Hi Everyone! <BR>Sorry it's taken me months to repond about our decision. It's amazing what my benign question spawned on this forum. It's rather saddening to see that there are so many negative opinions about the Detroit area. <BR> <BR>We decided to take the job at Ford, and live in Ann Arbor, although housing prices are enough to give you a heart attack! We have been looking for a house for about 3 weeks now, and have found none that are acceptable, and in our price range. We are optimistic, though. <BR> <BR>We found the suburbs of Birmingham, Farmington, etc. to be very crowded and over-priced. Ann Arbor seems to have everything we are looking for: good nightlife, nice parks, good restaurants, some good cultural events and museums, and nice neighborhoods. All I need is to find a house, and we'll be all set! <BR> <BR>Thanks to everyone who commented -- it really did help! <BR> <BR>

Suz -- Thank you so much for posting back and letting us know what you decided. I wondered what you had decided. Congratulations on the job and the move, and on your good taste in choosing Ann Arbor! If you have to live in MI, Ann Arbor is definitely the place! Let me know if you need restaurant recommendations -- there were so many fantastic places to eat there. For a city of its size it has a lot to offer. I sympathize with the housing problem. It really is ridiculously overpriced and you don't get a lot for your money. And the weather can get to you. But there are lots of things I miss about it. Make sure you go to the movies at the Michigan Theatre -- it's the best of the old-fashioned movie houses & gets some great classics, and you have to love the old pipe organ that rises up out of the stage and disappears back down just before the lights go down. And I really miss Zingerman's Deli, Cottage Inn for pizza (the original restaurant, not the knockoff chain locations or delivery), Angelo's for raisin french toast and the best breakfasts in the world, Gandy Dancer for Sunday brunch. Some of my best memories in the world are from those places. And make sure you go to at least one football game at Michigan Stadium (get yourself invited to a tailgate party on the golf course beforehand if possible) -- your first glimpse of the inside of the stadium when it's filled with over 100,000 screaming fans can take your breath away. It's truly an event even if you're not a sports lover. Best of luck in your new home.

Suz: <BR> <BR>....Well, don't say I didn't warn you! Seriously though, I sincerely wish you and your family the best of luck in your new home. As much as it pains me to admit it, If I had to live in the Detroit area again (and I NEVER WILL!), I would live in Ann Arbor and put up with the long commute. <BR> <BR>Thanks for keeping us updated, and I hope that you will continue to keep us updated periodically. I am very interested in seeing your thoughts on the area now that you live there. <BR> <BR>And lastly, I hope that you lived in Columbus long enough to have some Scarlet and Grey rub off on you! IAnd the only reason to go to that evil cesspool known as Michigan Stadium would be to show off your Buckeye pride! <BR> <BR>Lisa: <BR> <BR>Comparing listening to 100,000 fans singing "Hail to the Victors" in that rat hole to listening to 90,000 fans singing "Across the Field" in beautiful, historic Ohio stadium is like comparing swilling cheap booze to drinking fine champagne :)

I suggest you live in Ann Arbor. My home in Ann Arbor, and work for Ford at Dearborn. 35 minutes drive. No too much traffic jam. a university towm with reasonal house proce. many culture even. good and safe environment. <BR>Good Luck <BR>Tao

I just recently moved away from Canton, MI which is close to the Novi and Northville. We lived outside of Canton in one of the new sub-divisions so traffic wasn't an issue until we went into town. It is getting crowded and the housing has gone up dramatically in the three years that I lived there. But, it has all of the conveniences at a relatively close distance. It is nice and close to Ann Arbor (easily one of the nicest places in Michigan) and close to major highways and the airport. <BR> <BR>But, I'm afraid that regardless of where you live, get use to the traffic it is a nightmare! <BR> <BR>

This post is "a little" late but I have to put in my two cents.<BR><BR>1. This Ric person is obbviously a bit ignorant and jealous of Univ of Michigan's dominance of OSU, hence his negative posts. Dirt roads? Come on, Get Real!<BR><BR>2. If you could in any way tolerate Columbus, OH you will absolutely love the Detroit area.

I dont know how far your husband wants to travel every day for work, but if he dosent mind a drive, a beautiful area is 30 miles north of detroit on I-94 towards Port Huron. Anywhere along Lake St. Clair or the St. Clair river is perfect for people with a small family who work for one of the big three. I have many realitives who work in that area and live here. East China School District is a very good District and the people are friendly. If you like a hometown, smalltown atmosphere you may want to check it out, we are also very close to northern Macomb County which is more populated and has more Bars, concert halls, ect. It is a very nice place to live, and no, i am not a senior citizen, i am in my 20s and still love it here. It is close to everything.