Thinking of coming to Detroit?

**kelseystatic** · February-16-11, 09:02 PM

Hi, I'm a Washington state native from Lake Stevens [[little bedroom community) and I'm currently attending college in the eastern half of the state, studying journalism. I have always liked the midwest, but became interested in Detroit in particular after reading that big article in TIME magazine, which I really enjoyed. First of all, I had no IDEA what was going on! Neighborhoods upon neighborhoods of abandoned houses?? I've never seen anything like it! There is something that breaks my heart about it. Detroit represents the heart of America to me. The automobile, Tigers Baseball, Motown records, enterprising, industrious people...I don't think we should give up on Detroit! Which I guess is why I and all of you are on this forum. Haha. So anyway, I'm thinking of attending Wayne State University to finish my degree, or maybe visiting in the summer and having a look around.
What I want to know:
1. How safe are the areas around the college?
2. Is it really as bad as people say? I know, every big city has its bad parts, but people say in Detroit you should expect to be robbed at gunpoint or the like. Is this true? As a white, brown-haired young female is it really likely that I will be victimized or hit by a stray bullet?
3. People say there are entire areas you should avoid. What is it that makes these areas so dangerous and how big are these "Areas to avoid"?
4. As a journalist, I am naturally interested in the hardest hit neighborhoods, the most desperate people. I realize that is dangerous. I've heard people say not to look anyone in the eye even, but that kind of goes against investigative reporting. How cooperative are these types of people with journalists? Will they talk to you or shoot you?

Thanks, I realize this is long. Any response is helpful. I know i'm not a native and I don't want it to seem like I'm just interested in doing some muckraking to further add to the city's poor reputation. There is honestly just something that pulls me to it. I feel that in the midst of all this difficulty is a lot of hope and opportunity.

I guess i'm just trying to gage if I'll get shot visiting it [[kidding. kinda. haha)

**Zaiko** · February-16-11, 09:16 PM

Kelseystatic,

Great to hear from you and about you. We need in you in Detroit.
I'm a journalist. See www.michigannow.org
You can contact me that way.

**Downtown Lady** · February-16-11, 09:40 PM

Hi Kelsey!

You should seek out forum member Papillonaquatique, another innocent young female who wanted to come to the big city but was afraid.

I think you two would have a lot in common -- she describes herself as "a small white girl who has never lived in a town that has such problems like Detroit does", and you describe yourself as "a white, brown-haired young female" who wonders if it is likely that she will be victimized.

She was going to invest $500,000 in property -- maybe you could stay in one of the many properties that she bought.

Coincidentally, your writing style is very similar to hers. Here, take a look:

http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...bs-need-advice

**Mind field** · February-16-11, 09:59 PM

The area around Wayne State University, midtown, is relatively safe. The worst thing that might happen to you, as in any other major city, is you might be panhandled, or become the victim of property crime. If you mind your own business and don't go seeking trouble [[drugs) then you should not have a problem. People ignorantly assume that abandonment means their chances of becoming a victim of crime increase dramatically, but that is simply not true. I have been to the city hundreds of times and have never had a problem. I have witnessed crazy behavior, but that is hardly unique to Detroit.

**p1acebo** · February-16-11, 10:04 PM

In my opinion, Detroit isn't as bad as people think. And to be honest since I have moved to Detroit I have found that the majority of people are nice and down to earth. So I wouldn't worry, unless you go looking for trouble as Mind field stated above.

DetroitPole · February-16-11, 10:08 PM

Hi Kelsey,
Firstly, I agree with you assessment that Detroit is the heart of America.
The area around Wayne State is actually quite safe and very pleasant and even desirable. I would compare it to perhaps non-gentrified but kind of friendly hippie/hardscrabble urban areas around the world. As a white, brown-haired young female you would be one among thousands there. At the same time, you would emphatically not be living in a "college town." Now, if you moved to an inner city urban ghetto in Detroit, you would likely encounter both some bewilderment and hostility.
The difference is, frankly, Detroit has more "bad parts" than not, and it is best to seek advice before moving to a certain neighborhood.
Neighborhoods to avoid is relative. I live in the city, but wouldn't live in most parts of the city. I also wouldn't wander around them aimlessly. That said, passing through them, visiting them, or going to businesses in them would not mean certain destruction.
As for #4...in the "hardest hit" areas you still have a diverse spectrum of people. Yes, people are desperate. But for the most part, even in the worst areas, these are people who just want to make a living and be happy like you and I and everyone else. However a veritable shit ton of people will be unwilling to talk to you for any number of reasons: they don't want to be bothered; they don't trust the government or the establishment; they have not filed their taxes; they have outstanding warrants or child support; they have more important things to worry about; they have unpaid bills and fear you are a bill collector - I'm not stereotyping, but these are many reasons the census is difficult as well.
You also have to gain a person's trust as well, as with anyone.

I worked on a Detroit political campaign knocking on doors in many neighborhoods and 99% of everyone was very friendly. If my handle didn't give it away, I happen to be white. Getting shot is highly unlikely, unless you go to houses that are clearly drug dens or go around insulting people or staring them down.

Augustiner · February-16-11, 10:14 PM

You'll get shot probably 3-4 times a day on average, but it's really not that bad once you get used to it. Once a year, usually sometime in October once the weather starts to cool off, we all head down to Receiving and have the bullets extracted. I usually plan it for a Friday afternoon, go with some friends and hit up D'mongo's afterward. It's a cultural thing.

**kelseystatic** · February-16-11, 10:35 PM

Augustiner: that made me laugh.
Haha I know it's probably not as bad as people make it seem, but some people made it seem like you are very likely to get shot. Like, it's pretty much just chance. This was mostly in the media, [[which likes to use sensationalism) so I thought I would ask people who actually live in Detroit. I figured I wouldn't really be in mortal danger since I'm not much for drugs. haha just wanted to check.
I hope to someday report in the middle east, which is arguably the most dangerous place in the world, and I can't really gain difficult experience reporting in my college's town, nickname "rodeo city." :P which is part of my interest in detroit.
I mean, I love Seattle and I go there a lot. I've never felt unsafe there, especially in groups of friends. I guess I never wandered into the bad parts though. I guess i'm just wondering how easy are the bad parts of Detroit to wander into? I can't really learn EVERY neighborhood, so how easy is it to end up somewhere bad?
Downtown Lady, I'm not sure if you are trying to say I'm a troll? I honestly am just drawn to the city, you can check my facebook. I've been posting a lot about it lately and about transferring to Michigan. I don't want to be in this hicktown anymore. I understand my post sounds kind of random :P haha
I think to save this city, people with ideas have to keep moving in. That's what i want to do!
And DetroitPole, i have heard about the famed hospitality in Michigan and the surrounding states. It's in sharp contrast to some of the horror stories I've heard, but I figured most of the people are nice, so that's good to hear

**kelseystatic** · February-16-11, 11:06 PM

Zaiko--
I looked at the website and it sounds like something I would LOVE to get involved in! I'm not sure how to contact you though...? There are a few email addresses listed. Not sure which one is yours.

**Downtown Lady** · February-16-11, 11:08 PM

Yes, I'd love to check your facebook! What's the link?

**rencense** · February-16-11, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by Augustiner

You'll get shot probably 3-4 times a day on average, but it's really not that bad once you get used to it. Once a year, usually sometime in October once the weather starts to cool off, we all head down to Receiving and have the bullets extracted. I usually plan it for a Friday afternoon, go with some friends and hit up D'mongo's afterward. It's a cultural thing.

LOL I'd at least like to think one thing to be said about Detroiters is a sense of humor

Kelseystatic,

I see some others have already responded but figured I'd give you my 2 cents.

I myself am obsessed with this city. Its funny but I grew up in the Detroit suburbs and probably had about as accurate a view of the city growing up as you did on the other side of the country. I may be an exception to the rule but the more I learn about the city the more I love it. In fact, in the last few years that I've started to be interested in Detroit I've learned that its not nearly as bad as made out to be [[now in fairness as a white suburban kid growing up in the 80's/90's you would rarely go to the city except for maybe a tigers game and assume that the whole city is a burned out warzone like you would assume just from what you see off the freeway) The greater truth is that Detroit has more issues than most cities in the US but there are also a lot of great things and neighborhoods that usually aren't juicy enough to be news.

anyway as to visiting

1) as mentioned the midtown area around WSU is actually doing quite well. You're still in an urban area though of course so take some precautions like not having anything even remotely valuable in your car [[especially laptops, gps units or their mounts, etc) If you must keep these at least keep them out of view. I'm not that sure how bad car break ins have been around midtown lately but good advice throughout the city.

You should be fine by yourself but of course its best to have someone else with you past dark. As mentioned, panhandlers can be annoying but rarely harmful. One caution though: Don't venture too far down cass or 2nd. Somewhere south of about Selden is where all the panhandlers/druggies hang out. I don't think they're a big threat but they always congregate in the same basic area and will likely hassle you. Other than that midtown is only getting better and is a great place!

2) In terms of safety in general I basically agree with Detroitpole. I've found Detroiters in general to be quite friendly. I've been looking at some neighborhoods for buying a house and feel pretty comfortable walking around those. Granted there are lots of other neighborhoods that I wouldn't exactly be gallivanting about but you probably will be fine if you're respectful. Now its true if you venture into the hard hit neighborhoods people will probably be a bit suspicious. Oh and of course detroiters are getting pretty weary of "ruin-porn" so people may be a big agitated if you just come through to take pictures. Regardless you probably will leave bullet free [[note: im a 6'2 240lb guy and look pretty confident, you may want to have a buddy if you're doing a lot of exploring)

3) This is a kinda tricky question because its true that you can't always judge a neighborhood on its looks. Some are considered the terrible because they're almost just an empty field at this point. Some neighborhoods are almost totally abandoned and relatively safer than a few others that still have plenty of people. Given the size of the city and how many neighborhoods there are I'd recommend you ask about those specifically if you decide to explore them [[you can always google earth street view in the meantime) People on this forum should be able to give advice about more specific areas.

4) for hardest hit neighborhoods Brightmoor and Delray are good places to start. I'm sure you can get suggestions for more but these are pretty good examples. Now to be honest I wouldn't go alone but again the bulk of these people are pretty friendly. You may get some strange looks and people that don't want to talk but probably no bullets. I've heard the same thing about not making eye contact but I feel as if this pertains mostly to driving. I think otherwise the opposite is true. Not making eye contact can also be considered disrepect and make you look out of place. Part of being safe is looking like you belong there or have a purpose.

I think thats about it and hope this helps a little. One thing I'd ask you to consider though is reporting good with the bad. The fact is lately Detroit has been a fixation of reporters who want to use hyperbole and portray the whole city as a hopeless warzone. There are still plenty of neighborhoods that are beautiful and well kept. Some places are starting to see new life and renewed investment. I think the world has heard enough about how terrible detroit is but could use another piece or two on the complex juxtaposition of detroit; its an enigma even to those of us who call it home.

good luck!

**kelseystatic** · February-16-11, 11:10 PM

It's on my profile as my website link thing

**rjk** · February-16-11, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by kelseystatic

I hope to someday report in the middle east, which is arguably the most dangerous place in the world, and I can't really gain difficult experience reporting in my college's town, nickname "rodeo city." :P which is part of my interest in detroit.

So I take it that all the tough areas on the west coast like Compton and Southcentral are already taken by other white young females who are prepping for their careers as middle east reporters?

I feel a leg pulling.

**rencense** · February-16-11, 11:17 PM

Oh and I almost forgot to say

I hope you can make it and like Detroit, I went to E. Mich but I've always heard good things about WSU.

If you like it here we could really use more people like you sticking around. People tend to either love or hate Detroit but noone can deny it has a flavor all its own!

**kelseystatic** · February-16-11, 11:17 PM

Thank you rencense, that was all pretty practical! I guess I will have to work on looking unassuming. I figured the whole "white people get shot just for being white" thing was pretty stereotypical, so I'm glad I got that cleared up. :P
And about that last paragraph, I cannot reiterate enough how much I want to report the good. Good journalism is all about both sides, and many news companies have been doing a pretty sorry job by reporting only the bad. I know there are plenty of great things in Detroit. I want to see them firsthand and see how the city is growing and trying to turn around. I hope I could maybe inspire some people to move back into the area. I guess we'll see!

**kelseystatic** · February-16-11, 11:19 PM

Haha thank you! I'm sure it has a distinct flavor indeed. I'm only 17 right now, so the first hurdle will be turning 18 and then convincing my mother to let me fly to Detroit, which will probably be difficult... :P haha
But I will get there at some point, dangit! And I hope to see some of you around, you all seem pretty friendly. [[I love friendly big cities. Seattle has such a different feel than New York since it's west coast, and Detroit seems pretty nice too

**kelseystatic** · February-16-11, 11:26 PM

rjk: ehhh i kind of hate california, actually. haha it's full of annoying hipsters and wannabe surfers who all like to brag about how fashionable they are.
And i know i sound very unlikely. I've never been one to let my gender limit me though. I was inspired to become a journalist while i was reading an article about Iraq and thought: I wanna do that. I'm seriously not pulling anyone's leg. You can check my facebook, I'm a real person, and I've made a few posts about Detroit.
Yes, highly unlikely that a 17 year-old white girl [[Who is magically in college because she skipped 3rd grade) wants to become a reporter in the middle east and is skipping all the rough areas in her own neighborhood in favor of Detroit which is halfway across the country.
I get it. I guess it's probably worth mentioning part of the reason I want to leave the west coast is because they don't really have any middle eastern studies programs. U of Mich and U of Wisconsin both do, as well as good newspapers, so I was already looking at the area.

**rencense** · February-16-11, 11:29 PM

Originally Posted by Augustiner

You'll get shot probably 3-4 times a day on average, but it's really not that bad once you get used to it. Once a year, usually sometime in October once the weather starts to cool off, we all head down to Receiving and have the bullets extracted. I usually plan it for a Friday afternoon, go with some friends and hit up D'mongo's afterward. It's a cultural thing.

LOL I'd at least like to think one thing to be said about Detroiters is a sense of humor

Kelseystatic,

I see some others have already responded but figured I'd give you my 2 cents.

I myself am obsessed with this city. Its funny but I grew up in the Detroit suburbs and probably had about as accurate a view of the city growing up as you did on the other side of the country. I may be an exception to the rule but the more I learn about the city the more I love it. In fact, in the last few years that I've started to be interested in Detroit I've learned that its not nearly as bad as made out to be [[now in fairness as a white suburban kid growing up in the 80's/90's you would rarely go to the city except for maybe a tigers game and assume that the whole city is a burned out warzone like you would assume just from what you see off the freeway) The greater truth is that Detroit has more issues than most cities in the US but there are also a lot of great things and neighborhoods that usually aren't juicy enough to be news.

anyway as to visiting

1) as mentioned the midtown area around WSU is actually doing quite well. You're still in an urban area though of course so take some precautions like not having anything even remotely valuable in your car [[especially laptops, gps units or their mounts, etc) If you must keep these at least keep them out of view. I'm not that sure how bad car break ins have been around midtown lately but good advice throughout the city.

You should be fine by yourself but of course its best to have someone else with you past dark. As mentioned, panhandlers can be annoying but rarely harmful. One caution though: Don't venture too far down cass or 2nd. Somewhere south of about Selden is where all the panhandlers/druggies hang out. I don't think they're a big threat but they always congregate in the same basic area and will likely hassle you. Other than that midtown is only getting better and is a great place!

2) In terms of safety in general I basically agree with Detroitpole. I've found Detroiters in general to be quite friendly. I've been looking at some neighborhoods for buying a house and feel pretty comfortable walking around those. Granted there are lots of other neighborhoods that I wouldn't exactly be gallivanting about but you probably will be fine if you're respectful. Now its true if you venture into the hard hit neighborhoods people will probably be a bit suspicious. Oh and of course detroiters are getting pretty weary of "ruin-porn" so people may be a big agitated if you just come through to take pictures. Regardless you probably will leave bullet free [[note: im a 6'2 240lb guy and look pretty confident, you may want to have a buddy if you're doing a lot of exploring)

3) This is a kinda tricky question because its true that you can't always judge a neighborhood on its looks. Some are considered the terrible because they're almost just an empty field at this point. Some neighborhoods are almost totally abandoned and relatively safer than a few others that still have plenty of people. Given the size of the city and how many neighborhoods there are I'd recommend you ask about those specifically if you decide to explore them [[you can always google earth street view in the meantime) People on this forum should be able to give advice about more specific areas.

4) for hardest hit neighborhoods Brightmoor and Delray are good places to start. I'm sure you can get suggestions for more but these are pretty good examples. Now to be honest I wouldn't go alone but again the bulk of these people are pretty friendly. You may get some strange looks and people that don't want to talk but probably no bullets. I've heard the same thing about not making eye contact but I feel as if this pertains mostly to driving. I think otherwise the opposite is true. Not making eye contact can also be considered disrepect and make you look out of place. Part of being safe is looking like you belong there or have a purpose.

I think thats about it and hope this helps a little. One thing I'd ask you to consider though is reporting good with the bad. The fact is lately Detroit has been a fixation of reporters who want to use hyperbole and portray the whole city as a hopeless warzone. There are still plenty of neighborhoods that are beautiful and well kept. Some places are starting to see new life and renewed investment. I think the world has heard enough about how terrible detroit is but could use another piece or two on the complex juxtaposition of detroit; its an enigma even to those of us who call it home.

good luck!

**fryar** · February-16-11, 11:53 PM

Oh, bollocks, come and visit. It's not that bad, and it has it's charms.

**rencense** · February-17-11, 12:05 AM

oops sorry not sure how that posted twice

**kelseystatic** · February-17-11, 12:21 AM

I think I'll see if I can come this summer.

Plane tickets on the cheeeap.

**rid0617** · February-17-11, 03:30 AM

kelseysttic

I sent you a facebook friends request

**kelseystatic** · February-17-11, 04:26 PM

okay sweet! added

DetroitDad · February-17-11, 05:45 PM

Well, everyone has to get shot eventually....

Just kidding. I have been a husband and father in Downtown Detroit. Check out my experiance on my blogging spot in Campus Martius Park [[click here). Mainly, be sure to check out the link at the top, entitled; "A Day In The Life".

**French777** · February-17-11, 06:28 PM

I currently am attending Wayne State University and live here on campus. First off, I came from a upper-middle class suburb of Detroit and when I was a child we were taught almost to "fear" Detroit. I have lived here for less than 6 months and I LOVE IT!

I go on walks around Midtown everyday at different hours of the day too. Anything from 6am- 10pm and I have never run into anything remotely worrisome. When I say "Midtown" I do not include the "Cass Park" neighborhood.

Wayne State University has a very safe campus. I don't think I can walk for more than 10 or 15 minutes without seeing a WSU / City of Detroit police cruiser. There are 4 police departments represented in Midtown [[ DMC, CCS, WSU and City of Detroit). It seems so far as a very safe place to live,work and play.

Yet..... I do hear that car thefts are still an issue that needs to be adressed. I would reccomend that you put your car in a parking garage rather than on the street at night if avaliable.