Is Grosse Pointe still an ideal place for relocation?

[Twehttam]

Cato, I don't travel to/from the R.O. area but I will add that it takes me about 10-15 minutes to get from GPF to downtown. I don't think the distance to the R.O. area would turn me off; as you said, it's really not that far. But, my wife and I are either in downtown (or the immediate area) 3-5X per week. There are quite a few fun places to be for a younger couple (us) to enjoy, such as bars, restaurants and the casinos. We also do belong to the Y, which is just a few years old and an excellent facility.

When I first moved back I did commute to Ann Arbor, and that was rough. I'll also confirm it's a good 45-ish miles and about an hour ride (depending upon when you're leaving, etc). Wait until gas gets back up to $3+ (and it will). I was spending ~$400/mo in gas simply driving to/from work.

[tudorhouse]

When reading your comments, it sounds like Birmingham is the right fit for you. We, too, were torn between the two communities, and we chose Grosse Pointe Park. We love it here -- I've never loved living anywhere else more. It's like "Mayberry" -- and, at least in our neighborhood, people get together often and are close. But...you have to follow your heart and go with what feels right. Good luck to you, and welcome to Michigan.

[PurdueGal09]

Why so bitter? This guy is asking a genuine question about where to live and people just start off with the negative stereotypes, drives me crazy!

GuyFromChicago – I found your post to be too ironic. I’m a born and raised Grosse Pointer, now living in Lincoln Park Chicago (to your worldly travels- I’ve also lived in Florence and Paris!).

I think Grosse Pointe will forever be a great place to raise a family. The parks are amazing, out door activities are abundant, waterfront is priceless, people are VERY friendly, and well educated. A majority of the social events are taking place at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and Country Club. I’m sure both places are offering exceptional deals to join, they need the money. The Grosse Pointe Yacht Club is a little more affordable and has sooo much going on (especially if you have children sailing and swim teams are a super easy way to get you children out and meeting new friends). Don’t be fooled by MEAP scores, Grosse Pointe public schools are very very reputable (bear in mind Grosse Pointe South High School is ranked much higher than Grosse Pointe North in academics). I could go on and on. My suggestion would be to buy a place now in Grosse Pointe and see a good ROI in a few years or more. As for the other cities Birmingham is great (schools, social etc, plus it’s a little more on the trendy side). Bloomfield is great as well, similar to Birmingham.

’d be happy to talk to you in depth about the benefits of Grosse Pointe.

Cheers!

[domodomo]

Hey - corresponded with you via this board several months ago on your housing area choice, just curious - what did you end up doing? Thanks

[US-Traveller]

I like the Grosse Pointe areas, but I think I would prefer to look somewhere in Oakland County. Oakland County is less reliant on the Automobile industry and organizations based out of Downtown Detroit.

There was recently an article in the New York Times or Wall Street Journal discussing the drastic decline of the Grosse Pointe area. Oakland County real estate is significantly more expensive and is more suburban, but I prefer it to Grosse Pointe.

[tudorhouse]

Friends of ours down the street were recently transferred. They have lived in numerous places around the country because his work calls for frequent relocation. Before leaving, the woman said to me, "We're really going to miss it here. There's no place like this...anywhere." It's certainly special. I remember one afternoon I found a stray dog. I placed the dog in my yard and called the city. A police officer came to my home; picked up the dog; took the dog to the local shelter; and then came back to my house to make sure I got my leash back. Just another example of why I enjoy living here.

[Osito57]

The Pointes are still nice, but I would look to Oakland County first. Why?

1. Home values have stayed stronger over time
2. Closer to most employment centers
3. Far more shops, restaurants, and things to do (Somerset, Birmingham, Cranbrook, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Zoo, etc.)

The Pointes are still nice though. But I would go with Oakland County.

If you do choose Grosse Pointe, and want your children to go to public schools, go with GP South, NOT North. North is not what it once was. It draws from Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe Woods, both of which aren't as nice as they once were.

GP South is still excellent.

[Vicman]

Originally Posted by Osito57

North is not what it once was. It draws from Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe Woods, both of which aren't as nice as they once were.

GP South is still excellent.

What happened to GP north?

[Osito57]

^
Lots of white flight in neighborhoods feeding into GP North, especially in Harper Woods, but also somewhat in GP Woods.

GP North is still decent, but South is MUCH better nowadays.