[detroit81]

I don't think the taxes there are that much worse than RO with a 2800 sq ft house. The houses I see in GP that I like are 2800 or above , and looking for a house built in 1920's to 1930s. I wouldnt say they are pocket change, considering they go for 350 + , are there houses there you can get for pocket change? Sure.. but same thing in RO

[us66]

1172 Yorkshire, Grosse Pointe Park, MI, 48230 - MLS #711832 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®

3150sf in the $150s. There's a 2800sf for less but it has a lot of water damage. There's a 2500sf for $125K but I think it's on the corner of Mack.

[detroit81]

Any other thoughts everyone ?

[Wendy from GP]

I think for raising a family, GP is a great place. It's extremely walkable, and the parks are second-to-none. If schools are the #1 issue, then move to the Richard-Brownell-South area or Kerby-Brownell-South area (ie, Farms or GP City north of University), as those schools are the highest ranked in the district. But the Park has more interesting and affordable housing stock, and you're still in the South district. And I think the Park has a younger, artsy feel to it that might be more appealing and it's more diverse.

[detroit81]

That is what I have heard about the South end of the district. I seem pretty set on GP, however I have a friends in GP who absolutely love it and would not live anywhere else. But I also have a friend that said the restaurants have gone down hill and so have the schools? She is also frustrated by the lack of shopping and having to drive to the West side to do anything, what is your view on that ?

[Dexterguy]

Out of the three cities that interest you, I would go with Grosse Pointe. As you said, excellent schools, good city services, and awesome waterfront parks. Any of the Grosse Pointes which you mentioned, the Park, the City, and the Farms are good choices. Be careful though, if you want Grosse Pointe South Public Schools you can go with GPP, GP, or just the south section of Grosse Pointe Farms. If you do look for houses in Grosse Pointe Farms make sure that you ask the realtor whether the house is in the GP South or North schools. The south schools are always ranked higher than north.

Your Grosse Pointe con, "being to close to Detroit", is really nothing to worry about. The Pointes police department is very good and are out in minutes if any problems arise.

While the "entertainment area" in GP lacks somewhat, there are still many restaurants and attractions in the Pointes. Obviously, it's not going to compare to the Woodward Ave strip, but I don't think you'll have to worry about grocery store shopping or lack of good restaurants.

[detroit81]

I am really not concerned with the safety portion of the "close to detroit" , I am concerned that property values on the blocks close to detroit are so low, and what that does to the neighborhood values.

Do you guys think Grosse Pointe is a better choice than Rochester ?

[Dexterguy]

Originally Posted by detroit81

I am really not concerned with the safety portion of the "close to detroit" , I am concerned that property values on the blocks close to detroit are so low, and what that does to the neighborhood values.

Do you guys think Grosse Pointe is a better choice than Rochester ?

Property values are down all over the country, let alone the Detroit metro area and Grosse Pointe. It really doesn't matter whether you buy a house in Rochester, The Pointes, Novi, or Bloomfield Hills, the value of houses are down now and when the economy begins to recover, when ever that may be, all property values will rise. Even in the City of Detroit.

The Pointes are ALWAYS going to be very desirbale because they are right next door to Lake St. Clair and that is the only major Lake in the Detroit metro area. Sure there are Lake Huron and Lake Erie, but those areas are out of the traditional Greater Detroit area.

No matter how bad Detroit gets the Pointes will never lose their prestige and desirability.

I'm not going to slam Rochester or Rochester Hills, but like you said in your first post, it really is a city of cookie cutter subdivisions and strip malls. There is no real sense of community and it can't at all be called a walkable community because of the lack of sidewalks and very wide 5 lane highways that have been built of lately. Some people I know like living in those newer subdivisions where all the homes are either identical or very alike, but I'd rather live in a neighborhood with character and a true sense of community were you can actually walk and cross intersections without crossong five lanes of highway.

[detroit81]

I definitely like to hear the positive of the Pointes, as its our primary choice at this moment, with Rochester behind it.

However I think it speaks volumes that no one so far has posted anything positive about Rochester, I love to hear reinforcements in regards to the Pointes, so if anyone has any other rational why I should chose the Pointes over Rochester, please chime in, Even the other way around.

[us66]

I think Rochester city might be fine, but can you get 2800sf within walking distance of downtown?