Thinking of moving to Downtown Detroit but I have some concerns

Hi everyone I have been doing some research about moving to Downtown Detroit and have been coming across alot of mixed feelings about the area and varying opinions I figured I would register here and get some opinions on the area and if Detroit would be a potentially good location to move to.

I have been looking for a nice loft/apartment to rent out of specifically Merchants Row The Kales Building etc.. although these places all seem rather nice I am concered that living in Downtown Detroit itself will become something I regret in the long run.

I currently live in Downtown Cleveland so I am used to living in an urban area and really have very little interest in living in the suburbs at this time. My job allows me to travel between a few states so it leaves me with the flexibility to either stay put relocate to Michigan or PA.

Right now my biggest concern is a lack of any real entertainment or social opportunities. I'm 25 and white and pretty much everyone I know who either lives in Michigan or has stayed in the city for extended periods of time has labled it a rather racist community.

Now I'm not saying I expect to be mugged on my way home for simply being white or being spit on but I'm wondering how hard its going to be in that area to socialize make friends and go out and have a good time and party.

In my few experiences staying in Downtown it seems like there in not all cases but many seems to be a direct resentment towards upper middle class whites in the city and although I totally get it that doesn't change the fact that I don't want to pay 1100 a month rent to deal with it on a daily basis.

I realize Detroit isn't exactly Miami but living in Downtown Cleveland I genuinely feel these types of cities are what you make of it I'm simply trying to get an idea on what type of entertainment Detroit offers outside of Greektown Nightclubs etc. and if its a friendly place for a young white male to even reside.

Have you considered Midtown Detroit? Check out this link Midtown may be more to your liking.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midtown_Detroit

You will have no problem finding entertainment down here. The downtown alone has about 125 bars and restaurants, most of them are fantastic. We have the second biggest theatre district in the US [[behind only Broadway) and there is always something going on at the Riverfront, Campus Martius, etc. As far as resentment, its not nearly as bad as people make it seem. Heck the downtown area saw a 59% increase in college educated residents under 35 in the last 10 years so you will have good company in being a professional. And this is only downtown, there are many more nightlife and entertainment options in Corktown, Midtown, etc. You'll love it, guaranteed.

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Originally Posted by Priv

Hi everyone I have been doing some research about moving to Downtown Detroit and have been coming across alot of mixed feelings about the area and varying opinions I figured I would register here and get some opinions on the area and if Detroit would be a potentially good location to move to.

I have been looking for a nice loft/apartment to rent out of specifically Merchants Row The Kales Building etc.. although these places all seem rather nice I am concered that living in Downtown Detroit itself will become something I regret in the long run.

I currently live in Downtown Cleveland so I am used to living in an urban area and really have very little interest in living in the suburbs at this time. My job allows me to travel between a few states so it leaves me with the flexibility to either stay put relocate to Michigan or PA.

Right now my biggest concern is a lack of any real entertainment or social opportunities. I'm 25 and white and pretty much everyone I know who either lives in Michigan or has stayed in the city for extended periods of time has labled it a rather racist community.

Now I'm not saying I expect to be mugged on my way home for simply being white or being spit on but I'm wondering how hard its going to be in that area to socialize make friends and go out and have a good time and party.

In my few experiences staying in Downtown it seems like there in not all cases but many seems to be a direct resentment towards upper middle class whites in the city and although I totally get it that doesn't change the fact that I don't want to pay 1100 a month rent to deal with it on a daily basis.

I realize Detroit isn't exactly Miami but living in Downtown Cleveland I genuinely feel these types of cities are what you make of it I'm simply trying to get an idea on what type of entertainment Detroit offers outside of Greektown Nightclubs etc. and if its a friendly place for a young white male to even reside.

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There is definitely a community of young people, especially in the greater downtown area. A rather large community. Today the Forestrival Detroit in Corktown -
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/e...22513574448554
I don't know if you can see it, but it appears to be basically a free music festival in the park. About 400 of the people you speak of are attending, according to my facebook.
If you're okay with downtown Cleveland, you're okay with downtown Detroit.
Standing out racially is absolutely not a concern. Greater downtown is very diverse. Now, if you decided to buy or rent a house or hang out in the thick 'hood, you might find some confused people.
Mostly nobody gives a shit. They have their own stuff to worry about. Nobody really cares what race you are.

I am a young white male who lives downtown. It's fine. No worries on the race thing. Downtown's residential population is diverse. I haven't had a problem yet other that people assuming I'm from the suburbs. [[A stereotype I loathe and drastically wish to shed.) You may find yourself a minority in some situations, but it doesn't bother me. Black Detroit residents are great people and have a charm/swagger about them that is hard not to like.

Entertainment downtown is good. Lots of bars and restaurants. There are some good electronic music clubs if you're into that. There are the casinos if you gamble. Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings all in walking distance. Parks and recreation is great, too. I spend a lot time biking the Riverwalk or strolling through Campus Martius. Bell Isle is great. Midtown is pretty much unparalleled in terms of arts and culture. Dozens of museums and galleries. Lots of artists of all varieties, i.e. film, photography, sculpture, paint, music, artisans, etc.

Living downtown, you're part of a pretty elite group, so if you get out a lot and are a chatty Cathy like me, you will know all the regulars in no time. I don't think there is a bar within a mile of my building where I don't know the usual bartenders on a personal level. It's just the way it is here. On the flip side, if you are a single male and you have an apartment downtown, it's great for picking up women. When downtown gets really busy, it's mostly a constant and ever-changing rotation of suburbanites here for an event. Having a cool loft is a great way to impress and close out the night. [[I'm spoken for, but it works great for my buddy, just sayin.)

What else...? Groceries are plentiful despite everything you hear on TV. I shop at Lafayette Foods now, but Honeybee is also very good, as well as several other grocers in the greater downtown area. You should also get to know Eastern Market asap, it really cannot be beat.

I haven't been to Cleveland in a few years, but get used to bums if you aren't already. They love to spend their days lingering downtown asking you for money or cigarettes, or pretending they are war vets trying to sell you toothpick flags. Most are nice, rarely are they rude. I know most who hang around my building by name, but they can get annoying.

Biggest thing to avoid living downtown is the hip-hop clubs. They are loud and flashy and so are easy to spot, but they are also havens for outrageous nonsense and violence. Some of us downtowners are trying to get them sanctioned.

I think you will really enjoy the depth of people living in the city. Most people living in Detroit are here for a reason and have an attribute that lets them see the world through a different lens. It is refreshing, and you get the feeling of a real community.

In terms of places to live, the Kales is nice but has a long wait-list. I am not sure about Merchant's Row, which is also very nice, but I expect they too have a wait-list. If you want to live downtown, you should make your move soon and get on a wait-list. Rents are only going to go up and space is going to get even tighter with the new incentives being given to live downtown, which will be announced tomorrow [[Monday).

Best of luck, and welcome to Detroit.

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Originally Posted by BrushStart

I am a young white male who lives downtown. It's fine. No worries on the race thing. Downtown's residential population is diverse. I haven't had a problem yet other that people assuming I'm from the suburbs. [[A stereotype I loathe and drastically wish to shed.) You may find yourself a minority in some situations, but it doesn't bother me. Black Detroit residents are great people and have a charm/swagger about them that is hard not to like.

Entertainment downtown is good. Lots of bars and restaurants. There are some good electronic music clubs if you're into that. There are the casinos if you gamble. Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings all in walking distance. Parks and recreation is great, too. I spend a lot time biking the Riverwalk or strolling through Campus Martius. Bell Isle is great. Midtown is pretty much unparalleled in terms of arts and culture. Dozens of museums and galleries. Lots of artists of all varieties, i.e. film, photography, sculpture, paint, music, artisans, etc.

Living downtown, you're part of a pretty elite group, so if you get out a lot and are a chatty Cathy like me, you will know all the regulars in no time. I don't think there is a bar within a mile of my building where I don't know the usual bartenders on a personal level. It's just the way it is here. On the flip side, if you are a single male and you have an apartment downtown, it's great for picking up women. When downtown gets really busy, it's mostly a constant and ever-changing rotation of suburbanites here for an event. Having a cool loft is a great way to impress and close out the night. [[I'm spoken for, but it works great for my buddy, just sayin.)

What else...? Groceries are plentiful despite everything you hear on TV. I shop at Lafayette Foods now, but Honeybee is also very good, as well as several other grocers in the greater downtown area. You should also get to know Eastern Market asap, it really cannot be beat.

I haven't been to Cleveland in a few years, but get used to bums if you aren't already. They love to spend their days lingering downtown asking you for money or cigarettes, or pretending they are war vets trying to sell you toothpick flags. Most are nice, rarely are they rude. I know most who hang around my building by name, but they can get annoying.

Biggest thing to avoid living downtown is the hip-hop clubs. They are loud and flashy and so are easy to spot, but they are also havens for outrageous nonsense and violence. Some of us downtowners are trying to get them sanctioned.

I think you will really enjoy the depth of people living in the city. Most people living in Detroit are here for a reason and have an attribute that lets them see the world through a different lens. It is refreshing, and you get the feeling of a real community.

In terms of places to live, the Kales is nice but has a long wait-list. I am not sure about Merchant's Row, which is also very nice, but I expect they too have a wait-list. If you want to live downtown, you should make your move soon and get on a wait-list. Rents are only going to go up and space is going to get even tighter with the new incentives being given to live downtown, which will be announced tomorrow [[Monday).

Best of luck, and welcome to Detroit.

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Pretty much what I'm lookin for a downtown pad to meet chicks go out and party when I'm in town from work. Sounds to me like its not that much different from Cleveland outside of the fact that you guys have Casinos and Hockey and a Medical Marijuana program. Going to take a looksy at lofts this week when I head into Dearborn for work.

Why not try staying downtown at a hotel, motel or hostel for a couple weeks to get a feel for it?

why not stay in Dearborn if you're going to be working there? Its wonderful to live a short distance from work and there are lots of affordable areas in Dearborn to live.

I agree with what BrushStart says....but DetroitPlanner has a point. Downtown Dearborn is pretty cool actually and really doesn't have that suburban feel. Plus, it's only minutes from downtown Detroit.

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Originally Posted by Planner3357

I agree with what BrushStart says....but DetroitPlanner has a point. Downtown Dearborn is pretty cool actually and really doesn't have that suburban feel. Plus, it's only minutes from downtown Detroit.

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You're not going to look as cool

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Originally Posted by casscorridor

You're not going to look as cool

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You're right....that's why I choose to live downtown Detroit.. I'm super cool looking here..where Id be only average in Dearborn.

There's also the Lafayette Park area, which may still have some openings. I don't know of much in the CBD that you could get into immediately. [[I live a few miles east, but as a young guy, you'd want to be within walking distance -- LP is a short walk over the 375 bridge.)

Priv,

One that thats slightly unique about metro detroit is that we have a bunch of small but vibrant downtowns. Places like downtown royal oak, ferndale, birmingham, and several others give you a compact but thriving little downtown that are generally very safe and clean.

Now these places aren't for me but many people love them. Of course they can't compete with downtown for things to do, architecture, etc but they are buzzing with activity and places to go on the weekends.

In my case I'm willing to put up with some inconveniences inherent to living in detroit because I love it. You'll need to decide if its right for you. I often say I'd rather someone not move to the city at all if they're going to end up hating it and wanting out right away. Coming from cleveland you'll probably be fine with it [[though I think its safe to say detroits issues are a bit more widespread than in the cleve.

Also, like English said there are plenty of areas close to downtown like lafayette park that are literally walking distance to downtown [[or a short bike ride) Being in downtown proper is awesome if you can afford it but rents are a bit high and rising generally. Again if you can swing it financially thats awesome but you can get a lot of bang for the buck just out of downtown.

Best plan is to try to spend some time there and preferably have someone show you around. I don't live in the area right now so I can't but I think there may be someone on here who can play tour guide and show you the ropes. [[its been kind of an unofficial job for me; i love to show people around but maybe someone else can do the same thing) A few hours of being shown around can teach you a lot but again ideally see if you can stay at a hotel or something for a few days and see it.

I moved downtown 30 years ago this coming Sept. 19 and haven't looked back save for an 18 month stint while I stayed in my Mom's old house while I got it ready to sell. I was about your age when I moved downtown and yes, there is a certain "cool" factor with the ladies [[if I remember correctly). You're right that the metropolitan area is still very polarized, but most of the racism I've observed comes from whites more than blacks. There still seems to exist a code that one or more whites involved in conversation with another white can lower their voice, look over their shoulder, and talk about blacks in a non-politically correct manner. On the other hand, quite often a black male will make eye-contact with me or say hello when I pass him on the street. Rarely does a white male do the same. And while Detroit is full of many haters, the ones that love this old city love it with a passion you won't find in other places. Come on down!!!

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Originally Posted by downtownguy

There still seems to exist a code that one or more whites involved in conversation with another white can lower their voice, look over their shoulder, and talk about blacks in a non-politically correct manner.

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Well, to be fair, black Detroiters do this too.

Priv, this area has a very bitter history of racial segregation, separatism, and conflict. This area is rarer than most around the country because of Detroit's history of black nationalism. Friends of all races have told me that they haven't seen another place in the country where the races hate each other as much as in SE Michigan, not even excepting the South. One is moving back to California this week specifically because of the racial climate in a particular town outside of Detroit. Things are changing, but you will find some people from all ethnicities with attitudes that those from other places find shocking, mainly people of the more mature generations [[although certainly not all of them).

The upside of this is that here in Detroit, you will find some of the most sincere, kind, and honest people from all walks of life. I find that racial attitudes in other parts of the country are there but hidden and not talked about. Here in metro Detroit we let it all hang out, but after a while, you will have true and sincere friends from all age groups, as well as different racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. And they are REAL friendships because you've aired out all the stuff. There are some folks here and around the metro whom I've gotten into it with, but at the end of the day, if they need me, I am there for them. We are loyal folks and if you are in a bind, you will get help -- emotional, material, spiritual, whatever -- from DYes people or just people around the community.

The people are the reason why I've made my adult life there. There just isn't another American city like it. It's like living in a country town where everyone is connected to you [[maybe 1-2 degrees of separation at most), but with plenty of big city amenities [[museums, theatres, nightlife, world class airport, etc.).

Glad you're thinking about joining us. Welcome in advance!

"the ones that love this old city love it with a passion you won't find many other places"

I mean't to add something like this but downtownguy is right. People who move to the city [[the ones that stay at least) tend to become very hardcore. The city becomes not just a place you live but a passion. Sure many of our suburbs are safe and clean but generally pretty boring and if you really get bit by the detroit bug the suburbs rarely cut it for you after that.

Like brush said its very easy to make friends downtown if you go out a lot, downtown in a way is kind of small town where you often know each other. The big crowds downtown are usually overwhelmingly from the burbs. Anyway, come on down and check it out. Ultimately only you can decide where is best for you but we're here to help anyway we can.

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Originally Posted by English

Well, to be fair, black Detroiters do this too.

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Really? They've never done it to me. :)

I have lived in both the suburbs and downtown and in my personal opinion [[also being a guy in his mid 20s) downtown is more fun. I guess it depends on what you are into, but you definitely should find out for yourself!

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Originally Posted by downtownguy

Really? They've never done it to me. :)

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LOL! Well, you are obviously one of us, then. We have adopted you! ;)

Here's one gross generalization that I mean as a compliment: White Detroiters tend to be cool as hell, in general... nice and laid-back... and are as trendsetting as we are, if not even more so. There is a reason why many music forms and artistic trends originate in this city. I am thoroughly enjoying the summer here.

Downtown Detroit is wonderful,, lived here since 1990, just live in a community where you and your car is safe,, my place at 1300 is exactly that.. and you can walk to a ton of things safely,, Interesting you are in downtown Cleveland, I am there 2- 3days a week as my partner lives there ,, Overall, my description of Cleveland is "Detroit Light" Many of the same pluses and minuses but not as severe in either direction. We seem to like our extremes here which is good but also bad unfortunately. .Been going to Cleveland for three years now weekly so its kinda my second home,, actually very similar in many respects, they have some real nice developments downtown, the restaurant scene is similar, the people are nice in both cities but I like our sports stadiums better [[ thankGod we have pro Hockey, cleveland does not) , but our downtown seems much busier at night, with the casinos and our new waterfront, My partner agrees. He is always complaining that downtown Cleveland is so dead at night, that it used to be much more vibrant ten years ago when they were redeveloping. . I also like the fact that the DIA and orchestra hall are so close to downtown. Clevelands is fairly far on the east side of the city [[ very nice as ours is, I do think Severance Hall is a better orchestra venue and the Cleveland library downtown is incredible. ) and getting to the cultural center there is fairly slow from downtown.Just had one of the cleveland friends over last week for their first time, they were very impressed, loved the waterfront and the new wetlands areas, thought the food and atmosphere at Russell St. in eastern market for lunch was super cool and said it was way nicer than they expected, better than theirs in cleveland and loved the view from my co op of downtown at night.. They loved the fact that Canada is a step away,, Kept telling me how great that was. Dont be afraid, just be wise like you should be in any urban city