Firstly why Detroit, Michigan?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Detroit
• State: Michigan
• Population: 670,031 people
• Detroit’s quick summary would be The Motor City, renowned for its automotive industry history, Motown music, and vibrant arts scene.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 60,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 70,000 annually
• Net Migration: -10000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 6,000
• Number of Homeless people: 20,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a resurgence in its economy and culture attracting professionals and artists

Perk #1: Detroit Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 45%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $51,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Detroit is $45,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-6000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Detroit’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 120 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,915
• Property Tax %: 1.48%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Midtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland-Park, Southfield, and probably could include Westland
• Avg. Age of Homes in Detroit: 97 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Detroit’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Detroit are  Automotive, Manufacturing, and Finance
• Detroit Job Scene: diverse job market in automotive and services
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub with vibrant automotive, fintech, and creative industries
• Detroit Resident’s pay $2,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Detroit: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 300 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 28

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Detroit

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-75 connects Detroit to areas north and south
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy congestion on I-75
• Transportation Score: 48 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Detroit: 600,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.9
• No. of Car Washes: 30 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Detroit: michigan.gov/sos
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 67 of 100
• Local Airport: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Detroit’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Detroit is best described as experiences a humid continental climate with cold snowy winters warm summers and notable seasonal changes providing beautiful scenic views throughout the year
• Winter Weather in Detroit i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Detroit can be described as cool with rain likely
• Summer’s in Detroit are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Detroit is usually cool with sunny days
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 11 days in summer
• Days in a row in Detroit below Freezing: 60
• Average Annual Rainfall: 35 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality frequently impacted by urban pollution
• Detroit Winter Air poor air quality due to significant urban pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Detroit Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Detroit 32
• While the number of trade schools inside Detroits’s city limits are 8
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Detroit Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Detroit Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Detroit only Doctors is about 700
• Local Hospitals here is  18
• Full-time Detroit only Police Officers is about 4,600
• Crime Rate Index: 80/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Detroit’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Detroit’s Monthly Gym Membership: $60
• Detroit’s Water Quality Score: 65

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Detroit

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 15 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: iconic city known for its music history and automotive industry
• You might enjoy shows at the Fox Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Detroit  boasts a diverse nightlife with historic venues upscale clubs bars and cultural experiences throughout the city

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Detroit

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a diverse culinary landscape with many dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 300 scattered around Detroit
• The Popular Sports Team is Detroit Lions
• Top Level Political Climate in Detroit can be described as diverse urban center with strong progressive movements
• Detroit’s Longer standing religious establishment is Detroit Unity Temple

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Detroit Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Detroit has 100 Parks?
• Detroit Riverwalk is Detroit’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Detroit Eastern Market normally open Saturday 6am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cultural events, and biking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Detroit Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Detroit can be described as fast-paced urban life driven by culture music and history
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Detroit going to museums exploring parks attending sports events
• The Cities people commute to from Detroit are Dearborn 3 miles away Southfield 8 miles away Warren 10 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Detroit or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy congestion on I-75. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Detroit’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Midtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Detroit are Dearborn 3 miles away Southfield 8 miles away Warren 10 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 80 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Detroit has 60 days in a row below freezing and 11 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Detroit people have an average (positive or negative) $-6000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   20,000 homeless people living in Detroit. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse urban center with strong progressive movements could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Detroit.

Retiree & Senior Life in Detroit

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might avail property tax exemptions helping to lower their expenditures
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Mallard Cove
• Detroit Senior Center hosts a variety of social events educational workshops and fitness classes

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Detroit, Michigan?

If Detroit, Michigan ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Detroit, Michigan, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!