Tell me about Berkley (Detroit, Dearborn: fit in, rentals, townhomes)

[djmilf]

Originally Posted by Geo-Aggie

My only reservation is the location. It has proximity to the recreation center and proximity to Oak Park, a town which I don't know a ton about - other than coworkers have suggested not moving there. The neighborhoods nearby appear to have decent incomes and low unemployment according to City-Data data, but could anyone advise whether or not northern Oak Park is sketchy? From a data standpoint is looks decent enough.

Oak Park was at one time part of the extended Jewish suburban community in the Detroit area. Over the past several decades, middle class black families have been moving into Oak Park. These days, there's still a good sized Haredi Jewish community living there, and Oak Park is split about evenly between white and black residents.

Northern Oak Park (the part north of 10 Mile Road) is part of the Berkley school system. If you buy a house in Berkley and send your kids to Berkley schools, a good number of their classmates would be from Northern Oak Park.

More concerning would be the rec center. On one hand it would be nice, but on the other... how much noise does it make? Will baseball games be keeping my kids up 'til 11 pm on weeknights or do they wrap up pretty early? Any input would be much appreciated.

From what I've observed from the baseball field a few blocks from me, games in Berkley tend to end before 10:00 PM.

[Berkley Man]

Agree with djmilf above. Anecdotally I have not heard of any crime issues with Oak Park, and my step daughters have friends both in northern Oak Park, and a few houses east of Cooldige across from Oak Park.

[DTWflyer]

Berkley definitely seems like its on the upswing with the influx of younger couples and school-aged children plus small-business entrepreneurs who are starting new stores/restaurants/businesses along the 12 Mile corridor.

I think you can get more for your money and more of a smaller town vibe in Berkley versus Royal Oak.

[Geo-Aggie]

Well, if all goes well with this house we're intending to buy it looks like Berkley will be gaining one more younger couple with soon-to-be-school-aged children. I don't know that I'm much of a small-business entrepreneur (kind of just a dorky scientist), but hey, things can change.

Thanks again everyone, for all the input on here. It was good to get some insider perspectives that are tough to gather from simply walking around town or looking at data points.

[Geo-Aggie]

Well, it's official. Mr. and Mrs. Geo-Aggie are now homeowners of a modestly updated 1940s bungalow in Berkley. When I shared this news on Facebook, friends were confused as to when we moved to the Bay Area and I had to explain that Berkley is not Berkeley.

We'll be moving there this weekend, along with our young child and a second baby that should be here before February is out. I like to think the small town scored itself some good residents. I'm excited to live in what appears to me to be a tight family-oriented community, with good schools, stable property values, an entire community within walking distance, and all major job hubs (Detroit, Warren, Southfield, Troy) within a 15 minute drive. Hopefully my expectations aren't misplaced, because quite frankly, home ownership is terrifying. Wish me luck!

And thanks for all your collective input over the last 18 months in helping guide my family and I to the right community for us.

[Jomz]

Congratulations on your new home!! Home ownership is challenging and exciting!! Keep us updated.

[djmilf]

Congratulations, Geo!

[MS313]

Congrats on your new home and the upcoming baby. I know you must be excited (and very busy). Hopefully you guys get settled in before the baby comes.

[Coldjensens]

Congratulations!

Now you can shift over to the "house" and "parenting" forums.

[mgkeith]

Congratulations! Sounds like a great place to live.