Which Detroit suburbs are in the BEST shape? (Farmington Hills, Canton: renting, condos)

[hemmie]

As a counterpoint to the other thread, which suburbs are best positioned to weather the current crisis? I'm sure this has been covered piecemeal by other threads but not directly. I'm thinking tax-revenue-wise as it pertains to school districts, safety (police-force), parks, downtown businesses, and other infrastructure that residents enjoy now and will enjoy 5-10 years from now.

And I'm talking about true Detroit suburbs where people live but can still commute to Detroit for work.

Thank you!

[fmax]

Hemmie,

Why are you asking this?

Stay out of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties. You should be fine.

[hemmie]

fmax, because I'm moving to the Detroit area. I don't want to get into an argument about whether or not I SHOULD move there. I AM moving there with my family. My husband IS going to be working at Wayne State. He will not commute more than 45 minutes, so living outside of these counties is not an option.

Thank you.

[missysimp]

IMO, Wayne county, south of Detroit known as "Downriver" has some nice areas you could look at and still only have a small commute. I lived in Brownstown Twp. for several years and I loved it. Also New Boston is nice. Both of these spots have rural area to them, I am not sure if you are looking at rural or more city??

What exactly are you looking for??

If I were you, I would stay SOUTH of Detroit.

[fmax]

Hemmie,

How long will y'all be here? Are you considering buying or renting? What type of an area are you coming from?

We are experiencing a tax base collapse here. 5 to 10 years is a long, long away.

[hemmie]

Sorry, perhaps I should have started with the fact that I have already posted a lengthy thread on my personal situation here.

I was more interested in hearing more about some of what was being posted on the "worst shape" thread but didn't want to take it over. I'd like to hear opinions about what of the wealthier suburbs/townships HAVE been more forward thinking in diversifying their economic positions. I thought it was interesting to hear about the supplier that was looking outside the auto industry, for example.

I know EVERYONE is being affected by this recession - even lawyers, doctors, etc. But what are people's thoughts as to what closer-in suburbs will weather it a little bit better? Which of the better school districts will manage to keep their reputations intact?

Thanks.

[fmax]

Hemmie,

I spin the wheel..... Farmington Hills is for you. Straight shot down Grand River to Downtown Detroit.

[Dexterguy]

Farmington Hills is a nice city, for better schools look into Novi, Northville, Plymouth-Canton.

[hemmie]

Thank you for weighing in... I'm interested in discussion on a deeper level, actually... what's going on behind the scenes to diversify the economies of these towns. What HAS gone on, what IS going on, what WILL be going on to make sure these places survive these turbulent times?

I do appreciate the input on my personal situation, but for this thread, I'm more interested in a broader perspective. Anyone?

[fmax]

Hemmie,

I looked at your other post.

The entire Michigan area lacks so-called "diversification" in regards to employment.

You mention the critical requirement is drive time to work at Wayne State. You ruled out Royal Oak.

Dexter is correct about the school systems. Consider further westward adds 10 to 20 minutes to your drive. You may consider a neighborhood north along Woodward into Birmingham at that point.

The Downtown Farmington area has the nice older homes, which are all maintained and kept looking fresh. A former Governor's Mansion is located in this downtown area. It is also near the expressways. Northern Farmington Hills blends into Bloomfield, which offers fine dining. You’ll desire the change after becoming bored with Novi - directly west. And Novi has some nice places including 12 Oaks Mall housing Macy’s, Sears, JCPenny & Nordstrom.

20 minutes Westward on I-96 and you'll be at Kensington Metro Park or Island Lake State Park. There are many parks in this general area and they are all maintained.

20 minutes Eastward on I-96 and you'll be at the Detroit Zoo and Royal Oak. You'll entertain your family and friends in those places.

Some Downtown Detroit Cultural stuff may interest you. You’ll be 30 minutes from the action. The Downtown Detroit Area has Arts and some entertainment depending on how you get your kicks.

Level of risk? with your 10-year time frame perhaps consider buying an old mansion in Detroit. Send the kids to a private school. Buy the surrounding lots and help us make this place look like DC. You’ll be on the team with us. Or you could buy a large building right downtown and convert it into a few Condos.

There are many other nice places to live in southeast Michigan.. The Downriver area offers access to the Great Lakes, for example.

Good luck.