Moving to the Detroit Metro Area: Here’s What You Need To Know
Thinking about moving to Detroit or somewhere in the metro area? Unlike many metros that radiate outward in predictable rings, Detroit Metro is shaped by water, highways, and the deep cultural divide between east and west. Understanding how the area is laid out—and how the subregions function—makes a big difference in finding the right city or suburb to call home.
Quick Geography: How the Detroit Metro is Structured
The Detroit Metropolitan Area is built around three key bodies of water:
- The Detroit River, a narrow strait connecting Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie, forms the southern border of Detroit proper and separates Michigan from Windsor, Ontario, in Canada.
- Lake St. Clair, northeast of the city, is a defining feature of the “East Side” suburbs.
- The Rouge River and Clinton River run through suburban areas and shape many local park systems and residential areas.
- One oddity: The city of Windsor, in Canada, is south of Detroit. Confusing for sure, but technically, "South Detroit," immortalized in the Journey song, is either the Detroit River or Canada.
The area is cut through by several major highways:
- I-75 runs north-south through the city, connecting downtown Detroit to the northern suburbs.
- I-94 stretches from Detroit east into Macomb County and west toward Ann Arbor.
- I-96 heads west from downtown toward Novi and beyond.
- M-10 (Lodge Freeway) and Woodward Avenue (M-1) both run north from the city center through Oakland County, forming a major cultural and commercial spine.
Detroit Metro is often thought of in directional terms—East Side, West Side, Downriver, etc.—and much of the local identity and lifestyle is shaped by these divisions. Below, we break down each of the key subregions of the metro.
Detroit Proper
What it’s like: Detroit is in the midst of a complex rebirth. Downtown and Midtown are seeing real investment, especially around Woodward Avenue, with renovated lofts, tech startups, stadiums, and museums. The outer neighborhoods, meanwhile, can vary widely in stability and amenities.
Why move here:
Pros
- You're drawn to culture, affordability, or the idea of contributing to a city's reinvention.
- You want proximity to arts, music, or historic architecture.
- You want walkability and aren't scared off by a city making a comeback.
Cons
- Public schools remain mixed
- Commuting out of the city daily can be time-consuming
- Safety and infrastructure can vary block by block.
Who lives here:
- Artists, urban pioneers, nonprofit professionals, and longtime Detroit families.
Neighborhood highlights:
- Downtown: Business district with new residential towers.
- Midtown: Cultural anchor, with Wayne State, museums, and historic homes.
- Corktown: Trendy with renovated homes and bars.
- West Village & Indian Village: Leafy, historic, architecturally rich.
- Palmer Woods & University District: Grand homes, historic feel.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into the Detroit Proper Area to better understand whether this area is right for you.
East Side & The Grosse Pointes
What it’s like: The East Side stretches from Detroit’s eastern neighborhoods out to the upscale and historic Grosse Pointes along Lake St. Clair. This area blends leafy, lake-adjacent wealth with gritty-but-proud working-class neighborhoods and everything in between. The closer you get to the lake, the more manicured and affluent the vibe becomes.
Why move here:
Pros
- You want to live near the water without giving up access to Detroit.
- You like historic homes, tree-lined streets, and tight-knit communities.
- The Grosse Pointes offer some of the best schools in the region
- Parts of Detroit’s East English Village or Jefferson-Chalmers are seeing revitalization with affordable historic housing.
Cons:
- The boundary between Detroit and the Pointes is stark—racially, economically, and in terms of public services. It can feel like crossing into a different world.
- Commutes westward can also be long, depending on traffic and freeway access.
Who lives here: Affluent families, long-time residents, some retirees, and folks who work in downtown Detroit but want lake breezes and suburban charm.
City and neighborhood highlights:
- Grosse Pointe Park: The closest to Detroit, with charming shops, waterfront parks, and a mix of architectural styles. Popular with young families and creative professionals.
- Grosse Pointe City: Compact, walkable downtown area with a Norman Rockwell vibe. Great dining and retail, right along the lake.
- Grosse Pointe Farms: Leafy, elegant, and filled with large homes. Feels more residential and upscale.
- Grosse Pointe Woods: Quieter and more suburban, with mid-century homes and excellent schools.
- Grosse Pointe Shores: The most exclusive, with lakeside mansions and large estates. Very private.
- East English Village (Detroit): Historic district with brick colonials and Tudor homes, often at a fraction of Grosse Pointe prices. A strong community feel with ongoing neighborhood investment.
- Jefferson-Chalmers (Detroit): On the rebound, this canal district near the Detroit River is unique and full of potential. Kayak launches, art spaces, and a scrappy charm.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into the East Side and The Grosse Pointes to better understand whether this area is right for you.
Oakland County – North and Northwest Suburbs
What it’s like: One of the most affluent and diverse suburban areas in the Midwest, with pockets of urban energy (Ferndale, Royal Oak) and upscale calm (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills). Highly ranked schools, walkable downtowns, and quick commutes into the city (by Detroit standards).
Why move here:
Pros:
- You want amenities, walkability, and access to cultural life without giving up suburbia (lawns/parks, etc.).
- School quality and safety are top priorities.
Cons:
- Housing prices can be high in core towns.
- Commutes can still get long, especially from outer suburbs like Novi or Rochester.
Who lives here: Young professionals, LGBTQ+ folks, families with school-aged kids, and upwardly mobile transplants.
City highlights:
- Ferndale: Diverse, walkable, progressive, with a strong LGBTQ+ scene.
- Royal Oak: Buzzier and denser with a walkable downtown, restaurants, and apartments.
- Birmingham: Upscale, boutique shopping, country clubs, and polished walkability.
- Bloomfield Hills: Large estates, wooded lots, private schools.
- Novi: Family-friendly, newer homes, and lots of big box retail.
- Rochester & Rochester Hills: Good schools, hilly terrain, and charming downtowns.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into the Oakland County and the Northern Suburbs to better understand whether this area is right for you.
Macomb County – Northeast Suburbs
What it’s like: Less flashy than Oakland County but solidly middle-class, with newer developments and a car-centric layout. Lots of families, long-time locals, and newer immigrants. More suburban sprawl than walkability, but great for affordable homes with yards.
Why move here:
Pros:
- You want a single-family home and decent schools without the price tag of Oakland County.
- You don’t mind driving everywhere. You like community sports, good local bakeries, and quieter streets.
Cons:
- Less nightlife or urban energy
- Not great for public transportation or walkable downtowns.
Who lives here: Working and middle-class families, older adults, newcomers from Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
City highlights:
- Sterling Heights: One of Michigan’s largest cities; suburban with strong public schools.
- Clinton Township: Affordable and diverse, with big box shopping and sprawling subdivisions.
- St. Clair Shores: Right on Lake St. Clair, with a strong boating and lakeside bar scene.
- Macomb Township & Shelby Township: Newer developments, parks, and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Macomb and the Northeast Suburbs to better understand whether this area is right for you.
Downriver – South of Detroit
What it’s like: A cluster of working-class and middle-class towns south of the city along the Detroit River. Lots of industrial history, blue-collar culture, and pride in being "Downriver." More affordable than Oakland and Macomb.
Why move here:
Pros:
- You want a house near the water
- A decent commute to Detroit or Dearborn
- A down-to-earth community.
- You value affordability and local pride.
Cons:
- Less polished, and some towns still feel post-industrial.
- Public schools and infrastructure vary.
Who lives here: Auto industry workers, nurses, teachers, young families, and retirees.
City highlights:
- Wyandotte: Cute, walkable downtown on the river with a small-town feel.
- Southgate & Taylor: Traditional postwar suburbs with good freeway access.
- Trenton: Quaint, riverside, and known for marinas and parks.
- Riverview & Allen Park: Affordable homes, neighborhood pride.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into the Downriver area to better understand whether this area is right for you.
Western Suburbs – Canton, Livonia, Northville, Novi
What it’s like: A mix of older and newer suburbs that span middle- and upper-middle-class lifestyles. Less tied to the east/west Detroit divide and more focused on convenience, schools, and proximity to Ann Arbor or the airport.
Why move here
Pros:
- You work in Ann Arbor or Detroit and want a good midway point.
- You like quiet, good schools, and want space but not rural life.
Cons:
- Feels very suburban
- If you want walkability or nightlife, you may feel isolated.
Who lives here: Families, especially Indian and Asian-American families (especially in Canton and Novi), and long-time Michiganders.
City highlights:
- Canton: Huge, diverse, good schools, and lots of parks.
- Northville: Quainter downtown, more upscale, historic vibe.
- Livonia: Solid schools, quiet streets, older homes, very middle-American.
- Novi: A shopping and dining hub, with lots of newer developments.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Detroit's Western Suburbs to better understand whether this area is right for you.
Dearborn & Surrounding Areas
What it’s like: The cultural heart of Arab-American life in the U.S., and one of the most diverse and vibrant places in Michigan. Anchored by Ford Motor Company HQ and a globally significant Middle Eastern food scene.
Why move here:
Pros
- You want diversity
- Walkable neighborhoods
- Strong community
- You work at Ford
- You like being close to the city without being in the city.
Cons:
- Some areas are still very suburban
- Housing stock can vary.
Who lives here: Arab-American families, Ford employees, and culturally curious newcomers.
City highlights:
- East Dearborn: More urban, densely Arab-American, with incredible food.
- West Dearborn: Quieter, more suburban, with bigger homes and better schools.
Ann Arbor Area (Bonus Region)
What it’s like: Technically not part of the Detroit Metro but often considered by commuters or remote workers. It’s a college town (home to the University of Michigan), culturally rich, politically progressive, and packed with green space.
Why move here:
Pros
- You want walkability, bookshops, breweries, or a more cosmopolitan but compact vibe.
- You work in higher ed, health care, or tech.
- The schools are excellent
Cons:
- Very expensive for Michigan.
- Traffic on US-23 and I-94 can be brutal.
Who lives here: Professors, families, startup folks, grad students, and cultural omnivores.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Ann Arbor to better understand whether this area is right for you.