Young People Moving into the Downtown Area from the Suburbs: Reviews, Please.

[corktownyuppie]

I have a handful [[and growing) group of contacts who are graduating from University of Michigan and strongly considering moving downtown. They've been mostly curious, almost exclusively from either the suburbs or from out of state, and wanting to know what my experience is.

I've been here 3 years and have zero exposure to violent crime or petty theft. My experience here has been completely unlike the stories that I hear from other posters on this board. And short of helping to rally the shutdown of that nuisance of LAX, it's been fairly uneventful.

I'm worried that I may be giving my friends an unrealistic view of living downtown and am wondering if I'm somehow insulated from all the BS that people bring up. [[Scrappers, poor police response time, etc.)

So let's hear it...for all the newbies to Detroit that have moved here in the last 2-3 years, how has it been? Mostly good? Mostly bad? Somewhere in between? How valid was some of the paranoia you had to endure from your parents and friends who thought you were crazy to come anywhere near here?

[laphoque]

My friend from the eastern burbs says downtown > midtown [[she moved downtown from midtown via Roseville). There are a ton more bars. I live in midtown but I wouldn't be able to afford to live downtown sans roommate. I love being able to bike everywhere. I started out in Woodbridge though... I miss the porches.

Edit: to be clear: I was born in Dearborn but did secondary school in NE Michigan so I'm not really, I guess, directly from the burbs. I've been here since 2008 and did live for a time in NW Detroit which I found to be too residential.

[Spartan]

I moved to downtown about 3 months ago and really have nothing bad to say. I park 5 blocks away and walk or ride my bike back to my apartment, often after midnight, and have never felt uncomfortable or experienced any crime. Having tons of events going on every day [[especially on weekends) is great and there are tons of bars and restaurants to choose from. I do still do a lot of things outside the city however [[some grocery shopping, haircuts, doctor appointments) but I think you could certainly do most everything in the city if you wanted. Doctors are probably the most lacking thing downtown in my opinion, but there are many more near Midtown.

[DTFellow]

I've been downtown for approximately 2 and a half years, moving to a tower while attending graduate school in Midtown. I was not from Detroit and had passed through the city proper maybe 3 times before moving down, being from north eastern MI. Detroit is a great place to live. While my building has 24 hour security, I've not been the victim of any crimes downtown. There are of course a good share of stories/interesting situations/potential conflicts that have come up over the last few years, but I doubt any of them wouldn't have happened in another large central city. [[This wasn't supposed to be a wall of text, but for some reason I can't shift-enter on Internet Explorer 10 ... Lowell) Anyhow, its been a great experience, but I think for my next abode after law school I'll be moving to Midtown, Woodbridge, Lafayette Park, Corktown, North Corktown, or Brush Park depending on availability and cost, as I've been effectively priced out of renting downtown for the time being. It has been amazing to see just how much the cityscape has changed in the past few years, it used to be that no one walked around on the weekends, now I see other young people on Saturday mornings walking with coffee and their babies or dogs. This is a 180 from when I got here and it was a literal ghost town. Full disclosure I have been the victim of one property crime in Corktown when my car was broken into, however I was parked in an unlit area on a busy weekend, should've planned it out a little better [[and the crooks got away with a broken amplifier... suckers). Good luck to your friends, I know I wouldn't give back my time here for anything.

[cmubryan]

I lived in Lafayette Park from 2005-2009 and was in my mid 20s. I loved it and experienced no crime whatsoever, unless you count my car getting broken into sitting in my parents' driveway in WEST BLOOMFIELD.

I could walk to the riverfront or Greektown and felt safe doing so any time during the day. At night, it was a little desolate to cross over 375 to get to Greektown but I still did it on foot.

[p69rrh51]

I have a handful [[and growing) group of contacts who are graduating from University of Michigan and strongly considering moving downtown. They've been mostly curious, almost exclusively from either the suburbs or from out of state, and wanting to know what my experience is.

I've been here 3 years and have zero exposure to violent crime or petty theft. My experience here has been completely unlike the stories that I hear from other posters on this board. And short of helping to rally the shutdown of that nuisance of LAX, it's been fairly uneventful.

I'm worried that I may be giving my friends an unrealistic view of living downtown and am wondering if I'm somehow insulated from all the BS that people bring up. [[Scrappers, poor police response time, etc.)

So let's hear it...for all the newbies to Detroit that have moved here in the last 2-3 years, how has it been? Mostly good? Mostly bad? Somewhere in between? How valid was some of the paranoia you had to endure from your parents and friends who thought you were crazy to come anywhere near here?

A little known fact-Downtown Detroit has been one of the safest areas in Metro Detroit for decades! I would have been surprised if you had experienced any violent crime. Although as the residential population increases crime will most likely rise with the increase.

[Bham1982]

A little known fact-Downtown Detroit has been one of the safest areas in Metro Detroit for decades! I would have been surprised if you had experienced any violent crime. Although as the residential population increases crime will most likely rise with the increase.

I doubt this is true. Downtown is likely far safer than Detroit as a whole, but it's not likely to be "one of the safest areas in Metro Detroit".

Most crime comparisons using per capita crimes by level of residental population. I think downtown would do very well compared to Detroit, but probably not very well compared to the regional mean.

[jpbollma]

Moved into the Kales two months ago. We have experienced no crime or problems [[ we have only been here for two months). I love the weekend activities the city has to offer. Plenty of restaurants and even places to grocery shop. The only thing I still leave town for is clothing. However, right now I have been able to pick a few things up at the pop ups.

[p69rrh51]

I doubt this is true. Downtown is likely far safer than Detroit as a whole, but it's not likely to be "one of the safest areas in Metro Detroit".

Most crime comparisons using per capita crimes by level of residental population. I think downtown would do very well compared to Detroit, but probably not very well compared to the regional mean.

The last time I checked crimes per 1,000 residents Downtown was #2 in the least amount of crime ahead of the pointes and far ahead of Birmingham and Bloomfield. That was couple years ago, with the population increase I would like to see where Downtown lies now.

[313WX]

The reason downtown Detroit is safer is because very few people live down there, even now [[and the few people that do live down there aren't really at a critical enough mass).

To prove my point, see the annual fireworks show as a late. With the thousands of people crowded together, there have been several incidents taking place.

I bet the neighborhoods in Detroit that have reverted back to rural land are also quite safe as well these days.

Increase the population number/density and you'll start to see SOME increase in crime.

[corktownyuppie]

To prove my point, see the annual fireworks show as a late. With the thousands of people crowded together, there have been several incidents taking place.

That's a tough stretch for me to accept. Yes, there were several incidents. Yes, there were thousands of people crowded together...but you have to ask, "Which People?" Many of the people downtown for the fireworks were not even from the city. And of those who were from the city, most of them were not from downtown or the downtown areas.

I bet the neighborhoods in Detroit that have reverted back to rural land are also quite safe as well these days.

Actually, probably yes.

Increase the population number/density and you'll start to see SOME increase in crime.

Maybe, maybe not. 100,000 people come into Michigan Stadium on a football Saturday. Even more people are in Ann Arbor and don't go to the game. I'm not a social scientist, but I am not ready to conclude that an increase in density results in an increase in crime. Poverty and income inequality tend to be more closely correlated with crime and since the demographic of people moving into the Downtown area is fairly homogenous socioeconomically and very, very few are impoverished.

But enough social science threadjacking. This conversation is not an argument about whether "x is safer than y". It's about whether or not people's perceptions of safety issues while living in the suburbs were accurate from the reality of actually living down here.

Interesting stories so far...if you're from out of the city [[or state) and decided to join us in the city core, let's hear about your experience!

[casscorridor]

Increase the population number/density and you'll start to see SOME increase in crime.

Perhaps there will be an increase in crime simply as a result of there being more people around, but it would likely accompany a per-capita decrease in crime. Most new residents downtown will be middle-class professionals. So unless you consider jay-walking or pot-smoking a crime, I doubt that demographic will contribute to much crime. They might attract opportunistic property crime such as car-theft or perhaps muggings, but the city seems determined to keep Downtown heavily policed, along with Midtown via WSU police.

[Honky Tonk]

"but the city seems determined to keep Downtown heavily policed, along with Midtown via WSU police."

And NOT living in Downtown, I don't mind to keep paying Detroit taxes. [[4 years and counting, where IS that squad car?)

[AGinthe313]

I moved downtown from West Bloomfield, with my wife and 15-year-old son [[and two dogs) almost two years ago. We sold our house and decided to rent first to see if we liked it. My son [[previous marriage), is with us half-time, and goes to public school in Farmington Hills [[his Mom’s district). We’re centrally located downtown, so everything is within a short walk for us. My son loves that fact that we can walk to all of the sporting events! During the summer we walk down to the riverfront at least three times a week. We shop for groceries at Honey Bee, Lafayette, and Eastern Market. The only drawback is the lack of clothing stores – we still travel out to the burbs for that. In terms of safety, we’ve never been in a situation where we’ve felt unsafe. I walk the dogs at all times of the day/night - most people don’t want to mess with someone walking two large hound dogs [[lol). Last summer we were the victim of property crime -- I had all four tires stolen off of my 2012 Explorer, which was parked in the lot at Broadway and Grand River [[future home of Gilbert’s “Z” lot).

All-in-all, we absolutely love it here and we’re going to stay in the city - we’re looking to purchase next summer.

[JVB]

Wait, so people are surprised that crime downtown/midtown/corktown is lower than in the neighborhoods? I guess I just assumed everyone knew that.

[Strong]

I love this thread some positive vibes for once.
This is the best I'm seen in Detroit in my lifetime and I'm middle aged.
I think that the more people who move here the more tax revenue for our city government resulting in more police, fire, overall services.
I welcome you my friend. This is why I am producing The Great Detroit? documentary to showcase the great things that has happen and is happening in the "D"

[corktownyuppie]

Wait, so people are surprised that crime downtown/midtown/corktown is lower than in the neighborhoods? I guess I just assumed everyone knew that.

Everyone in Detroit...maybe. There are still millions in the suburbs who don't know it or believe it. And since that's where most of my friends are coming from, I want to hear what it's like for people who came from the burbs and ventured in to live in the city.

AGinthe...I'm sorry to hear about the tire thieves...that's the kind of petty BS that still has me a little on edge. I encourage secured parking for anyone moving into the city, though I know it's not always available.

And JVB, I think there are a lot of people in the city who don't realize it either. Frankly, having grown up in EEV and being an eastsider my whole life, I didn't even know that Corktown existed or who lived here. Even now I'm learning about all of these distinct neighborhoods and the personalities that come along with them, like Woodbridge, Brush Park, Warrendale, West Village, Rosedale Park, etc.

[AGinthe313]

AGinthe...I'm sorry to hear about the tire thieves...that's the kind of petty BS that still has me a little on edge. I encourage secured parking for anyone moving into the city, though I know it's not always available.
.

Agree - I now park in the Opera House VIP, which is VERY secure.

[DetroitPlanner]

I bet the neighborhoods in Detroit that have reverted back to rural land are also quite safe as well these days.

Increase the population number/density and you'll start to see SOME increase in crime.

Para 1: Pretty arrogant and ignorant thing to say. Some neighborhoods this is true, but this is written as all. All it not true.

Para 2: If the increase in population is joined with more police or the closing off of large parts of the City [[places like Brighmoor) then you could mitigate the crime with more police present. Should there be more market rate housing downtown, then the City could afford more police. Unfortunately nearly all of the development downtown has come from large tax abatements [[sans casinos) which do not pay the amount of taxes needed to service the developments.

People won't move back in [[in appreciable numbers) until public safety and schools are better. Without this young people will be nomads, moving to the burbs once married because they don't want folks breaking in, or to send thier kids to horrible schools.

[p69rrh51]

Para 1: Pretty arrogant and ignorant thing to say. Some neighborhoods this is true, but this is written as all. All it not true.

Para 2: If the increase in population is joined with more police or the closing off of large parts of the City [[places like Brighmoor) then you could mitigate the crime with more police present. Should there be more market rate housing downtown, then the City could afford more police. Unfortunately nearly all of the development downtown has come from large tax abatements [[sans casinos) which do not pay the amount of taxes needed to service the developments.

People won't move back in [[in appreciable numbers) until public safety and schools are better. Without this young people will be nomads, moving to the burbs once married because they don't want folks breaking in, or to send thier kids to horrible schools.

I have been talking to metro Detroiters who would love to live or stay in the city for over 30 years and while safety is a concern they would never move or have left because of one thing the SCHOOLS! Without schools no matter what the city does it will NEVER move forward without a functioning school system.

[313WX]

Para 1: Pretty arrogant and ignorant thing to say. Some neighborhoods this is true, but this is written as all. All it not true.

Well I didn't say ALL neighborhoods, I said all of the neighborhoods that are essentially urban prairies now, where only a few people remain sporadically amongst the neighborhood blocks [[I.E. Fox Creek).

It's quite simple. You need two variables for a crime to happen...

1. A victim
2. A suspect.

If one of those variables are missing, then it's unlikely they will be crimes committed. If there are no victims around, who is the suspect going to target? The suspect simply moves on to areas where there's a larger supply of victims to target.

[Shollin]

Well I didn't say ALL neighborhoods, I said all of the neighborhoods that are essentially urban prairies now, where only a few people remain sporadically amongst the neighborhood blocks [[I.E. Fox Creek).

It's quite simple. You need two variables for a crime to happen...

1. A victim
2. A suspect.

If one of those variables are missing, then it's unlikely they will be crimes committed. If there are no victims around, who is the suspect going to target? The suspect simply moves on to areas where there's a larger supply of victims to target.

Highland Park is not very big and has an outrageous crime rate. 1 murder in Highland Park would give it a much higher homicide rate than 1 murder in Detroit. Harper Woods crime rate is almost as high as Detroit and it's pretty small.

[WickedILL]

Well, my review WAS going to be positive.., until just now when I heard my 3rd shooting [[downtown proper mind you...); that's 3 shootings in 20 months... not good in my book. I work late, and I sometimes take my dog out late to do his business... I can't help but to think "what if...".

LAX shutting down was huge, now we need to get the strip club off Grand river and Griswold, and the "JAM lounge" next door off Grand river either closed, or at the very least they should be required to hire security. These two places attract nothing but "thugs". On a positive note, DPD swarmed quickly, and caught the perp as they were trying to flee in a red suv [[I have a police scanner, and I have a eagle eye view 270 feet up..). I also noticed DPD didn't waste anytime calling for a tow... they have a downtown image to protect so I'm sure they wanted to get the suv out of there before the news shows up!

Sigh.. I guess my point is... even downtown Detroit is not for the faint of heart..., although I personally, like the OP, have never been or felt in-danger or seen first hand violent crime... but I've heard it... and it's only 2 blocks away.

[p69rrh51]

Well, my review WAS going to be positive.., until just now when I heard my 3rd shooting [[downtown proper mind you...); that's 3 shootings in 20 months... not good in my book. I work late, and I sometimes take my dog out late to do his business... I can't help but to think "what if...".

LAX shutting down was huge, now we need to get the strip club off Grand river and Griswold, and the "JAM lounge" next door off Grand river either closed, or at the very least they should be required to hire security. These two places attract nothing but "thugs". On a positive note, DPD swarmed quickly, and caught the perp as they were trying to flee in a red suv [[I have a police scanner, and I have a eagle eye view 270 feet up..). I also noticed DPD didn't waste anytime calling for a tow... they have a downtown image to protect so I'm sure they wanted to get the suv out of there before the news shows up!

Sigh.. I guess my point is... even downtown Detroit is not for the faint of heart...

WickedILL I hope I typed that right. My father was murdered 22 years ago on the eastside by a small group of young men. I could have packed it in and left but decided this was home and I was not going to let anyone take that away from me. Living in any large city is not for the faint of heart. Keep beating the drum for downtown!!

[WickedILL]

WickedILL I hope I typed that right. My father was murdered 22 years ago on the eastside by a small group of young men. I could have packed it in and left but decided this was home and I was not going to let anyone take that away from me. Living in any large city is not for the faint of heart. Keep beating the drum for downtown!!

Wow, sorry for your loss. And true about big cities... I consider myself a "City guy" So I'm not going anywhere, I only hope then next shooting I encounter I get a good look at the perp so he can be promptly arrested and sent to prison. And not to mention, downtown Detroit has too much to offer, too much positive movement, a TON of potential [[imo), this incident tonight really got me down though.