Need advice on Detroit historic neighborhoods (Grosse Ile, Grosse Pointe: estate, insurance, for sale)

[DrStrangelove]

I've been to Detroit a few times in the past year and visited some of its historic neighborhoods such as Indian Village, Boston-Edison, and Palmer Woods, seeing some properties for sale on my last trip. I'm an architecture buff and loved the old mansions, so much so that I've toyed with the idea of buying one. Are any of these areas even somewhat safe? Would you feel comfortable walking there during the day, or after dark? The area surrounding Indian Village, which is itself fairly small, seemed very dicey. I was most interested in Boston-Edison and Palmer Woods, which superficially "felt" better, especially Palmer Woods. I spoke with several residents, who loved their neighborhoods, and said that there was a fair amount of property crime - unattended property gets stolen and an occasional break-in - but they hadn't experienced muggings, murders, or violent crime. What I liked were the homes and their (to an outsider) ludicrously low prices, the people I met, and the sense of community in these areas. My background: 53, white, currently living in western PA, mainly work over the web so I wouldn't need a local job, married and have a 19 yr. son living with us. Might live 50/50 MI/PA. Am I nuts to consider this? Also, I gather Grosse Point has many similar homes and is safe, but the mansions there might be out of my price range. I welcome your comments.

[and the]

but they hadn't experienced muggings, murders, or violent crime.

Those houses are priced cheap for a reason. Before you buy, check out what your taxes will be when the house is reassessed and your taxes recalculated after you buy it. Sherwood Forest is OK because you can just go north on Woodward to shop, get gas, etc...

[DrStrangelove]

Thanks for the advice. I'll see what I can find out about taxes... and insurance. Can anyone give me some info on the relative safety (or lack thereof) of these neighborhoods, specifically Boston-Edison, Palmer Woods, and Indian Village? Also, what are the surrounding areas like? I'd especially appreciate comments from someone who has lived in these neighborhoods. Thanks.

[DrStrangelove]

Anyone else have any info? I'd particularly appreciate feedback on the Boston-Edison neighborhood as there are some houses there that interest me and its close to one of the major highways.

[Coldjensens]

My Brother knows a lot about those areas. We looked at them too but we have children. Detroit is not a place for Children. Look at Grosse Pointe and Grosse Ile as well.

[jonjj]

Drstrangelove, All of those neighborhoods you mentioned are fine with great homes. The issue would be the surrounding areas around them. I don't like that insuler feeling I get when I feel locked into a place. If I picked one to live, it would be Indian Village soley because of it's proximity to downtown and the waterfront.

[MsJax313Atl]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

Detroit is not a place for Children.

That is a horrible statement to make. There are plenty of "child/family friendly" areas in Detroit. However, I must say that while the Boston/Edison and Indian Village areas are full of beautiful historic homes; they may not be that safe. I hate to make a general statement about any area as good and bad can be found in both. The surrounding neighborhoods are not that appealing. There is much blight surrounding both areas. The Indian Village residents have a neighborhood association; they watch for criminal activity and also keep the neighbors informed on community events and activities.
Palmer Woods is great but not as easily accessible. What about Rosedale Park which is on the northwest side of Detroit. I find Northwest Detroit to be more appealing than others areas. Best of luck to you.

[DrStrangelove]

Thanks very much for your advice....I certainly would have to think twice (OK, maybe more than twice) about these areas, which is too bad, as the homes there are terrific. I've been to many cities and there are few with this number of architecturally significant houses. For example in Pittsburgh, which was also once a very wealthy industrial city, many of the most elaborate mansions, including the Mellon, Heinz, and Jones estates were razed. If Detroit ever makes a resurgence, these would be wonderful areas to live...but then again if that ever happens, they probably would become very pricy.
I have never been to Rosedale Park. I'm hoping to get to Detroit for the auto show in Jan. and perhaps could check it out then.

[illmatic774]

Honest to God, I wouldn't think you'd have too much problems in Indian Village. That neighborhood is surround by the river, West Village to the West (middle-working class), and some poorer hoods to the north and east. Personally I believe the poorer hoods are more abandoned than crime infested, and that they look worse than what they really are.

Palmer Woods and Sherwood Forest I can't imagine any problem at all. Literally. The streets are always patrolled and have neighborhood associations, just like Joseph Berry and Indian Village.

Give the place a try

[and the]

That is a horrible statement to make. There are plenty of "child/family friendly" areas in Detroit.

The truth can be horrible sometimes. Name one neighborhood in Detroit where a responsible parent would let their 6 year-old ride her bike around the block out of sight of home. Name one neighborhood where you'd let your 10 year-old run around the neighborhood in a 5 block radius after dark. "Child friendly"? In Detroit? No such neighborhood.