lawnmower, a border collie and move to Shelby Township. It really remains to be seen what they will do. As one poster attested, he is young and intends to stay. I moved here when I was younger and bought a house here. Frankly, if these kids grow up and move, it will probably be to another urban area in another state, looking for a better urban experience. They've also played a part of an actual demographic shift against white flight in the city for the first time in 50 years, so this isn't just a dozen hippies with a garden either.

While many people attest that they lived in cities as a young person for the bars and galleries and later grew to value those less and moved, for millions of people they never lose an affinity for urban living, even if they don't hit the bar every night. Look at the demographics of every major city - they are composed of mostly adults, after all. There are no other very large cities in Michigan, so it will likely be our loss if they do leave.

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Originally Posted by DetroitPole

Midtown, downtown, followed by Southwest.

Why? They're all walkable urban areas and relatively safe, especially downtown and midtown. Midtown has WSU and the museums and galleries. As much press as this receives, you'd think its rocket science or something.

Sorry, Woodbridge no longer makes my list. While it is cute as hell and close to everything cool, I know too many people who have been the victims of serious violent crime there. I think there is a lot of crime of opportunity because the bad guys know there are students, teachers, and profs living there with at least something to steal.

You could include Corktown to the list. Close to downtown, bars, 5 minutes from anywhere you want to be. Not as many rentals as Midtown, downtown, or the geographic area of SW, though.

In my experience, midtown and downtown are very safe - especially Midtown with WSU cops on the prowl and only a phone call away.

What interests me most is that these are TINY areas compared to the rest of the city, and while they're hailed as Detroit's resurgence, or whatever the hell is supposed to be happening, I don't see hip young people ever reaching a critical mass and spreading out to 7 mile and Van Dyke for any particular reason or about 100 other square miles of the city.

Eastside, since you invited the arrows...this may not be your intent, but I do find the attitude of "some kids move into the city and then move out when they've grown up" pretty condescending. There is an implication there that these are wide-eyed kids just looking for the thrill of living in the city for a few years and then suddenly one day grab a pair of dockers, a riding lawnmower, a border collie and move to Shelby Township. It really remains to be seen what they will do. As one poster attested, he is young and intends to stay. I moved here when I was younger and bought a house here. Frankly, if these kids grow up and move, it will probably be to another urban area in another state, looking for a better urban experience. They've also played a part of an actual demographic shift against white flight in the city for the first time in 50 years, so this isn't just a dozen hippies with a garden either.

While many people attest that they lived in cities as a young person for the bars and galleries and later grew to value those less and moved, for millions of people they never lose an affinity for urban living, even if they don't hit the bar every night. Look at the demographics of every major city - they are composed of mostly adults, after all. There are no other very large cities in Michigan, so it will likely be our loss if they do leave.

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Is there an actual demographic shift against the white flight in the city? I am not trying to argue with you because I suppose I fit that mold but did someone actually measure it?

When I moved back to Detroit in 1998 I moved to the Berry Subdivision which I love. However, I am no where near 20, 30, or even 40 but if I was I would either live in Midtown, New Center, or Corktown. Why because I feel they are all great neighborhoods that have exhibited their appreciation for the architecture by preserving rather that tearing down. Plus they are are Hip and Happening...PS...my grandson just told me that 60 was the new 40 so maybe I should move....:cool:

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Originally Posted by DetroitPole

What interests me most is that these are TINY areas compared to the rest of the city, and while they're hailed as Detroit's resurgence, or whatever the hell is supposed to be happening, I don't see hip young people ever reaching a critical mass and spreading out to 7 mile and Van Dyke for any particular reason or about 100 other square miles of the city.

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Ever hear of the 100th monkey? It's a debunked myth, but I think it has some applications in the way people behave.

Anyway, remember, there was a time when people wouldn't move to SoHo, let alone the Bowery [[now renamed NoLiTa) or the Lower East Side. If you had asked people in 1978 if downtown Manhattan would ever come back, they'd have laughed in your face. Heck, if you had asked Detroiters in 1915 if the development would stretch all the way to Rochester, they may have laughed at you [["What, out in all those beet fields? In the middle of nowhere?)

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What interests me most is that these are TINY areas compared to the rest of the city, and while they're hailed as Detroit's resurgence, or whatever the hell is supposed to be happening, I don't see hip young people ever reaching a critical mass and spreading out to 7 mile and Van Dyke for any particular reason or about 100 other square miles of the city.

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I'm pretty sure there aren't any large cities where "hip young people" fill anything close to a majority of the housing units, so the fact that they won't reach 7 Mile and Van Dyke doesn't trouble me. I do expect to see those people extending up and down Woodward further than they do now. I could envision the neighborhood boundaries expanding to the point where there was pretty continuous urbanity stretching from Virginia Park down to downtown, west to Mexicantown, and north to Woodbridge. That would be a pretty attractive place to live, if still only maybe 5% of the city's area.

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Anyway, remember, there was a time when people wouldn't move to SoHo, let alone the Bowery [[now renamed NoLiTa) or the Lower East Side

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I remember when the Bowery was really not anyplace you wanted to be. Now there's a Whole Foods. Last time I was in New York I actually stayed at a hotel EAST of the Bowery. That would have been inadvisable in the late 70's.

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Originally Posted by Detroitnerd

Ever hear of the 100th monkey? It's a debunked myth, but I think it has some applications in the way people behave.

Anyway, remember, there was a time when people wouldn't move to SoHo, let alone the Bowery [[now renamed NoLiTa) or the Lower East Side. If you had asked people in 1978 if downtown Manhattan would ever come back, they'd have laughed in your face.

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That's true. I have a few friends who are native NYers and under the age of 30, and they can't believe the prices that people are paying to live in areas like the E. Village and Lower East Side.

The Mies van der Rohe townhouses in Lafayette Park probably would not do for a ±23 year old who's still in school or just beginning their career. They are coops and, among other drawbacks [[for that demographic), all require a substantial downpayment. However, the 3 glass highrises, also designed by Mies, are rental with yearly leases so they are much more accessible for a young person who wants to live in a safe walkable downtown neighborhood. The CBD, Eastern Market, Greektown, the Dequindre Cut and the Riverwalk are no more than a 12 minute walk away.

In the last several years there has been a definite uptick in young couples who are a bit older, more settled, and with children moving into the coops. Chrysler Elementary School is considered to be one of the best in Detroit. It is accessible to the entire Mies van der Rohe part of the neighborhood [[and several other coops) by sidewalk. There is no need to cross a street to get there.

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Originally Posted by DetroitPole

Sorry, Woodbridge no longer makes my list. While it is cute as hell and close to everything cool, I know too many people who have been the victims of serious violent crime there. I think there is a lot of crime of opportunity because the bad guys know there are students, teachers, and profs living there with at least something to steal.

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I had thought Woodbridge was getting better, or at least that's what I hear around town.

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Anyway, remember, there was a time when people wouldn't move to SoHo, let alone the Bowery [[now renamed NoLiTa) or the Lower East Side. If you had asked people in 1978 if downtown Manhattan would ever come back, they'd have laughed in your face. Heck, if you had asked Detroiters in 1915 if the development would stretch all the way to Rochester, they may have laughed at you [["What, out in all those beet fields? In the middle of nowhere?)

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I think light rail is going to have a dramatic impact on the parts of town it cuts through. It will either be a real page turner for Detroit resulting in a steady and continued build-up of revitalization, or it will be a complete bust. I'm putting all my eggs in that basket. Light rail could be the one big catalyst, a real game changer.

If they wanted to own, there are some units in 1300 Lafayette where the equity is very low and I would expect a young couple could likely swing it. The maintenance tends to be higher than in the townhouses though.

A friend of mine who lives in Woodbridge recently had a home invasion and was taken prisoner while the house was ransacked. There's just something about Woodbridge -- maybe the combination of carefree young people and the tough neighborhood just beyond it -- that makes Woodbridge a hot spot for muggings and burglaries.

Of course, it's good advice no matter where you live: Stay alert and watch your surroundings.

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Originally Posted by socks_mahoney

a refreshed The Hole Park

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What is Hole Park? I live in Woodbridge and have never heard of it.

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Originally Posted by Zozo

What is Hole Park? I live in Woodbridge and have never heard of it.

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Maybe it's a Hole where a park used to be.

no! dont tell them about the co-op area east of greek-town. we like the quiet and safe neighborhoods over here.
LOL.
I lived in Eastern Market since 1999 and bought a co-op in town square east of Lafayette Towers in 2007.
Love here! can walk to downtown, eastern market safely. dequinder cut is out my back door.
yes i do have to drive to bars in cass corridor or wayne state, or can call a cab.

Windsor, Ontario

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Originally Posted by DetroitPole

Sorry, Woodbridge no longer makes my list. While it is cute as hell and close to everything cool, I know too many people who have been the victims of serious violent crime there. I think there is a lot of crime of opportunity because the bad guys know there are students, teachers, and profs living there with at least something to steal.


In my experience, midtown and downtown are very safe - especially Midtown with WSU cops on the prowl and only a phone call away.

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I agree, this is a serious problem. When I lived there I was mugged once and had my home invaded twice. Unfortunately, its usually kids and teenagers from the surrounding neighborhoods...so not only are they hard to catch but they are a bit more jumpy and dangerous. And they are often too young to understand their actions.

The good news is that Woodbridge residents have recognized that though crime used to be worse in the past [[1970's, 1980's) it has definitely been spiking in the neighborhood the past 2-5 years. And they are acting. Starting about two years ago the WSU police committed to patrol the neighborhood on a regular, daily basis and now will respond to calls made to their dispatcher from the neighborhood [[this goes for Northend/Henry Ford/South New Center areas as well actually). They got funding for extra police officers just for the purpose of patrolling the neighborhoods that surround WSU/Midtown.

Another organization is working with the police and AmeriCorps volunteers to restart regular block club meetings [[an old fixture in decades past) on every block to visually and culturally close the neighborhood to criminals through neighborhood patrols, home security enhancement, and physical improvements to the neighborhood. It remains to see if it can be done, but with the right organizing and the right coordination with the police its definitely possible.

DetroitPole
I think you misinterpreted my comments, I wasn't calling "them" kids I was talking about the prospect of them having kids and raising kids i.e. children, having kids and then those kids [[their children) attending DPS at some point in the future. Also my greater point was, wouldn't it be nice if "families chose to move into and raise a family in Detroit.

"Eastside, since you invited the arrows...this may not be your intent, but I do find the attitude of "some kids move into the city and then move out when they've grown up" pretty condescending. There is an implication there that these are wide-eyed kids just looking for the thrill of living in the city for a few years and then suddenly one day grab a pair of dockers, a riding lawnmower, a border collie and move to Shelby Township."

great topic!

Im 25 and just got my degree. I've been staying with my mom temporarily but am planning on moving to Detroit as soon as I have the finances to do so. I've been out of work since aug but [[fingers crossed) I think I may be getting hired for a job downtown [[though it would require travel thru much of the metro.) One criteria is I need to be able to get to my car quickly if I'm on call.

I'm not sure how unique my story is but I'm actually really torn on this issue. On the one hand I'd love to be close enough to walk or bike downtown for all the fun but on the other hand I'm seriously looking at buying a house at a price we may well never see again.

I didn't realize things had been getting so bad in woodbridge but that is one spot I'm considering for the reasons others have listed [[its really cool that they have a neighborhood bar now!) Woodbridge/midtown would have you in easy biking distance to downtown.

I've been looking at a few other areas besides woodbridge and midtown:

East riverfront: lots of rental options and you can't beat the view of the water!

West Village: the residents here have done a great job promoting this little neighborhood and it shows. It seems to me its already attracted some of the younger and/or new to the city crowd. Some apartments available and terrific houses [[plus for people who like to walk theres indian village and belle isle nearby) Personally I think WV/IV pretty soon could support a neighborhood bar like the woodbridge; even if i have to do it myself lol

Southwest/Hubbard: I'd be curious to see if this is starting to become a popular area for the younger/new to Detroit crowd. SW offers, as mentioned, pretty good retail etc. Hubbard farms reminds me a bit of woodbridge and appears to be doing quite well.

As for woodward rail I think in a few years this will bring growth to the south new center area and palmer park. This goes double if the detroit-ann arbor rail ever gets done and they keep the stop at the current amtrak station.

But the flip side is that I'm looking at houses in a handful of areas like rosedale park area, bagley, EEV etc that are stunning values right now at around 20-30k. These are houses that sold for between 100 to 170k a few years back and i don't imagine those prices will last long. [[as a side note of course Detroit is lacking transit but everywhere I'm looking is pretty close to a bus line so its nice to have that option to get downtown without having to park etc)

I bring this up because I imagine some other people are in the same boat: there are some really cool parts of Detroit close to the action to rent but right now they also have the opportunity to own their own house free and clear before they hit 30. I hope we can see more people down the road moving back to the city and stabilizing/rebuilding more neighborhoods. Of course the school situation is a problem but I'm holding out hope that something has to change by the time i have to cross that particular bridge.

In my opinion, a person who is not married [[or at least in a long-term relationship) and without kids should think twice before buying a house. Mobility is one of the great assets such a person has, and buying a house definitely devalues that asset.

Or become a renter later.

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Originally Posted by socks_mahoney

I agree, this is a serious problem. When I lived there I was mugged once and had my home invaded twice. Unfortunately, its usually kids and teenagers from the surrounding neighborhoods...so not only are they hard to catch but they are a bit more jumpy and dangerous. And they are often too young to understand their actions.

The good news is that Woodbridge residents have recognized that though crime used to be worse in the past [[1970's, 1980's) it has definitely been spiking in the neighborhood the past 2-5 years. And they are acting. Starting about two years ago the WSU police committed to patrol the neighborhood on a regular, daily basis and now will respond to calls made to their dispatcher from the neighborhood [[this goes for Northend/Henry Ford/South New Center areas as well actually). They got funding for extra police officers just for the purpose of patrolling the neighborhoods that surround WSU/Midtown.

Another organization is working with the police and AmeriCorps volunteers to restart regular block club meetings [[an old fixture in decades past) on every block to visually and culturally close the neighborhood to criminals through neighborhood patrols, home security enhancement, and physical improvements to the neighborhood. It remains to see if it can be done, but with the right organizing and the right coordination with the police its definitely possible.

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This is good news - thanks for sharing.

Regarding the list... how did I forget Eastern Market? Bars, restaurants, fresh produce, and downtown and midtown a stone's throw away.

A lot of good places actually...and as a young person, I never considered living anywhere in the metro region but Detroit.

I imagine myself living in Detroit when I have kids. So I've always catered my ideas about living in the city towards the family life. Bagley has always interested me as my neighborhood because it seems middle class and unpretentious. And I love the plethora of brick homes. Another area I love is Aviaton Sub, which is closer to downtown than Bagley.

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Originally Posted by mwilbert

In my opinion, a person who is not married [[or at least in a long-term relationship) and without kids should think twice before buying a house. Mobility is one of the great assets such a person has, and buying a house definitely devalues that asset.

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I understand that sentiment but to me it seems the opposite.

Many of detroits problems such as crime and schools are a bigger factor for families than for say a single guy just starting out. I just got done renting a series of apartments and moved every year. I'm excited about the chance to have a place of my own. Plus which makes you feel more trapped, paying 20-25k in cash for a house or being 100k underwater on your house in the suburbs that you can't sell either. Don't get me wrong I'm a little nervous of being stuck but I don't see myself relocating anytime soon or ever. I'm also only considering neighborhoods that seem to have a bright future, i certainly wouldn't buy anywhere just because its cheap.


It'll be years before i even start thinking of starting a family so now seems a logical time to take a few risks. Hopefully by the time i get to that point the school situation improves or there will at least be plenty of alternatives [[for instance in EEV and the far east side you see lots of yard signs for the st Clare school in GPP). I'd hate to pay lots in tuition but hey at least theres no mortgage payment.

One last point the expression "its easier to ask forgiveness than permission" comes to mind when starting a relationship. If you already live in the city and can show that your neighborhood is solid you have a better chance of selling the city to a significant other as opposed to just picking up and moving from the burbs.

just my 2 cents

Wife and I moved back 2 years ago we will both be 31 by tomorrow. No kids yet but planning on some in the next year or two. Currently living Downtown but will be looking for a house in Midtown, Woodbridge, Corktown, or the Villages before having kids. We currently don't plan on moving out of the city when they reach school age. I absolutly love living Downtown, it's awesome to look out the window and see the city all around you at night.

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Originally Posted by buzzman0077

Wife and I moved back 2 years ago we will both be 31 by tomorrow. No kids yet but planning on some in the next year or two. Currently living Downtown but will be looking for a house in Midtown, Woodbridge, Corktown, or the Villages before having kids. We currently don't plan on moving out of the city when they reach school age. I absolutly love living Downtown, it's awesome to look out the window and see the city all around you at night.

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If you are interested in living in the Villages [[Indian Village, Berry Subdivision, West & East Village) check out this website:

http://thevillagesofdetroit.com/the-villages/

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Originally Posted by Neilr

The Mies van der Rohe townhouses in Lafayette Park probably would not do for a ±23 year old who's still in school or just beginning their career. They are coops and, among other drawbacks [[for that demographic), all require a substantial downpayment.

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This little beauty is up for sale,
http://www.oconnordetroit.com/proper...401_joli/1.htm

My husband and I are 31 and 33, respectively, and have lived within the City limits for 7 years now. For the past 1.5 years we have been living in Woodbridge. I know that some other posters have written about the crime, but it does seem to have been better even just in the time that we have been here. We had several friends who were victimized in the year or so before we moved, and I was nervous about coming here for that reason. I haven't known anyone personally, either friend or acquaintance, who has been a victim of a crime in the year and a half that we have been here. So, while it's not perfect, I don't think it's as bad as it was.

Also, we have a 2 year old daughter, and another on the way in June, and we have no intention of moving when they are in school. She is currently enrolled in a fantastic daycare , and will go to a private school when the time comes [[probably either Waldorf or Friends). I love having a young child in the City, and the opportunities and challenges that it provides us as parents are exactly why we decided to have a family here instead of running off to Grosse Pointe.

To answer your original question: Woodbridge, because of its easy access to EVERYTHING; ditto that for Midtown; Eastern Market, because it's got a lot of it's own stuff going on, and you could easily sustain yourself there with everything except maybe nightlife; and, downtown, because of the restaurants and shops [[I would even extend this to include the near-riverfront locales).

I know its just a handful of people on a message board but I'm happy to hear about current and future parents who are raising kids in the city. This says lots about your dedication and hope for this town. Most will jet off to the burbs, and i respect that decision but its possible to lead a decent life in this town. Families add a lot more stability than just a bunch of hipsters [[no offense to hipsters, the more the merrier!)
I grew up downriver where there was NO diversity. Sure, the schools were decent but it was a real culture shock when I got to college.

I get really pissed off when people equate raising kids in detroit to child abuse [[the kind of shit you'll see on the freep forums) Of course the schools are struggling but I'm hopeful that the quality will improve over time. Anyway kudos to all the parents... things will look a lot better in a generation here if this trend grows!

I may still look into Woodbridge If i don't buy a house right away [[unfortunately buying a house there is wayyy over my budget) I get the vibe that it might be one of the coolest few blocks in this entire state. I do have to ask you WB residents though if the parking is as bad as it looks? I suck at parallel parking so that could be aggrevating.

Downtown is the best for transit options. Midtown and Downtown also hold a large amount of jobs and schooling options. It depends on where you are going to school/work.

I liked Downtown's Grand Circus Park neighborhood, as it had apartments of all income levels actually overlooking the park. Nothing will beat the excitement off living on Grand Circus Park, in Michigan. Although, the Millender Center is nice on convenience, but you pay for it.

The smartest place in the city for a young person to live [[$$$), would probably be New Center, the Cass Park area, or South Corktown [[gritty industrial lofts, not luxury conversions).

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Originally Posted by mwilbert

If they wanted to own, there are some units in 1300 Lafayette where the equity is very low and I would expect a young couple could likely swing it. The maintenance tends to be higher than in the townhouses though.

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I've checked out 1300 and the association fee was a dealbreaker for me, though I could have put together the down payment for a no-frills one bedroom.

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Originally Posted by rencense

Southwest/Hubbard: I'd be curious to see if this is starting to become a popular area for the younger/new to Detroit crowd. SW offers, as mentioned, pretty good retail etc. Hubbard farms reminds me a bit of woodbridge and appears to be doing quite well.

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I never really took the time to look at Hubbard Farms, but it is a really neat neighborhood. Lots of row houses, flats and duplexes, and also just some really nice older homes. I was sad to see that the set of red row houses on Vinewood between Vernor and Bagley were burned out. The neighborhood is like 95% intact and looks well-maintained. It is also anchored by Clark Park, which is pretty decent. You are also really close to downtown.

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Originally Posted by English

I've checked out 1300 and the association fee was a dealbreaker for me, though I could have put together the down payment for a no-frills one bedroom.

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This is a really nice building. I looked into buying into the coop at 1300 about 2 years ago, and yes, it was a very small amount for a 1-bedroom. I think it was like $3k or something. Association fee was high, but the building was secure, had underground parking, and great views of the city skyline. At that point, I didn't want to be tied down to a place, but I would very much be interested to know what the coops are going for now.

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I've checked out 1300 and the association fee was a dealbreaker for me, though I could have put together the down payment for a no-frills one bedroom.

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I completely sympathize--in the current low interest rate environment you are very likely better off financially buying something that costs more and has lower carrying costs. I'd guess that is why the equity is so low on some of the units. On the other hand, the amenities are good and the association fee is pretty inclusive, covering both taxes and heat, although I'm sure you knew that.

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At that point, I didn't want to be tied down to a place, but I would very much be interested to know what the coops are going for now.

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This is the best place I know for that information:

http://www.vasileffrealtydetroit.com...OOPERATIVE.htm

Hamtramck!

Or around WSU somewhere.

Regarding the Hubbard Farms area,

This area seems to be a pretty well kept secret. I checked out a place on Hubbard this summer which was really cool; it was like an old guest house or something behind a normal house. The lady who owned it was very friendly and seemed to be an unofficial spokesperson for the area. She said people were very involved there and often had things like block parties. She also said there was a really cool soccer league with lots of people from the neighborhood and beyond that played in Clark Park.

I also checked out a neat old apartment on WGB within view of the ambassador bridge. SW housing solutions has done a nice job fixing up some apt buildings in the area [[the one on WGB just north of vernor next to the library looks cool) You're within walking distance to the touristy mexicantown district, cafe con leche, honeybee market, clark park etc. One other perk is now that the Bagley pedestrian bridge is there you are a are reasonable walk from corktown and downtown.

It is a shame to see that set of row houses torched though. Theres another set of rowhouses on porter just off of hubbard that is vacant but appears secure...hopefully that gets renovated someday!

I'm sensing sarcasm here?
Unless you bought the entire area from the Jeffries to Outer Drive and redeveloped it.

I live in Midtown and to me, it's the best part of the city. I love to eat and all my favorite places to eat are in walking distance [[Slow's To Go, Avalon, Traffic Jam & Snug, Good Girls...). Several bars and coffee shops are also in walking distance. My spouse works at the DMC and goes to school at Wayne State - both within blocks of our house. I have a 2 year old and we drive 5 minutes to the Y downtown, not to mention we can go to the Science Center or the Children's Hands On Museum [[both within walking distance) and even the DIA if we're up to it. University Foods isn't the greatest grocery store, but it's serviceable and hopefully Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe will actually open one day [[in Midtown). Things are only going to get better in Midtown and if the M-1 light rail gets installed, it will only accelerate things.

In all honesty the only places in Detroit that I would currently live in are downtown and Midtown. They are the safest and the "coolest". Every other part of the city has a long way to go.

The Detroit ghettohoods are young people to live is:

1. Midtown

2. Brush Park

3. Southwest Detroit

4. Warrendale

5. La Fayette Park and terraces. [[Formally Black Bottom)

If you are thinking of buying a home, I would look into the North End neighborhood, which is everything north of Grand Blvd. and between 75 and Woodward, going all the way up to the Highland Park border.

You can get a magnificent house in this area for under 10k, and often well under 10k. It will need some work, but for the most part all the basics will be in place.

It seems like they're trying to promote most of this area as part of Midtown. The neighborhoods north of Grand Boulevard are the southernmost primarily residential neighborhoods along the Woodward corridor. And once the light rail goes down this area is going to come back in a big way.

I know a guy who bought a house in the North End last year and he's doing fine. There's some blight, but the crime isn't serious. There are a ton of new houses being built in the neighborhood, don't know who's building them.