  Eaglelv Member Username: Eaglelv Post Number: 24 Registered: 03-2007 |
I am retiring from the Service after 26 years and am seriously thinking of moving back to the Metro Detroit area, I am a frequent visitor to this forum and have to honestly say I don't read to much positive dialogue about the shape of the city and the incredible riff that apparently still exists where 8 mile begins. Now before everyone starts throwing arrows I am a native Detroiter with eastside blood (Jeff/Chalmers) flowing through my veins, all my family lives in the Metro area, lots of firemen that have watched the city burn down over the years, etc etc. But after reading thread after thread of negativity I am second guessing my decision to move back to be close to family and also in a sick twisted way I still love the city. My biggest concern is the job market, then school system and where to pluck my family down and establish some roots. I have lived in Hawaii for the past 16 years and we have experienced the exact opposite of Detroit in our metro areas (housing Boom continues and infrastructure can't keep up with growth) I know there really is no true comparison to an island population but it’s all I've known for sometime. What I need is to hear some of the positive reasons to come back and become a contributing member of Metro Detroit I've always thought the city had such potential and in my visits over the years have noticed that the downtown area has somehow experienced a slight rebirth. So do you think its worth the gamble to come back????? | ||
Bob Member Username: Bob Post Number: 1658 Registered: 11-2003 |
Heck yes, it's worth coming back. As many visitors to our area say, we are much more negative about things around here than actually exist. Yes, there are some employment problems, but there is significant momentum in terms of fixing up the city, and although some setbacks, there have also been lots of success. If you want to stay on the eastside, might I suggest the area that borders the Grosse Pointes and St. John's Detroit hospital. Lots of great houses in the this area that have been kept up and fairly low crime. | ||
Meaghansdad Member Username: Meaghansdad Post Number: 212 Registered: 07-2007 |
No.At least not the city proper. I love the city, born and raised. Still own property there. But,there are growing metropolitan areas(Minneapolis/St.Paul/ Charlotte NC,Madison WI, in states that are in some proximity to Michigan that would afford you the opportunity to visit your family regularly. The school system here is in shambles. Crime(both petty and violent) is rampant. I know this goes against the "DetroitYes" sentiment, but if youre coming to the Metro Detroit area, please do your family a favor and start house shopping at least 15-20 miles (Troy and Sterling Heights, New Haven in the far east) from the city. My family and I recently moved from Detroit into Harper Woods, primarily because my children could attend Grosse Pointe schools (private school tuition is CRAZY!), and also because our familial network is in the city. It wouldve been difficult to attempt to raise a young family without help, so far away from the city. I've continued to be vigilant with respect to the housing market, and if my personal situation wouldve been different, I probably would not have gotten any closer than Commerce Township. Good Luck in the decision making!! | ||
401don Member Username: 401don Post Number: 219 Registered: 11-2007 |
16 of the 26 yrs. in Hawaii. Who was your Uncle, Eisenhower? It's a great time to buy a home. Plus, the Detroit area is a great place to live for the same reason I love to visit. It's got all the big city amenities-sports, culture, entertainment without having the big city negatives of congestion, traffic, etc. The many inner suburban areas like Royal Oak, Gross Pointes, etc. are like separate small towns. Not all big cities offer that. From everything I've read virtually everyone leaving Michigan leaves because of employment, not because they'd rather live anywhere else. So it all comes down to a job. | ||
Conman Member Username: Conman Post Number: 47 Registered: 06-2006 |
Eaglelv, might you retiring from the Navy? And does your Grand Am have a bullet hole in the trunk? Can't be too many people from the Jeff/Chalmers area that are serving our country in Hawaii. | ||
Urbanoutdoors Member Username: Urbanoutdoors Post Number: 710 Registered: 11-2005 |
Eaglev, The job market isn't great that is for sure but that said although I have considered moving in the past few months I am deciding to say because I am willing to tough it out and share that same "sick twisted way I still love the city" mentality. I am hoping over the coming years to maybe open my own business and feel there is tremendous potential for that, also with you being from the military you should not have as much of a problem finding a job around the city. I believe that the city is in a period of transition and many who have left will give there experiences from what they have had happen but those of us who have stayed still love the city and feel that it is bar none one of the best areas to live. Your from detroit so you know that there still are many issues that go along with the city but those issues are not by any means worth keeping you away. Detroit is one of a kind and I am a product of Detroit's private schools which are still quite good. To name some :Waldorf, Holy Trinity, Friends, UofD. Along with charter schools such as University prep and the development of the cornerstone schools there are plenty of ways to get quality education in the city. The area really has alot to offer, I for one would be glad to welcome you back to the D! here is one great guide to living in the D by crains detroit business: http://www.crainsdetroit.com/a pps/pbcs.dll/section?category= lid | ||
Alan55 Member Username: Alan55 Post Number: 1113 Registered: 09-2005 |
"Troy and Sterling Heights, New Haven in the far east." What? Why so close in? Why not try a bit further out in "Metro Detroit", like Bad Axe, Frankenmuth, or Dundee? Eagle, it all depends on what area of work you want to pursue. If you have a skill that is marketable, then by all means return. If your skill and chosen career aren't so much in demand, it might be better to wait 3 or 4 more years until the economy (hopefully) recovers. | ||
Davidmausolf Member Username: Davidmausolf Post Number: 27 Registered: 04-2006 |
Eaglelv, My hope is that you offer Detroit your support. Many have challenged themselves to move to Detroit, despite our present situation. Leaders such as you have been pushing back the tide of negativity that we see in our City with your vote of confidence. Where others see a failing economy, I see a student’s creating a vision for the future in TechTown, business leaders asking themselves how they can move downtown like Rock Financial and Compuware, and people of all ages proving that Detroit can be a viable city. Since this decade began our community has grown stronger downtown. To see the change from a wasteland into a developing city, it would be hard to imagine this change has taken only 8 years. Our community has something that we have long missed, people of all colors coming together to live in our city, refusing to accept the view that suburbs are the only choice. As a white male I’ve taken the steps to put my faith in this city. At the same time, it shows that we are not bound to lose our cities population to Florida, Georgia, California, Hawaii, and New York. | ||
Parkguy Member Username: Parkguy Post Number: 211 Registered: 04-2007 |
Eaglelv-- I regularly listen to a podcast called "Smart City." (www.smartcityradio.com)Recently they interviewed two young women who have started the Great Lakes Urban Exchange. One of them returned to her home in Pittsburgh, one returned to Detroit. When asked about her thoughts about the city, the Detroiter said, "When I look around Detroit, all I see is opportunity." I think she's perceptive. Low skilled jobs with higher than average pay are going away forever, low skill jobs with low pay are going away forever, but high-skilled jobs are being created by the tens of thousands per year in Michigan-- and yes, there are statistics that back that up. Right now the losses due to restructuring are overwhelming the new jobs being added, but restructuring won't last forever. There is plenty of opportunity, and the costs are low right now. As long as you and your business can last through these hard times, good times will follow. | ||
Hooha Member Username: Hooha Post Number: 159 Registered: 06-2005 |
"do your family a favor and start house shopping at least 15-20 miles (Troy and Sterling Heights, New Haven in the far east) from the city." As a psych grad, I find the gap between perception and reality fascinating. Troy and Sterling Heights are only 6 miles from Detroit. 20 miles will put you in Rochester, Auburn Hills or, ironically, Pontiac. If low crime and good schools are your main concerns, you really don't have to move that far from the D. | ||
Eaglelv Member Username: Eaglelv Post Number: 26 Registered: 03-2007 |
Wow... just came back from the Beach and a trip up to North Shore and low and behold nothing but positive input to move back to the "D". And "Conman" yes my Grand Am did have a bullet hole in it, a nice reminder of my own mortality and the power of law enforcement because that cat got 7-15 for felonious assault. Thanks to all for taking the time to reinforce what my instinct tells me to do. Hey 401Don no my uncle was not Ike, my staying in Hawaii was never "the plan" just kind of happen that way and fortunately for me it allowed me to buy a house, get an education and start a family. Believe me I've left the island for several extended periods at the behest of Uncle Sam to visit all those countries covered in sand....Thanks again to all for taking the time to give your own personalized view of moving back to Detroit. Urbanoutdoors I did check out the Crains link, lots of good info there. Aloha | ||
Detroitbill Member Username: Detroitbill Post Number: 425 Registered: 09-2006 |
The job market is certainly tough unless you have a particular skill or your just looking for some very basic employment. There is actually alot of opportunities in certain specialized areas,, they actually have a problem filling some of these jobs.. As for living, there is something for everyone here at a reasonable price. I have lived in four major cities in my life and I am totally convinced that some of these posters have either never lived in other large cities, have had the bad misfortune of living in a bad area or just refuse to see anything good . If you like suburban living , there is tons of it in good communities that aren't that far from the downtown. This area offers great sports, restaurants, entertainment venues ( casinos, theatre ), notable museums, an international waterway and Canada minutes away with water and nature in close proximity.Best of all, some great people live here,. As a downtown dweller myself, I, and many others in my neighborhood- Lafayette Park, are constantly scratching our heads when we read some of these posters who insist you have to live 15 miles from the city to feel safe and blanket the whole city as a battle zone. Quite frankly,,its totally ridiculous to generalize like that. and anyone in our neighborhood will verify that, We have a very safe,stable environment, with great diverse people all within walking distance to countless downtown attractions. We constantly have visitors from the suburbs who tell us "we had no idea this sort of community existed in Detroit"- all you have do is look for yourself, don't just take my word for it. The downtown has improved far more than "slightly" in the past several years and continues to get better despite these hard economic times. All of us wouldnt even consider living here if we felt as endangered as some of these posters keep saying on here. Its a large urban city and you have to excercise the same caution you should anywhere in urban cities. There are many neighborhoods to stay away from in the city but there are some that are just fine. Just do your homework and use some common sense when selecting. The burbs offer you as many pleasant places as any major city.. Its not "twisted" at all to love Detroit. Its a feeling many of us have, and its not imagined. There are alot of us who feel this way, we would prefer you remember our postings as much as you do the negative ones. | ||
Eaglelv Member Username: Eaglelv Post Number: 27 Registered: 03-2007 |
Conman, drop me a line at this address(lyleeagleiv@aol.com) can't be too many people out there that knew I was car jacked back in the day and that the young feller left a calling card in my trunk cause I didn't want to play his silly little game. Take it easy...see even after that I'm willing to come back to the "D". Lyle (Message edited by EAGLELV on January 21, 2008) | ||
Eaglelv Member Username: Eaglelv Post Number: 28 Registered: 03-2007 |
Detroitbill...Thanks for a heartfelt and sincere view of the city also filled with commonsense idiology. I can see that in your eyes the glass is indeed "half full". Take care | ||
Meaghansdad Member Username: Meaghansdad Post Number: 213 Registered: 07-2007 |
Hooha aka "psych grad"-lol mustve just gotten your paper-lmao, There is very little difference between perception and reality when it comes to a father protecting his family, and the first priority of any father is to put his family in the best possible situation, and that begins with housing choices. Why would he move his family into the city and pay for private schools if there are other choices? I love the city, do a lot of volunteer work, my son goes to Cornerstone(by necessity, not choice), but if this gentleman were single, I'd certainly tell him to research some of the lofts or other housing going up downtown, but that isnt the case. | ||
Roadmaster49 Member Username: Roadmaster49 Post Number: 3 Registered: 01-2008 |
I say welcome back but it would be tough to go from tropical Hawaii to any midwest rust belt city. I am in central Iowa and started a post Outsiders Welcome? I am just starting my search for an old home. I will be in greater Detroit on February 21-24, looking in B-E and Indian Village for a project home. My plan is to buy an old home, restore it and eventually 3 season it with January-March in Florida. Why Detroit? Why not? The same home in our ritzy South of Grand neighborhood in Des Moines would be $300,000 to $500,000 and I'm basic middle class, so this may be my best opportunity to own a brick classic architecture home. My wife and I sat down with the Wells Fargo bank owned website on Sunday morning over coffee and identified 24 homes of interest before we got numb looking. And our 1st thought was if your a 24 year old "kid" and you have a job, why not Detroit? Why in the heck would you pay $500-$700 rent for a two bedroom apartment when you could OWN a brick home with 1700 square feet, fireplace, deck the works. A little sweat equity, and your ahead of the game. Sure, you avoid the bad neighborhoods, you do due diligence on the neighborhood, meet the neighbors. The good thing is, if you don't like the home, or your spider sense is tingling, try one of the thousands of other homes. So for different reasons I'm moving in. I'll still work in West Des Moines, but I won't rob my neighbors or close the shutters, everyone will be welcome. It just takes several like-minded folks of all races, then you have a neighborhood. | ||
Elviswithteeth Member Username: Elviswithteeth Post Number: 64 Registered: 03-2007 |
I say return to Detroit area if it makes you happy. Family live there? Like the season changes? Nothing good comes easy. Make the move because it is something YOU want to do. I say...whatever makes you happy! Good Luck! | ||
Detroithabitater Member Username: Detroithabitater Post Number: 115 Registered: 10-2006 |
move into the city. The momentum is unstoppable. The future is bright. | ||
Roaringmouse Member Username: Roaringmouse Post Number: 26 Registered: 09-2006 |
There is plenty of amazing history and architecture in Detroit but what makes it the best is the sense of community. If you want your kids to understand their connection to other people and the world in general you owe them a community. We have it all here and at a really cheap price. You can't afford not to move here. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 11397 Registered: 12-2003 |
quote: Must increase sunglasses budget! Or just get used to squinting... | ||
Living_in_the_d Member Username: Living_in_the_d Post Number: 11 Registered: 01-2008 |
I would like to add "Kudos", for davidmausolf and parkguy, Well put indeed. I also came back to the "D" after a brief tour in the southwest. Having lived elsewhere, It gives you a real sense of well being being back. Detroit is the best kept secret in the world. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 11399 Registered: 12-2003 |
Not if you keep that up! | ||
401don Member Username: 401don Post Number: 226 Registered: 11-2007 |
Eagle, Just kidding about the Eisenhower crack. Thanks for your many yrs of service. I have two friends serving in Afghanistan (for the crazy Canucks of course.) | ||
Roaringmouse Member Username: Roaringmouse Post Number: 27 Registered: 09-2006 |
This Model D article explains how great your kids can have it. http://www.modeldmedia.com/fea tures/dkids12708.aspx?utm_camp aign=Cool%20Kids%20Love%20Detr oit&utm_medium=Email&utm_sourc e=VerticalResponse&utm_term=re ad%26nbsp%3Bmore | ||
Figebornu Member Username: Figebornu Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2008 |
Coming back to Detroit? Let me suggest Richton and Hamilton on the edge of Highland Park and Detroit. Not only will you experience an environment you probably have never dealt with before, you will realize just how racist and pathetic Metro Detroit is. You will realize that due to the "hillbillies" that flood places like Troy/Bloomfield Hills, etc., huge pockets of Detroit have been systematically destroyed socially, politically, spiritually and economically. You will find that Detroit STILL IS the most segregated region in America. I'm just kidding. Stay in Hawaii. At least there, you can visit Detroit on ocassion and then go back to paradise, thus having the best of both worlds. | ||
Detroitbill Member Username: Detroitbill Post Number: 433 Registered: 09-2006 |
Sounds like Figeornu should move to Hawaii, might be happier there,, For every bad area suggested , there are hundreds of good ones with good people living in them.. Why must some people always dwell on negativity.. | ||
Figebornu Member Username: Figebornu Post Number: 8 Registered: 01-2008 |
Besides Detroit being a cold rustbelt, we have people who are in complete denial about the reality of their city. The super rich and powerful Detroit area companies let the ball drop in Detroit as they invested and built the cities we now know as San Diego, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, etc. They simply let Detroit die, and they had the audacity to live here, i.e. the Pointes, etc. It is something rather bizarre and freaky that these area billionaires still live in the area as they looked out from their helicopters and watched for decades as Detroit crawled to its knees. And now? Just like a super capitalist, these money moguls are slowing back buying up the now dirt cheap land and slowly showing some interest. | ||
6nois Member Username: 6nois Post Number: 627 Registered: 11-2006 |
From all the people I know who live in Hawaii or have lived there its not nearly as nice as it seems when you are visiting. Sky high real estate, cost of living, and plenty of poverty, and some really hostile people too. Doesn't sound all that nice, but in reality this is about how every place has good and bad things about it, even Detroit. Shock, right? | ||
Eaglelv Member Username: Eaglelv Post Number: 30 Registered: 03-2007 |
Figebornu Dude, I hope you feel better now that you got that off your chest!•• Yikes. Yes I could stay here in Hawaii, but I don't really want to live in a foreign land and raise my kids in private schools paying an arm and leg for tuition. Hawaii has been a great experience for the last 16 years and has given this Detroit Eastsiders opportunities beyond anything I had ever imagined but the cost of living here is incredible. You raise many concerns that yes are true but it appears that there are still many rich communities that exist in the Metro area which all some how gravitate back to the city. It has been especially interesting watching the KK perjury fallout and maybe this is the turning point that puts Detroit back on the path to recovery. Thanks again for the input but in the end my ties and affection for Detroit are too strong not to return. See you downtown in about a year and a half. Thanks to all | ||
Lefty2 Member Username: Lefty2 Post Number: 1011 Registered: 07-2007 |
There's lots of truth about Detroit in the posts here, good bad etc. Still lots of fun things to do that can't be had in most parts of the country. I moved back from Calif. and got a nice cheap house near Balduck in 48236 which is still decent. | ||
Eaglelv Member Username: Eaglelv Post Number: 32 Registered: 03-2007 |
Lefty I spent many a winter sliding down the hill at Balduck back in the 70's. | ||
Figebornu Member Username: Figebornu Post Number: 13 Registered: 01-2008 |
I have lived in a lot of US cities, but one of my most intimate and comforting moments showed me at the WSU football bleechers eating lunch as I looked over a struggling but surviving city. | ||
Eaglelv Member Username: Eaglelv Post Number: 33 Registered: 03-2007 |
Fig A Stoic statement, makes for a nice visual... | ||
Lefty2 Member Username: Lefty2 Post Number: 1012 Registered: 07-2007 |
They are still sledding Balduck, some thinks don't change, though drugs drove quite a few people out in the eighties, there are still a couple cops and a lot of good neighbors.  | ||
Pgn421 Member Username: Pgn421 Post Number: 313 Registered: 02-2005 |
balduck was great back in the 60 s and 70 s many great memories | ||
Pgn421 Member Username: Pgn421 Post Number: 314 Registered: 02-2005 |
Lefty- What part of Cal were you living at? I moved from Bay Area. back here | ||
Lefty2 Member Username: Lefty2 Post Number: 1014 Registered: 07-2007 |
Sunny So Cal aka LALA land | ||
Pgn421 Member Username: Pgn421 Post Number: 315 Registered: 02-2005 |
Lefty-Welcome Back! |
