Let's face it, Southfield still has a lot going for it! In what other suburb are there 30+ story gleaming glass skyscrapers, a nice civic center with a gorgeous library, a very diverse housing stock from post-war bungalows to late 60s modern quad levels to 90s Mcmansions. Southfield still has some higher end hotels [[Westin and Marriott), decent shopping, nice parks, a renowned university [[Lawrence Tech) and is in the geographical center of the whole metropolitan area.

Why does Southfield catch a lot of flack? Probably because of the white flight that has taken place in the city over the past 30 years. The city is 70% African American and as a result is no longer seen as "desirable." Is this deserved? Depends on who you are asking. Yes, the school system is no longer a quality district, crime rates are not the best and the area in and around Northland Center resembles inner city Detroit with all of the abandonment and vacancy that exists there. However, the city still boasts many of the features listed above which in my opinion make it a great suburb.