[19hsm]

My husband and I are looking to relocate for his job either to Ohio or MI. Right now MI is his favorite as the position is better. I have been looking at housing and its evident that the housing issues in SE are running rampant. I was wondering what are some of the areas to avoid? Farmington Hills will be close to where he will be working and I noticed that southfield is in HORRIBLE shape for home sales and was wondering if anyone had any areas where two people could find a decent house (with decent taxes - as i'm find out taxes are HORRIBLE in this area) for $125-$175K.

Thanks in advance!

[plbowler]

Madison Heights is noce but not too close to Farmington Hills
I would be VERY careful about moving into Michigan at all.

Detroit is tied for last in the Forbes 100 cities to find a job with New Orleans, which was underwater for a month and is still devastated.
Michigan is in SERIOUS trouble, and it ain;t over yet..
All the Ford White collar guys who took the buyout are only 6 mo's in to their 1 year pay, 6 monthes from now the **** will hit the fan.

I'd look closer at Ohio

[RedWingsFan]

I agree with the previous poster about being cautious about moving to Michigan at all right now. The economy is struggling right now with so many auto workers losing jobs. If you do, look around Farmington Hills, it's fine, Rochester Hills as well, so is Troy. I would not at all consider Detroit, Madison Heights, Roseville, or any place like that.

[rami]

I agree with everyone else. Be very certain you want to move here. It's not good, and it's only going to get worse. I am fleeing Michigan and moving to Georgia for this reason. My DH is already down there, I am just waiting to sell my house....which is going to take a long time.

I also would stay away from Roseville and Madison Heights. I work in MH and lived in Roseville for several years at one time. For your budget, there are many other cities you could live in. Additionally, just because homes are listed at 225K, doesn't mean you can't get it for 175K. Homes are not being sold anywhere near the asking price.

[Angel Bear]

I'd look into Royal Oak personally, but maybe get a condo to wait out the housing market?

[someonelse]

I must say Michigan over Ohio. There is much more to do in the warmer months. Also many are moveing out of Michigan due to lack of jobs. You should find good deals on homes here.
As far as cities. I can tell you of the ones I have lived in. I have never had a problem with any of them. HAZEL PARK is a small city. They are putting up new homes all over. I felt safe there. FERNDALE is a Royal Oak clone. While I felt safe there I was less fond of the schools. WARREN is a large city. Good and not so good parts. Look for a home north of 10 mile rd. As I find them better neighborhoods. OAK PARK is not worthy of much. Just my personal opinion. ROCHESTER is a wounderfull city. Pricey though. HARRISON TWP. is a wounderfull city. SOUTHFIELD is where my son lives. His home is located on the boarder of Berkley. I personally would not buy there. ROYAL OAK is a nice city to live in. CLAWSON would be a better pick fo me. I have never lived in Farmington Hills, Bloomfield Hills, just because I could not afford to. Overpriced in my opinion.
Just remember that there are many highways that can make work closer than you think. Do your homework, I'm sure you will be fine.
And Welcome to Michigan! Hope you have a job.

[19hsm]

Thanks for your feedback. He will be working in farmington hills area so anything around that area (even 20 min commute or so) would be fine. The budget is limited (ESPECIALLY WITH YOUR PROPERTY TAXES!!! - what's up with that???!!??)

My husband is a medical student who is moving onto his training so employment isn't really a huge issue but what is an issue is areas to find housing and how to go about making an offer in a declining area.

I'm just wondering for those of you who live there, is this cyclical? Is MI doing anything to help turn their economy around? Do they see any rebounding in a few years?

[RedWingsFan]

Originally Posted by 19hsm

Thanks for your feedback. He will be working in farmington hills area so anything around that area (even 20 min commute or so) would be fine. The budget is limited (ESPECIALLY WITH YOUR PROPERTY TAXES!!! - what's up with that???!!??)

My husband is a medical student who is moving onto his training so employment isn't really a huge issue but what is an issue is areas to find housing and how to go about making an offer in a declining area.

I'm just wondering for those of you who live there, is this cyclical? Is MI doing anything to help turn their economy around? Do they see any rebounding in a few years?

The property taxes in Michigan are higher than some states, but lower than others. They aren't out of control... they just must be higher than what you are used to.

[19hsm]

So does anyone have any other suggestion of where to look?

[Kokie]

The City of Farmington is nice! It sits entirely within Farmington Hills but is its own city. It has a downtown with stores, a few resturants, a movie theater and a great pub (Starbucks too.) You can get a small ranch house for around $175K.