Trying to figure out Detroit suburbs... (Warren, Ann Arbor: mover, condo, hotel)

[leroythelion]

Originally Posted by Yac

That's the question everybody taking part in the discussion should ask themselves
Yac.

Feedback is a gift. In so many aspects of our lives, we do not receive feedback on the things we say or do every day. When given in a civil manner, feedback can go a long way to making things better.

The feedback here is that certain adjectives used to describe the place where many people live are considered condescending. Since this feedback has been provided in the past, I can only conclude that the message is not getting through for whatever reason or the person is trolling.

[craig11152]

In my Internet Forum experience its a rare thread that stays on topic. Usually it happens where hardly anybody posts...Not hard to stay on topic if there are only 3-4 responses. I've been a member of 3 forums that disappeared in to Internet history due to lack of participation.
I think straying from topic in some ways is a sign of a healthy robust forum. People actually post. The more people who post the more likely a thread will veer off topic a bit.
If your not familiar with Godwin's Law it says "As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazism or Hitler approaches 1". So I suppose a comparison of Kale and Spinach in a thread about suburbs is, arguably, a forgone conclusion.

[Geo-Aggie]

All things have characteristics that can be described. Description is objective. You may think the eruption at Pompeii was a long time ago, but as a geologist if I'm talking about this at work or for research I would describe this time period as recent. Neither of us are wrong. They are simply our perspective.

If one uses the term "bland" to describe Troy and another person uses the term "family friendly", neither are wrong. One simply see's nothing which significantly sets Troy apart from Livonia or Canton or Macomb or half a dozen other similar suburbs in the area and the other sees the perfectly planned suburb to raise a happy and healthy family in which they probably believe is better than Livonia, Canton or Macomb for reasons they're certainly welcome to provide. The same can be said about Royal Oak, some may see an aged Birmingham-wannabe for hipsters who missed the memo about Midtown and others may see it as an established, walkable town, heavy on charm, to raise a happy and healthy family. By giving all perspectives to people inquiring about them we're being helpful. We don't all want the same exact thing.

For a fellow poster like me, they probably value my opinion that Royal Oak has a quaint walkable downtown full of stores, restaurants and pubs, and a small park (or two, or three) in every neighborhood. For another poster like ArthurDigbySellers they'd probably place more value on the opinion that Troy has better schools, more space, and a better family friendly feel. Neither opinion is condescension, it's perspective. Condescension would be like, "Ah yes, well I live in Bethesda which is far superior in every way to your pitiful Detroit suburbs. You guys don't even gold plated roads and diamond encrusted stoplights." - but nobody is implying anything like that. Why is this complicated?

Oh, and something something cooked spinach, something something Nazis.

[HPY1]

-ALL CONCERNED-

I'm the OP.

I am getting even stronger indications that I would be working downtown not the airport.

I've been talking to my significant other more about this move.

The other half is very concerned about the reputation of Detroit (dirty, crime ridden, abandoned, falling apart, etc) Anything feed back y'all can give me on that would be appreciated.

We're going to put a little less emphasis on being "down river" or closer to Ohio. We decide that an additional 30 minutes wasn't a big deal. The bigger concern is a safe area with good schools. Thirty minutes from downtown would be preferable but if it is slightly longer I'll deal with to be in the right area.

We do like the down river areas of New Boston (Huron School District), we are the F150 type that many described living in that area. We don't mind a rural neighborhood with a little bit of land. We also like the idea of Grosse Ile also. Small town feel, everything you need is on the island but not too far anything either (Grosse Ile Schools). How is the traffic from both of those places to the downtown area (Michigan Ave).

We've also looked into Canton and West Bloomfield Township as well as St. Clair Shores. We decided we don't mind an affluent area so long as it is also humble.

So please provide some input.

[jaynarie]

I still maintain my stance that Oakland County is probably not the best fit for your family. I'd scratch West Bloomfield.
I commute to downtown Detroit along I-75, from the Genessee/Oakland County line. If I leave at 6:00 am, I am there by 7:10 the majority of the time. If I leave at 7:00, I am lucky if I am there by 9. Traffic stinks through Oakland County. Although I have no first hand experience with daily commuting from the downriver areas, I am pretty sure I-75 is less congested coming from the south. I assure you it cannot possibly be worse.
Detroit does have areas exactly as you described "dirty, crime ridden, abandoned, falling apart, etc". However, that doesn't describe the majority of the city and the downtown area isn't even remotely like that. You have to be cautious, as you have to in any city, but the only danger I've ever felt downtown is from the idiots who don't know what a red light means. My office is on Woodward in the heart of downtown.

[Coldjensens]

Originally Posted by HPY1

-ALL CONCERNED-

I'm the OP.

I am getting even stronger indications that I would be working downtown not the airport.

I've been talking to my significant other more about this move.

The other half is very concerned about the reputation of Detroit (dirty, crime ridden, abandoned, falling apart, etc) Anything feed back y'all can give me on that would be appreciated.

We're going to put a little less emphasis on being "down river" or closer to Ohio. We decide that an additional 30 minutes wasn't a big deal. The bigger concern is a safe area with good schools. Thirty minutes from downtown would be preferable but if it is slightly longer I'll deal with to be in the right area.

We do like the down river areas of New Boston (Huron School District), we are the F150 type that many described living in that area. We don't mind a rural neighborhood with a little bit of land. We also like the idea of Grosse Ile also. Small town feel, everything you need is on the island but not too far anything either (Grosse Ile Schools). How is the traffic from both of those places to the downtown area (Michigan Ave).

We've also looked into Canton and West Bloomfield Township as well as St. Clair Shores. We decided we don't mind an affluent area so long as it is also humble.

So please provide some input.

Downtown and mid-town Detroit are wonderful. Active, fun, safe (for a City). The bad parts of the City are in the bad parts and you will not go to those parts (unless you join slow roll and ride through with 4000 other bicycles which is reasonably safe, especially since you are escorted by 5-10 police cars). Some parts are really really bad - hence the reputation. Every month or two there are new restaurants, bars, and stores opening. Parking can be a PIA unless you get space in a private garage. I love working downtown. If we were DINKS or single, I might live downtown (except I do not think I would ever want to leave Grosse Ile) My family has mixed reactions. Many of them do not like cities at all. Others love to come exploring with me.

There is not a lot 30 minutes from Downtown unless you are willing to substantially compromise on schools and nice. Grosse Pointe(s) are the only exception I can think of. You can probably make it to/From Trenton in 30 minutes. Maybe Royal Oak.

If you are going out of Detroit to the north, traffic is bad, the worst we have and sometimes it can get so bad, it reminds me of a good day in LA. Going West is less bad, especially off peak. South - traffic is rarely an issue unless you have multiple big accidents every day like we did this week.

All the places you have mentioned are very safe. (Grosse Ile is frequently the Safest place in Michigan.)

If you are looking at Canton, much of the surrounding area is terrific too (Northville, South Lyon(2dn safest place BTW), Lyon Township, Northville Township, Salem, Wixom, Plymouth, Plymouth Township) All safe, good schools, about the same commute. Novi appeals to many too. Novi is a bit different. It is shopping Mecca for the area.

I responded to your other paragraph in your other thread.

Note when people say this place is safer or has better schools, we are usually talking about a small difference that really does not matter. You are better off focusing on which vibe you like more, commute times, and where you find a house that appeals to you.

Do you prefer Spinach or Kale?

[nv529]

OP,

My parents work in Downtown and live in New Boston on 8 acres. Their commute can range anywhere between 35 minutes to hour and half via I-275/I-94 depending on traffic and weather conditions. New Boston is mix of country living and suburb there's a few farms around, but most lots range from 1 to 50 acres (omitting the new subdivisions with lot sizes under an acre). I'd highly recommend the area if you want country living with quick access to the city and shopping centers. Keep in mind zipcode 48164 covers all of New Boston, portions Sumpter twp to the west, and Huron twp to the east.

I'd also recommend Carleton (48117) or Belleville (48111).

[Coldjensens]

Huron township schools are pretty good. Not sure where the rest of New Boston goes to school, maybe it is all Huron township.

[nv529]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

Huron township schools are pretty good. Not sure where the rest of New Boston goes to school, maybe it is all Huron township.

The town of New Boston is in Huron twp school district.

Sumpter township is split into 4 school districts. Belleville (north), Carleton-Airport (south), Huron twp (east), and Lincoln consolidated schools (west)

[craig11152]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

Note when people say this place is safer or has better schools, we are usually talking about a small difference that really does not matter. You are better off focusing on which vibe you like more, commute times, and where you find a house that appeals to you.
Do you prefer Spinach or Kale?

good observation.