Detroit, A great place for young urbanites.
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4/3/2007
Metro Detroit is defiantly somewhere to consider if you’re attracted to cities like Chicago or Toronto, but don’t have the income to afford reasonable housing in those markets. The city of Detroit probably isn’t the best place to move for newcomers. I would recommend Detroit inner ring suburbs such as Ferndale, Dearborn, Royal Oak, or Southfield. These suburbs are fairly stable markets with many big city amenities and a very urban atmosphere. Detroit is currently working on a light rail system that will connect Detroit to many of its suburbs, Similar to Chicago.
When many people think of Detroit they envision urban blight and decay. This is true to some extent; however the landscape of Detroit is quickly starting to change. For the first time in over 60 years the city of Detroit is experiencing a higher percentage of new development then the surrounding suburbs. Downtown Detroit is also becoming a very viable area of the city to live, along with other intercity neighborhoods such as Corktown, Midtown, New Center, Mexicantown/Hubbard-Richard, and the East waterfront. Many of these now viable neighborhoods wouldn’t have crossed people’s minds as options a decade ago.
Many of Detroit’s neighborhoods boast some of the countries best architecture. The neighborhoods of Indian Village (on Detroit’s east side) and Palmer Woods (on Detroit’s northwest side) are truly remarkable. Homes in Indian Village range in architectural style, however many were designed by some of the 19th and 20th centuries premiere architects. Homes in this neighborhood range in price from $300,000 to over $1,000,000, however the average home in this neighborhood is about $450,000. Another elegant neighborhood in the city you may want to consider is Palmer Woods. This neighborhood ranges in price from $500,000 to $2,000,000+. The average home in this neighborhood can be purchased for about $650,000. Homes in these two neighborhoods could easily be double to triple the price in Chicago.
Detroit is also a haven to a large art scene. Detroit has always been a low key place for artists. Lofts are plentiful and rent for a fraction of what they would in other large comparable US cities. Artist’s live throughout the city, but have been very instrumental in the rebirth of the Midtown, Downtown, and Corktown areas. If you’re looking to rub shoulders with up and coming artists you may consider living in the Eastern Market neighborhood (adjacent to the east end of downtown Detroit). T
Abhd | Allen Park, MI