Moving out of Grosse Pointe...into Detroit? (Eastpointe, Ferndale: for sale, insurance)

[hopefulfirefly]

Hi!

I currently live in Grosse Pointe with my husband & son. We are feeling suffocated by the lack of diversity, however, we would strongly prefer to stay on "this side of town" as my husband works in Dowtown Detroit and I work in the city also.

Is there anyone here that lives in the city in a neighborhood that they would be able to discuss? We looked at houses last week in the Palmer Woods area, and while we loved the homes, it was on the other side of Detroit (we prefer the East side, as it's closer to our family) and the areas immediately surrounding Palmer Woods seemed quite harsh.

We would like the greatest mix of diversity & safety that can be found. Considering looking at Indian Village & surrounding "villages" but really don't know much about the realities of living in those areas. The midtown area has such great energy, but very few (if any) homes for sale with backyards. We have a large dog, young child, and very much enjoy our backyard & personal space. A downtown location isn't our top choice.

My son will be attending private school, so school districts are not an issue.

East English Village? West Village? Indian Village? Berry Subdivision?

Does anyone live in these locations that could help offer some input? Thank you!

[chh]

I don't live in the area, so I don't know much, but I'd look more into East English Village and Joseph Barry, rather than Indian Village. Indian village seems to be a small area of grandeur surrounded by a wasteland, while Joseph Barry is more cut off from the blight and East English village is larger and surrounded by at least decent neighborhoods. This is just my 2 cents, like I said I don't live in the area. Good luck on your move!

[belleislerunner]

I think Joseph Berry is your best bet. It's cut off from Jefferson so there isn't the through traffic - it's a backwards "E" so there's no reason to go there if you don't live there. Keeps the area quiet and safe. There are two parks on the water. With Kid Rock and Manoogian back there - there's always cops/security. Only downside is there are only maybe 30-50 homes so turnover is low given it's so popular.

Indian Village or West Village would be the next best thing - you're walking distance to Craft Work/Red Hook/Sister Pie etc. Indian Village is very quiet and lots of folks walk dogs etc so that's not a concern. You're halfway to Detroit and halfway to Grosse Pointe Park - so Trader Joe's etc is only 5 minutes away.

I would steer clear of EEV - it has it's nice areas but it's also too close to everything that you don't want.

That Parkway grocery store (old Farmer Jack) is actually super nice inside, there's Jefferson Veterinary right across from Legends so nice to have a vet within a 5 min drive. Just search in realtor etc for 48214. That should be your target zip. Even cuts your commute in half.

[usroute10]

East English Village is probably 80%+ black, so it is not very diverse.

Indian Village is very diverse. Your best bets would be Indian Village, West Village, and Joseph Barry Subdivision.

Below is the listing for a 6 bedroom, 5,000 square foot house on Lodge Dr. in Joseph Barry. All I have to say is WOW!!, and if the property tax number given in that listing is correct, that mansion might be a steal. The yard is very large for Detroit city.

444 Lodge Drive, Detroit MI 48214 - MLS# 215051623

I would also look into the New Center Commons and Virginia Park areas of the New Center.

About Palmer Woods - the neighborhood immediately to the east is bad, but with the cemetery and Ferndale to the North, Palmer Park to the south and Sherwood Forest/Green Acres to the west, it is not surrounded by that much blight.

[belleislerunner]

Random question - is it the Joseph Berry or Joseph Barry subdivision. I see Google hits for both - so wasn't sure of the right spelling.

[MS313]

If you want to live on the eastside Indian Village or Joseph Berry would be probably your best option since they probably are the most diverse.

As for Palmer Woods, the only rough part next to it is across Woodward on the eastside. But they have private security I believe. Next to Palmer Woods on the westside are Sherwood Forest, Green Acres, and University District. You can look into those areas as well.

[Cliffie]

Houses in Eastpointe generally have yards. Diversity there is improving, I believe.

[animatedmartian]

Originally Posted by belleislerunner

Random question - is it the Joseph Berry or Joseph Barry subdivision. I see Google hits for both - so wasn't sure of the right spelling.

Joseph Barry subdivision. Most people occasionally leave off the 'subdivision' just to short name it.

[Retroit]

What is your definition of diverse? Not trying to derail the thread with a debate, just wondering what percentages of what groups would be acceptable to you?

[MaryleeII]

I assume you're checking the property taxes in the areas you are considering? They can be sky-high. Its not the value of the home, its the tax rate that's so high. Also, check into insurance and utility costs, those can be a shocker, too!