Housing in Detroit

WayneStateKatie · May 8, 2009

If you're just using it for a place to crash a few nights a week Hancock Towers in midtown Detroit (where henry ford is located-less than a mile away) is relatively inexpensive. They have studio apartments with huge closets, a doorman, keycard access to the building so just not anyone can get in, and they used to have all utilities included in the rental price. Each unit has an AC and a kitchenette with an electric range, garbage disposal, and full size fridge. My car never got broken into, but I had several friends who had their cars broken into or stolen in the cass corridor area. It's a problem with parking on the street in the area (and it's very well known). I shelled out extra for an assigned parking spot in the lot. It was 450 a month including all utilities which I found pretty reasonable when I lived there. They will probably require you to sign a year lease though.

Also something to consider is looking at the surrounding suburbs as well. The few years I lived in Detroit I used to drive to the suburbs to go grocery shopping-- while the local grocery stores were ok for buying pop, noodles, cereal etc I never had good luck with the produce-- it was always nasty and old! If I wanted any fresh fruit or veggies I had to go to the suburbs if it wasn't the weekend (then I'd go to eastern market). Suburbs also offer conveniences such as movie theaters and easier access to chain stores like target, meijer etc and many are still a 10-15 minute drive to Henry Ford Hospital (Ferndale and Royal Oak - where I now live- are really nice, I know many people who live in dearborn or downriver and like it).

How long were you planning on staying in the place you're renting? If you're looking to stay here only a few months, then renting an apartment probably isn't the best plan. I'd suggest you look for roommates or renting a room in someone's house. If you decided to stay in the Detroit area you could get a better feel for the different cities and areas and make a more informed decision on where you'd like to commit to living to. There are all sorts of listings on craigslist detroit.craigslist.org I'm sure you can find something on there.

Let us know if you need anymore help with anything!

lvtrn · May 8, 2009

WayneStateKatie,

Thank you so much for pointing me in a few directions. I plan on visiting this next week to look around and start trying to figure something out. =)

tonyal · May 9, 2009

I live right by ferndale and it literally took me 18 minutes to get there on the weekends.that included parking in the clinic parking. anything right off 75 would be good to get there fast.

Minkie · May 9, 2009

Moving to Detroit can be kind of tricky if you don't know the neighborhoods. I live on a very quiet and safe street called 4th street, very close to Henry Ford. There is a building across the street from me with cheap studio apartments called the Valson. We have very little crime on this street and it's a nice environment. It's kind of hard to find though (which is a good thing, cuts down on foot traffic, no outsiders loitering on our street). I am not sure if there are any openings in the Valson, at the moment, but if you want more info let me know, I will try to find a phone number for you to call.

Other good neighborhoods in Detroit are Woodbridge and Corktown. The area immediately surrounding Wayne State has its pros and cons. Check out the parking situation before you sign a lease. Try to talk to residents and ask them about the safety of the parking situation. Avoid apartment buildings located close to liquor stores in this neighborhood. They always draw hustlers and drug addicts. Not to be scary, but it's just true. I hate going to the liquor store and I am glad I don't live near one.

I used to live at Woodward and 6 Mile and I don't recommend that area. Palmer Park has beautiful apartments and will look very inviting, but it is a high crime area. Avoid it and avoid Highland Park. No offense to anyone who lives there, I used to, too. I just found it to be high stress and someone new to Detroit would find it less stressful to reside elsewhere, in my opinion.

I agree that Ferndale is also a good option. It's pretty close and as a newbie to Detroit, there is less to think about and worry about in terms of the safety of the neighborhood. Ferndale is a nice area, pretty much a "no brainer". You can be rest assured that you'll feel safe there. Rents are higher in Ferndale though, because it is kind of a hip, desirable area. There are always bargains to be found though, especially if you are willing to live in a small studio.

Good luck! Congratulations on your internship! If you have any questions, you can contact me. I am at student at WCCCD doing my prereqs. I may ironically enough, be relocating to the Lansing area very soon.

oguesswhat · May 9, 2009

If you don't want to live in Detroit then going a little south of Detroit is generally cheap too. Lincoln Park is cheap usually. Dearborn (east side) might be ok too. Lincoln park is about 25 mins south and Dearborn is like 15 mins.