Whether you’re moving to Detroit for work, or other reasons are bringing you to the Motor City, there are a few things you need to know about this often misunderstood city before you take the plunge of living in Detroit. As anyone in the city can tell you, it is a unique place — and it’s not for everyone. Bright sparks of invention and lingering shadows of disappointment paint the history of this iconic metropolis, and both have left their mark on the city.
That said, folks not from The Motor City often give it an undeserved bad rep, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a major city with such heart and close-knit community spirit.
Is Detroit a good place to live — should you make the move? Read on for the top things you need to know about life in the city before you decide to call it home.
Detroit at a Glance:
- Detroit is located just below the thumb on the mitt of Michigan, about 280 miles east of Chicago. It is right across the Detroit River from Canada, which connects Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair.
- Detroit still ranks as Michigan’s largest city with just over 639,000 residents. And, while the city experienced a population decline for decades, it finally experienced population growth in 2023, gaining almost 2,000 residents.
- Detroit is a proud, predominantly Black city. In fact, it has the highest number of Black residents of any U.S., with over 77 percent of the population identifying as African American.
1. The Cost of Living is Lower Than the National Average — But It’s Rising.
How much do you need to make to live here? Much less than in most U.S. cities. The city is listed within the top 25 U.S. cities with the lowest cost of living for 2024. It is important to note that while the cost of living is below the national average, the cost of housing is increasing.
Incomes
The 2024 median annual household income was reported as almost $67,000 in 2024. The 2024 national median was reported as almost $60,000.
Home Values
The average home value is $72,400 (June 2024), more than four times lower than the U.S. median listing price of $360,400! Home prices are rising almost in line with the national average, with 4.1 percent yearly increase and a 4.3 percent increase nationally.
Average Rent
As of June 2024, RentCafe reports that the average rent in comes in at $1,200 per month. The average apartment size? City-sized at just under 800 square feet.
Q: What is the quality of life?
A: Housing prices and the cost of living are lower than what you’ll find elsewhere in the state and country. Your quality of life will depend on your household income, where you live, and what kind of urban environment you’re looking for.
2. There Are Tons of Gorgeous, Abandoned Fixer-Upper Homes Here.
As the city flourished between the turn of the last century through the mid-century, houses sprung up like daisies. Unfortunately, by the first decade of the new millennium, a large number of original homes were abandoned — first due to the “white flight” during the civil rights era and again during the 2008 housing and economic crash.
About a decade or so ago, leaders made headlines when the government began selling homes for as little as $1in order to help repopulate the city. While these next-to-nothing deals are pretty rare now, there are still plenty of “fixer-upper” homes on the market, selling way below market value. Yes, the market is getting more competitive, but it’s still a great opportunity for first-time home buyers who want to invest in a market that is increasing each year.
Q: Is the area bouncing back?
A: According to many outlets, the city is slowly overcoming its hardships. In 2023, they experienced population growth for the first time in decades, and its median home price is rising. Abandoned downtown buildings are being revitalized, and businesses are moving their headquarters to the city.
3. Three of the Top Places to Live are Sherwood Forest, Jefferson-Chalmers, and Midtown.
If you were hoping to be able to brag about living in “South Detroit,” we’re sorry to disappoint, but it doesn’t actually exist. The famous opening lyrics to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” have been misleading you this whole time. However, the city is full of real-life spots that are guaranteed to be better than any fake South Detroit could ever be. Here are some of our favorite neighborhoods.
Sherwood Forest
No, this is not the famed forest you know from Robinhood — but it is named after it! Sherwood Forest is the No. 1 neighborhood to buy a house. This historic district is split into two subdivisions — Sherwood Forest Manor and Sherwood Forest — and is full of gorgeous homes from the 1920s and 1930s. Here, you’ll find close access to parks, quiet streets, and a 20-minute-or-less commute into downtown.
Jefferson-Chalmers
Interested in waterfront living, or maybe you just want easy access to outdoor activities? Jefferson-Chalmers is an eastern neighborhood that rests right on the edge of the Detroit River. In addition to 100-year-old brick roads, ranch homes, and mansions, it also has charming canal communities and immediate access to Alfred Brush Ford Park, a cozy waterfront space and a favorite local spot for casting lines and catching fish.
Midtown
Packed into a lively 3 square miles and just a 6-minute car ride (or 15-minute bus ride) north of Downtown, the Midtown neighborhood offers residents a little taste of nearly everything. With housing options from high-rise apartments to historic homes and spilling with shops, eats, and culture, it’s easy to see why this is such a trendy and popular neighborhood.
Q: Is it a safe place to live?
A: Real talk: Crime rates are at the national average in all categories, but it doesn’t mean living here is unsafe. After all, over 600,000 people proudly call The Motor City home. Like with all major cities, it’s important to flex your street smarts, be vigilant, and get schooled on the safest and most dangerous areas of the city.
4. People Here Go Big on Community and Initiative.
What’s so great about Detroit? The answer’s easy: This city does not skimp when it comes to community. There are no strangers here, so don’t expect to move here and be invisible, like you might be able to do in some other big cities. The residents are not passive; expect to be involved.
People here know their neighbors, they say hi to passersby on the street, and they take initiative to help make their communities better. A lot of this solidarity comes from the city's history, if residents wanted something done, they had to do it themselves. That’s a bond that’s hard to break — and, more often than not, even harder to find in a big city.
Q: Is it a good place to live?
A: It depends on who you ask. If you’re looking for a big city with a community vibe where you can get involved, know your neighbors, exercise street smarts, and be part of the city’s revitalization, this might just be the place for you.
5. Get Ready to Spend One-Third of the Year in Winter.
If you live in a warm climate, moving here may mean beefing up your winter wardrobe. The coldest winter temperature on record was a staggering minus 21 degrees Fahrenheit in 1984. But don’t worry; while it does get very chilly here, that was more of an anomaly. The average winter temps land somewhere between 20 to 35 degrees, with some dips below zero.
The catch? Icy winters typically last up to four months, November through February, but can be as long as six months — starting in late October and powering through April. However, those who can learn to embrace it will be rewarded with stunning spring and summer days with temps in the mid-60s to mid-80s.
6. Do Your Homework on Its History.
Do yourself a favor and read up on Detroit’s history before you get here. This city has been through a lot starting with its rise to popularity and fame as a bustling city for several industries, including publishing and automobiles, through the turmoil of the Civil Rights Movement, and up to its current “renaissance.” This city wears its heart and history on its sleeve and is still affected by its past; it’s part of why the community here is so strong.
Q: What is the vibe?
A: Like with any big city, the vibe of Detroit varies. It’s a combination of close-knit community, independent hustle, creativity, and ingenuity. It’s a city with a work hard, play hard mentality — and everyone’s invited.
7. Schools Vary and Are Improving Each Year.
As of September 2023, Detroit ranked with an overall average B- grade, up from its 2020 rating of C-. Public schools here are funded by headcount. There are public schools that have magnet programs available, there are Center Based Special Education schools, there are Science and Medical High Schools, and Art Based schools. There is also a strong Technical School ethic that benefits those wishing to learn a trade.
8. Music and Art are Part of the City’s Lifeblood.
Detroit might have earned its nickname as the Motor City, but music still drives blood through this talented city — providing its other nickname, Detroit Rock City. Detroit’s most famous claim to musical fame is as the indelible home of Motown, and the city’s musical muscle is still strong. Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Eminem, Madonna, Lizzo, The White Stripes, Aaliyah, and Sufjan Stevens — and so many more — were all born and/or raised in Detroit! Unlike the automobile industry, Detroit is still manufacturing top-notch talent, and almost every big artist stops here on tour, so be sure to check out a live show from time to time.
9. You Can Go Island Hopping Here.
Detroit may not seem like the first place that comes to mind when it comes to island life, but this concrete jungle actually has surprising access to a number of nearby river islands. Topping the list is Belle Isle, the largest island park in the U.S. Other notable island outings: visiting the Gibraltar Bay Alpaca Farm in Grosse Ile Township, kayaking through the Humbug Island marshland, or catching Harsens Island’s bird migrations on the fly.
10. Public Transit Options Are a Work in Progress.
A drawback to getting its start as such a car-driven city meant Detroit’s public transit system didn’t get the love it deserved, though it’s slowly been gearing up over recent years.
As far as going car-less? It’s possible and they’re working on it. The city’s bus system is pretty robust, though it doesn’t have the best record of reliability. Plus, in 2017, the long-awaited, QLine light rail began giving free rides on its 6.6-mile loop track from Downtown through Midtown to New Center.
We love Detroit and hope you will seriously consider it when contemplating a move!!
