Moving From Sunny L.A., CA to Detroit/surrounding areas (Sterling Heights: relocating, house)

[mariatherese]

Yes, I'll echo what most are saying- Royal Oak and Birmingham are the hot spots (expensive- but prob not by your standards, seeing as how you are coming frm SoCal), Berkley is a cheaper alternative right next to Royal Oak. Ferndale is my fav- eclectic and unique! Most other suburbs seem stale to me.

I wouldn't listen to the rule that you should stay above 16 Mile, though... I strongly disagree with whoever posted that. That would leave out all those areas I just mentioned.

Good luck!

[an6el177]

Wow guys...thanks for all the advice/suggestions!!! Its very helpful! We'll definitely take this into consideration when looking for houses. I think since we're moving in Jan-Feb 2007 (winter months), we're going to rent first and wait till Spring to get to know where the cities, communities, and the type of lifestyle before buying a home. Learning to drive in the snow should be interesting!

[an6el177]

We're looking to rent a place that's no more than $1200/mo. Any suggestions/websites (besides Craigslist) to help find these places? It'll be for a few months (3-4) before buying a house.

[mariatherese]

Every time I got an apartment in the area, I always looked on Craigslist. I think that's your best bet. Although... you might try "The Mirror." It is a small community newspaper, it's helped me in the past. there is one for Ferndale, one for Royal Oak/Berkley, and a few other locations. Just google "the mirror ferndale." (this site never lets you post links).

[mhogan10010]

I grew up in Western Suburbs, so I want to put a plug in for a couple of places to consider.

Plymouth is beautiful..... and Northville is also very nice and close to transportation. Canton is popular but too congested. Also, my sister and her daughter & kids live in Farmington Hills. Clean and safe.
Royal Oak is a bit more hip and coming back.
My youngest sister lives in California (Orange Co. for 7 years and now in Northridge for two). Its a big move though. Be prepared for the cloudy winter. Not so much that the cold kills you, it is the dark Sky's. Take up some winter sports, that will help.
Good luck.

[an6el177]

Mhogan10010: wow, Northridge is where I grew up and OC is where I moved to work. How funny! I will definitely look into all your references. So far on craigslist, we've found cheap listings of condo's, townhouses, and actual houses for less than $1200/mo. I'm paying $1250/mo just for a small 2bed/2ba/1 car garage condo! We're looking forward to more space. Thanks!

[Angel Bear]

I wouldn't listen to the rule that you should stay above 16 Mile, though... I strongly disagree with whoever posted that. That would leave out all those areas I just mentioned.

Ditto that!!!!

BTW, my mortgage is not even $1200 (I've been saving my money to move to So. Cal. LOL). So, you'll definitely be totally fine finding a place for under $1200 to rent When I was a renter, my rent was $580 a month for a two-bedroom...hee hee!

[mhogan10010]

Originally Posted by an6el177

Mhogan10010: wow, Northridge is where I grew up and OC is where I moved to work. How funny! I will definitely look into all your references. So far on craigslist, we've found cheap listings of condo's, townhouses, and actual houses for less than $1200/mo. I'm paying $1250/mo just for a small 2bed/2ba/1 car garage condo! We're looking forward to more space. Thanks!

It is a small world. Of course, my sister in Northridge, is always trying to talk me into moving to LA. Financially, it would probably be a wash. I pay more in rent here than I would in LA, but I don't need a car here either. My entire transportation costs per year for me for mass transit is about $750. Maybe someday. My wife is not thrilled with the transportation situation in LA proper, but likes several communities North of LA. She sometimes talks about retirement there.
Of course, my family in Mi. also tries to talk us in to moving back, but...guess my attitude is that I have been there and done that. We don't have kids, so one of the advantages is the mobility.
My sister likes Northridge, but the heat has been quite an adjustment for her. She got a great job, and really couldn't turn it down, but she misses the milder climate outside the valley.
Feel free to PM me as you go further in your search in the Great Lakes State.

[CaboolBound]

We live in Downriver, Southgate, and it has been great. Our neighborhood is quiet, clean and our schools are awesome. We don't have much crime at all. We are south of Detroit. Where exactly is your boyfriend working, location wise. We are not far from Wayne State and Ann Arbor is only about a half an hour away. We are going to be selling our home, you might be interested. It is a 3 bedroom, with a den downstairs, new siding and gutters on the house and garage, new carpet, new plumbing and electrical and a new tub enclosure. We have a decent backyard and our garage is extended. Just thought we would send some info. We are close to freeways, shopping, schools, resturants and entertainment. Good luck.

[Bridgett]

Ann Arbor "hands down". With the housing market so depressed you can get a great home in a great neighborhood. A very diverse area and UM has it all. The downtown area of AA is alive with night life, but remember the winter is coming so things do slow down some. I lived in the area for 50 years and loved it. There you can get a condo, loft, etc. GO FOR IT!!!
FYI, winters are long, by long I mean long periods of gray skies. It does snow but it's the lack of sun that can get to you.