So I'm Moving To Detroit (Dearborn, Westland: 2009, apartments, rent)

[Paddington]

I just got my residency match results, and I will be moving to Detroit for a 3 year position in 2009. I will be working at DMC downtown. I'm a little bummed out, not because I hate Detroit, but just because I was looking to get out of the Midwest. I'm from Toledo, so I've been to Detroit a lot.

Anyway, what are some good spots for a young professional making $40K to live? I've heard good things about Royal Oak. Is it possible to get a brand new place there, because I have terrible indoor allergies. What are some other good places with a reasonable commute to downtown and a good crowd?

[cardwellave]

I dunno how much house you could get for 40k a year in Royal Oak. Especially in a new house. I know that's the same range as is brought into my household, and we make a comfortable living in Dearborn Heights. I wouldn't recommend DH however, though I would recommend Garden City or Westland. Garden City's downtown is getting more active all the time, but for a very active downtown, look to Wyandotte or Ferndale. Sorta like mini Royal Oaks, yet more working class and cheaper.

Good luck!

[Cato the Elder]

Reasonable commute + fun crowd = downtown Detroit, Royal Oak, or Ferndale.

For the closest thing to "big city" life, I would live in downtown Detroit. The main downside is grocery shopping, but most residents I know don't cook too much.

Ferndale is fun in a funky Castro/Haight-Ashbury way.

Royal Oak is sort of like a satellite downtown to Detroit - some of the glitz and big-city life but in smaller, safer, more packaged version.

As long as you're renting, you won't have any trouble finding a decent place making $40k. Buying will be pretty tough.

[Paddington]

No way in hell would I ever buy a place in the Midwest. I'm losing $20K on a condo I bought here in Columbus.

[cardwellave]

Then I think Ferndale or Royal Oak renting is calling your name.

[deslok]

Rent right downtown and have some fun. Why waste money buying? Just relax, get an apartment where you live, ditch your car, and bring up the IQ of the Detroit residents a bit.
Otherwise, Royal Oak is ok for a suburb.

[detshen]

Originally Posted by Cato the Elder

Reasonable commute + fun crowd = downtown Detroit, Royal Oak, or Ferndale.

For the closest thing to "big city" life, I would live in downtown Detroit. The main downside is grocery shopping, but most residents I know don't cook too much.

Ferndale is fun in a funky Castro/Haight-Ashbury way.

Royal Oak is sort of like a satellite downtown to Detroit - some of the glitz and big-city life but in smaller, safer, more packaged version.

As long as you're renting, you won't have any trouble finding a decent place making $40k. Buying will be pretty tough.

These are the areas I would recommend as well. I included a link about grocery stores. I never understood the feeling that you had to go to the suburbs to get groceries. Detroit lacks chain stores, but many younger people don't like those stores anyway. The city has plenty of interesting independent places to shop. I have often shopped at stores in Mexicantown and just east of downtown is Harbortown Market, they have specialty yuppie type products as well as regular groceries. Of course there is eastern market.

Model D - Great Groceries

[Cato the Elder]

Originally Posted by Acupunk

These are the areas I would recommend as well. I included a link about grocery stores. I never understood the feeling that you had to go to the suburbs to get groceries. Detroit lacks chain stores, but many younger people don't like those stores anyway. The city has plenty of interesting independent places to shop. I have often shopped at stores in Mexicantown and just east of downtown is Harbortown Market, they have specialty yuppie type products as well as regular groceries. Of course there is eastern market.

Model D - Great Groceries

Ah, but is there a decent place to grocery shop downtown so you don't need a car? Doesn't matter if the store is within the city boundaries or not if you have to drive to it.

Even better yet, how about a grocery that delivers for free - plenty of these in Boston, NY, Chicago, and even places like Philadelphia now. Another plus would be a car share program for runs to Home Depot or a leisure trip out of town. I'm sure Detroit will get these things once enough people move downtown.

[detshen]

Originally Posted by Cato the Elder

Ah, but is there a decent place to grocery shop downtown so you don't need a car? Doesn't matter if the store is within the city boundaries or not if you have to drive to it.

Even better yet, how about a grocery that delivers for free - plenty of these in Boston, NY, Chicago, and even places like Philadelphia now. Another plus would be a car share program for runs to Home Depot or a leisure trip out of town. I'm sure Detroit will get these things once enough people move downtown.

Well, this is Detroit, a car is generally a necessity. City dwellers and suburbanites have to drive to grocery shop unless you happen to live right next to a store. I did hear they were going to put a store in one of the buildings downtown so maybe we will get real city life soon.

[detshen]

Originally Posted by usroute10

Please consider downtown and "midtown" detroit. Not Royal Oak.

For newer buildings try the Riverfront apartments and the Millender center apartments if you want to live in a newer building downtown.


I was searching on the internet, and I found this guy's webpage. It describes 5 apartment buildings in the downtown area that he toured. It includes interior and exterior pictures.
Detroit Riverfront Apartments

I used to live at "The River Place" apartments. The apts are very nice, 18 foot wood beam ceilings, 8 foot windows and exposed brick. The pictures don't do the place justice because you can't see the ceilings which are so dramatic. My apartment had a decent river view, and now with the riverwalk there is a nice place to walk outside.