[DTWflyer]

As a recent college grad working in Auburn Hills I would consider the following areas:

Rochester / Rochester Hills:
Close to Auburn Hills. Many apartmens throughout the area. Downtown Rochester has several restaurants/pubs, more a of a low-key bar scene, and some shops. Close to many big box chain stores and malls. Excellent parks and trails in the area. Paint Creek Trail & Clinton River trail excellent for running/biking. Close to Stony Creek Metropark.

Royal Oak:
One of Detroit's inner ring suburbs that is popular with twentysomethings. Much of the areas close to downtown are full of rental properties. You may be able to find a rental house in your price range in this area. Downtown Royal Oak has a popular bar and restaurant scene. Many of the bars/clubs downtown are more of the high-energy/frat-party/loud music type places. A nice advantage of Royal Oak is that is its within 15-20 minutes of downtown Detroit of the sports/entertainment/nightlife/cultural scene.

Troy:
More of a sprawling suburb, but does have many apartments throughout. Good access to I-75 to get to Auburn Hills quick, and to downtown Detroit for entertainment/sports/nightlife/cultural events. Home of Somerset Collection, the most upscale mall in the state. Not a walkable community per say, but kind of in the middle of everything. The city does have an excellent community center/recreation center.


Most other areas that are popular for recent college grads like downtown/midtown Detroit and Ann Arbor are going to be too far of a commute to Auburn Hills. Both are easy enough to visit for events as necessary on the weekends but not worth the long and painful commute 5 days per week to work.

[scorpio516]

Originally Posted by ddk369

That's a good idea. I definitely am considering it. I think though that I want to at least rent for 6 months and get a good feel of the area and my new job before I take the plunge. I think after my transition period I would be comfortable doing this.

How are property taxes around MI? We have relatively inexpensive homes here in Southern New Jersey but high property taxes.

Property tax in MI is NOTHING compared to NJ/NY. That's assuming taxes in southern NJ are similar to northern NJ taxes

For example:
948 Coughlan St, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - realtor.com®

That house's tax assesed value is $54,700 ( https://is.bsasoftware.com/bsa.is/As...AN+ST&unit=462 ). Tax was just less than $2000 last year.

[DaniellaG]

Hi
When I was your age I used to live in Princeton area of NJ. I lived most of the 30 years in Oakland County Birmingham area in MI. In my opinion when you move to a new state you need to rent before you even think about purchasing. It gives you time to get a feel for different cities. What one person may like another won't. Also lets say the job does not work out you don't want to be stuck with home. Your yearly income regardless of renting or buying would be sufficient for a nice place in a nice area but like I said I feel you should rent for at least 6 months.

[snoopygirlmi]

Yeah - I wouldn't buy anything until you get to know the area.

Housing is "cheap", but not everyone is cut out to be landlord if living in the area doesn't work out.

Also, I've run into quite a few people who can't sell or rent their one-bedroom condos when they ready to upgrade. Just something to think about.