Detroit-area living

[Julie_Mouse]

I learned today that I will most likely be attending graduate school in Detroit-area next year (and for the next several years!). It's a fantastic program, and the only reason I was slightly apprehensive about accepting the offer was because of the reputation that this area gets . I'll actually be on the Canadian side (Windsor), but I will surely be completing practicums and spending lots of spare time (read: shopping!) on the US side.

I'm completely new to the area, so I would appreciate any advice regarding shopping, eating, living, entertainment, transportation, or anything else you can think of Thanks everyone!

[SBETigg]

It's not as bad as the news suggests. I lived in Canton, MI, a suburb of Detroit, for several years and it was a fine place to live. We didn't actually go into Detroit often, but it felt safe enough when we did. We loved Ann Arbor, lots to see and do in Ann Arbor as far as shopping and dining. There was always a bank robbery or brutal crime or several in the morning news and Detroit Free Press, but it never affected us personally. There were arts events and music events and things that would have brought me into Detroit more often had my children not been younger. The weather wasn't as bad as we expected, either. We're from New England, so I guess we're used to everything-- except for the occasional tornado warning.

I don't know about public transport in the area. It seemed everyone drove everywhere, and there were some pretty bad drivers on the road (and I'm saying this coming from MA). But someone who spent more time in the city would know more.

[Jennifer_and_Chris]

I have lived in Detroit my whole life... born (Detroit Children's Hospital) and raised (Pol-town and Troy) ....

Detroit does get alot of slack because that's all that makes it on the news. The city has had its reputation beat up because, hey - misery sells! Good news is no news.

Downtown Detroit is a great area with many beautiful buildings and lots of history. You would do yourself a great service by exploring the city and all it has. The city has had several negative stories come out recently - the horrible previous mayor, the automotive industry decline, the even worse housing market decline..... But, the people remain hard-working, optomistic and proud of their city.

With that said, there are certain areas of the city (as with any other city in the world) that I would stay away from. But, there is much more positive than negative areas.

I have many friends and relatives both in Windsor and Detroit. If you'd like a few cool places to start your google research - Greektown (not the casino but, the area of the city known as Greektown), Detroit Institute of Art, Detroit Zoo, Detroit Science Museam, African American Museam, Motown Records, Henry Ford Museam, Greenfield Village, Mexican Village, Cass Corridor, etc.

Some other great surrounding 'burbs are Royal Oak, Birmingham, Grosse Isle, Rochester, Mt. Clemens...

I could go on.... let me know if you are looking for more particular information.

[carley]

i live in the windsor area friendly people for the most part.... dont worry.....come on down enjoy life

i go shopping in the detroit area alot.... like anywhere else...mind your own business be polite and enjoy it. we have had no problems

[offwego]

I live outside of windsor in what is locally called the "county" but is the town of leamington.

Getting to Detroit is pretty simple as is navigating, using public transport for both is a bit trickier unless your talking a ball game etc.

The confusing part (For Canadians from other areas) is that one goes North to get into Detroit. Weather down here is much balmier than Ottawa by the way.

Shopping at Macy's is my fave, but be aware that while one doesn't pay duty one does pay pst and gst until it's going to be the HST on many items that one would buy. (household goods such as laundry soap are excluded but clothes, music, movies, etc are not neither alas are shoes)

Make sure you budget for tolls.