Love it - 11/6/2023

Have lived in the area for over a year (suburb of Grosse Pointe), but I work in downtown Detroit. I'm amazed at how cool this city is. So much to do and see, tat we have barely scratched the surface. So much history, culture and beautiful architecture. We love it. Of course there are issues with any large city, but I feel like the positives outweigh the negatives. The drivers can be crazy, though. I feel like they make their own rules up every time they get behind the wheel. So...that is taking some getting used to. We've also started exploring the state of Michigan, and have to say we are impressed with the Mitten.

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Great city and great suburban areas - 7/5/2022

Spent some time in the city but lived in multiple suburban areas in the metro area. I lived in Farmington Hills, Novi, Birmingham, and Rochester. Really, all were great. Absolutely loved Birmingham. Spent some summers at the slow roll events in the city as well as multiple restaurants and sports events. Also attend a great Bible teaching(Strictly Biblical) ministry in the city. I just really enjoyed the entire area. Used to ride my bike in the Indian Village area of the city. Loved that area as well. I never felt unsafe but as with any city you have to be careful and watch out for your surroundings. Some pretty good restaurants are: Seldon Standard, Prime and proper, and Wright and Company. Originally moved to the area for work and now I moved again for work. My only downfall with the Midwest in general would be the weather. Come about mid-late October the temperature drops and the cloud cover blankets the area until early spring. That got old really fast. However, the Detroit area will always have a place in my heart.

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From A Black Woman’s Perspective... - 1/5/2021

Cold, unfriendly, envious people within the city limits. The unfriendliness can turn into aggression and sometimes even bullying. Crabs in a barrel reside here and the illiteracy rate is too high. One of the worst school systems in this country. This is NOT the place to be a free spirit. There is no diversity. You must conform to a stereotype, or be prepared to be a target. The weather is nice from June - September, but the rest of the year is like a freezer. There are various neighborhoods with only a few houses on the block and around various parts of the city, the grass looks as if it hasn’t been cut in years. Crime is high. Car insurance in this city itself is one of the highest in the country. The dating scene here is terrible. Majority of the men here only have a highschool diploma, maybe an associate degree. They are of the hood caliber. I gave an extra star because there is plenty of black culture here (with it being Motown) but it is simply not worth living in a slum. This is my hometown, but I plan on relocating to Phoenix by the end of this year and don’t plan on returning for quite some time.

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Nice city but not a lot of jobs. - 9/29/2020

I lived in Detroit for nine years – left in 2018, (also spent many childhood summers and weekends there). The city is on the rebound: That's a huge overstatement. The city isn't "coming back". Or if it is, it is coming back at a snail's pace. Most of the locals are getting pushed out of their neighborhoods because of gentrification. Downtown real estate is getting bought up quickly and a small studio apartment costs around $1200/month. I rented an 750 square foot house just off 8 Mile for $800/month in a poor neighborhood. So basically, you either have to live in the poor suburbs or poor inner city areas unless you come from wealth and can afford something better. Economy: With a college degree: Good, full-time jobs are extremely hard to find. I have a BFA in graphic design and could never find a full-time position. All I was ever able to get were freelance gigs, contract jobs, and staffing agency work in the range of $14-$18 per hour. So I ended up having to wait tables as a side hustle and usually made more money as a waitress than with my degree. Difficulty finding a fair paying full-time job was one of the main reasons I left Michigan. Economy: No college degree: There are factory jobs, they pay in the range of $14-$25 per hour. There are also service industry jobs, retail, hospitality jobs. But these don't pay a whole lot. Many of the restaurants in and around Detroit are pretty sketchy where the culture involves regular cocaine and/or alcohol use. Beware, I worked at a few restaurants in Ferndale/Royal Oak and a lot of people in these industries like to party on a steady basis. Neighborhoods: Like I said, most are on the poor side. I lived at 8 Mile and Dequidre/John R area and honestly never felt threatened in any way. I would ride my bike to work most evening/nights and weekends from where I lived to 9 mile/Woodward and generally never had any issues with anyone. Yes there are vagrants, homeless folks, and sometimes the occasional drug addict on the corner. But if you don't bother them, they typically don't bother you. However I don't recommend walking or riding your bike alone through the city at night unless it is a very well lit area with people and business nearby. Some of the inner city streets can be risky. Detroit's reputation for not being safe: I think this is an overly-exaggerated reputation. Like I said, I lived right on the outskirts of the city at Eight Mile and Dequidre/John R (in Hazel Park). But I never encountered any violent crime. Sure, I would occasionally hear about shootings in the city, but nothing that made its way into Oakland County. The only thing that did happen was in 2017 after living there for around several years my bike was stolen. I left it unchained laying in my front yard over night. Car insurance: This could affect you. Michigan car insurance in the highest in the nation. I had a clean driving record and for basic non liability plpd auto insurance my rate was $200/month. Car insurance price was another one of the main reasons why I left Michigan. People: People here are pretty down to earth , friendly, and easy going. I liked that it was a diverse culture. There is a Mexican district, Polish District, large Middle Eastern district, Black and White areas as well as mixed neighborhoods. Culture: There are plenty of things to do here. Music is a big part of Detroit culture. From Motown to Techno. There are several great music venues and amphitheaters. There are some malls – a really nice one in Troy called Somerset. There are theaters, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Museums, shops, etc in the Detroit downtown and surrounding suburbs. Detroit is a DIY kinda city. Sports: If you're into sporting events, midtown and downtown is home to the Lions, Redwings and Tigers. It's actually pretty pop'n down there during the on seasons. Architecture: There are many historic buildings that are beautiful to visit. Some Art Deco and Gothic style architecture worth checking out. Libraries: The Detroit Public Library near midtown, along Woodward is second largest in the state. Art Museums: Detroit has one of the best art museums in the world, the DIA. It's across from the Library. Food: Food could be better. But if you are willing to drive around you can find good Polish, Middle Eastern, and Mexican places. There are also some hipster and BBQ style joints but those aren't very good, imo. Events: There are festivals. There's the big Techno festival every spring (Movement, aka DEMF), Dally in the Alley, arts and craft festivals, and there is the Woodward Dream Cruise with all the classic cars in August. I hate the Dream Cruise but a lot of Boomers love it. Education: I can't comment on the school system since I don't have kids. But I did go to college in Detroit and there are several options for colleges and universities and trade schools. Weather: Pretty mild. The winters can get chilly and sometimes you get some snow fall but it's not bad and the summers are always pleasant. Landscape: Very urban, obviously. There aren't many parks. There is Belle Isle which is a big area for relaxing, kayaking, view of Canada, etc. Commuting: Most likely if you live in or around Detroit your average commute time will be around 30-40 minutes. Detroit's sprawl is large and vast. But the grid-like road structure makes getting around easy and intuitive. Cost of Living: Reasonably affordable. But without steady full-time work it can be challenging. I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff, but hopefully this helps. I left Detroit and the state of Michigan due to lack of job opportunities and good pay. But not everyone's journey is going to look like mine, so if you decide to move here, just make sure you have a solid job lined up ahead of time. Detroit has a lot of history and can be a lot of fun. And remember to be kind and keep an open mind.

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Detroit.rock.city - 3/30/2020

Detroit.is.awsome The.best.city.in.the.world Detroit.has.everything.you.want And.the.best.thing.about.detroit AFFORDABLE Detroit.is.the Friendly. Detroit.is.the.cjty Of.the. 21st.century Detroit.is.coming.back Better.than.ever

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The city squandered its great potential - 1/27/2020

Lived in the city through the 60s and 70s and 80s and still have family there so I'm back several times a year. They wasted the waterfront and finally put in a chintzy thing called Hart's Plaza that never felt inviting. Half of the city left and what remained was charmless and decrepit. They took care of nothing. Finally, when it was bankrupt and crime-ridden, the pizza guys came to the rescue followed by Quicken. They tried rebuilding downtown and a few brave souls opened little shops and stores. I hope it can recover but they never planned for anything other than auto manufacturing and those jobs and that industry are never coming back. They should be giving away property to tech firms and others that will hire the locals and rebuild the economy.

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Detroit is a Great city that needs to build! - 12/10/2019

I've lived in Detroit my entire 26 years of living, this city is rich with history and has a strong base of people, Detroit is at state where it's neutral between falling under or total rebuilding, the cost of living in Detroit is very affordable, the city is large in area , it's very easy to get around East to West, North to South. Detroit is also very vibrant and fun with Nightlife, Casinos, and Adult entertainment, it's multiple sports venues, there's multiple convenient restaurants, and convenient stores. Detroit is in urgency to build up and be in refurbishment, homes are going up for $1,000 bucks and in 6 months they must be Redeveloped and suitable for tenants, This city needs a percentage of perks from every city in America that has been booming , Detroit is in urgency to build population and employment establishment, Detroit has tooken a total change in 5 years in a blink an eye.

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Detroit - Strong City - 11/6/2019

Lots of things to do, there is always events to go to. Great job opportunities. Lots of large investment recently. Great food and bar scene. A great downtown feel. Riverfront is beautiful. It is cool to be in a city on an international border. When looking at the metro region, the area is a massive global economic powerhouse.

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Great people, not a lot of jobs - 6/26/2019

I live in Detroit (transplant from the Northland) and love a lot of things about the city, number one being the people. Although I am a minority here, I have always been treated with respect and almost always with immense kindness. The people of Detroit have been kicked around for generations, and they have developed a toughness that is remarkable to say the least. But they will talk to you on the street. People here are generally just awesome. That being said the gentrification is on. There are a lot of trendy (and fun) things happening in New Center, Midtown, Corktown, the Villages, and downtown. Gross Pointe and the border with Detroit as well. Up and coming areas such as the Avenue of Fashion and the State Fair Grounds will soon blur with trendy Ferndale just on the other side of 8 mile. People are being priced out to the proverbial ghettos of the city, which include the Northwest and Northeast corridors. Just not a lot happening in these areas, so the prices remain low for now. It's pretty crazy watching people who have lived in neighborhoods for generations being forced out of places in DETROIT, of all places. My dislikes: -The City Government is trash. Corruption, pandering to corporate elites, a crooked parking system, and immense lack of services. Police are the only part of the government getting any better. -The roads/infrastructure is in pretty bad shape, which makes traffic problems even though the city was designed for 1.5 million more people. -The suburbs aren't really my idea of "cool." People here think they live in the woods but I'm from the woods and am here to tell you, a .25 acre plot in a subdivision that has some trees isn't the woods! But Michigan really is a beautiful state, and these places are pretty in their own way. Just a lot of repetitive concrete and box stores, mixed with a few really cool parks/shops. -There really aren't that many jobs here considering the amount of people that live here. Just not diverse enough, still sucking the teat of the auto industry, and many of the better jobs are still with the Big 3. A lot of haves and have nots.

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Married with Children - 11/20/2018

With the exception of two years, I have lived in Detroit for 12 years. I have had challenges, but they were relatively trivial in the long run. I am married and have a 9 year old, 3 year old, and 1 year old. Detroit is a city that needs help, and where you can feel like you are making a positive impact.

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Hellhole - 9/2/2018

Not a fan of this place at all. There has never really been a time I was visiting here for anything good. Let's say I almost got murdered here twice, the place is scary and post apocalyptic is the best way I can describe it. I am happy I will never have to set foot in this city ever again. If your white not to be racist stay as far away from here as you can and if you ever do end up here for any reason not of your own choosing I hope and pray you live to see tomorrow. That is how bad and scary this place is.

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Renaissance Detroit - 12/5/2017

I see a lot of old comments on here that aren't as applicable now since the resurgence Detroit has and is going through these past few years. It's a really exciting time to be in Detroit and are we where we want to be yet? Nope not yet but we are definitely heading there. The life in downtown has change from night to day because of the investments companies are now pouring into the area. The outlying neighborhoods will slowly feel the effects of the investments getting poured into as it spills out slowly to any neighborhoods needing some TLC but it will take patience. I have friends and family who go down to Detroit on a regular basis and have also moved there in the past few years while the housing market in downtown is not as expensive as it will be in the years to come. The schooling districts are still in need of change but in order for prosperity to happen their needs to be jobs available for Detroiters within Detroit. Skill trade programs are being placed to make sure the workforce is there when the job appears. The food scene in Detroit is booming and has recently been placed in a ranking of best places to visit. www.detroitmovestheworld.com

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Been to worst places - 1/5/2017

I was born in Detroit. I was raised in Alaska. Detroit can't be worse than Fairbanks! It has been awhile since I've been there (2010). I live in a mobile home park that was bought by a company out of Farmington Hills, Michigan which I understand is in the Detroit area. This place is beginning to look like Detroit--things are run down and broken. Once was a nice place. OK I should write about the City of Detroit. Nice airport. I would like to go there and see a Tiger game but I am scared to go there so I don't know. As I recall it had to be the friendliest city I've been in.

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2 Detroits - 6/30/2016

There are so many disparaging remarks here about Detroit--I feel I must step in. Let's not be redundant, people, and add to all the trash-talk rhetoric. That's the equivalent of being the middle-school bully whose favorite target is the poor, obese, or intellectually-impaired kid. Anyone who reads knows Detroit has taken it on the chin like a punch from Joe Lewis. And we know about decades of corupt government, the lack of industrial diversification, white flight, etc. That's old news. There's plenty to love about Detroi& not just ruin porn, people! Ask the droves of creative young folk from Brooklyn and Portland and the like--who moved to the "D" for its creative vibe, its can-do attitude, and above all--the affordability of fabulous loft space. The problem is, there are 2 Detroits. There are the oppressively crime-gripped neighborhoods with no way out, and there is the central business district with boat-tons of investment underway. My kids treated me to Mother's Day weekend in Detroit. I couldn't get over the price tag on the hotel room, the world-class fabulosity of Shinola, the murals and intrigue abundant in Eastern Market. Frankly, this middle-aged ol' gal now living 100 miles "Up North" wants to move back. The thing is--brilliant public servants must envision a future for Detroit that favors all Detroiters--not just the Corktown hipsters.

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Percentage of residents with less than 9th grade e - 1/3/2015

I think American factfinder is right because 6.4% of residents have less than 9th grade education in 2013.

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Not worth the depression - 7/11/2014

Detroit is its own little hell! Not enough cops, ambulances. No money! no water! Everything is burnt down and dilapidated. there are no street lights, which makes everything dangerous. You know your entering the city when you go from street lights and clean empty streets at night to dark dirty streets with drug addicts and prostitutes crawling all over the streets like cockroaches. There is nothing for the youth to do, all the play grounds are hidden with 6 feet tall grass. The houses are all burnt down. When you try to fix the homes up, thieves come in and take everything worth a buck, so there is no trying to fix up the city. Don't wear name brand shoes, jeans, sunglasses, iphone or even your vehicle you could be held up at gunpoint to give up your possesions. If you have children in your car and you are carjacked you may be able to save your children if the gunman will allow you to get your children out before they take off in your vehicle, you can be carjacked in mcdonalds drive thru, the atm, or at a red light. chances are if you are male you are going to be shot by another male. women and children are now becoming part of this nonsense. If you dare cut your grass watch your back you could be shot at or killed. I don't know what is wrong with these people but ive never hated living somewhere so much! The blacks hate white people, there has been a lot of beatings of white people. Do not come here to raise a family, there are no schools, corrupt city officials, corrupt anybody pretty much, greed has gotten the best of everyone around here. Its really a sad and dirty depressing city to live in. I am now getting ready to move out of state, I've just had enough of this place, no one is friendly, everyone is stressed out and sick of this place too! even the worst cities in the united states couldn't be as bad as here and im ready to move on! Detroit isn't call DETOILET FOR NOTHING. its full of Sh#t.

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law enforcement - 5/6/2014

6 years as united states infantryman at the rank of sergant

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Terrible place to live - 8/30/2013

DET is a high stress environment. The city looks terrible to say the least. The only areas that look decent and that seem to be gaining any investment are those close to downtown where everything is. The city services are almost null, schools closed everywhere, lots of gun shots all night throughout the city nightly, pitbulls EVERYWHERE, this generation of 20 and 30 somethings have no respect, no consideration, low morals. They absolutely cannot drive in this city. A high percentage of Detroit is made up of burned down homes and businesses. It truly looks like a ghetto. It's a depressing place to live unless you're used to and/or don't mind this kind of environment. I'm moving out of Wayne county asap! I don't care what they say about Detroit's potential comeback; I'm not sold!

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Detroit has passed the point of Decline - 12/31/2012

I was born and raised in Detroit. At times, I think I'd like to move back there, but I just can't risk my life to do it. It seems to have passed the point of decline and is now an example of Hell on earth. Crime drove me away and crime keeps me away. Detroit is not just a city of buildings, it's a city of people. And, until the people stop electing corrupt politicians and seeing the thug/drug culture as source of pride (instead of a source of shame and horror), Detroit will not survive. It will continue down the path of becoming a ghost town with no one left but the criminals and the poor children born into that culture. It is up to the people who remain to change it and to show the rest of us who would like to return to be able to do so with some sense of personal safety. This year when the police actually admitted that they are filled with fear as well as the rest of us and that any one entering Detroit did so at their own risk, was just the icing on the cake. Clean up your politicians and your streets. Make it a safe place to live and your economy will turn around as residents return to contribute to your tax base and contribute to a future for your children. If you don't do it for any other reason, do it for the children.

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Feels like a ghost town... - 10/22/2012

When I first arrived in Detroit a few months ago, entering northbound from 75, I felt as if I was in some post apocalypse city. Driving through the streets was so surreal that first time. I remember the scene: giant pot holes, trash tumbling around like tumbleweeds in an old western ghost town, run down buildings with no windows and graffiti everywhere. All the traffic lights were flashing instead of operating as if there were traffic. I wouldn't have been surprised if I saw some armored gorillas on horseback... Eh, other than all that, it's not TOO bad. Everything you hear about the city is negative but it's denizens are very proud of Detroit. Not in an in-your-face bragging kinda way, as some Texans tend do be about their hometowns, but almost as if they were defending a family member or a friend. That's nice and all but there's not really much to defend. The place is still a ghost town. Nothing to eat unless you like Greek food, pizza, or "Coney islands": small diner-type places that offer typical diner fare along with some Greek food. Pizza, hotdogs and gryos get old. Fast. One good thing food-wise is that Michigan has a lot to offer to the beer lover. There's Detroit Beer Company which is brewpub with some devent beers but awful food but my personal favorite is Jacoby's Biergarten, they have a few local brews along with a variety of German and European beers and good food. And the staff is friendly and awesome. Overall, not AS BAD as you may have heard but not much better.

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