Hmm. The house that I grew up in in the Detroit NW suburbs is now worth (adjusted for inflation) 73% of what it was worth in 1964. I’m not saying that things haven’t improved over the last few years (in fact, in 2009 it was worth about 50% of its 1964 value). But Detroit is a long way (sadly) from pulling itself out of its slide. My guess is your sister is not downtown (or maybe she is?) – last I heard there wasn’t a single chain grocery store within the city limits: http://money.cnn.com/2009/07/22/smallbusiness/detroit_grocery_stores.smb/
Detroit flourished due to the automotive industry. Initially Detroit was nothing – they almost made Calumet the capital, as that was where the big industry, mining, was when Michigan was made a state. The weather sucks – we used to celebrate the one or two sunny weekends in the summer. There is not a lot to pull people in, except cheap rent – especially for those who are looking for art studio space. And the crime rate is legendary – it is currently the 28th most dangerous city in the world by some estimates: http://www.worldatlas.com/articles/most-dangerous-cities-in-the-world.html
People have been trying to re-envision Detroit since the 70s PR campaign “Say Nice Things About Detroit” – but wishing and hoping doesn’t make it so. I wish things were different, but it has a long way to go.[/quote]
njtosd,
You really need to stop living in the past and move on with the times. I’m not sure where you get your information, but I get mine based on facts and people i know that live close to the source (my sister) who is living through this revitalization of downtown Detroit that I speak of. In fact, I was in downtown Detroit a few months ago to actually see this…how about you; 1980? Just look on Redfin for high rise condos in downtown Detroit.
Here’s one for instance. https://www.redfin.com/MI/Detroit/1135-Shelby-St-48226/unit-2501/home/98941987
Listen, I think Detroit is moving on from its past and “right-sizing”. It’s probably not going to be >1 Million like at its peak, but the downtown area is vibrant and has a lot going on at night (similar to Chicago) and companies are purposefully moving downtown and encouraging and paying their workers to move…and many Mllennials will and do. This is displayed by housing values outside of Detroit which have remained stagnant. When I asked my sister why she lives downtown she names numerous reasons why she would never leave. She loves that her building has character (1920 historic building made of brick), her city has history, she feels a sense of community (everyone is proud to call Detroit their home), and she only has a 10 minute bike ride to her office at the Rennaissance. I think its very easy for people like you to be ignorant and assume things based on media. Congrats on being part of the herd, meanwhile I’ll go and find opportunities based on research and facts.
BTW, not sure if you know this but Detroit is a very large city in terms of size. Just like any large city, there are parts that are good and parts that are bad. Downtown is the CBD and the part where revitalization is occurring. Not sure how long and how far this revitalization will go, but being from Michigan I am very optimistic about their progress. If you really are from Michigan you should be ashamed.
