If you’re moving to this historic, cultural city, you likely want to know about Detroit’s neighborhoods before choosing where to live. To that end, the information below will be beneficial. It’s a guide to the neighborhoods in Detroit from the storage professionals at iStorage, as well as a breakdown of the cost of living in the city. Read on if you’re ready to learn more about Detroit before you arrive!
Best Neighborhoods in Detroit MI
One positive fact about Detroit is that hundreds, if not thousands, of homes sell at lower than their original price, making the city one of the most affordable home prices. Some neighborhoods have more than others, with the point being that you should look closely before settling on any one home or neighborhood.
Best Neighborhoods for Commuting
Midtown
About 6 minutes from Downtown Detroit (or a 15-minute bus ride for those who use public transport), Midtown is lively, lovely, and historic. Midtown is going through a renaissance right now and is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city, with quaint shops, cool night spots, and excellent eateries. It also has an eclectic mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and high-rise apartments. Midtown is also known for its exciting nightlife and culture.
Downtown
Only some communities in the United States can match Downtown Detroit for culture, nightlife, shopping, cuisine, and live music. The same can be said for sports and museums, of which you’ll find plenty. Yes, Downtown should probably be listed under “best neighborhoods for nightlife,” However, since your commute time is zero minutes, we felt it only fair to list it here.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Sherwood Forest
The #1 neighborhood to purchase a Detroit home according to Niche, Sherwood Forest is overflowing with beautiful, well-constructed homes from the 1920s and 30s. Yes, many could use a bit of repair and upgrades, but the neighborhood is quiet, safe, and has easy access to lovely parks. That makes this subdivision perfect for families of all kinds. It’s also a 20-minute drive to downtown Detroit, thus a good fit for commuters.
Sherwood Forest Manor
Right next door to Sherwood Forest is Sherwood Forest Manor which boasts the same amenities and positive points. Beautiful older homes, tree-lined, quiet streets, and a quick commute into the heart of the Motor City. In other words, it’s an excellent choice for raising a family.
University District
You’ll find many young families living in this Detroit community and several top schools also. (Farmington Steam Academy gets an A from Niche!) The community is highly diverse, the homes are beautiful, older brick homes made back when quality was everything, and it’s close to all the parks, shopping, and other amenities you need when you’ve got a family to care for.
Best Neighborhoods for Nightlife in Detroit
Eastern Market
Live music, phenomenal micro-breweries offering tasty local suds, and some of Detroit’s liveliest, jumping hotspots? Yes, please! Exciting at night, Eastern Market is also fantastic when the sun’s out, hosting a Saturday farmer’s market with local produce and crafts from around the area. Take advantage of the Eastern Market Brewing Co., a local favorite for craft beer and good times!
Hamtramck
A multicultural hive of nighttime activity and fun, Hamtramck was once a Polish enclave but today is easily one of the most lively communities in Detroit. Authentic food worldwide is a significant selling point, as well as top comedy clubs, karaoke bars, and beer gardens. There are also many joints where you can hear live music 7 nights a week!
Honorable Mentions
The following Detroit neighborhoods are all worth a good look before settling on your final location.
- Greektown
- Rosedale Park
- Corktown
- Rivertown
- West Village
Why Residents Love Living in Detroit, MI
There are some genuinely great reasons to live and work in Detroit. Below are a few reasons people love living in Startup City.
- The startup community is booming!
- Getting around the city is much easier than most large U.S. cities.
- The food scene in Detroit is one of the best in the country.
- The cost of living in Detroit is easily one of the lowest in the U.S.
- There’s a true community spirit in Detroit few other cities can boast.
- Unique, beautiful, and breathtaking architecture is everywhere.
Factors You Need to Consider When Moving to Detroit, MI
Detroit’s Weather
Warm, dry summers, pleasant spring and fall weather, and harsh, cold, snowy winters are the hallmarks of Detroit weather. Winter, truth be told, lasts about ⅓ of the year, so be prepared!
The Cost of Living in Detroit
With a score of 88.7/100, the cost of living in Detroit is over 11% less than the average major U.S. city. Housing costs, as we’ll see next, are the primary reason why.
Real Estate Prices in Detroit
A housing cost index of 23.5/100?! Yes, yes, and yes! The median home cost in Renaissance City is an incredibly low $71,600!
Detroit’s Public School System
Detroit has just under 300 public schools. Unfortunately, many are subpar, so finding a neighborhood connected to better schools is necessary.
Recreation Opportunities in Detroit
You’d be hard-pressed to find an American city with more opportunities for outdoor adventures than Detroit. William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor is a great example, but there are many more!
Let iStorage Help You Plan Your Move to Detroit, MI
If you’ve just arrived and need to find storage in Detroit, iStorage should be at the top of your list! We offer a wide variety of different storage unit sizes to fit every need. Whether you’ve got an entire moving truck or the contents of a single dorm room, you’ll find clean, safe, and secure storage units in Detroit with iStorage. Need help to move to the Motor City? iStorage has moving and packing supplies! You can also use our convenient and helpful moving guide and storage unit size guide for help!
When you’re ready, reserve your Detroit storage unit online, and, when you arrive, it will be ready for you! No deposit is necessary, and our month-to-month leases mean you’ll never get stuck in a long-term storage contract! Until then, welcome to your new home, Detroit, Michigan!