Relocating to metro Detroit. Help. (Livonia, Westland: apartments, rental homes, loft)

[mrthemike]

Hey guys,

I've accepted a job with GM. I will be working at the RenCen in Detroit. Now comes the fun part, finding a place to live. I (25 y.o.) am moving here with my girlfriend and her 5 year old. I don't want to spend more than 1500ish per month for rent.

Here is a quick run down of what I am looking for (in not particular order):

-Semi-decent commute to Detroit (an hour would be pushing it)
-Very good schools
-Ice hockey rink in the area (little one plays, as do I)
-SAFE community!!
-Pet friendly parks
-Outdoor activities in the area (some (mountain??) bike trails, etc..)

Any suggestions? I start on Aug 1.

[cardwellave]

Westland, Garden City, Livonia, Allen Park, southern Lincoln Park, Riverview, Trenton, Southgate, parts of Redford, Ferndale would all be affordable nice options.

More ritzy options would be Troy, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, the Grosse Pointes.

[iamweasel]

Originally Posted by cardwellave

Westland, Garden City, Livonia, Allen Park, southern Lincoln Park, Riverview, Trenton, Southgate, parts of Redford, Ferndale would all be affordable nice options.

More ritzy options would be Troy, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, the Grosse Pointes.

Are you nuts? The guy said he wanted very good schools. That requirement alone would eliminate Westland, Garden City, Allen Park, and any other downriver community IMO.

If I had to work downtown I'd choose one of the following:

Royal Oak/Huntington Woods
Franklin/Beverly Hills
Troy
Novi
Northville
Farmington
Livonia
Plymouth
Canton

[kimba01]

Royal Oak would be good for your price range and the things you are looking for. They do have a hockey arena, the commute is not bad, great family neighborhoods, trendy downtown area, schools are good, lots of parks, some dog parks.

Wouldn't really go Ferndale due to schools. Elementary are decent but beyond that-not so much.

Livonia, Plymouth and Canton are all good too.

[mrthemike]

Thanks for the tips. I've been looking at apartments and they all look kinda run down and "old". Any suggestions on where to look for townhomes or apartments in my price range?

[MICoastieMom]

Originally Posted by iamweasel

Are you nuts? The guy said he wanted very good schools. That requirement alone would eliminate Westland, Garden City, Allen Park, and any other downriver community IMO.

And what personal knowlegde have you of Downriver schools or communitites? I have worked at all levels in two different districts and my children attend a third. If they are so terrible how is it that so many Michigan Teachers of the Year and Principals of the Year have been awarded to Southgate and surrounding communities?

[kimba01]

Originally Posted by mrthemike

Thanks for the tips. I've been looking at apartments and they all look kinda run down and "old". Any suggestions on where to look for townhomes or apartments in my price range?

$1500. should get you a darn nice place. That can get you a nice house! My daughter just rented a loft in Royal Oak for $700. a month and it was decent. Not what you would be looking for, but my point is that given that price range you should be able to do well. Have you looked at realtor.com in the rental section? Just pop in the city you are searching in and the price range and you should come up with some nice ones.

[mrthemike]

Originally Posted by kimba01

$1500. should get you a darn nice place. That can get you a nice house! My daughter just rented a loft in Royal Oak for $700. a month and it was decent. Not what you would be looking for, but my point is that given that price range you should be able to do well. Have you looked at realtor.com in the rental section? Just pop in the city you are searching in and the price range and you should come up with some nice ones.

Thanks i'll give it a try.

[GinaJ]

I am not as familiar with Royal oak but what about Birmingham? They have very good schools and is close to a lot of things. Have you checked craigslist for a possible home rental? I know of some nice apts in Farmington Hills or West Bloomfield. Some with vaulted ceilings and garages for I think 900. I would get an apartment guide too and or even drive around. You would be suprised at some rental homes how reasonable they are in good areas.

[mrthemike]

It's tough because I am doing all this from Florida. But thanks everyone for the input, i've found some good places.