East English Village

**MrMichigan** · March-13-16, 01:12 AM

Hey guys,

I am in the process of moving to East English Village. I found a great house in the SW corner of the neighborhood near Mack. I was hoping to get some information on the area [[shopping, bars, safety, driving/biking to downtown...). I plan on going to the association meetings and would like to get more involved with that in the future. Any and all info is appreciated.

Thanks

**Zacha341** · March-13-16, 08:51 AM

Welcome MrMichigan!!

See below info covered here previously and city-data

http://www.city-data.com/neighborhoo...etroit-MI.html'

http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...nglish+village

http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...nglish+village

**FormerDetroiter** · March-13-16, 08:55 AM

MrMichigan...Where are you moving from?

**MrMichigan** · March-13-16, 11:42 AM

I'm moving from Shelby Twp.

Any current/previous residents?

My aunt and uncle used to live near Harper & Kensington in a pretty nice area. They left during the recession though when they said it was going downhill...

**Onthe405** · March-15-16, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by MrMichigan

My aunt and uncle used to live near Harper & Kensington in a pretty nice area. They left during the recession though when they said it was going downhill...

. .and you might want to think about what the value of your house and quality of the neighborhood is going to be during the next recession, which is inevitable. With history as a guide, it's not too far off, either. This is particularly important because you may, outside of your own control, be forced to sell during the downturn period [[whether it be due to job relocation, job layoff, or other domestic circumstance). . .be proactive, and plan for this as a "worst case scenario".

People are motivated to buy [[vs rent) for a host of reasons. IMO, the #1 motivation to purchase a home is the same as putting money into the stock market: as an investment. Having a place to call your own is a great side-benefit, but it also takes a lot of commitment [[maint, improvements, taxes, et al). The latter is the short-term sacrifice for the long-term financial benefits of the former.

Also like the stock market, real estate is cyclical [[sometimes to the point of volatility), but the strategy is the same: think either slow & steady growth neighborhoods [["blue chip") or short-term turnaround [[speculative, but quick & larger payoff). "Blue chip" neighborhoods are those most likely to retain their value 20-30 years from now. If you are forced to sell during a downturn, the hardship will be much less. Emerging, speculative neighborhoods are great if you get in on the ground floor of an upward trend, but are financially disastrous if the neighborhood never actually "emerges" as expected.

I'm neither pro or con re EEV, but simply offering financial advice in that your home is your single largest financial commitment. Before making an offer, take a serious, realistic look at where you think the neighborhood will be 10-20 years from now [[including schools--which are a resale factor). If, instead, you are seeking a quick flip because the neighborhood is on the upswing, be in tune with national & local market RE trends--they change quickly, and timing is everything.

The bottom line is that RE and autos are not the same market strategy. An auto you buy primarily for functional, personal use. It's a one-way financial sinkhole that has little or no value when you are finished with it. RE, on the other, holds the potential for long-term financial gain, but the real estate mantras of "location, location, location" combined with "timing, timing, timing" can't be emphasized enough.

**DetroiterOnTheWestCoast** · March-13-16, 12:50 PM

Congratulations on your move!

Is your house in good shape or will it need some work? What led you to choose EEV? I am sure you will hear numerous naysayers as well as some support. Certainly connecting with the neighborhood group should be a top priority.

**MrMichigan** · March-13-16, 01:16 PM

Thanks!

The house looks to be in great shape both inside and out, but I'll know more after the inspection this week. I have always thought that EEV had some beautiful houses that are affordable as well. Also, from what I've seen and heard, the neighborhood is overall a safe place to live with great neighbors. Plus, it's a way better commute to downtown vs my old location.

**Mind field** · March-13-16, 02:23 PM

The city's website has crime data. It's great to see where the bad areas really are so you can make an informed decision.

**MrMichigan** · March-13-16, 05:30 PM

The city website was good. Seems to be more burglaries and thefts rather than violent crimes in the area.

**p69rrh51** · March-13-16, 11:32 PM

Having lived on the eastside including EEV for the last 54 years you made a MAJOR mistake moving to EEV.

**Cincinnati_Kid** · March-13-16, 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by p69rrh51

Having lived on the eastside including EEV for the last 54 years you made a MAJOR mistake moving to EEV.

Nothing like raining on someone's parade.

**Honky Tonk** · March-14-16, 04:15 AM

Originally Posted by Cincinnati_Kid

Nothing like raining on someone's parade.

Nothing like raining a little reality onto the BS feel-good parade.

**canuck** · March-14-16, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by Honky Tonk

Nothing like raining a little reality onto the BS feel-good parade.

That takes care of that.

**1953** · March-14-16, 09:39 AM

I have colleagues that live in EEV and love it. I also have a colleague who complained about property crime there. So, best of luck! So glad you are diving in to make the neighborhood a better place.

**mikefmich** · March-14-16, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by p69rrh51

Having lived on the eastside including EEV for the last 54 years you made a MAJOR mistake moving to EEV.

May we assume from your post, you're still living there? That would seem to beg a question or two in itself?

**Squirtle** · March-14-16, 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by p69rrh51

Having lived on the eastside including EEV for the last 54 years you made a MAJOR mistake moving to EEV.

This guy is right. Don't be fooled by the occasional pretty house and opinions from people with rose colored glasses. EEV is at best a "tolerable" place to live in and only by Detroit standards. I'm probably not going to change your opinion about that place, as you've probably already made up your mind. However after living there for a few months, I think you'll understand. There's a reason why people want to move OUT of that neighborhood. Especially coming from Shelby Township, you're in for a big change.

**MrMichigan** · March-15-16, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by Squirtle

This guy is right. Don't be fooled by the occasional pretty house and opinions from people with rose colored glasses. EEV is at best a "tolerable" place to live in and only by Detroit standards. I'm probably not going to change your opinion about that place, as you've probably already made up your mind. However after living there for a few months, I think you'll understand. There's a reason why people want to move OUT of that neighborhood. Especially coming from Shelby Township, you're in for a big change.

How about some specifics instead of this general negativity...share some stories

**MrMichigan** · March-14-16, 01:28 PM

Thanks for the informative post belleislerunner. I'll have to check out those restaurants. I have heard about the property crime 1953 but I can live with that.

P69rrh51, any way you can back up what you're saying... I understand the east side can be rough, but what were your bad experiences in EEV?

**softailrider** · March-14-16, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by MrMichigan

Hey guys,

I am in the process of moving to East English Village. I found a great house in the SW corner of the neighborhood near Mack. I was hoping to get some information on the area [[shopping, bars, safety, driving/biking to downtown...). I plan on going to the association meetings and would like to get more involved with that in the future. Any and all info is appreciated.

Thanks

After you close on that house move in. Don't leave it vacant, even for a week or two.

**Zacha341** · March-14-16, 03:40 PM

Right! Get an alarm and use timers for lighting. I'd do timers anywhere, any city. I don't like unlocking my front door to a pitch dark room.

**MrMichigan** · March-14-16, 03:51 PM

Good ideas^^

**Bucket** · March-14-16, 05:26 PM

I have friends who have been living in EEV for many years and love it! I considered EEV myself, but bought in a different neighborhood so that I could walk to work. There's a very proactive neighborhood association in EEV and a diverse mix of neighbors who seem to look out for one another. The neighborhood association has a good relationship with police and they work hard to keep the neighborhood safe and clean. Build Detroit has also been very active in the neighborhood, helping reduce the number of vacant homes and raising the percentage of owner occupied housing in the neighborhood.

Plus you've got one of Detroit's top neighborhood bars: the Cadieux Cafe!