Pros and Cons... Bring it On!

While I personally feel I made a great decision in moving to Detroit, this type of move may not be for everyone which is something I thoroughly recognized after a brisk morning walk through the city. As I took in the sights of my bustling Detroit metropolis, while sipping my coffee from Chez Zara, I started to think about my original pros and cons list. I’m an organized planner so as you can probably imagine my list was long and mainly in favor of the cons because I was very skeptical given my background. Today I took a look at that original list and giggled to myself because… I was completely wrong. 

After analyzing, I was able to group my original cons list into the following six categories: work, living situations, safety, social agenda, transportation and shopping. As you read on, you’ll see the six categories and my discoveries while living in Detroit.

Work:  Detroit is very entrepreneurial, so if opening a business is in your future this is a great place to start because of the available space and wide demographic. “Drive. Detroit’s Table Tennis Social Club” is just one example of a recent startup. It’s a business dedicated to providing a location for people with a love for table tennis, click here to learn more. Clearly the sky is the limit for adamant entrepreneurs.

In addition to startups, there are also a number of established industries in the downtown and surrounding areas which, for example, include automotive, healthcare, marketing, hospitality, government and service. While Detroit is still in the process of redeveloping, a downfall is how a number of larger organizations have not yet made the move downtown.     

Living situation: When I made the move a couple years ago I knew an apartment was a logical step because technically it was only a year long commitment so if it didn’t work out, parting ways would be simple. Obviously the city and I got along very well because three signatures later, I’m looking at my third lease on the same apartment. The living situation was a major concern when I first moved, mainly because I came from a small, friendly town. So after apartment research, several visits and more than 21 questions I proudly accepted the key to the apartment.    

Two years later though if you’re looking for an apartment the typical saying is “Get em while they’re hot!!” With the number of people moving in masses to Detroit, apartment availability is at a minimum. After a recent conversation with the property manager, my apartment building is at about 90% capacity, which is similar to many other buildings in the area. Again, “Get Em While They’re Hot!”   

Safety: Don’t believe everything you hear! I was extremely skeptical, given the reputation, before moving to Detroit but over these past couple years I can truly say I’ve never been afraid for my safety. Continually you’ll see the Detroit Police Department, US Border Patrol, Wayne State Police and various other security personnel patrolling all areas of the city. A number of organizations have also created their own security team that assist in patrolling many of the public gathering areas, streets and sidewalks.  

Social events: There really is always something happening whether it is a sporting event, concert, restaurant opening, festival, etc., boredom is seldom an excuse to stay home. Fortunately my apartment community develops a monthly calendar that quite literally shows you something going on in Detroit every day of the month. So those over ambitious individuals looking for a challenge can find one very easily by attempting to partake in an event every day.

 

Chess Anyone?

 

Life-size chess set available daily just outside Campus Martis.

Transportation: Unlike most major cities, Detroit is laid out in a way that's difficult to walk everywhere because several of the communities are located miles apart. I did end up choosing to keep a car which was simple because there was plenty of parking garage availability. However, walking remains my preferred choice of transportation.

There are also a number of other transportation options for those who choose not to have their own car. The Detroit People Mover is a convenient choice which can transport you just about anywhere in the immediate downtown area, I actually use this service to get to work everyday. Taxi and bus services are also available with pickup locations in many of the surrounding Detroit communities. ZipCar also recently became available for Detroiters! This transportation option allows individuals to rent their own car on the spot with six convenient locations for vehicle pickups.

 

Detroit ZipCar locations!

 

Shopping: Initially I thought I’d have to travel outside the city to do any sort of shopping, especially for groceries. Almost instantaneously I was proven wrong when I discovered a mini grocery store located just outside of my building! Not only was this very enlightening, it actually lead to the discovery of several additional grocery shopping opportunities at places like Eastern Market, Honey Bee Market and Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe. My fear of an empty fridge has since been eliminated.

 

Detroit is a city that continues to amaze, breaking down the barriers… one list of cons at a time. Love Always, Detroit