Safety pros/cons of living in Historic West Village? Relocating to Detroit Area (Dearborn: crime)

[Peace&Prosperity]

Hello, All!

I'm moving to the Detroit area within the next 3 months and have found a place in the historic West Village section of Detroit that I'm excited about.

Can you provide pros and cons of the area in terms of crime and safety? Those are my main concerns along with very clean streets/area. Any other information would be much appreciated as well.

I will be working in/ communting to Dearborn, am married (LGBT) and will have a friend/housemate. We're all in our mid to late 40's, like to be near tree-lined streets and parks, hikes, nature, walking the dog day or night in safety, bike riding, social justice social activism, African/Cuban drumming, live music and restaurants/ markets in walking distance. I lap swim and would love to be near a lap pool.

How's West Village on safety? What do you recommend? Any suggestions? Most appreciated

Best, Tracy

[jonnynonos]

I would spend some time crunching the various crime data sites/maps as well as stop and talk to neighbors the next time you visit.

Things can vary greatly street by street, block by block in cities such as Detroit, and you really need to know what you are getting into.

[animatedmartian]

West Village is pretty fine. Though it's pretty dilapidated in areas pretty close to it. However it looks worse than it actually is in terms of crime.

The biggest issue is typically property crime. Be mindful of where you park your car and always remember to keep valuables secured and out of sight if you can. Walking around at night might be okay along the waterfront, but it's pretty easy to wander into sketchy areas that might not have many people out or have well lit areas.

I will say that the area seems to be constantly improving. I pass through Indian/West Village every year and there's more and more people moving into the area. Hopefully, in time, new homes will be built in the more dilapidated parts and the overall area will continue to improve.

Most of the park land is along the waterfront and then there's Belle Isle across the bridge. Most of the live music and high-end restaurants/markets will be closer towards downtown if not some occasional neighborhood events in West Village itself.

[belleislerunner]

It's a great location. You have the local amenities (coffee shops at Red Hook/Sister Pie), restaurants at Detroit Vegan Soul and Craft Work - but more importantly you're close to Belle Isle for biking/running/beach access. Walking distance to Indian Village and then you're halfway between Grosse Pointe (Trader Joe's, Kroger, LA Fitness) and downtown Detroit. Congrats on the new gig!

[usroute10]

Website for the collection of neighborhoods in which West Village is located called THE VILLAGES

The Villages of Detroit

Tree-lined streets galore

Beautiful architecture galore.

Quick access to Belle Isle and Riverwalk for biking; also walking distance to the riverside parks of Gabriel Richard, Owen, and Erma Henderson.

Growing list of local businesses as alluded to by Belle Isle Runner.

An example of the great businesses that have opened up is Parker Street Market, a small grocery store selling only Michigan-made products

https://www.facebook.com/parkerstreetmarket/

Unfortunately West Village is bordered by blighted neighborhoods to the east and north. So just exercise common sense.

[Peace&Prosperity]

Thanks~!

[belleislerunner]

There is an LA Fitness at Mack/Moross which would be a five mile drive for the closest lap pool. https://www.lafitness.com/Pages/club...px?clubid=1047. There are also two in Dearborn/Allen Park right off 94/Oakwood near the Meijer/Home Depot.

YMCA downtown Detroit also has a pool. MGM casino has a day pass to their spa you can use for $20/day if you want a day just to hang out in their heated pool/hot tub/steam room/sauna etc.