Relocating to Detroit metro area

bartock · March-07-10, 12:47 PM

I'm definitely partial to the Woodward Corridor, from Ferndale through Birmingham. Agree with gnome and others who have Birmingham as the best choice. I'd go with Royal Oak next, then Ferndale [[tiebreaker is that Ferndale just doesn't have the volume of retail/residential as Royal Oak).

That being said, I've been on the East Side for 7 years and like the Pointes, though we only live next to them. There is a side of me that feels isolated being basically surrounded by I-94 and water, but it really is only about 15-20 minutes to Royal Oak and 15-20 minutes downtown [[taking the scenic Jefferson route or the "scenic" Mack route - half that going freeway). The accessibility of the rest of town [[Vernier/8 mile is a terrific and underrated - not on these forums - way to get from east to west) and relative feel of isolation by the water may ultimately keep us out this way. GP city, GPP and "the Hill" all have small-town urban appeal.

By the way, I don't know that I'd be able to recommend Indian Village, though I admittedly do not understand it well. Last week I rolled into that neighborhood on a flat tire at 8:20 a.m. and it took me too long to find and put on the donut [[40 minutes). Saw minimal traffic [[was on Seminole near Charlevoix), but no cops and no private security. I know it is safe, but just seems like too much of an oasis and adjustment for someone not used to Detroit.

**hudkina** · March-08-10, 01:05 PM

So you uneventfully spend 40 minutes changing your tire in a relatively safe, quiet residential neighborhood and it was a bad thing?

**kenp** · March-08-10, 01:22 PM

I would suggest that you take your time. House prices are rock bottom and should continue to decline. I read in tbe Free press that home values will decline another 20% in the next 3 years.
Interest rates are very low, but they could rise a bit soon.
If I were you I would get an apartment in Detroit, something like the newly renovated Ft. Shelby. Get used to the area, and then find a location and a home first hand. This way you will see if city life fits you or if you want a house in the burbs. Also many great condo's downtown, the Book would love you.

bartock · March-08-10, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by hudkina

So you uneventfully spend 40 minutes changing your tire in a relatively safe, quiet residential neighborhood and it was a bad thing?

Ironic, isn't it? Exactly what you would want in a decent neighborhood, and I didn't trust it.

**TKshreve** · March-08-10, 03:00 PM

53 responses......... 20 votes. Hmmmmm.

**Baselinepunk** · March-08-10, 03:14 PM

Another thing to remember when buying a home is that foreclosed homes sometimes have had a fair amount of "scorched Earth" happen to them. Water left overflowing in winter, cement in the pipes, holes in the walls, etc. Be sure to thoroughly investigate any "deal" you might come across.

**Gistok** · March-08-10, 05:20 PM

Gizmo, you might want to check out St. Clair Shores, farther north along Lake St. Clair than the Grosse Pointes.

With 6 miles of lakefront, there are a lot of house bargains to be found there. Within your price range you might even find something on or near the lake [[condos as well as homes). And St. Clair Shores has lots of restaurants and bars, and is 20 minutes from downtown via I-94, 20 minutes from the other aforementioned communites in Oakland County [[via I-696). St. Clair Shores is a cheaper version of Royal Oak, with a comparable housing stock [[the closer you get to the lake, the larger the houses).

**casscorridor** · March-08-10, 05:26 PM

First off, please DO NOT consider our HIGHLY overrated suburbs. They are NOT urban. They are NOT hip. They are NOT walkable. I can not emphasize this enough. In Metro Detroit region, there is a tendency that has almost become pathalogical, where we consider suburbs to be somehow "urban" even though they are not. Suburban Downtowns have replaced the role Downtown Detroit played for many people. But this is not an absolute. Detroit is still #1 place in Michigan for an urban experience, for culture, for entertainment, for music, for good restaurants, for just about anything besides retail shopping which is dominated by the malls. Sure, some suburbs have "urban characteristics" such as cute downtowns, a street grid, and old houses, but they are simply NOT urban. There is no transit, besides busses, which from Royal Oak take almost an hour to get into Downtown. So they are totally car oriented and dependent.

OKAY NOW HERE ARE MY SUGGESTIONS:

# 1 -- Downtown
Please consider this first. Downtown IS NOT a high-crime area, and has much less crime then most major city's downtowns. It it totally walkable, there is the people mover line that will bring you within a block or two of everything you need, besides the occasional trip to the supermarket or mall that will probably require a car. There are 150 restaurants to choose from so you'll never get sick of eating out. There are specialy retail stores here [[yes, still!), but if you want a to shop big time, there are many malls within 15 minutes of Downtown near the border of the city [[Fairlane, Dearborn; Eastland, Harper Woods; Northland, Southfield). Not to mention all the entertianment: RenCen movie theatre, stage theatres, music venues, clubs, etc. Or all the festivals and activites such as Winter Blast, Detroit Electronic Music Festival, the Jazz Festival, the Hoedown, and more.

#2 -- Midtown
Please consider this highly as well. Midtown is defiantly THE PLACE to be in Michigan. The most up-and-coming neighborhood in the entire state. There has been hundreds of loft and condo conversions, new restaurants and bars, the brand new Burton Theatre [[art/indie films), the Detroit Film Theatre, all the museums, WSU, CCS, the Medical Center. Two great high schools, Cass Tech and Detroit School of the Arts. Two major grocery stores, with two more coming online this spring, a health foods store, a world-class bakery [[Avalon), an indian grocery store. There are many music and stage venues, including the Orchestra Hall, the Majestic Theatre, the Magic Stick, Hillbery Theatre, Bonistelle Theatre, and more. A dinner theatre is soon to open. There are many awesome restaurants to pick from, many who do carry out and delivery. There are activities and festivals such as Midsummer Nights in Midtown, Daly in the Alley and Noel Night. You'll really never have to look long to find something to do in Midtown. Is it safe? Absolutely. The WSU police force covers this area in addition to the Detroit Police. Muggings are a very rare thing, so its reasonably safe to walk the streets at night, at least streets that are well populated.

# 3 -- Corktown
You should check out Corktown if you like historic homes. This is one of Detroit's oldest neighborhoods, and it has the largest stock of pre-1900 homes. The neighborhood is also reasonably walkable, only a 10 -15min walk from Campus Martius. There are great restaurants such as Slow's BBQ and Mudgies, a few Irish places to pay homage to the Irish roots of the neighborhood. There are many renovated homes, apartments and lofts. And mexicantown is just blocks away. For groceries, check out Honey Bee Market on Bagley at 14th Street which is arguably the best in the city. There are venues such as 5E Gallery and PJ's Lager House. There is a new coffee shop opening soon as well. There is a good mix of families, singles, couples and some students [[but defiantly not overrun with students).

# 4 -- Eastern Market
This is a very unique neighborhood. It surrounds the largest public farmers market in the country. It is very very urban, with no single family housing at all. The housing stock consists of apartment buildings and commercial and industrial buildings that have been converted to lofts. In the last 10 years the population has expanded greatly due to so many new lofts. There are great places to eat such as Russell Street Deli, Supino's Pizzeria, the Taste of Ethiopia, Farmers Restaruant and Butcher's Inn. There are venues such as Burt's Warehouse Theatre. There is a vibrant art and music scene here, very obscure and underground, but if you look hard it won't be hard to see. This is also THE PLACE to buy food. Every Saturday the market is open to the public, but there are also various stores open every day such as Gabriel's Imports, Gratiot Central Market and more. So you'll never have to walk more than a few blocks to get most of your foods. Also, the Dequinder Cut Greenway runs along the east side of the neighborhood, which will take you to Rivertown and the Riverfront! Plus, you can walk Downtown as it is less than a mile away.

#5 -- Woodbridge
This is less "urban" then the previous neighborhoods I listed, but still far more dense than any suburb. The neighborhood consists mostly of turn of the century single family homes, duplexes, townhouses and apartments, so it is mostly residential [[hense, less "urban"). But it [[arguably) is walking distance to all that Midtown has to offer, including only a few blocks from University Foods grocery store. The houses you will find here are amazing. Most have three floors, solid, brick, with lots of details. The neighbors are nice, and there is a real sense of community. Neighbors look out for each other here. Not to mention it is very diverse. Families that have lived here their whole life mingle with a transient student population toward the north of the neighborhood. There are also many young professionals living here. Doctors, lawyers, and university professors. There is the Woodbridge Pub that recently opened, which is simply great.. real neighborhood bar where you bump into friends, and where all the staff lives only blocks away. That is how it is in Woodbridge though, because it is a real neighborhood, something you just won't find in the suburbs.

# 6 -- New Center
North of Midtown is the New Center neighborhood. Here you will find Detroit's second largest Central Business District, with some amazing commercial architecture such as the Fisher Building and Cadillac Place. The housing stock is very similar to Woodbridge -- single family homes, duplexes, townhouses and apartment buildings. Although it isn't as vibrant as Midtown, there is still a lot to offer. There are restaruants such as Cusine or New Center Eatery that are highly rated. A few clothing stores and stores selling everyday stuff. There is a great hardware store on Woodward. Transit is great, with the 53 Woodward, 16 Dexter and 23 Hamilton busses all going Downtown, and will take you within 15min of leaving your home. The first phase of light-rail will terminate here, so transit will only improve. CCS also just opened a very large buildings here, that includes a middle and high school and dorms. This is defiantly yet another up-and-coming neighborhood with enormous potential. Great for investors, and people only planning on staying short-term as well.

# 7 -- Lafayette Park/Elmwood Park & Rivertown
I'm calling all these areas one place, which is basically the near east side, directly east of Downtown. Here you will find many modern apartments and high rises in the suburban style, yet in an urban environment. The dequinder cut runs through here, and the International Riverfront is a very valuable attraction/resource. This is a very safe area, with many middle-class residents. The main problem with Lafayette and Elmwood Parks it is that it is suburban in style and layout. Rivertown is very old and very urban, but pretty desolate, minues the riverfront and a few pockets of activity such as along Jos Campau, where you'll find Atwater Brewery and the Rattlesnake Club and Nomi Hotel. This area isn't my top pick, but definatly worth checking out.

# 8 -- The Villages
Directly east of Elmwood Park is the Villages. This is yet another up-and-coming neighborhood. Along Jefferson Ave you will find many chain stores and resturants, along with independent places. Along the river there are many high rise apartment buildings, some of the grandest in the city. North of Jefferson you will find nice neighborhoods with great old houses, similar to what you'd find in Woodbridge or New Center. This area includes Indian Village which is where you'll find the mansions. There are two grocery stores, Indian Village Market and Harbortown Market close by. There is a very active neighborhood association with many activities. There is a highly-acclaimed charter school, the Detroit Wardolph School. I have long said that once I'm done with the University, I will move to the Villages. It is simply great! Way better than Grosse Pointe because its actually in Detroit, and minutes from Downtown, including on Bike.

**casscorridor** · March-08-10, 05:27 PM

# 9 -- Mexicantown / Southwest Side
You need to also consider Southwest. It is a very diverse area, with a high population density. This area has been developing very well for the last 10-20 years, as immigrants have repaired buildings and opened many new businesses. There are dozens of Mexican restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and grocery stores. This is probably the best area to do grocery shopping in the city. It is also very close to Downtown and to Dearborn and the west side and Downriver suburbs. If you want a great cultural experience, move here. The housing stock is diverse, ranging from small wood-framed bungalows, to grand brick three-story homes and large apartment buildings. The neighborhood is fairly walkable, especially near Vernor Ave, the main street. The touristy part is along Bagley, and I usually avoid it, but it is still awesome and if you haven't seen it you gotta asap!!

# 10 -- Suburban areas of Detroit [[city).
Finally, there are suburban areas of the city, that resemble places like Ferndale, Royal Oak, or Dearborn. The best example is the Grandmont-Rosedale community. It's a good distance from Downtown, comparable to Ferndale [[but far superior housing). The housing stock is mostly single-family homes built around the 1920s and 30s, so if you like that style the best, this is for you. You'll find the same in the other suburban areas such as the University District/Palmer Woods [[which also is the location of University of Detroit-Mercy), and is only a mile south of Ferndale. Or East English Village, which borders Grosse Pointe. If you are leaning toward either Royal Oak or Grosse Pointe, I would urge you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider these neighborhoods first, They are in close proximity to the suburbs, but still close enough to Downtown to not be dreadful.

**RickBeall** · March-08-10, 06:32 PM

Great post CassCorridor!

**cmubryan** · March-09-10, 12:15 AM

Well, I wrote a long, elaborate response but something happened and my username wasn't recognized and it got deleted.

So...in short.

I moved from Downtown Detroit to Hungtington Woods and I love it. The Woodward corridor is DEFINITELY the way to go if you want to live close to the city, have a city-like atmosphere but dont want to live in the city. Huntington Woods has a very diverse group of homes and you are within walking distance to Downtown Berkley and Downtown Royal Oak and a short drive to Downtown Ferndale. The schools are better than Royal Oak. It's centrally located, close to the west side, close to the east side, close to the city yet in a very walkable neighborgood. Also no stark division lines between a horrible neighborgood and an ultra rich neighborgood.

neighbor · March-09-10, 12:53 AM

Originally Posted by casscorridor

First off, please DO NOT consider our HIGHLY overrated suburbs. They are NOT urban. They are NOT hip. They are NOT walkable. I can not emphasize this enough. In Metro Detroit region, there is a tendency that has almost become pathalogical, where we consider suburbs to be somehow "urban" even though they are not. Suburban Downtowns have replaced the role Downtown Detroit played for many people. But this is not an absolute. Detroit is still #1 place in Michigan for an urban experience, for culture, for entertainment, for music, for good restaurants, for just about anything besides retail shopping which is dominated by the malls. Sure, some suburbs have "urban characteristics" such as cute downtowns, a street grid, and old houses, but they are simply NOT urban. There is no transit, besides busses, which from Royal Oak take almost an hour to get into Downtown. So they are totally car oriented and dependent.

NOT TRUE!!

The suburbs are underrated if anything. At least nationally. Detroit brings them down.

No one ever said they were urban or hip. Just safe, with good schools, low crime and many like where I live in Grosse Pointe Park are walkable.

I don't think anyone considers the suburbs here to be "urban". Some have nice little downtowns [[Royal Oak, Birmingham, Northvillle, Milford, Ferndale) but that's it. I would never consider living in a loft in Royal Oak urban living.

I disagree that Detroit is still the #1 place for culture, entertainment, music, good restaurants, etc.

Culture? Yes, Detroit wins. Love the DIA!!!

Entertainment and music? How many shows are at The Palace, Meadowbrook, DTE, Freedom Hill compared to Downtown?

Resturants? There are eons more good restaurants in the suburbs than in Detroit. They may not all be in the same suburb but Detroit can't match the number.

If you knew anything about Detroit you would know that it was never about "urban" living. It was about working at some god foresaken plant so your kids didn't have to, going home, then going downtown to shop or to Belle Isle. It was always about the neighborohoods. Having your own piece of land and not sharing walls with other people. Having your own car and the freedom that came with it.

If you want true urban living in this country try NY, Chicago, or San Fran. otherwise go to Europe. There just aren't many places in the U.S. not made with cars in mind.

The bottom line is where are you going to spend most of your time? Your house. Live somewhere you feel comfortable laying at night sleeping. Live somewhere with easy access to all of the things above. Live in a house you want to live in.

Around here you'll have a ton of options no matter what you like.

**Gistok** · March-09-10, 01:03 AM

Ummm.... just how many shows are at Freedom Hill, DTE Energy Theatre and Meadowbrook from October to May??

neighbor... I won't argue with much of what you said... but ENTERTAINMENT.... downtown is the HQ for entertainment.

There's Joe Louis Arena, Ford Field, Comerica Park, Chene Park Amphitheatre, the 3 casinos [[each of which has entertainment space for over 1,200)... Orchestra Hall, Masonic, Scottish Rite [[Masonic), Fisher, Hillberry, Bonstelle and DIA theatres... and all the downtown venues... Music Hall, Fox, Filmore, Opera House, Gem, Century and City theatres [[which is why Preservation Wayne can only do theatre tours in August... the rest of the year all the downtown theatres are booked).

Downtown is definitely the capital of entertainment in SE Michigan!

**p1acebo** · March-09-10, 02:15 AM

Originally Posted by Gistok

Ummm.... just how many shows are at Freedom Hill, DTE Energy Theatre and Meadowbrook from October to May??

neighbor... I won't argue with much of what you said... but ENTERTAINMENT.... downtown is the HQ for entertainment.

There's Joe Louis Arena, Ford Field, Comerica Park, Chene Park Amphitheatre, the 3 casinos [[each of which has entertainment space for over 1,200)... Orchestra Hall, Masonic, Scottish Rite [[Masonic), Fisher, Hillberry, Bonstelle and DIA theatres... and all the downtown venues... Music Hall, Fox, Filmore, Opera House, Gem, Century and City theatres [[which is why Preservation Wayne can only do theatre tours in August... the rest of the year all the downtown theatres are booked).

Downtown is definitely the capital of entertainment in SE Michigan!

I would have to agree, not to mention the fact that I have a way better time with bars within walking vicinity after the show. Although the palace and DTE enegry music theater book great shows, there is NOTHING around them and you are just stuck in traffic right after the show. You can't just go walk to a bar/restaurant to relax. the suburbs can be great to raise kids with a quality school district and for the most part low crime rate, but when it comes to entertainment they definitely don't compare to Detroit [[I would know, I was raised in the suburbs).

**sumas** · March-09-10, 02:23 AM

Given your description of your life style I'd vote for Grosse pointe Park if I could figure out how.

The waterfront parks are state of the art, Windmill Park just built a new community center with a Gym, Excercise Room and auditorium They run new release movies for just $3. it has a marina, fishing pier, of course tennis courts, pools, volley ball nets and more. Patterson Park is beautifully landscaped with a very reflecting pond which becomes an ice skating rink in winter.

The quaint shopping center is called West Park and has a farmers market every Saturday. In fact I have a booth there where I sell herb plants.

You will find every type of restaurants at all prices in the area. Going up Kercheval is the Village which sponsors free outdoor concerts in summer, going slightly further is a shopping district called the Hill. All three business communities pitch in and sponsor a Christmas parade.

I always get timed out so will start a new post.

**sumas** · March-09-10, 02:56 AM

Need to mention the War Memorial. It is a waterfront mansion that has many activities such as adult classes like areobics, water color painting etc. In the fall to spring there is a semi pro theater group that produces monthly plays. They also have an outdoor concert series on the water [[not free alas). Lecture series and many other activities take place there through out the year.

Again I want to stress its proxity to downtown [[15 minutes) If mass transit is your thing two express bus lines run to downtown one on Charlevoix and the other Jefferson. Many business people take advantage of these lines.

Housing stock is quite varied with mansions and rentals and everywhere in between. My son recently bought a house in GPP for $89,000 it had previously sold for $218,000.

Like I mentioned before, GPP is Detroit but doesn't know it. Around the turn of the 19th century was the Village of Fairview. In 1907, the city of Detroit annexed one half of Fairview the other half became GPP. My Village of Fairview Historical organization made the presentation at the War Memorial for GPP's centennial.

You owe it to yourself to check this community out. If you like I'll take you on a tour.

**sumas** · March-09-10, 03:12 AM

One thing no one has mentioned is income taxes to the city. Residents pay 3% and non residents pay 1.5%.

Before people start accusing me of city bashing, I happen to be a Detroit resident by choice.

Given the preferences indicated, GPP sounds like a perfect fit. Wyandotte I think would be a liitle too sleepy for you. Unless you know the back roads,[[I do) the drive time is too long.

There are lots of great communities around here with lots to recomend them, both in the city and burbs. I am just trying to steer you to a good "fit" with what you are looking for.

bartock · March-09-10, 09:04 AM

Neighbor - agree with you 100% about our underrated suburbs and Detroit being a "neigborhood" city. I would disagree with the restaurant/entertainment/concert point. D Detroit is definitely the center of entertainment around here. Once you consider Windsor as part of that also, it is even more of a no-brainer for entertainment.

Sumas - you forgot about Halloween on the Hill - my kids get more candy from that than they do from trick-or-treating three hours later.

neighbor · March-09-10, 03:53 PM

Ok, ok, ok there are more musical and theatrical entertainment options Downtown.

**RickBeall** · March-09-10, 04:37 PM

We could be even more helpful and add Google street views of some of these areas ....

**HazenPingree** · March-09-10, 06:50 PM

Gizmo, look into Midtown, Woodbridge, Brush Park, Palmer Woods, Lafayette Park, Corktown, Hubbard Farms, and Hamtramck.

Indian Village is far from the only attractive neighborhood in Detroit, and places like Midtown offer amenities that you can't find anywhere else in the region.

Ravine · March-09-10, 08:06 PM

Casscorridor says that the suburbs are not walkable. How can Casscorridor expect anyone to take the rest of the post seriously [[if, in fact, that is the intention) when it opens with an idiotic statement like that?

I will back up Gistok's endorsement of Saint Clair Shores, but if Gizmo is looking for something with an urban, or even semi-urban, feel, SCS is out.
Also, if one expects to spend a lot of time in the general "Downtown Detroit" area, and lacks the time for leisurely drives down Jefferson Ave., living in SCS pretty much necessitates using the I-94 freeway, which-- during rush hours-- well, sucks.

**p1acebo** · March-09-10, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by Ravine

Casscorridor says that the suburbs are not walkable. How can Casscorridor expect anyone to take the rest of the post seriously [[if, in fact, that is the intention) when it opens with an idiotic statement like that?

I will back up Gistok's endorsement of Saint Clair Shores, but if Gizmo is looking for something with an urban, or even semi-urban, feel, SCS is out.
Also, if one expects to spend a lot of time in the general "Downtown Detroit" area, and lacks the time for leisurely drives down Jefferson Ave., living in SCS pretty much necessitates using the I-94 freeway, which-- during rush hours-- well, sucks.

I think the point Casscorridor was trying to make about the suburbs being "not walkable" is the fact that their isn't much within walking distance when you live in the suburbs, which is true. Of course the suburbs are safe to walk in, which is what I am assuming you think he meant. You really do have to drive everywhere in the suburbs in order to get to the variety of restaurants or bars that are in the suburbs.

**gnome** · March-09-10, 08:41 PM

yeah, there's just no where to walk. Those poor, poor people. Maybe we should get a telethon together.

**p1acebo** · March-09-10, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by gnome

yeah, there's just no where to walk. Those poor, poor people. Maybe we should get a telethon together.

Little clips of portions of the suburbs does not represent the vast majority of strip mall after strip mall [[i.e. Troy, Sterling Heights, Rochester, etc), everyone drives everywhere for the most part.