Affordable (and safe!) Apartments in Detroit!!! (Hamtramck, Wayne: rent, lofts, high crime)

[tkowal]

Hi,

I recently started a job in Detroit at Wayne State and I'm looking to move to Detroit in a month or so. Any suggestions of safe and affordable places to live? I'm looking to pay around 500-600/mo in rent.

Anyone heard anything about the Detroit Town Apartments? The rent is really cheap and the apartments seem nice, but I don't know much about the building itself.

Thanks!!

Tk

[Bhaalspawn]

Have you considered living in the suburbs and commuting? The vast majority of metro Detroiters who can afford to live outside of the City of Detroit live in the suburbs, and there's a reason for that (high crime, horrible schools, etc.).

[zthatzmanz28]

City taxes for residents are on the high side. There are some apartments and lofts south of WSU on Cass and on several streets that run between 3rd and Woodward (from Forest to Selden).

[tkowal]

Originally Posted by Bhaalspawn

Have you considered living in the suburbs and commuting? The vast majority of metro Detroiters who can afford to live outside of the City of Detroit live in the suburbs, and there's a reason for that (high crime, horrible schools, etc.).

I have considered living outside Detroit, but my roommate is keen on staying in the downtown area. (She lived downtown for a year now, just wants to move apts because of the rising rent prices) I have a few friends that have lived there for 2+ years and have loved it, so I was hoping to find a place similar to theirs.

I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and was looking for a different experience now that I'm working full-time in the city. PLUS the drive in is extensive and we all know how expensive gas is these days.

[Detroiteanca]

Consider looking in the area of Michigan Av. and Lonyo. You are still super close to downtown and there are many 2 family homes in the area that are rented out by the owner occupant for reasonable rates. The good thing about renting a flat from the homeowner is that if something breaks for you, most likely it is broken for them too, so you get quick service and also you have people looking out for you and your property. The neighborhood is quite friendly and low-key, with a decent selection of shops on Michigan Av. within walking distance.

If you are more of an east-sider, try Hamtramck and the neighborhoods of Detroit surrounding the city on the north and east sides. Hamtramck is great for walkability and it is also a generally friendly, low-key area with tons of ethnic stores and restaurants to enjoy.

I have had experience with both of these areas and I can tell you that they are among the more walkable areas of the city, along with the riverfront, U of D Mercy, Mexicantown and the Corktown areas (which are more expensive, in general.)