HELP: Moving Out On My Own To Detroit

**thatonegirl** · September-24-14, 06:00 PM

I'm 16, I live in Arizona. I'm currently planning to move from Flagstaff, AZ to Detroit, MI. My home situation is good and not unhealthy my any means. The way it sits with me, and the way I process it toxic. I can't explain it, so you can contact me if you would like to know more of my story. I'm dropping the plans I had for my life that have been in place for about 2 years, and abandoning the way I live. It's going to hurt and it's going to suck and it's going to be hard, but I know and feel that in the end, everything will be alright.

When I turn 18, I want to move out on my own. Go to Wayne University, and hustle; earn a life for myself. I'm going to remain in contact with my family, of course, but the distance will help. I have no family west of The Rocky Mountains, that I'm aware of. I'll pretty much be alone. If you have any resources, tips anything at all that could help, I would appreciate it if you could contact me. It would be really great, if those in the area [[of Detroit) could help, and give me specific resources and advice.

I know its not very professional, but for now I'm not telling my parents. I want to be prepared and educated when I drop the ball, so I have to argue less and have less to prove. Thanks in advance, to all of you!!!

**GP For Life** · September-24-14, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by thatonegirl

I'm 16, I live in Arizona. I'm currently planning to move from Flagstaff, AZ to Detroit, MI. My home situation is good and not unhealthy my any means. The way it sits with me, and the way I process it toxic. I can't explain it, so you can contact me if you would like to know more of my story. I'm dropping the plans I had for my life that have been in place for about 2 years, and abandoning the way I live. It's going to hurt and it's going to suck and it's going to be hard, but I know and feel that in the end, everything will be alright.
When I turn 18, I want to move out on my own. Go to Wayne University, and hustle; earn a life for myself. I'm going to remain in contact with my family, of course, but the distance will help. I have no family west of The Rocky Mountains, that I'm aware of. I'll pretty much be alone. If you have any resources, tips anything at all that could help, I would appreciate it if you could contact me. It would be really great, if those in the area [[of Detroit) could help, and give me specific resources and advice.
i know its not very professional, but for now I'm not telling my parents. I want to be prepared and educated when I drop the ball, so I have to argue less and have less to prove. Thanks in advance, to all of you!!!

Detroit is a great place to find yourself, but it can be an even better place to lose yourself. I don't know this for sure, but I would venture to guess that anyone who has found them self in Detroit came close to losing them self.

Couple things you might want to know. Detroit is east of the Rockies.

Second, it's Wayne State University and while the education you'll get there, at least from the professional schools, is top notch the degree has limited value. I hate saying that, as I am proud Tartar [[we were Tartars before the communist PC machine that runs the school made them switch to Warriors) but sadly it's true.

Finally, come visit before you move here.

**motz** · September-25-14, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by GP For Life

Detroit is a great place to find yourself, but it can be an even better place to lose yourself. I don't know this for sure, but I would venture to guess that anyone who has found them self in Detroit came close to losing them self.

Couple things you might want to know. Detroit is east of the Rockies.

Second, it's Wayne State University and while the education you'll get there, at least from the professional schools, is top notch the degree has limited value. I hate saying that, as I am proud Tartar [[we were Tartars before the communist PC machine that runs the school made them switch to Warriors) but sadly it's true.

Finally, come visit before you move here.

While I very often disagree with GP, he is totally correct that Detroit is a fantastic place to find yourself, but equally as dangerous when it comes to losing yourself. You will meet all types of people, from all walks of life and get to experience all manner of things. Just make sure to keep your head straight, eyes on the prize of growing yourself to be a better human all around and enjoy your time here.

If you have any specific questions though, ask away. That's the best way for us to get you the info you want.

**thatonegirl** · September-25-14, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by motz

While I very often disagree with GP, he is totally correct that Detroit is a fantastic place to find yourself, but equally as dangerous when it comes to losing yourself. You will meet all types of people, from all walks of life and get to experience all manner of things. Just make sure to keep your head straight, eyes on the prize of growing yourself to be a better human all around and enjoy your time here.

If you have any specific questions though, ask away. That's the best way for us to get you the info you want.

Thanks, I get what your saying... I'm hoping to find myself in the process of losing it. I hope that makes sense. [[: Here is a specific question: How much on average would a studio apartment cost, in a decent apartment. With laundry-mat of its own, with the buzz in security, cable/internet ready, and storage [[nothing crazy)?
Thanks again!!!

**motz** · September-26-14, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by thatonegirl

Thanks, I get what your saying... I'm hoping to find myself in the process of losing it. I hope that makes sense. [[: Here is a specific question: How much on average would a studio apartment cost, in a decent apartment. With laundry-mat of its own, with the buzz in security, cable/internet ready, and storage [[nothing crazy)?
Thanks again!!!

Studio within walking distance of Wayne State will probably be 500-600 for anything that would be considered decent. Expect just internet to run you $20-30, $50-70 if you add in cable. Storage is usually available, but varies from place to place. Some of the places I saw had the chain link fenced in areas in the basement deal, others had better secured storage. Don't expect a ton of room unless you decide to live in a roommate situation in, say, Woodbridge [[which I highly recommend if you are okay with roommates). Buzz in security is, for the most part, standard. Laundry is also hit or miss, mostly coin operated machines. Here are a couple websites to look at, I'll try and find a few more for ya: http://liveinwoodbridge.com/ http://midtowndetroitinc.org/ [[less about the areas, more about the city stuff->) http://hellyeahdetroit.com/ http://detroit.eater.com http://detroiturbex.com/ [[if you enjoy history) I'll post more later, at work so it's a bit hard

But mostly, listen to poobert's advice. Get into a restaurant as a hostess while you're in high school. Get that experience ASAP. Don't worry if people say WSU's degrees are useless paper - college is 50% where you went, 50% who you met. Focus on meeting people and making connections, that is what gets you a job. And as poobert said, never stop loving life.

Keep us updated on things, I will try and find you more stuff to research prior to you coming out this way, if you still choose to.

**thatonegirl** · September-26-14, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by motz

Studio within walking distance of Wayne State will probably be 500-600 for anything that would be considered decent. Expect just internet to run you $20-30, $50-70 if you add in cable. Storage is usually available, but varies from place to place. Some of the places I saw had the chain link fenced in areas in the basement deal, others had better secured storage. Don't expect a ton of room unless you decide to live in a roommate situation in, say, Woodbridge [[which I highly recommend if you are okay with roommates). Buzz in security is, for the most part, standard. Laundry is also hit or miss, mostly coin operated machines. Here are a couple websites to look at, I'll try and find a few more for ya: http://liveinwoodbridge.com/ http://midtowndetroitinc.org/ [[less about the areas, more about the city stuff->) http://hellyeahdetroit.com/ http://detroit.eater.com http://detroiturbex.com/ [[if you enjoy history) I'll post more later, at work so it's a bit hard

But mostly, listen to poobert's advice. Get into a restaurant as a hostess while you're in high school. Get that experience ASAP. Don't worry if people say WSU's degrees are useless paper - college is 50% where you went, 50% who you met. Focus on meeting people and making connections, that is what gets you a job. And as poobert said, never stop loving life.

Keep us updated on things, I will try and find you more stuff to research prior to you coming out this way, if you still choose to.

Thanks, I visited those links, and they were a lot of help. I liked the detroiturbex one, it was more than apartments and jobs, it showed life. The midtowndetroitinc one was really helpful, more reliant than the generic apartment.com sites. I'm not really sure about the whole roommate scene yet. I figured the buzz securtity is pretty normal, but I don't want a doorman because I'm sure that costs a lot more, and is for the fancy shmancy places.
Thank-you so much!!! I will keep you posted.

**thatonegirl** · September-25-14, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by GP For Life

Detroit is a great place to find yourself, but it can be an even better place to lose yourself. I don't know this for sure, but I would venture to guess that anyone who has found them self in Detroit came close to losing them self.

Couple things you might want to know. Detroit is east of the Rockies.

Second, it's Wayne State University and while the education you'll get there, at least from the professional schools, is top notch the degree has limited value. I hate saying that, as I am proud Tartar [[we were Tartars before the communist PC machine that runs the school made them switch to Warriors) but sadly it's true.

Finally, come visit before you move here.

Thanks, I am so surprised so many people were willing to help

**jt1** · September-24-14, 07:19 PM

Nobody made WSU switch. They thought changing to Warriors would appeal to more students. Nothing PC about it, just stupid regents and leadership.

**GP For Life** · September-25-14, 07:27 AM

Originally Posted by jt1

Nobody made WSU switch. They thought changing to Warriors would appeal to more students. Nothing PC about it, just stupid regents and leadership.

No, there was PC paranoia involved too. They thought using an ethnic group as a mascot was wrong. Though, they also mentioned that no one understood that the Tartars were undisputed badasses.

**DetroitPlanner** · September-25-14, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by jt1

Nobody made WSU switch. They thought changing to Warriors would appeal to more students. Nothing PC about it, just stupid regents and leadership.

I thought the reason for the switch had to do with moving to division 1 in more sports? I can't believe there are enough Tartars [[a roving band of mongrels) left!

**jt1** · September-25-14, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner

I thought the reason for the switch had to do with moving to division 1 in more sports? I can't believe there are enough Tartars [[a roving band of mongrels) left!

Perhaps that's it or perhaps it was PC related. I just don't recall hearing of any PC related component. That's not to say there wasn't, I just didn't hear it.

If memory serves, they also paid a NY based marketing company to come up with the clever name 'Warrior's and the stupid 'W' logo. They could have done better by having it an open competition in DPD with the winner getting a 4 year scholarship.

**DetroitPlanner** · September-25-14, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by jt1

Perhaps that's it or perhaps it was PC related. I just don't recall hearing of any PC related component. That's not to say there wasn't, I just didn't hear it.

If memory serves, they also paid a NY based marketing company to come up with the clever name 'Warrior's and the stupid 'W' logo. They could have done better by having it an open competition in DPD with the winner getting a 4 year scholarship.

At least it beats the Munies!

http://media.wayne.edu/1999/07/29/ws...letic-identity

Sixteen is awfully young to move out to Detroit. Finish high school first, WSU won't let you in without a diploma of some sorts.

Why on earth do you want to come here if in your own words its going to suck and be hard?

**iheartthed** · September-25-14, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by DetroitPlanner

At least it beats the Munies!

http://media.wayne.edu/1999/07/29/ws...letic-identity

Sixteen is awfully young to move out to Detroit. Finish high school first, WSU won't let you in without a diploma of some sorts.

Why on earth do you want to come here if in your own words its going to suck and be hard?

"She" said she wants to move when she turns 18. Presumably that means the move will happen after she graduates from high school.

College is a good excuse to move to a new city.

**FormerDetroiter** · September-24-14, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by thatonegirl

I'm 16, I live in Arizona. I'm currently planning to move from Flagstaff, AZ to Detroit, MI. My home situation is good and not unhealthy my any means. The way it sits with me, and the way I process it toxic. I can't explain it, so you can contact me if you would like to know more of my story. I'm dropping the plans I had for my life that have been in place for about 2 years, and abandoning the way I live. It's going to hurt and it's going to suck and it's going to be hard, but I know and feel that in the end, everything will be alright.
When I turn 18, I want to move out on my own. Go to Wayne University, and hustle; earn a life for myself. I'm going to remain in contact with my family, of course, but the distance will help. I have no family west of The Rocky Mountains, that I'm aware of. I'll pretty much be alone. If you have any resources, tips anything at all that could help, I would appreciate it if you could contact me. It would be really great, if those in the area [[of Detroit) could help, and give me specific resources and advice.
I know its not very professional, but for now I'm not telling my parents. I want to be prepared and educated when I drop the ball, so I have to argue less and have less to prove. Thanks in advance, to all of you!!!

Is there a particular reason why you've chosen Detroit? Had you considered other places? When you say you plan to hustle what exactly do you mean? Why are you keeping your plans from your parents? What kind of resources and advice are you looking for?

**thatonegirl** · September-25-14, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by FormerDetroiter

Is there a particular reason why you've chosen Detroit? Had you considered other places? When you say you plan to hustle what exactly do you mean? Why are you keeping your plans from your parents? What kind of resources and advice are you looking for?

I have considered St. Louis, and Portland. I chose Detroit because it will be a new "world", I've lived in L.A so I understand fast-paced city life. Also, because between my 3 choices it is the least expensive. By hustle I mean do anything I need to support myself, as long as it is legal. I guess it just means if I need to have 5 jobs, I'll do it. I do plan on telling them, but I want to be educated and be able to present pretty solid plans to them. To prove I can do this.
For now I'm just seeking pretty general things because I still have a year and a half. I guess I do want to know how jobs are. Is it easy to get them, most popular jobs, minimum wage. Those types of things. Thanks, for your help!!!

**Dan Wesson** · September-25-14, 08:52 AM

I'm so hesistant about giving advise to a such a young woman. I'v seen too many things go wrong with plans and methods like you have in mind.

Give things time unless there are extenuating circumstances present now.

There are much better college towns here in Michigan or the US for that matter.

**Detroitnerd** · September-25-14, 08:54 AM

Correspond with some people who live here for a while. Visit and see if it's for you or not. Visit during winter, especially. I've seen a winter in Detroit put people off this city for good, and I can't really blame them.

**thatonegirl** · September-25-14, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by Dan Wesson

I'm so hesistant about giving advise to a such a young woman. I'v seen too many things go wrong with plans and methods like you have in mind.

Give things time unless there are extenuating circumstances present now.

There are much better college towns here in Michigan or the US for that matter.

Can you give me examples of things that cause plans to fall through so I can prepare. Thanks!!!

**Hypestyles** · September-25-14, 09:21 AM

"What is a Tartar"? Lol. I remember a high school teacher who used to say the same thing about Purdue's Boilermakers.

**admin** · September-25-14, 11:03 AM

Moderator note.

Some inappropriate posts have been removed from this thread. Kindly address the newcomer to our forum with the respect the remaining posts in this thread do. If you have evidence of someone violating forum rules please use the report post icon

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Welcome to the DetroitYES forum thatonegirl. You sound like the type of person who would fit right in here in Detroit. You will learn a lot about it here. Detroit is rising, exciting, energetic and still inexpensive relative to most large cities and, like all of life, has its risks.

Wayne State is smack in the middle of that growing energy with tens of thousands of students who will be your age. It also is in the midst of the great art and cultural institutions of Detroit. If possible, you might want to consider establishing Michigan residency before entering WSU so that you can take advantage of instate tuition rates. It would also give you time to get grounded.

We have removed your email address to prevent it from being scraped by spammers. Now that you are a member of the forum, you can easily private message other members and share your email address within that privacy. Simply click "My Profile" at the top of the page then "Send Private" message on the profile page that appears. If you get a private message you will see a color-highlighted notice at the top of every thread.

**thatonegirl** · September-25-14, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by admin

Moderator note.

Some inappropriate posts have been removed from this thread. Kindly address the newcomer to our forum with the respect the remaining posts in this thread do. If you have evidence of someone violating forum rules please use the report post icon

, found at the bottom left of each post, to bring it to our attention.

Welcome to the DetroitYES forum thatonegirl. You sound like the type of person who would fit right in here in Detroit. You will learn a lot about it here. Detroit is rising, exciting, energetic and still inexpensive relative to most large cities and, like all of life, has its risks.

Wayne State is smack in the middle of that growing energy with tens of thousands of students who will be your age. It also is in the midst of the great art and cultural institutions of Detroit. If possible, you might want to consider establishing Michigan residency before entering WSU so that you can take advantage of instate tuition rates. It would also give you time to get grounded.

We have removed your email address to prevent it from being scraped by spammers. Now that you are a member of the forum, you can easily private message other members and share your email address within that privacy. Simply click "My Profile" at the top of the page then "Send Private" message on the profile page that appears. If you get a private message you will see a color-highlighted notice at the top of every thread.

Thanks. That email was my spam email one, the one I use for random stuff, thanks anyways. I'm so amazed that this many people are helping, let alone even bothered to read my post. I think I've said this before, but I'm originally from L.A so I understand busy. The tuition system is different but the in-state here is more that the out of state at Wayne. [[:

**mwilbert** · September-25-14, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by thatonegirl

Thanks. That email was my spam email one, the one I use for random stuff, thanks anyways. I'm so amazed that this many people are helping, let alone even bothered to read my post. I think I've said this before, but I'm originally from L.A so I understand busy. The tuition system is different but the in-state here is more that the out of state at Wayne. [[:

A lot can change in two years, especially when you are 16, but if you do come, you might consider doing a year of community college while you establish residency. Transferring to Wayne afterward shouldn't be a big problem. Of course if money isn't an issue then this isn't very relevant, but all my college-age nieces and nephews need to economize where possible.

**thatonegirl** · September-25-14, 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by mwilbert

A lot can change in two years, especially when you are 16, but if you do come, you might consider doing a year of community college while you establish residency. Transferring to Wayne afterward shouldn't be a big problem. Of course if money isn't an issue then this isn't very relevant, but all my college-age nieces and nephews need to economize where possible.

That is what I'm considering. To get in-state tuition, I'm adopted and my dad is a veteran so I get help there, but whatever I can do to make things cost less, I'm game. Thank-you!!!

**gazhekwe** · September-25-14, 12:00 PM

Hello, thatonegirl, and welcome! Reading your OP gave me some serious flashbacks. It has been a good long while since my time in angstland, but I do remember it well. The exciting thing is, everything ahead of you can be things you choose. So many choices! Detroit is only one of many. As others have said, Winter is a key point to understand. It can be pretty amazingly beautiful and pretty shockingly brutal at the same time. February is a great time to come for a week or so and truly get to know a Detroit winter. There are many things to do and see in February that get you out in the snow, or you can stay inside and enjoy some art, some sports, some theater, music, it's all here. What work are you thinking of to support yourself here?

**thatonegirl** · September-25-14, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by gazhekwe

Hello, thatonegirl, and welcome! Reading your OP gave me some serious flashbacks. It has been a good long while since my time in angstland, but I do remember it well. The exciting thing is, everything ahead of you can be things you choose. So many choices! Detroit is only one of many. As others have said, Winter is a key point to understand. It can be pretty amazingly beautiful and pretty shockingly brutal at the same time. February is a great time to come for a week or so and truly get to know a Detroit winter. There are many things to do and see in February that get you out in the snow, or you can stay inside and enjoy some art, some sports, some theater, music, it's all here. What work are you thinking of to support yourself here?

Honestly, anything I can do to support myself. I'm a hard worker, and if it means food on my table that night or not, I will not be picky in selecting a job. I adapt really well so after a while and I get used to things, and work becomes easy. Something I would enjoy doing more than others would be cooking, I do all the cooking for my family now, but I love cooking. I've always thought being a maid for a hotel would be fun. I know that sounds a little silly, but I love cleaning. I love being able to do the same thing over, and over so I can get as close to perfect as possible. I also like to be on my own, with my own thoughts.
I have read there is a lot going on in Detroit all the time, especially regarding the arts. I do plan on going out next spring break in 2016 for sure and visiting and maybe this summer.
The climate there is pretty similar to winter here in Flagstaff. 80's in the summer, and low 20's in the winter with unpredictable wind and snow.
Thank you so much!!! Sorry if I'm blabbing too much. [[: