A first visit to Detroit makes clear its will to fight, come back from decades of decline, and be assumed down for the count. This comeback spirit is best embodied by the iconic sculpture of Joe Louis’ Fist, which sits along the main road that runs along the Detroit River. You also feel it in the abundance of stunning, historic Art Deco highrises that grace the city's skyline. It also is felt in the four beloved local sports teams in the four major American sports leagues. Detroit is the only city in the U.S. that has all major teams playing downtown. 

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you feel Detroit's spirit in its musical heritage, which ranges from Motown to hip-hop and is the birthplace of techno. 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 demonstrate its continued desire to maintain and expand on that place.



Culture and determination in the face of insurmountable odds.

LookyLOO Review of Detroit

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**](https://visitdetroit.com/events/all-events/?pg=1): 


Lifestyle 

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.


Worklife 

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 magnet schools including: 
-[**Renaissance High**](https://www.detroitk12.org/renaissance) receives a [**"B" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/renaissance-high-school-detroit-mi/?map) with particular accolades for the quality of the teachers. 
-[**Cass Tech**](https://www.detroitk12.org/domain/1670) is another pearl in the city, coming in with a [**"B+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/cass-technical-high-school-detroit-mi/?map), and noted as having excellent teachers and abundant extracurriculars and clubs. 

Many locals choose one of the charter, parochial, or private schools if they don't feel they have a solid public choice. A particularly beloved parochial choice is the [**University of Detroit High School**](uofdjesuit.org), an [**"A" rated 7-12 school**](https://www.niche.com/k12/university-of-detroit-jesuit-high-school-and-academy-detroit-mi/) that pulls in boys from all over the Detroit area. 



Schools

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.


Affordable housing in one of America's oldest cities.

Why You Should Move to Detroit

**mopedgirl**
Living in Detroit
2y ago
✭✭✭

Edited 2y ago
University District
I love living in the city. Our neighborhood is tight knit, hangs out constantly with football watch parties, chili cook-offs, block parties, late night fire-pit drinks, etc. I love our proximity from mcnichols to downtown and places like Ferndale to the N. I love that home ownership is still very possible in this city. I don't have kids but many of our neighbors do and their kids walk to the DPSCD neighborhood elementary school and they love it. Overall I think Detroit is hella underrated... there are many parts of the city that still have a long way to go, but there are many communities and areas of the city like ours where it is vibrant. When we moved into our home 5 years ago, there were 5 or so abandoned/vacant homes on our block and the block next to us and now everything is occupied by young people and families.... it's a great feeling to see the community here continue to grow and I love how age/race diverse our community is.

Don't expect a huge party here, but it is an affordable enough place where you can build the kind of home and life you wish. Plus, it's a great situation if you enjoy suburban living more, but wanna get away to Chicago every now and then to party harder. Don't have to pay city taxes.

Agriculture is really great in Detroit, especially when you plant your own vegetable garden or fruit trees. It is pretty idyllic.

Don't confuse the term Detroit, referring to a dilapidated American city in ruins to the surrounding metro area where most middle class and above well-to-do residents live. By the way, the downtown has gone through tremendous revival in the recent decade. I was even a part of a public transport advocacy group here locally.

Reviews of Detroit from Locals

**The Best Thing About Living in Detroit** Culture and determination in the
face of insurmountable odds.

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.

**The Worst Thing About Living in Detroit** Crime 

While it has waned over the years, Detroit’s crime rates, both historically and recently, have been
very high. In particular, violent crime and economic downsizing have been consistent issues, as
have racial violence. Integration has had a tumultuous history in Detroit, and economic disparity
is clear throughout. Essentially, what you get out of living in Detroit will depend in part on what
you bring to it. While its reputation is well-known as dangerous and impoverished, the city has
long held urban beautification efforts, housing projects, and other methods of economic reform.
The willingness of its citizens to improve it is a vital part of its identity.

**How You Living?** In low rent-apartments and low-cost houses

Apartments in Detroit are often as low as a thousand dollars per month, and nicer houses sell for
much lower than one would find in cities such as New York or Los Angeles. Detroit also bleeds
into the surrounding suburban areas rather quietly, and so commuting into the city from the
surrounding area is possible with relative ease. In addition, the fact that people frequently move
out of the city results in a consistently low cost of housing, and a city that is immensely
driveable.

**Why You Should Move to Detroit** Affordable housing in one of American’s oldest & most important cities.

Detroit’s unique combination of being both on the rise and accessible makes it an ideal spot for
young urban professionals, work-from-homers, and those looking for a fresh start. The
abundance of local industries and varied opportunities make it a good spot for anyone looking to
get themselves off the ground. While the economic and criminal issues are abundant, the city has
never stopped trying to heal and rebuild itself, and it never will. In essence, Detroit is a city that
will not die, and can not die.

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. 


The Area

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. 
- Midtown
- Downtown
- Corktown


College Students

Midtown Detroit

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!
- New Center
- Corktown
- Eastern Market


Young Professionals

New Center Detroit

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.  
- Bagley
- West Village
- Morningside


Families

Bagley

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!
- Midtown
- Downtown
- North Corktown


Empty Nesters/Retirees

Downtown Detroit

Detroit

**What is it like to live in Detroit, MI?**
**mopedgirl**
Living in Detroit
2y ago
✭✭✭

Edited 2y ago
University District
I love living in the city. Our neighborhood is tight knit, hangs out constantly with football watch parties, chili cook-offs, block parties, late night fire-pit drinks, etc. I love our proximity from mcnichols to downtown and places like Ferndale to the N. I love that home ownership is still very possible in this city. I don't have kids but many of our neighbors do and their kids walk to the DPSCD neighborhood elementary school and they love it. Overall I think Detroit is hella underrated... there are many parts of the city that still have a long way to go, but there are many communities and areas of the city like ours where it is vibrant. When we moved into our home 5 years ago, there were 5 or so abandoned/vacant homes on our block and the block next to us and now everything is occupied by young people and families.... it's a great feeling to see the community here continue to grow and I love how age/race diverse our community is.

Don't expect a huge party here, but it is an affordable enough place where you can build the kind of home and life you wish. Plus, it's a great situation if you enjoy suburban living more, but wanna get away to Chicago every now and then to party harder. Don't have to pay city taxes.

Agriculture is really great in Detroit, especially when you plant your own vegetable garden or fruit trees. It is pretty idyllic.

Don't confuse the term Detroit, referring to a dilapidated American city in ruins to the surrounding metro area where most middle class and above well-to-do residents live. By the way, the downtown has gone through tremendous revival in the recent decade. I was even a part of a public transport advocacy group here locally.

**Euphoric-Yellow-5319**
Living in Detroit
2y ago
✭✭✭

Depends on what neighborhood really…I live in the brightmoor neighborhood which is definitely a little rough around the edges to say the least! But it’s definitely changing for the better! There’s good neighborhoods and neighborhoods that aren’t so good! But it doesn’t matter if you live in a good neighborhood or bad neighborhood 9 times out of 10 your neighbors will look out for you! Wether you’re white,black,Hispanic,Asian etc they got your back!…and I’m sure I’ll get downvoted but I’m my opinion there’s 3 Detroit’s the good neighborhoods(Palmer Woods,Indian village,Sherwood Forest etc) the bad neighborhoods(brightmoor,dexter-Linwood, 7 and gratiot,Mack and bewick etc) and then the greator downtown area(downtown,midtown,corktown,new center,Woodbridge etc) but I love all of Detroit and you will too! If you plan on moving here that is!

**awkwardfeather**
Living in Detroit
2y ago
✭✭✭✭

I just moved here a year ago, and so far I’ve loved it. I came from a smaller city up north so it was definitely a bit of a culture shock, but I love the energy of this city. 99% of the people I come in contact with are incredibly friendly, the downtown is mostly clean (cleaner than Chicago imo) and has pretty much everything you could ever need within a 15 minute drive max. Winters are brutal, although coming from NoMi I’m used to it lol. The river is awesome, Belle Isle is awesome. The DIA is awesome.

On a different topic, I was warned over and over again about how terrifying and dangerous this city is before I moved here, and I find that hilarious now. Of course there are rough areas and you have to be aware of your surroundings a bit more, as in every city. But I maybe have only had one or two times I felt genuinely unsafe (to add context, I’m very small and about as threatening as a field mouse). It’s really clear how much this city cares about making it a good place to live, there’s improvements happening all the time. I love it.

**Is detroit a good place to live?**
**Anonymous**
2y ago
✭✭✭✭

just moved here recently and as far as I’m concerned I’m never leaving, it’s got everything you want in the city with mostly quiet and empty weekdays making it peaceful. Among Avalon bakery, eastern market, and marrow, I basically don’t need to leave the city limits for the best food sourced in all of the state. the biking is on track to become very nice in the city with Joe Louis greenway. They are dumping billions into this city over the next decade so it’s only going to get better (hopefully)

Detroit, Michigan

Dey-Twa

Looklyloo Score: 72