1. Be Part Of The Renaissance
It’s no secret that
Detroit has seen brighter days. But unlike other struggling cities, they faced the music and did something about it. They’re fixing their books and building back from the ground up. You’ll find a ton of hipsters in Detroit now, all committed to being part of the new Detroit.
2. Street Smarts Are Required For Living in Detroit
The crime rate in Detroit is improving but it’s still nothing to brag about. The number of crimes per 100,000 people is still considerably higher than the national average, at 7,907 per 100K versus 3,099 per 100K for the rest of the nation. That said, street smarts are a must here to live in Detroit. Stay alert, mind your business, keep to yourself, and lock your doors, especially in shadier neighborhoods.
3. But It’s Not Nearly As Bad As You Probably Think It Is
No one in Detroit is proud of the crime rate. But if you believed everything you saw on television and in the movies about Detroit, you would think this was a war zone. There are bad areas and there are areas that are perfectly fine. You don’t have to fear for your life here. Just use common sense.
4. Have A Job Secured Before You Move Here in Detroit
The job market is another part of Detroit’s bounce back that is slower to the punch. Make sure you have a job waiting for you before you move here, otherwise you could find yourself up the river, so to speak. And I don’t mean Canada.
5. You Can Find Your Dream Home Here Within Your Budget
Detroit was hit hard by the market collapse and in 2013, the average price for a home here was under $60k. You can score a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in the desirable Rivertown neighborhood for $95k. No kidding.
6. Detroit Is Closer To Canada Than Almost Everywhere Else
Not to go all Sarah Palin here, but you can see Canada from Detroit. It’s that close. All that separates Detroit from their Canadian neighbors is the river.
7. How The Mile Road System Works
Yes, 8 Mile actually exists. No, it’s not entirely like it was portrayed in the movie. It stands for 8 Mile Road. The city uses the Mile Road system, so you’ll see 7 Mile Road and 6 Mile Road, too.
8. Want To Save On Your Heating Bill? Learn How To Winterize Your Pad
In case you weren’t aware, winters in Detroit are pretty blistering cold. Winterizing your house will save you a ton of money on your heating bill and is almost necessary to domestic survival here.
9. Detroit Sports Will Get You Through The Winters
Another survival skill to making it through winters in Detroit? Football. And hockey. And basketball. Yes, it’s almost impossible to live in Detroit and not be involved in sports.
10. Opening Day For The Tigers Is The Most Welcome Day Of The Year
Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, it doesn’t matter. Opening day at Comerica Park means winter can officially suck it.
11. Everyone Will Say They’re From Detroit
But most people who say it are really from the surrounding suburbs. It’s not the same thing. Yes, Grosse Pointers. This means you.
12. If You Need Good Schools, Look Elsewhere
There’s no getting around it. Detroit public
schools don’t look to be improving any time in the immediate future. If schools are a primary concern, then you’ll need to look into private or not move to Detroit.
13. New York Isn’t The Only Place To Get A Coney
Coney dogs are a Detroit thing, too. And they’re just as good, if not better, than any of the others you’ve heard about.
14. There Are Plenty Of Other Things To Eat, Too
Like Detroit Pizza! Yes, Detroit has its own style of Pizza. It’s like Chicago deep dish except square and completely awesome.
15. You’ll Spent A Lot Of Time In Eastern Market
Your grocery store options are pretty limited throughout a lot of Detroit. Luckily, Eastern Market is one of the best farmers markets around and is open year-round. You’ll find yourself there quite often for everything from produce and meats to flowers and home goods.
16. You’ll Definitely Need Wheels In Motor City
This is not a walkable city. On top of that, public transportation options are horrible. Biking has increased, but not to the extent of other cities. Invest in a good car to get around and you won’t regret it.
17. But Don’t Expect The Roads To Make Sense
Budget restraints mean the roads have gotten pretty neglected. And people take living in Motor City pretty seriously, which means the drivers can be aggressive and heavy on the gas pedal. Sometimes traffic lights don’t matter. When you live here for a while, you get used to it. But outsiders have been known to fear for their lives from time to time.
18. The Detroit Music Scene Is As Tough As Detroit
It started with Motown and it still keeps going. Maybe names like Madonna, Kid Rock, Eminem, The White Stripes, and Parliament Funkadelic ring a bell?
19. There Is No Such Thing As South Detroit
“Don’t Stop Believin’” can be found on every jukebox and playlist throughout Detroit. But no one will hesitate to remind you that there is no “South Detroit” as sung in the song. Obviously if you go to the southernmost point of Detroit, you’re in south Detroit. But there’s no neighborhood designated as such.
20. They Call It Pop Here, Not Soda
This is “pop” territory. Soda is for baking.
21. Only People From Detroit Can Slam Detroit
It’s not that the people in Detroit don’t know what’s going on with their city. But they don’t need outsiders joking about it, either. You’re only allowed to complain about the city after you’ve paid your dues. Until then, give it the love it needs and deserves.
22. Cheers, Detroit
This one’s to you.
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