Looking at home in Farmington hills, between 9 and 8 mile road, want to know if safe. (Detroit: to rent, crime)

[adryden2013]

Myself and three other female students are looking to rent a home in the block of Farmington hills, between 8 and nine mile and Middlebelt and Inkster. I understand that Farmington hills is an amazing area, as I have been in the metro detroit area for two years now, but I want to know if anyone has any input on this specific area, before we go and rent.

Thank you!

[Jimmy252]

It's not a bad area. Locals know it as "Section 36". Solidly blue collar, many young families in starter homes. The only real issues that I've heard of, having lived in Farmington Hills most of my life, is the crimes of opportunity. Having all 8 lanes of Grand River right there, it is very opportunistic for criminals. Basically easy getaways. Just don't let yourself be the victim. Keep valueables out of your car, lock doors when not at home (Basically good tips anywhere you live though). Don't be under the impression that your car will be broken in to. It's just a high traffic area because of Grand River, 8 Mile, and M5. Because of that, statistically it is a higher crime area in Farmington Hills compared to lower traffic areas such as Drake and 11 Mile for example.

That part of FH has had a lot of improvements over the last couple of years. Several new homes have been built in the Olde Towne Neighborhood which is basically all the streets that intersect Independence Ave. Newer fire station at Grand River and Middlebelt. In the last month I've heard the city spruced up Olde Towne Park on Waldron Ave with a new play scape. And a re-do of the commercial areas on Grand River (The Grand River Corridor Improvement Authority) is in the plans to help make Grand River more of a gateway to southern Oakland County with new retail, bike lanes, greenery. All of that is in the works though, no ground breaking yet. Definitely would help the home market in that area if all comes to fruition.

I think you guys will be fine in that area. Like I said, solid working class area, affordable, with many young families, and nicely located in the metro area. Close to both Novi and Royal Oak/Ferndale. Not a far drive to Ann Arbor or Plymouth.

Go take a drive through the area though. Go up and down the neighborhood streets, drive Grand River. See how you like it. For some reason theres a preconception with Farmington Hills as being suburban sprawl, big houses, huge yards, quiet, etc. While that may be true in certain parts, that part of FH you are looking in is very urban and high traffic.

[belleislerunner]

Perfectly safe area - There's a new Meijer at Grand River/6 mile and everything you need along Grand River from Target up/down. It's no Birmingham - but you're renting - so who ares. This is about being close to proximity - 8 mile is timed really well to get over to the Lodge to go downtown and Telegraph to get up to 696. Congrats!

[NOLA101]

It's the worst part of Farmington Hills, but it isn't terrible overall. I would say it's an average to slightly below-average area. Kind of dumpy for hoity-toity OC standards, but no major problems overall, just a tad trashy in parts. If it were in Lincoln Park or something it would be considered nice.

And I seriously doubt FH residents are going to be shopping at a Meijer in Detroit. That would be pretty silly, as that new Meijer is in the middle of straight-up ghetto, and not even the closest Meijer.

[lucky2balive]

the further northwest you go the better...I would not buy a house at 8 and Inkster, but at 9 and middlebelt no problem
hell 8 and middlebelt would be fine...but stay away from the grandriver interesection

[gameguy56]

Originally Posted by NOLA101

It's the worst part of Farmington Hills, but it isn't terrible overall. I would say it's an average to slightly below-average area. Kind of dumpy for hoity-toity OC standards, but no major problems overall, just a tad trashy in parts. If it were in Lincoln Park or something it would be considered nice.

And I seriously doubt FH residents are going to be shopping at a Meijer in Detroit. That would be pretty silly, as that new Meijer is in the middle of straight-up ghetto, and not even the closest Meijer.

I do shop at that Meijer. It's a really nice store, nicer than the Meijer at 8/haggerty.

[brodie734]

"the worst part of Farmington Hills" would be the best part of virtually any suburb in Wayne or Macomb County so put that in it's proper perspective

[MS313]

Originally Posted by brodie734

"the worst part of Farmington Hills" would be the best part of virtually any suburb in Wayne or Macomb County so put that in it's proper perspective

Lol yeahhh....... right .

[brodie734]

yes it was hyperbole, but Farmington Hills is held in high esteem in most of the area regardless of whether you're in the ritzier part or the "worst part". It's not Livonia where there's a schizo split between the lowest rungs of lower middle class and $600,000 houses.

[MS313]

Originally Posted by brodie734

yes it was hyperbole, but Farmington Hills is held in high esteem in most of the area regardless of whether you're in the ritzier part or the "worst part". It's not Livonia where there's a schizo split between the lowest rungs of lower middle class and $600,000 houses.

That's true. Most view FH as a nice place no matter what part it is.