  Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1226 Registered: 01-2005 |
Ok I think I've posted about this before. I've got a friend who I've tried to get to move downtown before. The last time we talked we looked at condo's/lofts to buy. Now he's thinking of renting. Anyone have any suggestions to help me persuade this guy? He's 25 y.o. straight guy. I'm gay and attached and we don't have too many straight friends - so he'd have to kinda make his own way. I do know that if he moves into Kales and spends a few nights at Cliff Bells he could make some friends. Him: 25, U of M Grad, Engineer, likes sports, single, techie, from Grand Rapids and Toledo...slightly skittish about living downtown (but I think he wants to). This is the last attempt for me. If he doesn't move from Novi downtown now I'm giving up. His alternative is to look for a rental in downtown Ann Arbor...but that's more expensive. At least in Detroit he could get a much better place at the same price as in Novi and walk to bars. I'm going to have him read this post...so if you can help me...sell it like you're talking to him. Thanks in advance! | ||
Cambrian Member Username: Cambrian Post Number: 996 Registered: 08-2006 |
Have him check out the post I put into the classifieds of this forum. It's a nice place on the river in Indian Village, a good area to live in for someone new to the city, it's affordable, and for sure to be a decent investment. | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 2362 Registered: 10-2003 |
Contrary to what others have said about me on this forum, I strongly believe that your friend should do what makes him happy. That doesn't mean you can't have him hang out with you downtown, but he has to make the decision on his own. He's 25--nothing he does is permanent, so even if he does move to Novi or Ann Arbor, that doesn't mean Detroit is out of the running forever (or vice-versa). If he is the type of person that wants more out of life than the typical suburban existence, though, he'll easily make take the Detroit option. | ||
Spitty Member Username: Spitty Post Number: 557 Registered: 07-2004 |
Where does he work? Maybe he could get a roommate so he wouldn't have to fly solo at the bars all the time to the and it would be more affordable. Get him a 21 game package to the Tigers and I'm sure that might help tip the scales a little. Try to find someone who can get him in as a guest at the YMCA. Let him house sit next time you're out of town to get the full experience. Or you could persuade/pay some hot girls to show him a good time like they always do in movies with blue chip recruits. I'm not sure what kind of budget you're working with here, so excuse me if these sound idiotic. | ||
Beatsworking Member Username: Beatsworking Post Number: 61 Registered: 08-2004 |
"He's 25--nothing he does is permanent"... that's how I felt when I bought a house in a good suburb about 5 years ago. Thought it would be a good investment and not decline in value. If I sold the house now I'd stand to lose about $10,000 (if I'm lucky). I've wanted out of this house for about 3 years now and can't stand it. So to Dan's statement above... I say bullshit. I'm 27 now and I've wasted 3 years stuck someplace I don't want to be. Things can seem permanent, so just make sure he really thinks through his options before making a committment. | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1227 Registered: 01-2005 |
Well it's his budget...don't know but I'd assume priorities would shift if "hot" girls were in the picture. ;) He's in Novi now and hates it. Wants to move to either Ann Arbor (expensive but with definite opportunites for friendship and dating) or downtown (Cheaper with, he feels, less of an opportunity for friendship). Don't get me wrong, he comes over to the house, we do hang out. But I've got a house, dogs, etc. that don't lend to hanging out in a bar...and I hate sports. We'll be friends, I just don't have the bandwidth as far as time or straight friends (or really connections to his age-bracket straight crowd). The buying thing a year or so ago was a stretch, but renting? My argument is, eh, it's a year. Try it out and if you don't like it move. Any more suggestions? Cambrian, thanks for the info. We looked at IV Manor last year as a possible buy for him, and I live in the area and love it, but he wants to be in the CBD close to sports, bars (walking distance) He's really in-between the college crowd and grown up crowd. YoungER, but not old (I'm old...34). Spitty he works in Bloomfield Hills with a very liberal work-at-home policy. | ||
Norwalk Member Username: Norwalk Post Number: 57 Registered: 11-2006 |
May I suggest Hamtramck? | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1228 Registered: 01-2005 |
beatsworking...we're talking a one-year lease, not a purchase. Where did you buy your house? What "good" suburb? | ||
Cambrian Member Username: Cambrian Post Number: 998 Registered: 08-2006 |
I do see your point Quinn, but the girls he picks up at the CBD bars will love that balcony view of the river. He'll score big time with that! | ||
Beatsworking Member Username: Beatsworking Post Number: 62 Registered: 08-2004 |
Quinn... West Bloomfield w/ Walled Lake schools. My point really was that he not be dumb like me and rush into anything. I thought I could make a few quick fixes and flip a house I bought relatively cheap... then everything quickly went downhill. | ||
Gambling_man Member Username: Gambling_man Post Number: 997 Registered: 11-2003 |
A straight guy hanging out with a gay guy?!? No wonder he has problems meeting friends......I think he will find that being downtown, he'll gain way more friends than he could ever dream of in comparison to Novi......trust me, I lived in a shitty suburb for a long time. As for Ann Arbor, it's no place for a lonely 30-something....guaranteed the college crowd doesn't want anything to do with him.....I think he'll find the people who live and play downtown to be far more friendly than he is used to......hell, he could even find some good friends here on this very forum...imagine that. | ||
Lt_tom Member Username: Lt_tom Post Number: 191 Registered: 06-2004 |
If you can get a job and speak spanish, you can buy a condo in the nicest part of Buenos Aires for $80,000. Lots of hot girls there too, and a low cost of living. | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1229 Registered: 01-2005 |
Well he's been thinking about this for a few YEARS...I don't think he's rushing into anything. Nor is he committing to much...it's a lease. I'd shoot myself if I lived in WB. I'm sorry you got stuck out there. Do you think you would be happier of you have bought a place downtown? | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 215 Registered: 04-2006 |
Too bad Studio One Apartments at the South University Village aren't complete yet. I would have recommended that location as pretty centralized with a close connection to the age bracket around WSU. Also, it will be new amenity which is very attractive and something we need more of in the Midtown area. Downtownies are definitely entrepreneurial in spirit, so try convincing him that his presence there will add to the increasing demand for goods and services in the heart of the city. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say this on here, but if he has an above average interest in Detroit, there are many social groups to get involved with like Detroit Synergy, Create Detroit, TRU, etc...that can really boost the support network for those who take the leap of faith. Come to think of it, I rarely ever hear of disappointment from newcomers to downtown. Those that leave, usually do so because of lifestyle changes or convenience, but not because of intolerance. Lafayette Park and Corktown are two other "bookends" that have a demographic close to your friend and obviously, if he fits the income bracket, Brush Park is exceptional! I agree, ultimately it is his choice and if his heart tells him no, at least he had some enlightenment and encouragement.  | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 2694 Registered: 02-2005 |
He may not run into too many possible girlfriends in day-to-day downtown life, but the fact that he could have a pimp place downtown could definitly catch the attention of any cool girl, regardless of where she's from. He'll have to meet people on his own--hang out in midtown or downtown on busy nights-- or invite over old friends, but when people come up to his place, they'll be impressed (a lot more than the place i can imagine he has in Novi). Tell him that. Tell him about trying to be distinctive and doing something different. | ||
Beatsworking Member Username: Beatsworking Post Number: 63 Registered: 08-2004 |
Quinn- "I'd shoot myself if I lived in WB." The thought has crossed my mind, although the lakes are nice in the summer. I would be much happier in the city. Lived at Millender for a year, loved living down there. Just plain ol' stuck for the time being. Sorry to threadjack... back to the recommendations. | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 524 Registered: 03-2006 |
if downtown doesnt work out for him (Which I hope it does) Im surprised no one has mentioned royal oak | ||
Sticks Member Username: Sticks Post Number: 263 Registered: 08-2005 |
I second that Apbest. Seems like a logical choice to me as well. The downtown is smaller, bit more thinned out, and overpriced (Royal Oak is Overrated, anyone?) but has the same feel as A2, without the AARP-hippy-nimby's. Has he looked into the Fyfe building? Woodward Center Lofts? Lofts of Merchants Row? Trolley Plaza? Millender Center? Nikki's Lofts? As an after-thought, tell him to come to the FSC's on Thursdays. | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1230 Registered: 01-2005 |
Hey hates Royal Oak. For someone who chose to live in Novi, he has a decidedly snobby attitude towards ALL suburbs...even Royal Oak. IE I think Novi ruined him for all suburbs. We've got a schedule to see lofts at merchant row, lofts at woodward center and kales tomorrow. Keep it coming for comments about downtown as he is reading this thread and commenting to me. | ||
Citylover Member Username: Citylover Post Number: 2264 Registered: 07-2004 |
Royal oak aint nothing like Ann Arbor.And that is not slam on Royal Oak.R.O. is a trendy suburb. A2 is a college town. Frankly it wil be hard to persuade your friend from choosing A2. Not that it is any better than Detroit or Novi but lets face it A2 has all that your friend apparently desires and a few things Detroit does not have yet_ mostly an active (all the time)downtown. The good thing is that he is staying in the area_ it aint as if he is colonizing mars! | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 1190 Registered: 04-2006 |
If he works in Bloomfield Hills, he'd be insane to want to commute from Ann Arbor. On bad days he would be spending four hours a day in his car; on good ones it would still be more than two hours a day. Those are hours you can never get back. That being said I'm a big fan of living near where you work. That way you put a lot less miles on your car, meaning you don't have to buy as many of them over your lifetime. With fuel costs being what they are, I sure the heck would not want to spend $10 to $20 a day to commute from Ann Arbor to Bloomfield Hills (think about it, its probably a 100 mile round-trip!). There are lots of surprisingly affordable condos in Bloomfield Hills, affording him a ten minute commute. Heck, he could even bike to work and not even break a sweat! The only bad thing I can think about Bloomfield Hills is that the SMART bus don't stop there as they are an opt out community. Bloomfield Hills certainly has more character than Novi does too; compare West Oaks Mall to Cranbrook! | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 8956 Registered: 12-2003 |
Quinn, Have him check out the DFD Lofts behind/next to Sala Thai in Eastern Market. We've got a really good thing going on down here, he might enjoy it. He can rent, but accrue monthly towards a down payment IF he chooses to buy after the five year rental period demanded by the National Historic Tax credits. Call Bob Heide at (313) 832-3000. Here is the website and here is a story on the development from ModelDMedia. Cheers! | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 1191 Registered: 04-2006 |
Gannon, if they have a firepole I'm there!! | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 8957 Registered: 12-2003 |
I'm looking for one to get from my second floor down to the first...it would be cheaper than installing a half bathroom! I had them build the wall without electrical wires at the point I'd cut it out for saloon-style doors! | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 1192 Registered: 04-2006 |
I can remember as an older teen we used to get drunk and visit our buddies at various fire stations around Detroit. All of their dads were firemen and they followed in their footsteps. Well we would just have the times of our lives running up to the second floor and sliding down the poles drunk out of our minds. The older firemen working the shifts would either look in disbelief or be rolling on the ground holding their sides. Then they would feed us, give us coffee and not let us leave. Hey it was great fun when you were 18, cheap entertainment too. | ||
Neilr Member Username: Neilr Post Number: 490 Registered: 06-2005 |
Quinn, have you suggested that he look in Lafayette Park? Lafayette Towers and the Pavilion are rental. Also, some units in 1300, a coop, are sublet as rentals. Actually, there are many more, smaller, rental complexes in Lafayette Park; but those I've named perhaps are the major ones. Apartment sizes in these buildings run from studios to 4 bedrooms. I don't know the exact rents; but I do know that they are reasonable. He'd have a short walk to Eastern Market, the CBD, the new Riverwalk and the Boll Family YMCA. He'd also have lots of young, professional, single neighbors. | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 624 Registered: 04-2006 |
"A2 has all that your friend apparently desires and a few things Detroit does not have yet_ mostly an active (all the time)downtown. " If by this you mean a 24 hour downtown then neither does A2. There are a few more options for entertainment in better proximity to downtown than to A2, IMO. Not a knock on A2 (I spent years living there), but downtown you have the downtown bars/clubs, the midtown (I must be the only one who hates calling it that) bars/clubs, the stadiums, the museums, the casinos, Windsor, Mexicantown, the river front, Corktown, Greektown... all within a 10 minute drive of the area. All of the summer festivals basically at your doorstep. The fireworks right outside of your window. Downtown even has better proximity to any of the suburbs he might want to frequent than A2 (which I guess would be either R.O. or Bham?). Ann Arbor has Main St., and S. University then back to Main St. again. No other options without a 45 minutes drive to another part of the region. Not to mention how the place is DOA during breaks and the summer. It really seems like a no-brainer to me. | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1231 Registered: 01-2005 |
Neilr, I love Lafayette park but he really needs CBD for now. Close WALK to bars, sporting events, etc. Ya, ya...I know. New Yorkers would not think that was unwalkable...we're talking mid-western mentality here (I fall under that category too). CBD = EASY walk to many bars/sportingevents or to people mover to take you to them (thinking Hockey). Keep it coming...thanks for all the comments and help, except citylover. SHUT UP! Stop talking about Ann Arbor. This is DetroitYes not AnnArbor Yes! jk. Seriously. lhearted thanks for helping out on that one. | ||
Barnesfoto Member Username: Barnesfoto Post Number: 3347 Registered: 10-2003 |
"If you can get a job and speak spanish, you can buy a condo in the nicest part of Buenos Aires for $80,000. Lots of hot girls there too, and a low cost of living." Hmmmmmm..... | ||
Dialh4hipster Member Username: Dialh4hipster Post Number: 2048 Registered: 11-2004 |
Not to be Debbie Downer but as much as I like living in Detroit now, probably a day doesn't go by that I don't miss something about living in A2. As far as the midwest goes I think that's about as good as it gets. | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 217 Registered: 04-2006 |
The apartment tower at Riverfront Towers has direct People Mover access to all downtown entertainment establishments. Aside from the fact that it's practically "moated" from the downtown streetscapes, it IS on the water and has added security features. Downtown Detroit is NOT downtown Royal Oak and it never will be. Detroit has so much more: a waterfront, a pretty bridge to look at, Eastern Market, future Dequindre Cut, waterfront parks-a-plenty, sporting venues, an international identity, access to Belle Isle, too many festivals to contain yourself, a major university and cultural district, big city urbanism, and just the shear excitement of development that is living promise of better days. | ||
Sticks Member Username: Sticks Post Number: 266 Registered: 08-2005 |
Quinn, I live at one of the developments he's visiting tomorrow. E-mail me at sticks.oner, gmail.com if you want some info. | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 219 Registered: 04-2006 |
Here's an encouraging article...from Grand Rapids...a city that I've grown to love. Every little bit counts, which is why I choose to spend (what little money I have) in Detroit! http://www.rapidgrowthmedia.co m/features/local4907.aspx | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 8963 Registered: 12-2003 |
So who was first, ModelDMedia, or Rapidgrowthmedia...or where did they get their boilerplate graphics from?!? That is hilarious, Rocket_city...too similar, there MUST be some link between them. Debbie Downer...heh. As IF, Dial! | ||
Lt_tom Member Username: Lt_tom Post Number: 194 Registered: 06-2004 |
Barnes...check this out... http://nymag.com/guides/change yourlife/16047/ | ||
Imperfectly Member Username: Imperfectly Post Number: 222 Registered: 06-2004 |
I live in Lafayette Park and while you cannot just stumble out onto the street into a bar I think the walking distance to any of the bars in the greektown/bricktown area is not so bad ! We walked to the tree lighting and the parade last fall... and LP is like a green oasis downtown if he wants to go for a run or walk. | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 1156 Registered: 11-2004 |
As a former Ann Arborite living in downtown Detroit, I don't think your friend can go wrong with either choice. Both offer a lot of the things he is looking for as far as lifestyle. However, Ann Arbor is more geared toward college students while downtown Detroit leans more toward yuppies. The worst decision he could make is staying put in Novi. I suggest the Millender Center, www.millender.com. That is a great building for suburbanites testing out Detroit. It's safe, relatively affordable, has kick-ass views and is in a great location. Let me touch on these points. Safety: There is a 24-hour security desk that only allows residents in unless a resident gives permission for someone else to come in. My own parents couldn't get in here unless I called down to say let them in. Parking is in a parking garage on the lower floors and is secure. Security guards patrol both the building, parking garage and exterior, but in all honesty it's a lot of overkill. This is one of the safest areas of the city. Kick-ass views: The lowest unit is on the eight floor and the highest is on the 33rd. You either have great views of the river and Bell Isle or a backyard full of skyscrapers. A lot of units also have balconies. A normal view overlooks the river, Canada, most of downtown's skyscrapers, Campus Martius, Tiger Stadium, Comerica Park and Ford Field. If you're high enough up you can see the outlines of Southfield's skyscrapers. The views simply sell you on the place. The closet thing I can compare them to is the scene in a stereotypical gangster movie where the boss' place overlooks all of downtown. Location: It's hard to beat this place as far as location. You are within easy walking distance of everything in downtown. The Millender Center is an easy place to stumble back to after a good night of drinking. The building also has its own People Mover stop and is connected to the Ren Cen via a pedestrian tunnel over Jefferson, which means easy access to the riverfront. There is a also a decent movie theater in the Ren Cen, along with a smattering of shops and restaurants. Greektown is a couple of blocks away. Eastern Market, Wayne State and all of the adjacent neighborhoods are within manageable walking distance. If you work in downtown or from home, you can live in Millender and not even look at your car for days. Relative affordability: Expect to pay about $1.25 per square foot each month for rent. However, that also comes with free heat, water, garbage removal, basic cable, membership to the adjacent Marriott Hotel's gym, pool and tennis courts (on top of the parking garage), a people mover stop and safe parking in your building. That eliminates a lot of extra bills. A lot of grad students at UofD and Wayne State live here and take advantage of it. The UofD law school a few blocks down usually supplies a nice population of mid-20s hot chicks. Now for the down side. Downtown Detroit is a far, far cry from NYC or Chicago. There is a lively nightlife here, but some nights (mostly early weekdays) it's just dead. But on game days or during big festivals the place is packed and you're overlooking it all. A lot of your friends will want to come down, party and then crash at your place until they sober up. This could be a good or bad thing, depending on how you look at it. They are working on the elevators in the Millender, which can make it frustrating at times. If your friend has any questions, he can shoot me an e-mail at 5column at gmail dot com. Hope this helps. | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 221 Registered: 04-2006 |
Don't mean to hijack here, but indeed Gannon, Model D and Rapid Growth are connected. There is one other publication this media group (Issue Media Group) has in Pittsburgh called Pop City. Extremely commendable if you ask me. Check it out! http://www.popcitymedia.com/ | ||
Andylinn Member Username: Andylinn Post Number: 361 Registered: 04-2006 |
if he likes sports what about living in capital park or in the nikki's lofts in greek town? i'm a midtown man myself, but that's because i'm more into art and music than sports. ask chitaku about his nice nikki's loft. yowza. | ||
Milwaukee Member Username: Milwaukee Post Number: 1217 Registered: 08-2006 |
I hope this helps. Downtown Detroit is by far the most interesting place in the region. I visited Royal Oak and Ann Arbor. I felt Ann Arbor was boring and without life. Sure it had some good places to eat, but it was just so dull and pretentious. Royal Oak had cool houses and a trendy downtown, but it also felt sunbaked and it was insignificant in terms of architecture. Downtown Detroit is a great little unique area. Nothing is going to be built like it again. Downtown is only getting better. I was downtown on Saturday and I was stunned with how much it had changed in just one year. Imagine it in just another year. You won't find many other urban settings with that quality of architecture or entertainment for such a low price. Detroit is the last urban frontier, be a part of its rebirth. | ||
Citylover Member Username: Citylover Post Number: 2265 Registered: 07-2004 |
Ihearthted were you ina coma during the summer the years you lived in A2? Try driving down main st any summer night doa is not the idea that comes to mind. But having said that and with a nod to Ehemmingways post I do love Lafayette pk. | ||
Cmubryan Member Username: Cmubryan Post Number: 424 Registered: 11-2003 |
I'm a 25 year old straight male who lives downtown. Been living at The Pavilion Apartments in Lafayette Park for 2 years and love it. Tell him to check it out, really great, diverse crowd. I'll take him under my wing and show him how great it is downtown. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 8966 Registered: 12-2003 |
Shit, I'm sold on E_hemingway's place. Mine might be $.70 to .92 per foot (depending on whether you count my upstairs bed/closet/utility/laundry area or not...due to the low hanging I-beam it cannot be counted in the mortgage assessment)...but if I added all the health club, heat, cable, and the rooftop pool and tennis, AND the view...I ain't got squat. Plus, I'M the security guy...when I'm home. Total overkill, though! heh When I walk to Eph McNally's, it is a two-hour lunch, an hour and a half if I bike. Oh, I can skip home with my groceries...as long as I get to the stores before 4 p.m.. It is probably about time the Eastern Market merchants association discovered that people live down here now!! Thanks, Rocket for the information. | ||
Cmubryan Member Username: Cmubryan Post Number: 425 Registered: 11-2003 |
Quinn, as far as the walk to the nearest bars and entertainment, it's not bad at all. It is a 5-10 minute walk to the east side of downtown which is where most of the action is right now (Greektown, Ford Field, Comerica Park, etc.) Honestly, have him home come over and I'll show him that it is so worth the money to live in my building vs. paying the extra 200/month to live right in the CBD. Plus I can get in and out of downtown a lot faster then someone who lives in the CBD and has to zig zag their way in and out especially when there is a big event. | ||
Barnesfoto Member Username: Barnesfoto Post Number: 3349 Registered: 10-2003 |
Lt Tom: Thanks for the link! I have a friend in BA, who I met ten years ago in Mexico...She's very attached, but has mentioned more than once how much I would like it... Maybe much later this year...(remember, it's autumn there right now!) | ||
Brandonhgt Member Username: Brandonhgt Post Number: 16 Registered: 05-2006 |
Be wary of the Kales, the management company down in Indianapolis jerked us around on two separate occasions. On the first occasion they insisted that we did not pay our May '06 rent. Oddly this was brought to our attention in late July when they tried to cash our May rent check for the second time (how they kept cashed check I dont know). Even after sending them a letter from our bank, the cancelled check endorsed by the Kales, and our bank statement showing they cashed the check in early May, they still insisted that we pay them again. That situation took a few months and many headaches to fully resolve. Then when we moved out they sent us our security deposit over a month late. The reason for this (after several patient phone calls) was a stated "lack of money". That was a very professional reason given on their part. While the building and local staff are great, prepare your friend for possible headaches if he decides on the Kales! I lived in apartments for 4 years in Mount Pleasant and never had any issues even remotely similar to these. I hate to beat a dead horse on this, but if I can save one person the troubles we had it is worth it. My advice based on my own experience is to look elsewhere, your friend can do better! | ||
Lt_tom Member Username: Lt_tom Post Number: 195 Registered: 06-2004 |
Barnes I hear its awesome too, Im going to check it out this winter. | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1232 Registered: 01-2005 |
cmubryan, please email me at bryanandtodd@yahoo.com | ||
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo Post Number: 824 Registered: 06-2005 |
We lived in A2 for 5 years. I can agree with DialH that after moving, I thought many times about a fondness for AA. Those days are long gone and after living for 6 years in Detroit, I couldn't go back to AA. Oh, yes, it is a wonderful town, but not for me, anymore. Detroit has so much MORE diversity and "City" to offer than AA. So long as we continue to be in SE Michigan, we will live in Detroit. | ||
Broken_main Member Username: Broken_main Post Number: 1203 Registered: 06-2005 |
Here is my two cents worth for your friend. I think downtown DETROIT(not Novi, or RO) is a good choice for your friend. Your description of him and his lifestyle puts him asa perfect match with the downtown area. Might I suggest Trolley Plaza,The Kales, or the Brush Park area as my choices. It puts him very close to the CBD and it also keeps him within walking disatnce of The Cultural Center. The one thing that is so attractive about OUR downtown is that even though it maintains it's gritty attitude, it maintains a level of SEXY that would make anyone love it. I am in a Condo in St Annes and I find downtown's proximity to my home a valuable asset to me and my family. I hope he decides to make Detroit his home. I am sure if doesn't give it a try, he will surely regret it later that he didn't even give it a try. If he needs any more info or suggestions email me at broken_main at yahoo dot com | ||
Broken_main Member Username: Broken_main Post Number: 1204 Registered: 06-2005 |
Here is my two cents worth for your friend. I think downtown DETROIT(not Novi, or RO) is a good choice for your friend. Your description of him and his lifestyle puts him asa perfect match with the downtown area. Might I suggest Trolley Plaza,The Kales, or the Brush Park area as my choices. It puts him very close to the CBD and it also keeps him within walking distance of The Cultural Center. The one thing that is so attractive about OUR downtown is that even though it maintains it's gritty attitude, it maintains a level of SEXY that would make anyone love it. I am in a Condo in St Annes and I find downtown's proximity to my home a valuable asset to me and my family. I hope he decides to make Detroit his home. I am sure if doesn't give it a try, he will surely regret it later that he didn't even give it a try. If he needs any more info or suggestions email me at broken_main at yahoo dot com | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 149 Registered: 03-2007 |
MY CHOICES OF DOWNTOWN APTS. MILLENDER CENTER,ABOUT $1,000.00/mo ONE BEDROOM,VERY CORPORATE, TROLLEY PLAZA,$700.00/mo one bedroom best bargin,nice views, private balconies, concierge, next to people mover, | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 226 Registered: 04-2006 |
When 1 person starts spending in excess of $900/mo in rent, he/she might as well think about paying a mortgage instead; as a result owning over renting. If I could own in greater downtown, I would, but my $500 goes to keeping the walls and ceiling in tact until the next person moves in. | ||
Auspower Member Username: Auspower Post Number: 12 Registered: 02-2007 |
He sounds like he grew up in a family that always said "Don't go to Detroit". My wife and I have lived downtown for 3 years. We have a dog and we work here. The downtown area is great. Stop being a sissy and get over the stereotypes. | ||
Tomoh Member Username: Tomoh Post Number: 299 Registered: 11-2004 |
Ann Arbor is an oasis in the Midwest and has some things Detroit does not. However I think your friend should consider that he's approaching his late 20s and a lot of the people in Ann Arbor will remain 18 to 22, and as a nonstudent it will be more challenging for him to break into their social circles. He's likely to meet many more people like him, young working urban professionals, in Detroit. What are his priorities? For the months of April and September I think there's no better place to be than Ann Arbor, whereas Detroit is much more happening in the summer. | ||
Downtownguy Member Username: Downtownguy Post Number: 9 Registered: 07-2004 |
I moved into Trolley Plaza in 1981 when it was new. Nice place, and the balconies were great, but I couldn't see the river. Since then I've lived in 3 other locations downtown, finally settling in Lafayette Park 11 years ago. I had a business on Woodward in the late 80s, and only then did I realize the Trolley community at the time stayed locked up in their apartments when they got home. Hopefully, that's different now. Lafayette Park folks, on the other hand, like to walk everywhere. A great sense of community, too. Only two blocks from CBD, and after all those other places, I now have a great view of the river. Never, ever get tired of that! | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 690 Registered: 04-2006 |
"However I think your friend should consider that he's approaching his late 20s and a lot of the people in Ann Arbor will remain 18 to 22" Actually, this I disagree with. There are a lot of older graduate students who are very present on the late night scene in A2. | ||
Detroitbill Member Username: Detroitbill Post Number: 226 Registered: 09-2006 |
I agree about the walkability to attractions from Lafayette Park, I walk every day , and eve I am there ( 3- 5miles a day), probably older than most on here and am accessible to all the bars and restaurants, sports attractions etc that I could possibly want without starting my car.. You can do that all walking a quarter of what I do a day.. I would think that should be a major plus for any young ( and older person). Think of what you are doing for your health also..and saving in gas,, and not worry about driving under the influence also if one gets a little drunk. Plus the cross section of all types of people is one of the best I have ever seen in Metro Detroit. | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1284 Registered: 01-2005 |
Forget it he's moving somewhere else he says. I think he's going to stay in Novi myself, but that's just a hunch. A deciding factor for him was cost to live in CBD. He didn't want to look anywhere else but there, and to get anything decent with any light or windows was 1200 and on up. Couple fantastic places but the rent was just too high (1500 to 2000). Think it was just too expensive. I wouldn't really want to pay $1500 in rent either...the last time I rented was a GREAT place in Garden Court for like 1200 plus 100 for parking. Looking back I think I was crazy though. hahaha. All priorities... Thanks everyone for helping out! Appreciated the brotherhood/sisterhood aspect of coming together to increase residency, even if it is one person at a time. | ||
Spidergirl Member Username: Spidergirl Post Number: 261 Registered: 12-2004 |
Quinn...did he look at Lofts of Merchant's Row? I just got in with free parking, one months rent free, and they reduced their rent for the first time ever. They had a 1 bedroom with a Woodward view for under $1,000. I can give him a referral...... | ||
Perfectgentleman Member Username: Perfectgentleman Post Number: 630 Registered: 03-2006 |
Let him make up his own mind | ||
Harmonie Member Username: Harmonie Post Number: 701 Registered: 08-2004 |
Quinn, There are a bunch of places with only a few units that don't advertise but are frequently cheaper than all the obvious places. I would be willing to take him on a tour to show him some of these places, as well as some of the 100 bars & restaurants downtown. Also, even on "slow" week nights, there are plenty of people out at bars or doing other fun things around town. I actually prefer to go out during the week sometimes because it's more relaxed and mostly neighborhood folk that are out and about. Email me at jpierce@insidedetroit.org for more info. | ||
Paulmcall Member Username: Paulmcall Post Number: 106 Registered: 05-2004 |
It's funny that I haven't seen one mention of living anywhere else but downtown. It's the haves and have nots. That is part of the problem with Detroit. Most of the money gets thrown at projects downtown while the neighborhoods rot. | ||
Charlottepaul Member Username: Charlottepaul Post Number: 951 Registered: 10-2006 |
Whoa Paulmcall!!! Detroit had to start somewhere, why not in the heart of the city? | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1095 Registered: 02-2007 |
I do agree with Paulmcall. Can't have a functional city and downtown without functional neighborhoods to back it up. (Message edited by Urbanize on May 04, 2007) | ||
Mg2007 Member Username: Mg2007 Post Number: 17 Registered: 12-2006 |
look like were not going to have a functional downtown then | ||
Paulmcall Member Username: Paulmcall Post Number: 108 Registered: 05-2004 |
This stuff has been going on since the Renaissance Center was supposed to be the big thing to get Detroit turned around. How many years ago was that? Meanwhile the neighborhoods have been going down, down and Kwame promises big things but no money to back it up. Yuppies frolic downtown and the rest of the city goes to hell. | ||
Eric_c Member Username: Eric_c Post Number: 948 Registered: 11-2003 |
...of course, the post WAS about moving Downtown in particular... | ||
Kslice Member Username: Kslice Post Number: 20 Registered: 04-2007 |
you can get a repo house in a neighborhood for under 20k. cant beat that!  (Message edited by k-slice on May 05, 2007) | ||
Citylover Member Username: Citylover Post Number: 2290 Registered: 07-2004 |
Great point Paulmcall. Of course no one around here wants to hear this. The irony is that for all the hubub about how "diverse" detroit is, it really isn't; the choices are very limited. Of course if this were fifty years ago in detroit the choices would be varied and good. | ||
Wally2times Member Username: Wally2times Post Number: 37 Registered: 03-2007 |
um, why don't you just let the guy do what he wants to do? How would you like it if someone tried to tell you how to live your life? | ||
Peter Member Username: Peter Post Number: 66 Registered: 02-2007 |
They are suggestions, no one is putting a gun to his head and saying "LIVE IN PAVILION APARTMENTS" or "LIVE IN ANN ARBOR". How many people do you know who ask advice about different areas when looking to relocate? It's the same thing wally. | ||
Wally2times Member Username: Wally2times Post Number: 39 Registered: 03-2007 |
Peter, I meant to the Original Poster to leave his friend alone. Sorry for the confusion. Its obvious his friend does not like our fair city of Detroit. Why force someone to live where they do not want too and why would we want someone here that does not like it here. Sorry, thats all did not mean to throw anyone off. | ||
Charlottepaul Member Username: Charlottepaul Post Number: 962 Registered: 10-2006 |
This thread is the first I have heard on this forum in a while where people were complaining about the progress in downtown. People want to move there. Now I agree that it is time to continue looking at the neighborhoods, but let us not forget that for the first time in a long while, Detroit has had more housing permits than any of the suburbs; what more can you ask for given the past of the city and its financial situation? | ||
Eastside_charlie Member Username: Eastside_charlie Post Number: 49 Registered: 02-2007 |
downtown is great. just don't go out without friends after 7 pm. | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1289 Registered: 01-2005 |
Wally2Times...where do you get the idea I'm trying to force anyone to do anything. He was the one who was interested, and said he's always liked the idea of living in a big city. As he said to me, he would do it but the price was too high for his high standards (tons of light, great view, CBD location, lower rent). All I did was try to facilitate this (more than once) and everyone here did a great job helping out. Thanks to everyone again! | ||
Peter Member Username: Peter Post Number: 73 Registered: 02-2007 |
Thank you for the clarification Wally. | ||
Wally2times Member Username: Wally2times Post Number: 46 Registered: 03-2007 |
because in a few of your posts you clearly express frustration at the fact that your friend does not want to live here and you so desperatly continue posting about this. Thats where I got the idea. Maybe its a little deeper for you than just wanting him for a room mate. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1118 Registered: 02-2007 |
D.C. is a perfect example of my logic. |
