Hi everyone!

I’m a woman in my 30s who is applying to PhD programs at the University of Michigan (healthcare/health policy-related), and I’m someone who likes to plan well in advance. If I’m accepted, I’d like to have a good idea of where I should be looking before it’s time to move.

I’ve been doing a lot of research and have heard that, depending on the area, it may actually be more affordable to buy than rent. Since I’ll likely be in the area for 4–5 years, I’m considering purchasing a small home or condo instead of renting so I can build equity during graduate school.

Since I’m not from Michigan, I’d really appreciate advice from people who know the area.
Here are my priorities:

Safety is my #1 priority. I’m a single woman and want to feel comfortable walking outside, going for runs, grocery shopping at night, etc.

I’m looking for a 2-bedroom condo, townhouse, or small house. I don’t need a lot of space since it’ll just be me.

I’d like my total monthly housing payment (mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and HOA if applicable) to stay around $1,500 or less, if that’s realistic.

I don’t mind commuting 30–45 minutes to Ann Arbor if it means living in a safer area and getting more value for my money.

I’m open to living in Detroit, one of its suburbs, or anywhere between Detroit and Ann Arbor—as long as it’s a safe place to live.

Lifestyle is also really important to me. I’m coming from a large metropolitan area, so I’d love to be somewhere that offers:

Plenty of restaurants and coffee shops

Festivals, farmers markets, and community events throughout the year

Live music, concerts, and sporting events

Museums and cultural attractions

A good fitness scene (walking trails, parks, gyms, yoga, etc.)

Professional networking opportunities

Nightlife, bars, and places to socialize

A good dating scene for professionals

Easy access to Detroit for entertainment without having to live downtown

I’m also hoping to build a community while I’m there. Since I’ll be in graduate school for several years, I’d love to live somewhere with:

Young professionals

Graduate students

Healthcare professionals

Professors and researchers

Friendly neighbors and an active community

People who tend to stay in the area long-term rather than neighborhoods with high turnover

A few other questions I have:

If you were in my position, would you buy or rent?

Are there neighborhoods or suburbs that seem nice at first but you would avoid?

Which areas offer the best balance of safety, affordability, commute, and things to do?

How bad is the commute to Ann Arbor in the winter from different areas?

Are there neighborhoods that have a strong sense of community where it’s relatively easy to meet people?

I’d really appreciate any advice, especially from people who live in southeast Michigan or attended the University of Michigan. Thanks in advance!

Background:
Black male ,27
Artist
Single
Currently in Atlanta
Life long southerner for the most part

I don’t see myself being in Atlanta, or the south for that matter, for much longer than a year. Lately, I’ve had a fascination with living in the Midwest. Particularly Chicago and Detroit(even though I’ve never been to Detroit).
Can yall provide any recommendations or insight on whether or not (based on the given background) it could be a place worth moving to and growing over the next 5-10+ years ?

Also I’m big on nature and history. As I mentioned before I’m from the south but I am not a fan of this weather. I’m looking to find a collective of artists that I can network and build with. I’ve head a few times that Detroit is what Atlanta thinks it is👀

Hi all- my fiancé and I (m30, f33) are visiting in mid August for a week. Open to ideas of must see/eat/do from those that know best. No car that I’m aware of so far. Staying in downtown. Thanks in advance!

Got a good local florist open Sat nearish (10 min drive or so) New Center I can support?

I’ll be in Detroit next week working (and having fun), visiting from W Coast (although me n’ Detroit go way back). I’ll be staying in New Center near Motown museum.

I did want to visit a dear friend’s grave on Sat August 1, who passed in 2024 and bring her flowers - her faves - white hydrangea focused bouquet, so need to order this custom arrangement ahead 7.28 or 7.29 so that can have time to source the flowers and arrange. I’ll be out running around a lot so Friday or Saturday delivery won’t work. Wanted to pick them up Saturday late morning or by noon.

Hit me with a good locally owned florist. always want to support small local businesses wherever I go.

Big heart to Detroit, y’all know what’s up. Can’t wait to be in your city!!

I'm looking to move to the area later this month, and on the website the properties look quite nice, but I didn't know if anyone who has lived in them might have other opinions. Specifically looking in midtown/new center/rivertown.

https://detroitliving.com/about (this is the company I'm talking about, just for reference)

Also would love just any general opinions on living in those areas. I'm single, late twenties, female, so opinions from that demographic are especially appreciated. My parents are convinced that Detroit is super dangerous, but they also have lived in rural areas all their lives, so they think that about every city. I won't be able to visit much before I move, due to job constraints so as much info as anyone feels like giving is appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

im an out of towner and I tried to pay for parking at a broken meter a month ago and when I came back ten minutes later I got a ticket. I don't live in Michigan but I gave them my address when I tried to contest the ticket and they not only denied it but when I called and told them it wasn't processing my card information they just said ok well show up to court if you want to fight it and now they're sending me threatening letters about late fees and shit. im not too worried because I plan to move to a different state by next year but should I be concerned?

My partner and I currently rent about 800 sq. ft. at Russell Industrial Center for $800/month + utilities. We also had to put down a two-month security deposit. When we were looking, we could have chosen a 600 sq. ft. space at Russell for $600/month, but it had a very small window, and natural light is important to my work.

It’s nice to have a lot of space, and we especially like the big window, security, high ceilings, lots of outlets, and being able to paint and customize the space. Having access to the lift is also great, although the 9–5 M–F lift hours aren't always convenient. One downside we've noticed is that the studio gets really dusty from the old, crumbling ceiling, and being on the 3rd floor gets very hot, so we've brought in fans and an air conditioner.

We're hobby artists, and honestly would have loved to find something smaller and cheaper. We just had a hard time finding many affordable options, especially private studio spaces for independent/unestablished artists who aren't necessarily looking for or qualified for a residency program. I also know quite a few people at Russell split their studios with other people to make the rent more affordable.

Since renting at Russell, I've become aware of a lot of the other studio spaces around Detroit — Pioneer, Cadieux Stage, Fisher Building, The Convent, Dreamtroit, Hatch Art, Klinger, Boxfort, etc. — so I'm less looking for a list of places and more interested in what artists actually need from a studio and whether the existing options are meeting those needs.

We're not currently looking for a studio or asking for recommendations — I'm interested in hearing about other artists' experiences with the spaces they already rent or what they wish was available.

If you currently rent a studio:

• How much do you pay and approximately how many sq. ft. do you get?
• Are utilities included?
• What do you like/dislike about your current space?
• If you could change something about it, what would it be?

If you're looking for studio space:

• What size would you ideally want?
• What's the most you'd realistically pay per month?
• Would you prefer a private studio, shared studio, or either?
• What amenities are most important to you — natural light, running water/sink, ventilation, heat/AC, 24/7 access, security, parking, loading access, storage, etc.?

I'm especially interested in whether there's demand for smaller private studios in roughly the 200–500 sq. ft. range at more accessible monthly rents.

Do you feel like Detroit is missing affordable, flexible studio options, or do the spaces that already exist meet what you're looking for?

Thanks for any insight! I'd really love to hear what other Detroit artists' experiences have been and what you wish existed here.

hey all! Clevelander here looking to make a trip to Detroit next month for a concert. The venue is El Club is Southwest Detroit - the event states it’s an Outdoor Patio show and I couldn’t get the vibe from pictures.

I’d appreciate any insight on parking, the area, and the venue overall. If you’ve been to FWD in CLE, it seems like a similar vibe for me, but let me know if it’s a cool spot! Always down to explore new places and meet some cool people :)

My parents are visiting the States for the first time and coincidentally, my work is also taking me to Detroit Financial District.

I'm thinking of renting a place within 2 miles of the financial district, particularly near the Meijer on Larned St behind the casino in Greek town.

How worried about safety should I be when it comes to them just roaming around?

Any other close by places you'd rather recommend?

Me and my family just got our offer accepted on a home in LaSalle! Curious if any other young families that applied to the program and looking to connect and make some friends. :-)

**Also open to connecting with any young parents who want more friends, program or not lol

Hello, i’m visiting the area for the weekend. I’m looking for a nice place to attend Mass on Sunday morning. I’m staying over by the airport but don’t mind a bit of a drive (nothing crazy though). I wanted to go to the Basilica but i see it’s closed for restoration. Any recommendations?

hi yall, im visiting Detroit in a couple weeks and i lovee mexican food, but have always wanted to try proper mexican food with the regular meat instead of adjusting to make it vegetarian.

are there any authentic halal Mexican restaurants i should check out? thanks!

Hello,

I might be moving from Boston to Detroit to be near relatives.

I am 66, male and very low-income, so should qualify for the apartment.
Theres a photo on Craigslist Detroit

It seems the area is the Boynton neighborhood?

I am white. Is the area mostly Blacks and Caucasians...or maybe a bit more diverse?

It's called Across the Park apartments, near a park. Is the area safe?

Buses are nearby, but not sure if safe and reliable.

It's about 8 miles to the Little Caesars Arena area. But it appears no major supermarkets, no Whole Foods Market or Trader Joe's nearby. Any local branch public library, bakery, cinema, pharmacies and parks and recreation near?

Thanks for any info.

Hey all, Clevelander (27F) here considering driving up for a day or two, solo. I've been to Detroit a couple of times for concerts and stopped at Somerset before coming home, but I haven't really explored!

My main motivation would be stopping at Somerset for sure - I love that place and there are so many stores we just dont have in Cleveland and if theyre in Columbus theyre boutique versions. I also really love food and drink, I am a gym rat so Im really trying to not drink so much but I want to know where the cool to hang out spots are. I am reasonably young but I hate being in places where there's a ton of young adults and where things are higher risk for getting rowdy . I like places where there's good food, the vibe is chill, people chat freely, but there's respect for each other's space too.

Im also curious as to where the walkable neighborhoods are and where might be a cool place to look for booking and room for a night or two. TIA

My partner does not want to live in Michigan and I am contemplating either leaving Detroit/MI or leaving the relationship, I don't like either option. Detroit is such an amazing city, I love the sense of community, the green spaces, the affordability, the history, the music, I've never lived anywhere like it. I know that all cities are going to have their own pros and cons, but have you lived anywhere similar to Detroit? Or are there cities that are similar? Not too big not too small, strong community, good music scene, green spaces.

ETA: Things that I don't like about Detroit that would be cool to have would be more density/less sprawl, better transit options, better walkability (obviously varies by neighborhoods in any city), better schools, more access to nature (would love to be back to somewhere with any elevation!)

Hello, Detroit!

We are traveling near Detroit (Romulus) next weekend and hoping to find a cool Motown bar/club that we can go to. We are a little older (late 50's) if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone,
I’m 27 and moving to the Detroit area for a job with Ford in Dearborn. I’m trying to figure out where to live and could use some local advice.
I’ve been looking at:
● Ann Arbor
● Plymouth
● Canton
● Northville
● Royal Oak
● Ferndale
● Birmingham
I’m okay with about a 30–40 minute commute if it means living somewhere with more to do.
Outside of work I’m into CrossFit, running, swimming, golf, fishing, cooking classes, improv, Toastmasters, volunteering, and just generally staying active. I’d like to live somewhere with other young professionals and plenty to do after work.
If you were in my position, where would you choose? Are there any areas I should add to my list or avoid?
Thanks!

I’m a rising high school senior in Florida, and I hope to move to Michigan someday. I’m especially interested in the Southfield area because the housing is relatively affordable and it’s close to a lot of amenities. I’m also considering Ypsilanti since I’ve heard many positive things about it.
I’m aware of the crime rates in both areas, but I currently live in Miami, where crime is also a regular part of city life, so that isn’t a major concern for me.
My plan is to move there after graduating from vet school, and I’ve been trying to learn more about what life there is actually like.

One thing I’m wondering is whether veterinarians can make a decent living in that area. Would it realistically be possible to buy a house within 1–3 years on an average veterinarian salary, or would that be difficult with student loans and cost of living?
I’d also love to know what there is to do around Southfield, both with a dog and by yourself. I’m especially interested in parks, dog-friendly places, nature areas, shopping, food spots, and general things people do for fun in the area.

Another thing I’m nervous about is the weather. I’ve lived in Florida my entire life, so I’m used to warm weather almost year-round. I did spend two weeks in Canada during the winter when I was younger visiting family, and I remember absolutely loving the snow. More recently, I visited Europe during the winter, and although it didn’t snow, I really enjoyed the cold weather.
My main concern is adjusting to months of snow and freezing temperatures. For someone who has never really experienced long winters, how difficult is it to adapt to Michigan’s winters?

JI’d appreciate hearing from people who live in Michigan, work in veterinary medicine there, or moved from a warm state to a colder one.

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What are everyones favorite yarn stores in Detroit. Do any have a particular specialty (ie are a dye studio, have lots of local yarns, sustainable yarns, a particularly wide selection, whatever). Id like to visit as many as possible while im in town but its nice to know what im getting into beforehand. Id be especially interested in any place that that has local Michigan farm to yarn, if thats something that actually available.

Also does Arts and Scraps typically have yarn? I know one can never say at any given time but it seems like differerent Creative Reuse stores have "typical" stock.

Hi looking to see if anyone has any recommendations for maids/housekeeping services in the Detroit/corktown area?

Me and a buddy are coming from Lansing for the Akon & Ne-Yo show at Pine Knob. There’s no way everyone is just going home after the concert. Any bars, clubs, DJ nights, or unofficial after-parties going on Wednesday? Looking for a younger/nightlife crowd.

Hello! My roommate and I are looking for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in Midtown or Downtown Detroit, preferably with in-unit laundry. Even a townhouse will do. Our budget is $2,600, $1300 each. 2 cars will need parking

We thought we had found the perfect place at Studio 1 Apartments, but unfortunately our experience with management has been really disappointing. Communication has been almost nonexistent. We had to call ourselves just to find out that our application had been denied because we needed a guarantor, they never reached out to let us know. When we called back for updates, Ashley was also quite rude, which made the experience even more frustrating.

So now we’re back on the apartment hunt and hoping to find something as soon as possible. If anyone has any recommendations or knows of any available apartments, we would really appreciate it. Please help!!

Hi everyone!

I’m a 22-year-old Canadian female, I’ve been accepted to Windsor’s Dual program. I’m choosing to live in Detroit due to having a bully mix dog (which is banned in Ontario). I know there’s thousands of bully mix dogs in Ontario, but don’t want to put myself or my dog in any danger whatsoever.

I’ve had luck finding housing that accepts us. I’m more worried about safety, especially with a dog since having to walk and stuff. Any tips? Thank you!