my job is moving to Southfield--need advise (Detroit, Livonia: for sale, apartments)

[Trevor08]

I may be moving from Connecticut to Southfield (job relocation) and have been looking online at realtor.com for rentals and possibly a purchase of a condo. I like what I've seen so far in Royal Oak, but was wondering if Southfield is a bad place to live--I haven't heard a whole lot of positive comments about it. Specifically I was interested in 5000 Town Center- I live in a high rise now and I really like it. Does anyone have any info on the building?

[Dexterguy]

Originally Posted by Trevor08

I may be moving from Connecticut to Southfield (job relocation) and have been looking online at realtor.com for rentals and possibly a purchase of a condo. I like what I've seen so far in Royal Oak, but was wondering if Southfield is a bad place to live--I haven't heard a whole lot of positive comments about it. Specifically I was interested in 5000 Town Center- I live in a high rise now and I really like it. Does anyone have any info on the building?

Welcome to 5000 Town Center
I'm sure that you have already looked at their website, but if not, here it is. I have never been in the tower my self, but have driven past it dozens of times.

Southfield as a city is not the best, I would much rather go with Royal Oak. Royal Oak feels more like a community with a great downtown and many housing areas to choose from including homes, condos, apartments, and they have even just finished building a new highrise in downtown Royal Oak called the Skylofts of Royal Oak, here is a website if you are interested:
Skylofts Royal Oak Michigan High Rise Condos for Sale

Honestly speaking as someone who knows the Detroit Metro area very well, I would not buy a house, condo, apartment, etc. in Southfield. I have heard some really bad stories before about Southfield apartments, not about the specific one you mentioned though.

I hope this gets your search started and hopefully welcome to Michigan!

[Coldjensens]

If you are young, Royal Oak makes sense. Maybe Hamtramak or Ferndale if you are adventurous, but Royal Oak is awesome. If you have kids look further north and West. Most of the communities in that area are high end and have excellent schools. If you want small town/rural atmosphere. try outside of Northville, South Lyon or Lyon Township (bit of a drive, but nice places with great schools).

[BabyFly]

If I was you I would try and find a foreclosure condo....you can find a good deal in MI right now. Southfield is ok, low crime midle class but no night life. Royal Oak has more bars and a bit of a night life!

[Bhaalspawn]

You should know that Southfield is a predominantly black community today, which may or may not be important to you. (About thirty years ago it was mostly white until a white flight occurred in the Eighties.) If you're looking for solid middle to upper middle class predominantly white neighborhoods, I suggest looking in the northwestern suburbs (and the lakes country) which aren't very far from Southfield. Try Farmington Hills, Novi, Northville, Walled Lake, Commerce Township, West Bloomfield, and Bloomfield Hills. You might also consider Livonia thought it isn't as upscale as those other communities.

[DaniellaG]

Hi. I live in Famington Hills but grew up in the Birmingham/West Bloomfield area which are family and well off areas. To me Southfield is not safe and I would never buy housing in that area especially for resale issues nor would I want my children going to Southfield schools. I often go to Southfield for appointments I have and my mom used to work in the area. I feel it is very congested because of so many office buildings and also not the safest area at night. I am not sure your price range and am not sure the price of these as I didn't look. In general I am not big on high rise complexes. It would be one thing if we were in New York but here another. Royal Oak is a younger feel with more to do like clubs,restaurants and shops but still an easy commute. The issue I had with RO is that I am noise sensitive and many trains travel through there and in cities like Novi/Northville/Plymouth.

[Trevor08]

Wow- Thanks everyone for all the info!! This is probably really premature to be talking about moving, but Southfield is where my job is going to if I choose to follow it. 5000 Town Center looks great but those condos have been on the market for months--I figure it's the bad economy-but wonder if it's anything else. I'm still leaning toward Royal Oak--it appears to be a bit more lively. The taxes seem to be outrageously high though- (i.e Skyloft) Also what are winter or summer taxes?? That's something we don't have in CT. I was also thinking about downtown Detroit one of the high rises on the river, 300 Riverfront Drive? DaniellaG, it's funny you mentioned the trains keeping you awake--I used to live across the street from the train station in Hartford, CT- and found the train sounds kind of soothing--the bars on that street were really noisy though--I hope if I choose to live in downtown Royal Oak it's not too noisy wnen the bars close like it was in Hartford

[DaniellaG]

Are you planning on visiting before you move to see or just making the move? I would really drive around the RO area and see how close you are to trains,bars,etc. To me quiet is very important but everyone is different. I feel worse about Detroit then I do about Southfield. I know those lofts on the water are supposed to be lovely and I know a few people who moved there from the West Bloomfield area but still the area around the lofts like going to the store or just getting to and from is not very safe in my eyes. I go to the Fox or Masonic and that is ok but to live near there no thanks. I am not sure on taxes. I do wonder if you can afford it why are you picking high rise buildings? Like I said I know everyone is diferent but would you not like a home that is private with your own yard and not to have neighbors on top of you?I know there are some great deals on homes and any of the areas I suggested are not to bad of a commute to Southfield. Good luck in your choice

[Trevor08]

I would definitely visit before making any decision. I prefer high-rise living. The building I live in is very private. My unit is bright and sunny and has an incredible view that I would never get in a single family house. I have a big terrace I grow vegetables on in the summer. I don't have to mow grass shovel or plow snow- there's a great pool and the building has underground parking and 24 hr security.
I grew up in the country, and it was nice but this is just a better fit for me now.
As you said everyone is different.
Thanks again-- I appreciate all your help.

[charleee]

Hi,
You are better off looking in Royal Oak,Birmingham or even the Novi area. Our highways are great here and we travel at 70mph. What is your age?