Got a job offer in Detroit,, currently living in Durham NC, Married, 50 ish, no kids. Know there will be lots to do there and more diversity than down here but worried about housing costs..can you get something decent for $200K? Can you tell me the names of some of the suburbs say between Detroit and Ann Arbor. Would appreciate any insights into the area. Thanks

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I was born and raised in the Detroit area. Left around six years ago (at the age of 31) to move to Chicago. Detroit itself is a hole, but most people don't work or live in Detroit. They generally mean suburbs of which can be quite nice. You can get something decent for $200. The area you are looking at is referred to more as the west side which is more expensive than the east side. I would suggest going out there for at least a long weekend, renting a car and do the research yourself. Feel if it's the right place for you. There are better and worse places to live depending on your interests. Only you can decide.

There are a ton of places to live in the suburbs of Detroit. Dori is right, the actual city of Detroit is pretty nasty and I don't know anyone that actually lives there but there are a million places to live around outside of it. In between Detroit and Ann Arbor, I would suggest Belleville it's just about half way in between Detroit and Ann Arbor. $200,000 will get you a decent house. I would also suggest Canton, Livonia and Plymouth. If you want a really nice city try Farmington Hills, Beverly Hills, Birmingham (very expensive but amazing - tons to do!) Royal Oak (again, costly but great) And if you want to live in some of the best neighborhoods I would suggest West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills and Milford. But with these places, you're heading more north of Detroit and if you actually work in the city you're looking at a 40 minute commute. But there are so many lakes, parks and outdoor activities, that it's a really great area. I'd suggest you stay away from Pontiac, Romulus, Inkster, Redford, Harper Woods and Wayne. These places are pretty much like detroit - run down, high crime and not too safe. If you want a cheaper alternative, you can live somewhere downriver (ie: Wyandotte, Southgate, Riverview, Trenton, Brownstown, Flat Rock) In these palces you can get a really nice house for $200k, maybe even some of the better ones in the area, be in a nice community and still get to Detroit in a half hour or so. Sorry to over load you with info. I've lived here all my life. If you want more info or have questions, email me.

Good Luck!

Kari.. thanks for all that info... at least now I can search homes for sale in the neighboorhoods you mentioned. Unfortunately since this offer is coming from a former boss and I will be officially unemployed in another week I may have to take the job without the luxury of being able to check out the area first. Sounds like it won't be the end of the world if we have to go there. Thanks again.

I live in Detroit. Born & raised here. I would suggest looking at housing in the suburbs. Maybe look into Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Novi, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township & Bloomfield Hills are all nice areas. You may be able to find a nice home in that price range or a little more maybe $250,000+ for Bloomfield Hills. (ritzy area).. I also hear Ann Arbor is nice. Never been, but had friends who visit that area.

Jim, Good luck with your search. Let me know where where you end up!

Well I was born and raised in the Detroit area, downriver (Riverview) to be exact. All the places mentioned are great. The only thing I have to add is that Yes Detroit is not the cleanest city, but alot of the downtown area is improving. I dont think I would move into the city but we are getting more and more things to do there now with the Lions and Tigers new stadiums. That area of town is getting better. I hope all works out for you.

Jim: Plymouth, Farmington and Northville are small, nice cities on the Westside close to Ann Arbor. Both Canton and Plymouth are affordable. Lots ot do in Mich esp if you like the outdoors-snowmobiling sailing, good shopping. Many good places to eat especially ethnic foods. Windsor Canada is just over the river from Detroit and interesting to visit. Casinos, new ballpark, Fox theater and Greektown all dowtown and very busy. Eastern market is fun for fresh produce and flowers during the summer. Some small towns like Saline, Tecumseh, Dundee are south of AA, but may be more affordable (but much longer drive). Ann Arbor itself is expensive. Ypsilanti (sp?) is near AA and not very nice.