New Center area in Detroit? (Livonia, Royal Oak: fit in, to rent, crime)

[twinkly]

Hi,

I will be moving to Detroit in a couple of months and would appreciate some advice about areas to live in.

What is the New Center area like (around Henry Ford Hospital and Fisher Bldg) in terms of safety? I am considering living there since it will be very close to work. I understand there isn't much to do around there, but other than that, say if I return to my apt late at night, will I run into problems?

I am relocating from California... which is one of the reasons I am not super eager to commute every day, not having driven in snow in the past. BUT if New Center is really not that safe (for a single female) then I will look for a place in the suburbs.

Also, I understand that traffic on 75 from the Royal Oak area to Detroit is pretty bad... when do things start getting bad in the mornings?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Bhaalspawn]

Best advice is to keep out of Detroit. Almost the entire city if not the entire city is an impoverished high-crime ghetto. Also, the City of Detroit itself has a income tax. I know that all large cities have ghettos, but Detroit is different; it really is that bad. With the exception of an entertainment district, Wayne State University, and a few nice buildings downtown the city really doesn't have any redeeming or worthwhile qualities. Also, Detroit is one of the (if not the) most segregrated metropolitian areas in the U.S., which should tell you something. Very few white people live in the city and some of those who do might be forced to live there because of city government jobs (firefighters, police).

I take it that you either found a decent job here or you're being transferred? You might want to rent a while before looking for a house; it might be better to wait for housing market to hit rock bottom before buying (and I think the price decreases have only just started).

[DetroitBlues]

Do yourself a favor and stay in California, Detroit is the worst possible place to live in the U.S. very unsafe new center area is BAD!!!!

[Guardian]

Originally Posted by twinkly

Hi,

I will be moving to Detroit in a couple of months and would appreciate some advice about areas to live in.

What is the New Center area like (around Henry Ford Hospital and Fisher Bldg) in terms of safety? I am considering living there since it will be very close to work. I understand there isn't much to do around there, but other than that, say if I return to my apt late at night, will I run into problems?

I am relocating from California... which is one of the reasons I am not super eager to commute every day, not having driven in snow in the past. BUT if New Center is really not that safe (for a single female) then I will look for a place in the suburbs.

Also, I understand that traffic on 75 from the Royal Oak area to Detroit is pretty bad... when do things start getting bad in the mornings?

Thanks in advance for your help!

These links should help you:

New Center Visiting Guide
http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/ncvisiting.aspx

New Center Moving Guide
http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/ncmoving.aspx

New Center Investing Guide
http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/ncinvesting.aspx

And most importantly, welcome to Michigan!

[twinkly]

Thanks for the info!

Also, as far as commuting from the suburbs, based on other posts, is it true that the commute to New Center on I-96 from Livonia would be easier than on I-75 from Royal Oak? FYI my work hrs are approx 7.30AM to 6PM.

Thanks!

[bambam48206]

Originally Posted by twinkly

Hi,

I will be moving to Detroit in a couple of months and would appreciate some advice about areas to live in.

What is the New Center area like (around Henry Ford Hospital and Fisher Bldg) in terms of safety? I am considering living there since it will be very close to work. I understand there isn't much to do around there, but other than that, say if I return to my apt late at night, will I run into problems?

I am relocating from California... which is one of the reasons I am not super eager to commute every day, not having driven in snow in the past. BUT if New Center is really not that safe (for a single female) then I will look for a place in the suburbs.

Also, I understand that traffic on 75 from the Royal Oak area to Detroit is pretty bad... when do things start getting bad in the mornings?

Thanks in advance for your help!

as i said.....i'm from detroit. i regret that i'm not able to defend the city from the replys you've received thusfar. i'm looking to get out too. and yes i'm black. i prefer your safe travels rather than defend the city.

[bambam48206]

Originally Posted by Bhaalspawn

Best advice is to keep out of Detroit. Almost the entire city if not the entire city is an impoverished high-crime ghetto. Also, the City of Detroit itself has a income tax. I know that all large cities have ghettos, but Detroit is different; it really is that bad. With the exception of an entertainment district, Wayne State University, and a few nice buildings downtown the city really doesn't have any redeeming or worthwhile qualities. Also, Detroit is one of the (if not the) most segregrated metropolitian areas in the U.S., which should tell you something. Very few white people live in the city and some of those who do might be forced to live there because of city government jobs (firefighters, police).

I take it that you either found a decent job here or you're being transferred? You might want to rent a while before looking for a house; it might be better to wait for housing market to hit rock bottom before buying (and I think the price decreases have only just started).

intresting quote. but how about this one? i'm a black male, detroit firefighter with family in-tow i'm moving out for the many reasons you stated, including the segregration. i prefer my children to grow up knowing many cultures, but one of the places i've looked at moving to is highland, mi. where the population of 9000 people is roughly 8600 white 24 black. should i have any concerns?

[Bhaalspawn]

Originally Posted by bambam48206

intresting quote. but how about this one? i'm a black male, detroit firefighter with family in-tow i'm moving out for the many reasons you stated, including the segregration. i prefer my children to grow up knowing many cultures, but one of the places i've looked at moving to is highland, mi. where the population of 9000 people is roughly 8600 white 24 black. should i have any concerns?

You'll have a long commute. It would take about an hour to get downtown if you drive in the morning and now it must be worse since the Lodge is closed. Can't say whether or not you'd be subject to discrimination by all of the whites and your children might feel they don't fit in in school. There are KKK-types everywhere I suppose. It sounds like the City no longer requires employees to live there.

[travlr]

As a former Detroiter, I would not advise you to live in the New Center area, or for that matter, anywhere within the city limits of Detroit. It is not safe after dark (or before dark, for that matter). Traffic on 75 usually gets pretty heavy by 7:00 AM and doesn't let up in the evenings until after 6:30. I would advise you to visit first. Go and stay in a hotel for a few days and check out the traffic flows for yourself. Drive around the New Center area in the evening - if you don't feel safe driving, you sure won't feel safe walking. Some of the Detroit suburbs are nice, and they're all very different, so explore a bit and find the type of neighborhood you like, but in any event, be prepared for a fairly long commute. Best of luck in your new job.

[travlr]

Sorry...I forgot to address your 2nd question. Yes, the commute on 96 is faster than 75.