Ferndale / Royal Oak for Liberal Diverse Gay Community? (Detroit, Troy: sale, foreclosure)

[jeanniepep]

Haha, I was going to say - it seems to take everybody who lives here full-time at least two big snows EVERY WINTER before they learn how to drive in the snow! There are always a ton of accidents and spin-outs on the first snow of the year, then people kinda remember "oh yeah, this stuff is slippery." There really isn't any major technique to learn other than slow down, be careful, and allow plenty of room for stopping or changing lanes. I've always driven tiny inexpensive cars and I've managed to survive for some 38 years and counting! And everyone roundly agrees that I'm a terrible driver, so if I can do it, anybody can.

This is my first winter in Ferndale and it certainly can't be any worse than North Branch (where I just moved from). My cousins and neighbors have lived here for years and report that the city does a GREAT job of clearing snow very quickly. You might not have as much luck once you get north of town, but apparently they take good care of us here!

[snoopygirlmi]

The closer you can live to your job, the better you will think your life is. Ferndale/Royal Oak are "gay-friendly"; however, the commute will get to you after awhile. You never think it will, but eventually, it does.

I think that you have a good plan though - rent a house, check out the area. It will all come together for you.

Oh - as for the snow - depending on your 'burb....you may or may not get plowed and you might consider it a miracle if there is salt or sand on the road. Budget cuts + unusual winters the last couple of years have put a lot of folks on edge about the snow removal service they may or may not get. Last year was horrific.

[sajae90]

If you are looking for a diverse city that is gay friendly...then yes, you should move to Ferndale. They are like a step down from Royal Oak as far as money wise, but you said you will be working in Bloomfield hills, so you should be fine. Not that this matters to me, (im biracial), but what race are you? I'm asking because there are not that many black people if any that live in Ferndale. This may not be a problem for you, but for the amount of black people trying to escape from Detroit, you would think there would be more black people in Ferndale and Royal Oak...but there is not. If you are caucasion and gay....then yes, Ferndale is the place for you.

[cyrinex]

Originally Posted by sajae90

If you are looking for a diverse city that is gay friendly...then yes, you should move to Ferndale. They are like a step down from Royal Oak as far as money wise, but you said you will be working in Bloomfield hills, so you should be fine. Not that this matters to me, (im biracial), but what race are you? I'm asking because there are not that many black people if any that live in Ferndale. This may not be a problem for you, but for the amount of black people trying to escape from Detroit, you would think there would be more black people in Ferndale and Royal Oak...but there is not. If you are caucasion and gay....then yes, Ferndale is the place for you.

I am white, in answer to your question. Does that mean that other races do not find northern suburbs as open to different backgrounds? This probably sounds like a naive question, but coming from the west coast, it's not something I give a great deal of thought to. Perhaps that is because I do not fall into a racial minority, just a social one!

Anyway, it looks like Michigan will be my future destination if I play my cards right and I hope to make a trip out soon to look at rental homes. Thanks again for all the help and information everyone on these forums has provided for individuals like myself in transition. It's fantastic to actually get input from residents on areas before deciding where to move.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by sajae90

If you are looking for a diverse city that is gay friendly...then yes, you should move to Ferndale. They are like a step down from Royal Oak as far as money wise, but you said you will be working in Bloomfield hills, so you should be fine. Not that this matters to me, (im biracial), but what race are you? I'm asking because there are not that many black people if any that live in Ferndale. This may not be a problem for you, but for the amount of black people trying to escape from Detroit, you would think there would be more black people in Ferndale and Royal Oak...but there is not. If you are caucasion and gay....then yes, Ferndale is the place for you.

While Ferndale doesn't have that many Black folks(about 4% Black), the school district does due to kids from Oak Park and the Charter Township of Royal Oak going there. Both of those communities have high Black populations.

[ferndc]

My first vote is for Ferndale. Second would be Pleasant Ridge, which is in between Royal Oak and Ferndale, but definitely closer to Ferndale. Downtown Ferndale has become quite the destination for nightlife and also caters to small independent boutiques. Definitely walkable and friendly in all aspects.

There's also Birmingham, which I've never lived, and it's closer to Bloomfield Hills. Nice upscale downtown area and larger than Downtown Ferndale...but I still prefer Ferndale for it's diverse community.

[OK1]

Not sure if you're still looking at this thread. Everyone seems to have said FERNDALE, but really, it depends on what you want. One thing to consider is that the lots in Ferndale tend to be pretty small, which might be hard if you have 2 big dogs. There is more of a traditional gay "scene" in Ferndale nowadays, but Royal Oak is still very gay-friendly, both in social attitude and in terms of gay-themed businesses. Royal Oak is more expensive, but closer to Bloomfield. The businesses tend to be a bit trendier and more established. You'll get nicer, but more expensive, housing in Royal Oak with more options for a bigger yard. Ferndale still has a bit of working-class vibe to it mixed in with the new stuff. I'd also suggest looking at Birmingham depending on your income. It is way more expensive than either of the other two, but really close to Bloomfield Hills and also a lot of (expensive) retail and restaurants to offer. I'd also say it is "gay friendly" but it doesn't specifically cater to gay consumers the same way many places in Royal Oak and Ferndale do.

[cyrinex]

I am definitely still reading this thread and others posted in the Detroit forum. I'm taking into account the community, distance while commuting and trying to find a comfortable place to rent for myself and the dogs. If the position is permanent I will probably consider buying a home after the lease is over, hopefully by then I will have a better understanding of the area and be able to commit to a location that suits me.

Mostly, I want to be comfortable in my surroundings. Although reports on Michigan (Detroit) in general seem to be negative because of the great exodus due to jobs, it still looks like a nice place to live. Obviously, the individuals in the forum think so, since most speak so highly of the state. It's a tough time for everyone and I am not the only one looking to make a major transition. The more information the better, good or bad, thanks again.

[ErikU19]

Ferndale is definitely more 'gay' and may offer more of a life style that would appeal to you. Royal Oak is a prettier/wealthier city but is more 'main stream' with it's clubs and night life.

best of luck with the move.

[jeanniepep]

Since you are still reading the thread, I wanted to let you know that the blanket statement about Ferndale having small lots is incorrect. ALL of the lots across the street from me have over 1/4 acre, and there is one for sale that has 1/2 an acre. They look small from the front but the lots are very deep. I haven't really looked at other lot sizes around town, I'm sure they vary. Our lot is VERY small but we sought that out on purpose; we hate mowing and gardening and our dogs are tiny.

Birmingham is definitely more upscale, both my parents and my uncle grew up there and all have the "keeping up with the Joneses" attitude deeply ingrained. It used to have a lot of super cool shops when I was growing up, but now it just seems too expensive and snobby for me. Of course, many people are quite happy there and don't find it snobby at all. It's not my personal taste but since you're going to be renting first, you can check it out for yourself and see what you think.

Here are a few links to gay-friendly stuff in Ferndale (TOTALLY wish I could go to the Grub Crawl today but I have to meet my parents for lunch!):
Welcome: Welcome
Ferndale - Just 4 Us
Soho - Downtown Ferndale - Ferndale, MI

I have seen a few rental houses lately with phone numbers posted out front, PM me if you want me to jot them down and send them to you.