Detroit, the Motor City and the home of Motown music, is known as one of the most important centers of industry in American history. Over the past few decades, though, this city’s legacy has been turning into one of affordable living, fine dining, music, and arts. Though Detroit has suffered from a loss of jobs, an increase in crime, and a decline in population during the latter half of the 20th century, this unique city is starting to see an amazing revitalization, because of strong communities and dedicated residents who love their city and want to see it thrive. If you’re planning on making a move to this Midwest city, read on to learn all you need to know!

Cost of Living

As is true in any city, you can expect to find rent prices more to be expensive around the Downtown area, but overall, housing in Detroit is extremely reasonable. One bedroom apartments close to downtown tend to run around $1,300, while similar apartments away from downtown can be found for around $800 a month. As the city increases a revitalization, rent prices have slowly begun to creep up, but there are plenty of places around the city where you can still find a cheap place to live. In addition, you can expect to cover utilities and internet for about $250 a month.

Where to Settle Down

The best neighborhoods to live in Detroit are diverse, friendly, and feature tight-knit communities. As you plan your move, it’s important to find out the pros and cons of every neighborhood. Some places are great for families, while others are perfect for young, single people looking to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

Midtown and Downtown

Both Downtown Detroit, and its northern neighbor Midtown, are experiencing an influx of restaurants, new development, and culture. Home to Wayne State University, the Riverwalk, sports stadiums, and many great museums, parks, and cultural sites, living in these two neighborhoods is great for those who want to be within walking distance of all the action. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum and the Michigan Science Center are all nearby, and public transportation makes getting around this neighborhood a breeze.

Grandmont-Rosedale

Located in the northwestern portion of the city, Grandmont-Rosedale is comprised of five smaller neighborhoods, Rosedale Park, North Rosedale Park, Minock Park, Grandmont, and Grandmont #1. This mostly residential area is loaded with tree-lined streets, lively parks, and beautiful architecture. Grand River Avenue runs through the heart of this area and features many casual dining restaurants and shops. Each of the individual neighborhoods that make up Grandmont-Rosedale have a unique character, but they are tied together by their strong community feel.

Corktown

Img: Flickr

Located just west of Downtown, Corktown is one of the trendier neighborhoods in Detroit. Coffee shops, breweries, and BBQ joints make Corktown a popular hangout for young and old alike. If you like the proximity to the downtown area, and you’re are into Detroit’s rich history (Cokrtown happens to be Detroit’s oldest neighborhood), this is the spot for you.

Sherwood Forest

If you head to the northern part of the city, you’ll find Sherwood Forest. Historic and stately houses shaded by plenty of trees give this neighborhood a more suburban feel. This is a higher-income neighborhood further away from the heart of downtown, but the safety and stability it offers are a priority for some residents.

Jefferson–Chalmers Historic Business District

Located on the mouth of the Detroit River, the Jefferson–Chalmers Historic Business District is in the midst of a facelift. More restaurants and shops are moving into the Jefferson Avenue corridor and historic houses and structures that were once abandoned are again being occupied. The southernmost area of the neighborhood runs along the Detroit River, and a series of canals leads into residential areas.

How to Get Around

Because Detroit was a town that was built around the auto industry, the streets of the city were built to handle a lot of cars. Public transportation isn’t as widespread in Detroit as it is in other cities of a similar size, but a few plans are in the works to improve public transit in the city. Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) operates bus service and is the most convenient way to get around the city if you want to skip using your personal car. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) operates the QLINE, which runs along Woodward Avenue, and Detroit People Mover encircles downtown. Both of these options are great for getting around in the Downtown area.

Things to See and Do

• Detroit Zoo – a family-friendly attraction for animal lovers of all ages. Check out the tigers, gorillas, kangaroos and more, feed a giraffe, or experience a show in 4-D.
• Motown Museum – music fans will love the historic and interesting exhibits at the Motown Museum. The museum building, known as Hitsville U.S.A., was formerly motown’s most famous recording studio.
• Detroit Opera House –  this grandiose building is one of many famous theaters in Detroit. Home to the Michigan Opera Theater, the building overlooks Grand Circus Park, and is in close proximity to other cultural sights.
• Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – founded in 1965, this museum is home to world’s largest permanent exhibit of African American culture

Fast Facts About Detroit

• Music lovers, listen up. In addition to being the birthplace of Motown, techno calls Detroit its home as well.
• Detroit’s hockey team, the Red Wings, has won 11 Stanley Cup championships. Sports lovers are definitely at home in Detroit.
• You can hear Detroit called the Potato Chip Capital – residents eat more potato chips than any other city in the world. And Vernor’s soda is the oldest manufacturer of ginger ale in the US.

There are plenty of great things about Detroit – its lively theater scene, it’s world-class shopping and dining, and its close-knit community. If you’re looking to call Detroit home in the future, know that you can be a vital part of the redevelopment and rebirth of this great American city.

Thinking about moving to Detroit?

Be sure to check out our apartments for rent in Detroit.

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