Relocating and need advice... (Detroit, Ann Arbor: real estate, property taxes, military)

[twise072382]

My husband and I may be relocating to Detroit because he is in the military. I have been looking at the area and like Indian Village and Rosedale Park, but am concerned of the crime. We do not have any children and are in our mid 20's so we do not have schools to worry about, but live more of an uban life style. Most of the advice I have read is move to the suburbs or anything below 8 mile with in regards to people who have children. Where are decent areas that have a more urban feel (if there are any)?

Thanks for your comments and advice

[Coldjensens]

Royal Oak seems to be the place for the younger set. Hamtrammack is lively and fun, but not as safe and clean.

If you stand the commute, Ann Arbor is awesome.

[The Icy River Vagabond]

Maybe you want to be a little closer to selfridge??? Mt. Clemons is nice.

[DestinationSeattle]

Livonia is a safe area, although it's not as urban-ish as you might like.

[Dexterguy]

Are you only interested in the nice areas of Detroit or do you also like the Suburbs?

[twise072382]

Which would you suggest for a couple that would like to live in a safe area with an urban feel? I am not opposed to suburbs or the city, I just do not want to live in "leave it to beaver land" until I have kids. (No offense)
I am kind of scared to move to Detroit because of the repuation and the crime. What would you suggest?

[The Icy River Vagabond]

I think that it is pretty easy to make up your mind to not live in the city of Detroit after one visit, any of the near by suburbs will offer an urban feel. My two favorites are Ferndale, it borders Detroit to the North and Pontaic, About 10 miles North. Many people don't like Pontiac for the same reasons that they don't like Detroit, but it is a lot safer.

[MiamiU08]

I would suggest you check out Royal Oak and Birmingham, with an emphasis on Royal Oak. The main strip in Royal Oak is very active and happening, with a "small-scale urban" appeal. The age group near the downtown area is also in your set - mid twenties to mid thirties. Check out the Royal Oak article on Wikipedia to get a good idea of what is available there. Birmingham would offer a similar experience, but the age group is slightly higher and real estate is more expensive. Also, Birmingham tends to attract a "snootier" crowd, and that can turn some people off.

Good luck with your move and your decision!! Please keep us up-to-date on where you settle!

[Dexterguy]

Birmingham real estate is very high on the land, and taxes are well up there. You can get good deals though. Royal Oak I would suggest more so, less expense and it still is a great safe community. If you are still interested in the nice areas of Detroit check into The Indian Village neighborhood were houses are pretty, and well priced for the area. Also you can look into Rosedale Park, that is also a well kept up area with nice homes.

[Cato the Elder]

Even Royal Oak can get a little pricey. Ferndale real estate is cheaper, but the property taxes are actually higher than RO.

A good darkhorse candidate is Clawson. It can be a little too strip-mally in some areas, but there is a downtown and both housing costs and taxes are reasonable. Most importantly, in my opinion, it has a fantastic location. You can easily get to RO, Birmingham, I-75, Troy, etc.