Best Downtowns (Detroit, Royal Oak, Wyandotte: rent, condos, homes)

[mogo]

I'm sure this question has been posed on here in one form or another, but I couldn't find a specific thread on this topic. I'd like to see anyone's list of best downtowns in metro Detroit. I think the givens are Birmingham, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Plymouth, Rochester, Milford, Clarkston, AA, Northville, probably Farmington, and I think we should include downtown Detroit in there.

I'm also curious about any hidden gems, up-and-coming downtowns or places that too often go unmentioned?

[Jwo85]

Downtown Royal Oak reminds me of the many Northside Chicago neighborhoods.

[Coldjensens]

Wyandotte;

South Lyon (not quite as nice, but there is still a bit of the old small town left).

Chelsea, Dexter Saline, Tecumseh.

Monroe is ok.

Mt Clemens is ok too.


Windsor.

Amherstburg.

[jeanniepep]

I used to live in Royal Oak, which has a great little downtown, but nowadays I'm more into Ferndale. A little more of the "neighborhood" feel bars and lots of locally owned shops.

[thealohaman]

Wyandotte not only has a charming downtown area, with a variety of restaurant choices, but also has a beautiful waterfront park. I think it's the overlooked choice largely because Wyandotte is so far out of the way, or so it is perceived, by people in other towns around Detroit.

[Coldjensens]

Wyandotte was hopping today with the downriver cruise. A great event!

[PeaceChild]

I grew up in Royal Oak and it was a great family town for many years. Then the bars and condos started up with no end in sight. Now there a lot of empty store buildings, condos and homes unable to sell or rent out. Many of the schools were torn down.

The parking uptown is ridiculous, to say the least. Not too good for the small stores that try to make it there. Yes, a lot of them have moved to Ferndale and I don't blame them. That's what happens when you have a chosen few deciding the future of a town's well-being.

[jeanniepep]

I have to respectfully disagree with PeaceChild on the Royal Oak parking situation...I was just there in April and the parking structure in the middle of town is still being operated by the same family. I was there for about 4 hours on a Saturday and it cost me ONE DOLLAR. Royal Oak isn't perfect but parking is certainly not one of their problems. As much as I love Ferndale, these tiny lots with parking meters that take quarters only are a pain in the *****.

[PeaceChild]

Originally Posted by jeanniepep

I have to respectfully disagree with PeaceChild on the Royal Oak parking situation...I was just there in April and the parking structure in the middle of town is still being operated by the same family. I was there for about 4 hours on a Saturday and it cost me ONE DOLLAR. Royal Oak isn't perfect but parking is certainly not one of their problems. As much as I love Ferndale, these tiny lots with parking meters that take quarters only are a pain in the *****.

I have been here 51 years. The parking is definitely a problem here, mostly at night when all the drinkers come in. During the day it's not much of a problem. Royal Oak is very good at giving out parking tickets also. They make a mint from them. Just pay attention to your time remaining on the meters, as the parking enforcers are pretty quick to write them. I've come upon them before when I had a minute left and they were already trying to punch the info into their little ticket machines. One of them that does write tickets is a retired RO police officer, so if anybody ever comes upon a ticket officer, remember that before you go mouthing off to him. I also worked for the city before, so I am quite aware of what is happening in this town.

[Coldjensens]

Originally Posted by PeaceChild

I have been here 51 years. The parking is definitely a problem here, mostly at night when all the drinkers come in. During the day it's not much of a problem. Royal Oak is very good at giving out parking tickets also. They make a mint from them. Just pay attention to your time remaining on the meters, as the parking enforcers are pretty quick to write them. I've come upon them before when I had a minute left and they were already trying to punch the info into their little ticket machines. One of them that does write tickets is a retired RO police officer, so if anybody ever comes upon a ticket officer, remember that before you go mouthing off to him. I also worked for the city before, so I am quite aware of what is happening in this town.

Walk around and put money in all of the expired meters. it really ticks them off!