What are the best neighborhoods for young people moving to Detroit?

[rencense]

great topic!

Im 25 and just got my degree. I've been staying with my mom temporarily but am planning on moving to Detroit as soon as I have the finances to do so. I've been out of work since aug but [[fingers crossed) I think I may be getting hired for a job downtown [[though it would require travel thru much of the metro.) One criteria is I need to be able to get to my car quickly if I'm on call.

I'm not sure how unique my story is but I'm actually really torn on this issue. On the one hand I'd love to be close enough to walk or bike downtown for all the fun but on the other hand I'm seriously looking at buying a house at a price we may well never see again.

I didn't realize things had been getting so bad in woodbridge but that is one spot I'm considering for the reasons others have listed [[its really cool that they have a neighborhood bar now!) Woodbridge/midtown would have you in easy biking distance to downtown.

I've been looking at a few other areas besides woodbridge and midtown:

East riverfront: lots of rental options and you can't beat the view of the water!

West Village: the residents here have done a great job promoting this little neighborhood and it shows. It seems to me its already attracted some of the younger and/or new to the city crowd. Some apartments available and terrific houses [[plus for people who like to walk theres indian village and belle isle nearby) Personally I think WV/IV pretty soon could support a neighborhood bar like the woodbridge; even if i have to do it myself lol

Southwest/Hubbard: I'd be curious to see if this is starting to become a popular area for the younger/new to Detroit crowd. SW offers, as mentioned, pretty good retail etc. Hubbard farms reminds me a bit of woodbridge and appears to be doing quite well.

As for woodward rail I think in a few years this will bring growth to the south new center area and palmer park. This goes double if the detroit-ann arbor rail ever gets done and they keep the stop at the current amtrak station.

But the flip side is that I'm looking at houses in a handful of areas like rosedale park area, bagley, EEV etc that are stunning values right now at around 20-30k. These are houses that sold for between 100 to 170k a few years back and i don't imagine those prices will last long. [[as a side note of course Detroit is lacking transit but everywhere I'm looking is pretty close to a bus line so its nice to have that option to get downtown without having to park etc)

I bring this up because I imagine some other people are in the same boat: there are some really cool parts of Detroit close to the action to rent but right now they also have the opportunity to own their own house free and clear before they hit 30. I hope we can see more people down the road moving back to the city and stabilizing/rebuilding more neighborhoods. Of course the school situation is a problem but I'm holding out hope that something has to change by the time i have to cross that particular bridge.

[mwilbert]

In my opinion, a person who is not married [[or at least in a long-term relationship) and without kids should think twice before buying a house. Mobility is one of the great assets such a person has, and buying a house definitely devalues that asset.

[rencense]

In my opinion, a person who is not married [[or at least in a long-term relationship) and without kids should think twice before buying a house. Mobility is one of the great assets such a person has, and buying a house definitely devalues that asset.

I understand that sentiment but to me it seems the opposite.

Many of detroits problems such as crime and schools are a bigger factor for families than for say a single guy just starting out. I just got done renting a series of apartments and moved every year. I'm excited about the chance to have a place of my own. Plus which makes you feel more trapped, paying 20-25k in cash for a house or being 100k underwater on your house in the suburbs that you can't sell either. Don't get me wrong I'm a little nervous of being stuck but I don't see myself relocating anytime soon or ever. I'm also only considering neighborhoods that seem to have a bright future, i certainly wouldn't buy anywhere just because its cheap.


It'll be years before i even start thinking of starting a family so now seems a logical time to take a few risks. Hopefully by the time i get to that point the school situation improves or there will at least be plenty of alternatives [[for instance in EEV and the far east side you see lots of yard signs for the st Clare school in GPP). I'd hate to pay lots in tuition but hey at least theres no mortgage payment.

One last point the expression "its easier to ask forgiveness than permission" comes to mind when starting a relationship. If you already live in the city and can show that your neighborhood is solid you have a better chance of selling the city to a significant other as opposed to just picking up and moving from the burbs.

just my 2 cents

[BrushStart]

Southwest/Hubbard: I'd be curious to see if this is starting to become a popular area for the younger/new to Detroit crowd. SW offers, as mentioned, pretty good retail etc. Hubbard farms reminds me a bit of woodbridge and appears to be doing quite well.

I never really took the time to look at Hubbard Farms, but it is a really neat neighborhood. Lots of row houses, flats and duplexes, and also just some really nice older homes. I was sad to see that the set of red row houses on Vinewood between Vernor and Bagley were burned out. The neighborhood is like 95% intact and looks well-maintained. It is also anchored by Clark Park, which is pretty decent. You are also really close to downtown.

I've checked out 1300 and the association fee was a dealbreaker for me, though I could have put together the down payment for a no-frills one bedroom.

This is a really nice building. I looked into buying into the coop at 1300 about 2 years ago, and yes, it was a very small amount for a 1-bedroom. I think it was like $3k or something. Association fee was high, but the building was secure, had underground parking, and great views of the city skyline. At that point, I didn't want to be tied down to a place, but I would very much be interested to know what the coops are going for now.

[mwilbert]

I've checked out 1300 and the association fee was a dealbreaker for me, though I could have put together the down payment for a no-frills one bedroom.

I completely sympathize--in the current low interest rate environment you are very likely better off financially buying something that costs more and has lower carrying costs. I'd guess that is why the equity is so low on some of the units. On the other hand, the amenities are good and the association fee is pretty inclusive, covering both taxes and heat, although I'm sure you knew that.

At that point, I didn't want to be tied down to a place, but I would very much be interested to know what the coops are going for now.

This is the best place I know for that information:

http://www.vasileffrealtydetroit.com...OOPERATIVE.htm