Downtown Detroit, Credit: Experience Detroit
Downtown in Winter, Credit: Sebastiaan Stam
Capitol Park Downtown, Credit: Tracy Kaler
Campus Martius Beach Party, Credit: Downtown Detroit Partnership
There are cities that get by on their good looks, offer climate and scenery, views of mountains or oceans, rockbound or with palm trees. And there are cities like Detroit that have to work for a living.
-Elmore Leonard
One simple visit to Detroit will indicate its collective willpower. Best embodied by the iconic
sculpture of Joe Louis’ Fist, as well as the abundance of creative architecture, the speed boat
racing tradition, four beloved local sports teams in all four major American sport leagues, and a
musical heritage ranging from Motown to hip hop, few American cities have quite the same
sense of place and history as Detroit. In addition, its founding in 1701 makes it one of America’s
oldest and most significant cities, as does its position as the birthplace of the American
automotive industry. One cannot overstate Detroit’s place and impact in American history, and
its continued efforts at self-renewal and improvement have demonstrated its continued desire to
maintain that place and even expand on it.
Here's a local's pov on living here:
Detroit has been bashed since the riots half a century ago! Imagine healing from that and White flight taking a huge tax base away? We are a tough and creative lot and it was my dream to move to Indian Village, a historic neighborhood here, since college. I did and later bought a house for a really great price. It’s now worth six times what I paid. The neighborhood is mixed races, there are monthly parties, a newsletter, reasonable dues cover various maintenance and sidewalk plowing in winter. Neighborhoods like mine have expanded, old buildings are being repurposed, new neighborhoods and townhouses built, empty lots are gardens… the worry is of course gentrification. Great restaurants, parks, events, museums, cool work spaces, lots of entrepreneurs (Shinola’s owner is a neighbor.)
For more reviews of Detroit from locals check out: The Reviews.
Tax base drives investment in public schools and the decline/collapse in population and business in Detroit for several decades gutted what was once an excellent public school system. As with any city there are strong schools, like magnet schools, Renaissance High and Cass Tech, but many locals choose one of the charter or private schools if they don't feel they have a solid public choice.
Here are some cons from a local in a review: Its one of two municipalities in Michigan with an income tax 1.2% (non-resident) or 2.4% (resident) which having lived there does not have much to show for it as a result.
Lacking large grocery stores. There's Meijer at 8/Woodward or Fairlane Town Center for example which are not convenient but Whole Foods is right next to the DMC. Other than that you're looking at small markets which doesn't lend itself to better prices. Mass transit is practically non-existent, we have a bus system but your commute may be faster.
For more reviews of Detroit from locals check out: The Reviews.
The population of Detroit was severely impacted by deindustrialization, loss of jobs in the auto industry and the recession of 2008, as well as rapid suburbanization. The 2010s saw revitalization efforts ramp up and a new generation of people were moving to the city center. Residents have been trending younger in recent years, with both recent graduates from midwest schools as well as a population of young professionals who grew up in the city and are choosing to move out, but stay close to the city center. And you can’t forget about recently empty-nested suburbanites who once fled the city and are moving back downtown in search of nightlife that places like Troy, and other suburbs, definitely lack.
It might not have the largest population, but locals are often out enjoying the things that make Detroit unique. On top of the Riverwalk, you also have Eastern Market, the largest open-air market in North America, that features more than 250 independent vendors. You can get a great selection of fruit and veggies, fresh-cut flowers, specialty food products, and more. The city also features a huge pro-bicycle community. Detroit is home to the first paved road in America, Woodward Ave, and overall is pretty flat, making it easy to bike around. You won’t want to sleep on the incredible food scene in Detroit, either. It might be small and the restaurants you’ll go to might not have big investors behind them, but they can still find a place to open up in Detroit thanks to lower rent prices and the welcoming residents. Coupled with the large immigrant population, you can find big communities with great food you can’t find in the suburbs, like Bangladeshi food, or amazing Arab spots.
If you're curious about the weekend and year-long activities here check out the Detroit calendar of events:
Detroit has the second largest regional economy in the midwest. Famously known as the center of the US auto industry and the “Big Three” auto manufacturers (General Motors/GM, Ford, Stellantis North America), which are all headquartered in Detroit. Besides the auto industry, there are also a lot of great opportunities for high paying jobs if you're in tech, engineering, healthcare, or consulting. The top employers in the area are the Detroit Medical Center, the City of Detroit, and Quicken Loans. Other headquarters in Detroit include GM, Quicken Loans, Ally Financial, and Compuware. A large portion of the residents of Detroit work downtown, making up about ⅕ of the city’s employment. The other large chunk of residents work in midtown, where the Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University, and Henry Ford health System are all located.
The low cost of living is definitely a draw for most people as it is much lower than other large cities. Grads with college debt can still live here and thrive on decent paying jobs. In addition, it’s a popular spot for empty-nesters looking to celebrate being able to focus a little more on themselves and be a part of a great, energetic community. If you’re looking for affordability without sacrificing the culture and diversity of a big city, Detroit is for you.
Detroit is situated at the southeast corner of the “mitten.” Yes, the mitten. It’s across the Detroit River from the neighboring city of Windsor, Canada. Connected by the second busiest international crossing in North America, the Ambassador Bridge. Unlike most large cities in the US, Detroit isn’t built like a bullseye with the city in the middle and a bypass surrounding it, but more like the spokes of a wheel. Detroit anchors the area on the Detroit River with highways spreading out north/northwest out from the city to the suburbs. It’s not abnormal to hear someone say “I’m from Detroit. Well, a suburb of Detroit,” as the suburbs of Detroit grew rapidly in the 90s and early 2000s.
There are a ton of great areas in Detroit for that college/day-drinking/sports-watching atmosphere. Our suggestion would be starting in Midtown near Wayne State University. Living in midtown gives you walkability and access to other great neighborhoods like New Center, Corktown, and more. There are renovated apartments and while it might be a little bit more expensive than other areas, you can’t beat the amount of amenities you get.
Detroit is filled with young professionals. Both those who have lived in or near the city their whole lives or those that used to live in other suburbs of the midwest. No matter where they’re from, they’re all enjoying the nightlife, amazing food, and great neighborhoods the city has to offer. We suggest starting your search in New Center. It’s located just north of Midtown, which makes commuting downtown for work a breeze. There is a section of the neighborhood on Woodward and Grand Boulevard that has some great restaurants and bars, and during the summer you’ll see a ton of community events. It’s an area that’s growing and neighbors are super welcoming and friendly!
Anyone who is looking to settle down and start a family is going to have a great time in Detroit. There are a ton of houses you can purchase for much cheaper than other cities, as long as you don’t mind doing a little work. Our advice is to skip right to Bagley. It’s on the northwest side of Detroit and is known for its friendly atmosphere. You can find a tudor or colonial style home that will definitely fit your budget. Bonus of the neighborhood: It sits right next to a vibrant commercial corridor, the Avenue of Fashion, so you get the great homes and the walkability to local businesses.
Detroit is the perfect place to retire. We can see it now: breakfast pastries at Ochre before a walk or bike along the riverfront, a quick (not really) shop at Eastern Market, then dinner and drinks at Baobab Fare before strolling home. If this sounds like a perfect day, you need to move to Midtown. Packed with things to do and boasting incredible walkability, snag a condo and put away that snowblower for good!
