I'm a 40-year-old freelancer who's been in Detroit for 7 years. The community in Grandmont is really tight-knit.
Property values in Midtown went up 7% last year alone. A friend just bought in Grandmont for K and I'm not sure if that was smart.
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from Salt Lake City. I feel like Detroit is becoming more expensive without getting better.
Hit me with your honest opinions.
120 upvotes
43 Replies
Logan Nguyen
Great question. Here's my honest take after 3 years:
The good:
- Affordable compared to coastal cities
- Good parks and trails
- Safe neighborhoods
The not-so-good:
- Rising rent
- Hard to date here
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. I'd say for remote workers, Detroit is improving. Good luck!
49 upvotes
Aaron Ramos
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Detroit.
Background: 29, college grad, moved from Raleigh 12 years ago for a fresh start. Currently in Rosedale Park.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Rosedale Park because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at University District - it's lively and the value is better.
**Work:**
nonprofit jobs are decent here. I was worried coming from Raleigh but the market is promising. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 2 months were tough. Then I found my people through my gym. Now I have a solid group. Detroit people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. For retirees, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
48 upvotes
Axel King
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. The city has transformed a lot.
47 upvotes
Wayne P.
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Palmer Woods, Indian Village, and currently in West Village. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Palmer Woods: /mo for a 2-bed
- Indian Village: about /mo
- West Village: /mo but underrated
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Detroit really clicks. DM me if you want more details.
46 upvotes
Benjamin K.
Bump.
45 upvotes
Nora Lewis
Moved here from Cleveland and I'd say The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. The housing here is decent compared to what I'm used to.
44 upvotes
tampagirl2023
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Brush Park from New York about 2 years ago. Initially everything felt unfamiliar. But after settling in, Nightlife is decent if you know where to go..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Brush Park and Bagley for housing
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was dating scene. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. Overall I'd give Detroit a 7/10 for singles.
43 upvotes
Eleanor Lopez
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Grandmont vs Eastern Market: completely different vibes. Grandmont is more pretty good with walkable streets and local shops. Eastern Market is up-and-coming and better for remote workers.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Grandmont. In Eastern Market you can find stuff for /mo.
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.
42 upvotes
Eliana E.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Eastern Market vs Palmer Woods: completely different vibes. Eastern Market is more hit or miss with a suburban feel with urban access. Palmer Woods is growing and better for couples.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Eastern Market. In Palmer Woods you can find stuff for /mo.
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. The parks system here is underrated.
39 upvotes
Isaac Ross
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in Detroit is pretty good. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible..
38 upvotes
Walter G.
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If affordability matters most, then yeah Detroit is great. But if you need diversity, might want to look at University District instead.
36 upvotes
Evelyn R.
Night shift worker - Detroit at 3am is underrated. The community in {hood} is really tight-knit..
36 upvotes
Riley Wright
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Detroit guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- West Village: quiet, tree-lined streets, families
- Brush Park: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Mexicantown: best value in the city
- Eastern Market: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The parks system here is underrated.. Detroit is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Columbus.
DM me if you want more details.
35 upvotes
Reagan Carter
Hard disagree.
33 upvotes
Silas G.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Detroit guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Eastern Market: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Midtown: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Rosedale Park: great community feel
- Brush Park: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. Detroit is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value community over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Columbus.
DM me if you want more details.
32 upvotes
Axel F.
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Midtown, Boston-Edison, and currently in Palmer Woods. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Midtown: /mo for a 3-bed
- Boston-Edison: about /mo
- Palmer Woods: /mo but decent
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Detroit really clicks. DM me if you want more details.
31 upvotes
Clara C.
Moved here from LA and I'd say The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. The transit here is decent compared to what I'm used to.
28 upvotes
Kayden Diaz
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a single woman in Sherwood Forest. Been here since 2024. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go..
Neighborhood-wise, Sherwood Forest has really grown in the past few years. Indian Village is the up-and-coming spot right now. Boston-Edison is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for construction: solid. For hospitality: growing.
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.
27 upvotes
Mateo Allen
Parent of two in Palmer Woods. Schools are solid here. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. Would recommend visiting before deciding.
27 upvotes
milwaukeelover2020
Not to be negative but the nightlife is overrated. I still like living here overall though. Just keeping it real.
25 upvotes
Maverick Hughes
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Detroit.
Background: 51, empty nester, moved from Minneapolis 10 years ago for school. Currently in Bagley.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Bagley because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Midtown - it's growing and the value is better.
**Work:**
legal jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from Minneapolis but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 11 months were tough. Then I found my people through a dog park crew. Now I have a solid group. Detroit people are welcoming once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: better than you'd expect
- Entertainment: could be better
**Would I move here again?**
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. For couples, I'd give it a 9/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
23 upvotes
Riley Rodriguez
Big facts.
22 upvotes
Levi Martin
I've lived in both Bagley and Indian Village. Completely different vibes. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better..
21 upvotes
Maverick Taylor
My experience has been different actually. I found that Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. Maybe it depends on which part of Detroit you're in.
21 upvotes
Nicholas Sanders
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Detroit guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Midtown: safest area, good schools
- Eastern Market: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Brush Park: best value in the city
- Rosedale Park: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: excellent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Detroit is established but it's not for everyone. If you value space over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Portland.
Good luck!
19 upvotes
Nova Long
Depends on the neighborhood.
16 upvotes
Luke Lopez
Real talk.
16 upvotes
Roman
I'd highly recommend checking out Downtown. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. Plus the food options around there are hit or miss.
15 upvotes
Harper Diaz
Great question. Here's my honest take after 5 years:
The good:
- Easy to meet people
- Good airport
- Diverse neighborhoods
The not-so-good:
- Winters are harsh
- Hard to date here
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. I'd say for families, Detroit is great.
15 upvotes
Julia Morgan
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Grandmont from Chicago about 1 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Grandmont and Downtown for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
The biggest adjustment was transit. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. Overall I'd give Detroit a 8/10 for retirees.
15 upvotes
Maverick Cox
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Eastern Market vs Rosedale Park: completely different vibes. Eastern Market is more hit or miss with walkable streets and local shops. Rosedale Park is pricey and better for young professionals.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Eastern Market. In Rosedale Park you can find stuff for /mo.
The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.
15 upvotes
Autumn Hughes
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a single guy in Downtown. Been here since 2017. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel..
Neighborhood-wise, Downtown has really shifted in the past few years. West Village is the up-and-coming spot right now. Rosedale Park is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for retail: hit or miss. For legal: lively.
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
15 upvotes
Mia Ruiz
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. The city has transformed a lot.
14 upvotes
Xavier Wright
Following because I'm curious too.
14 upvotes
Bennett Ward
Bagley local here. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
14 upvotes
cool_owen65
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Detroit guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Sherwood Forest: best food in the city
- Brush Park: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Downtown: hidden gem, locals only know
- Boston-Edison: good schools, safe streets
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: pretty good compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. Detroit is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider New York.
13 upvotes
Autumn Robinson
Totally agree.
13 upvotes
Bennett
Word.
10 upvotes
Adam Lee
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Grandmont vs Brush Park: completely different vibes. Grandmont is more decent with a suburban feel with urban access. Brush Park is quiet and better for families.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Grandmont. In Brush Park you can find stuff for /mo.
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.
7 upvotes
Vivian Thomas
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Mexicantown vs Boston-Edison: completely different vibes. Mexicantown is more excellent with families and quiet streets. Boston-Edison is pricey and better for families.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Mexicantown. In Boston-Edison you can find stuff for /mo.
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.
6 upvotes
Arianna W.
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Brush Park from Boston about 8 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Brush Park and Midtown for housing
- Check out the local brewery scene
- Visit during different seasons if you can
The biggest adjustment was food scene. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Overall I'd give Detroit a 7/10 for families.
3 upvotes
Weston Sanders
Depends on the neighborhood.
2 upvotes
miamilocal2020
Midtown local here. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
All Countries
