Moving need Advice! Novi? Plymouth? Canton? Farmington Hills? .. HELP!!

[suprmom]

I hear a lot of mixed messages about Canton. Where exactly is the "good" area? I need roads people! I have visited the area and there are some parts that are very unapealing. Is this a city that will be heavily populated with low income peolpe in a few yrs? I see you can get a lot of house for your money. Why is that?...

[cootooch]

Hi suprmom,

We faced similar choice about 8 years ago and considered many places - West Bloomfield, Novi, Plymouth, Farmington. All of these cities are good and safe places to live. At the end we picked Northville for the combination of factors - schools, kids-friendly neighborhoods, really nice downtown with parades, restaurants, children theater, library, grocery store.

There are lots of families with kids and parent involvement at school (both my kids attend Amerman elementary) is great. There are all kinds of school events and activities that focus on liberal arts, science, and just plain fun for kids.

Unlike most of south-east Michigan the Northville area is pretty hilly, with Hines Park and Maybury State park with nice hiking / biking / cross-country skiing trails just minutes away.

Northville used to be pretty expensive comparing to surrounding cities. The prices have come down recently and while I hardly see any for sale signs in our neighbourhood I saw several offers on realtor.com that seemed like a very good deal.

There is a small area of Novi south of 9 mile road that also belongs to Northville school district. While a little bit farther away from downtown it's still in walking distance and may have less expensive houses and have lower taxes.

Of course most of the above can be said about Plymouth or other nice cities we checked out but overall the feel of community and the proximity to schools, parks and all the city amenities made Northville a very attractive choice for us and worth the price.

[zakian]

Originally Posted by suprmom

Hi I live In Dearborn in a small bungalow, with my husband and 3 kids. We have out grown this house and need more space. We decided we wanted to relocate to find better schools and a bigger house. We both work in or near Detroit and can't go to far therefore are limited. We are a white family and are not predjuce at all,but are not looking to be the minority. We do believe diversity is important, but we also want to live in a safe upper-class neighborhood, and good schools are a must.
If any one can help narrow this list or tell me some information about these cities that would be appericated! We are a young family both my husband and I are in our early 30's. We would like to meet people with young kids and live in a city where the community has "kid friendly" activites.
Thanks!

Hi. I've put a LOT of thought into this b/c of you children. I have a daughter that will be your age this year. I was selling Real Estate in Canton when they were building it.I saw the crap they put up. My Ex grew up in Canton.I lived in Canton against my wishes,
for her.She went to Plymouth schools. Forget it.We moved there from DBRN HTS too.Ppl have they're head up their butt.South of Ford Rd, North of Ford Rd.Put your child in a Charted school wherever you live
for your child.........

[diana0447]

While your throwing places to live around, Mary'sville area is good with very good schools...of course it is a bout 35 minutes futher than Grosse Pointe...And I have a wonderful place for you...It's a 2,100sq ft.Victorian Farm house all redone...lots of charm, wood floors, french doors and with room to roam for the kids...w/just under 12 acers w/ a pond and big 80 by 90 Barn...Just a thought.

Good Luck with your quest

Diana0447

[MI-Patrick]

Plymouth and Northville have a quaint small town feel. They also have older ie. smaller homes much like the bungolow you are currently in. The newer construction will cost $$$$. Farmington Hills, Canton or Livonia will get you more bang for the buck and have good schools.

[ILWoods]

I grew up in Farm. Hills. I haven't been back in 15+yrs but from strangers whom I recently met who live there today, it's still a nice place to raise children and the schools are decent. Housing prices are all over the place from 200K to seven figures.
I've always liked Northville and Birmingham better because of their organized, walkable downtowns. Those areas will always be pricier than FH.

[zakian]

Originally Posted by suprmom

I hear a lot of mixed messages about Canton. Where exactly is the "good" area? I need roads people! I have visited the area and there are some parts that are very unapealing. Is this a city that will be heavily populated with low income peolpe in a few yrs? I see you can get a lot of house for your money. Why is that?...

Go north of Warren,as far west as you can go.

[leave]

I would pick Plymouth also. I myself live in Canton.