detroit
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Should you move to Detroit, Michigan?

Famous for being the automotive center of the world, and its iconic music scene, Detroit is one of the most coveted cities in Michigan.

Moving to Detroit, Michigan’s most populous city opens up lots of adventures, fun, and excitement.

If you’d love to live in a large city with a low cost of living, affordable housing, and thrilling nightlife, moving to Detroit, Michigan is right for you.

QuickFacts

Quick facts to know before moving to Detroit

 

  • Detroit’s average one-way commute time is the same as the U.S. average
  • Detroit’s cost of living is lower than the U.S. average
  • Detroit is a city of millennials with a median age of 34.7 years
  • Detroit averages 183 sunny days per year
  • Around 34.5% of Detroit’s residents are renters
  • Detroit’s average annual pay for average jobs is $61,629

Is Detroit worth moving to?

Detroit is worth moving to. Detroit is rated as one of the most innovative cities in the United States. More so, Detroit’s robust business atmosphere makes it one of the best places for startups. If you’re considering moving to Detroit, you’ll be glad to know that the city is worth moving to.

Is Detroit a good place to live in?

Detroit is a good place to live in. The Motor City is a city of millennials making it an exciting and thrilling place to live in. Detroit’s low housing costs and low cost of living make it a suitable place for people of all lifestyles. If you’re moving to Detroit, you’ll be glad to learn that the city is a melting pot of culture.

What is the coldest month in Detroit?

January is the coldest month in Detroit. The Motor City’s average temperature during this period is around 19 degrees. In contrast, Detroit’s warmest month is July. Detroit’s temperature during this period is around 84 degrees.

What’s the population of Detroit?

Detroit’s population is 664,140 people. The Motor City stretches across 143 miles making it the largest city in Michigan and the 26th largest in the country.

  • Detroit has a population density of 4,788 people per square mile
  • The median age in Detroit is 34.7 years
  • 32.7 years is the median age for males and 36.3 years for females

How fast can you commute in Detroit?

Detroit’s average one-way commute time takes 26.4 minutes. That’s the same as the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes. You’ll spend less than 30 minutes commuting to work if you move to Detroit. Less time on the road means less stress and having more time for other things.

Here’s how people in Detroit get to work:

  • About 69.4% of Detroit residents drive their own car alone
  • Around 13.0% of Detroit residents carpool with others
  • Up to 3.8% of Detroit residents work from home
  • About 7.6% of Detroit residents take mass transit

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How is the weather like in Detroit?

Detroit averages 183 sunny days per year. The United States average is 205 sunny days. If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Detroit, the following is a quick snapshot of the Motor City’s weather:

  • Detroit’s summer high in July is around 84 degrees
  • Detroit gets 34 inches of rain on average per year. The U.S. average is 38 inches
  • On average, Detroit gets 33 inches of snow per year. U.S. average is 28 inches
  • Detroit’s winter low in January is 19 degrees
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Top 10 Reasons To Move To Detroit, MI

For the fourth year in a row, more people are moving to Detroit, MI more than any other city in the United States. If you're wondering why, here 10 reasons for moving to Detroit, MI

  • Exciting outdoor activities for outdoor enthusiasts

    Hiking, biking, rock climbing; Detroit has exciting options for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Here are some of the best activities in Detroit to explore.

    • Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Detroit
    • Visit Monument Valley
    • Fly over and Hike the Grand Canyon
    • Camping on Grand Canyon's North Rim
    • Kayak the lower Salt River and see Wild Horses
    • Bike through Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
    • Backpack the Superstition Wilderness
    • Hike to Havasu Falls
  • Great nightlife

    If you think Detroit is famous for its daytime adventures, you are wrong. The true charm of Detroit is best viewed after the sunsets. Here's how to make the most of it.

    • Float on and glow on at Tempe Town Lake
    • Sip drinks inside a hidden bar
    • Get familiar with the local arts scene
    • Have dinner in a fancy restaurant with a view
  • Detroit area arts and culture

    Detroit takes pride in its fabulous arts and culture. Some of the best places in Detroit and nearby areas to explore arts and culture are:

    • Heard Museum
    • Detroit Art Museum
    • Musical Instrument Museum
    • Children's Museum of Detroit
    • AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park
    • Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
    • ASU Gammage
    • Valley Youth Theatre
    • Orpheum Theatre
  • Detroit is a golfer's paradise with 200 golf courses

    For avid golfers, there is no place better than Detroit, which along with its neighboring communities is home to nearly 200 golf courses. From lush Sonoran Desert scenery to the classic green grass and wide fairways located in resorts, remote landscapes, and city-owned courses, there are amazing golfing spots in Greater Detroit

  • Arizona State offers an award-winning education

    It is not just the topography and climate that makes Arizona a great state but the quality of education is also top-notch. And here are the most of the best education institutions in Arizona are in Detroit.

  • Affordable cost of living

    Living in Detroit is a lot cheaper than living in many big cities in the US, such as San Francisco, Houston, and Seattle. The homes are cheaper in Detroit because residents don't need to spend more than 30% of their income on housing.

    The average two-bedroom rent in Detroit is $958. That's much cheaper than Detroit ($1,087) and far cheaper than San Francisco ($4,189), New York ($3,841), Boston ($3,166), and Los Angeles ($2,556).

    The Median Home Cost in Detroit is $239,400. In addition, utilities, transportation, and health are also much cheaper here.

  • Foodies enjoy flavors from all corners of the world

    The cuisine in Detroit is greatly influenced by Mexico and the city is the best place to try fresh flour tortillas and smoky carne asada outside Mexico. Once you are here, you should not leave Detroit without relishing the authentic delicacies, which include:

    • Sonoran Hot Dog
    • Mesquite flour
    • Cheese crisp
    • Chimichanga
    • Navajo tacos
    • Piki bread
    • Posole
    • Tamales
    • Red chile stew
  • All the good weather

    Detroit takes pride in its sunny weather. The city has 300 plus sunny days per year, which makes it a popular destination for snowbirds. The winters are warm and the sunsets are the best in the US.

  • Entertainment for the young and young-at-heart

    The landscape and topography of Detroit and its surrounding areas are perfect to try adventure activities. If you are young or want to feel young-at-heart, you need to try some of the amazing adrenaline rushing activities, such as:

    • Salt River Rafting
    • Stellar Adventures
    • Arizona Falls
    • Epic Escape Game
    • Hole In The Rock
    • Detroit Ghost Tours
  • Detroit has a unique and vibrant coffee scene

    Often addressed as the 'Coffee Capital of the Southwest', Detroit has 20 independent coffee shops and kiosks in its 2 square miles downtown. Starbucks alone has 9 stores in the area and more are coming up. In addition, there are 13 restaurants and bakeries with full coffee bars.

    Some of the best coffee shops to explore in greater Detroit area are:

    • Giant Coffee
    • Peixoto Coffee Roasters
    • Maverick Coffee
    • King Coffee
    • Cartel Coffee Lab
    • Fillmore Coffee
    • Royal Coffee Bar
    • Lola Coffee Bar
pros and cons of Phoenix

Pros & Cons of living in Detroit

If you’d like to find out if moving to Detroit is right for you or not, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in the city.

This can make it easier for you to figure out if moving to Detroit is right for you or not.

Pros of living in Detroit
  • Detroit is a cosmopolitan city and a melting pot of culture
  • Living in Detroit is affordable
  • It’s easy to get your groove on
  • Detroit is an innovative city
  • Detroit has a good transportation system
  • You’ll have lots of entertainment options
  • Detroit has a robust economy
  • Detroit is one of the most livable cities in Michigan
  • Easier access to top-quality education
  • Social factors from population density
  • Detroit is rich in history
  • Remarkable arts and culture environment
  • Detroit is a perfect spot for music lovers
Cons of living in Detroit
  • Winters can be harsh in Detroit
  • Detroit has a poor public school system
  • Grocery stores aren’t common in Detroit
  • Detroit has a high crime rate
  • The poverty rate in some areas of Detroit is high
  • Detroit’s public transport system isn’t so dependable
  • Environmental factors from population density

Best places to live in Detroit

Detroit is home to several beautiful livable neighborhoods. Moving to Detroit gives you the perfect chance to live in any of these neighborhoods. If you’re moving to Detroit and wondering what neighborhood is the best for you, the following is a list of the ten best neighborhoods in Detroit:

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value Median Income
1 Indian Village 1,672 $220,450 $64,062
2 Downtown 4,983 $86,940 $39,360
3 North Rosedale Park 4,839 $88,575 $71,137
4 Midtown 8,324 $117,389 $19,407
5 University District 2,702 $145,725 $77,849
6 Belmont 2,238 $29,300 $42,218
7 Detroit Golf 1,616 $177,640 $66,708
8 Jefferies 1,361 $153,100 $9,809
9 Corktown 592 $150,600 $34,167
10 West Side Industrial 399 $84,300 $42,084

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Cost of living in Detroit

Affordable living in a big city is one of the key perks of moving to Detroit. The cost of living in Detroit is 87.6. The United States average is 100.

Detroit’s average cost of living is below the national average. The following are the key components that make up Detroit’s cost of living:

Living Expense Detroit Michigan National Average
Overall 83 89 100
Services 104 95 100
Grocery 93 88 100
Health 93 94 100
Housing 39 74 100
Utilities 94 99 100
Transportation 114 106 100

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How is the job market in Detroit, Michigan?

How fast can you get a job if you need one in Detroit? The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several job markets across the United States and Detroit wasn’t left out.

Since you’re considering moving to Detroit, here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market:

  • Detroit’s unemployment rate is 9.6%. The U.S. average is 6.0%
  • Detroit’s future job growth is projected to hit 29.31%
  • Recent job growth in Detroit is lower than the U.S. average
Employment Information Detroit, Michigan United States
The income per Cap $16,433 $31,177
Household Income $27,838 $57,652
Unemployment Rate 9.6 6.0%
Recent Job Growth -10.54% -6.18%
Future Job Growth 29.31% 33.51%

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What are the top career options in Detroit?

You’ll find lots of jobs to choose from if you’re moving to Detroit. Which ones should you opt for? You may be interested in some of the city’s highest-paying jobs. The following is the list of the highest-paying jobs in Detroit.

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary # OF People
1 Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists $271,250 $61,150 610
2 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $259,010 $122,640 2,750
3 Anesthesiologists $258,670 $37,270 320
4 Chief Executives $255,370 $120,440 1,400
5 Dentists, General $237,300 $93,220 1,230
6 Psychiatrists $230,170 $130,410 270
7 General Internal Medicine Physicians $216,000 $60,350 710
8 Obstetricians and Gynecologists $209,680 $58,100 280
9 Nurse Anesthetists $194,710 $177,410 1,350
10 Family Medicine Physicians $190,220 $63,130 970

What is a good salary in Detroit?

Moving to Detroit could mean getting a new job. But how many bucks can you earn in the city? Will you be earning more or less compared to where you are right now? Let’s find out:

  • Detroit’s average annual pay for average jobs is $61,629
  • Detroit’s average hourly pay is $29.63 per hour
  • Detroit’s average weekly pay is $1,185 per week
  • Detroit’s average monthly payment is $5,136 per month
  • Michigan’s minimum wage is $9.65

Top Industries in Detroit, MI

Similar to several other large cities, Detroit’s economy is powered by several industries. The best part is that whether you work in a small or large industry, you’ll most likely find a suitable spot for your job in Detroit. The following is a list of Detroit’s largest industries:

  • Manufacturing
  • Finance
  • Information Technology
  • Retail
  • Tourism
  • Advertising
  • Healthcare
  • Exporting

Detroit’s housing market

If you’re interested in buying a home after moving to Detroit, we have the key information you need to know about the city’s housing market. Let’s take a look:

  • Detroit’s median home cost is $68,600
  • Over the last ten years, home values in Detroit have risen by 216.0%
  • Currently, Detroit’s home values have appreciated by 31.3%
  • Around 34.5% of Detroit’s residents are renters
  • Up to 2.1% of homes and apartments in Detroit are open to rent

What’s the average home rental price in Detroit?

Detroit’s rental market is known for its affordable homes. If you’re considering renting a home or an apartment after moving to Detroit, take a look at the average rental prices below:

  • The average rent of a studio apartment in Detroit is $555
  • The average rent of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Detroit is $642
  • The average rent of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Detroit is $821
  • The average rent of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Detroit is $1,039
  • The average rent of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Detroit is 1,116

Michigan taxes

If you’re moving to Detroit from out of Michigan, you may not be familiar with the state’s taxes.

The following are the key taxes in Michigan if you’re planning on moving to Detroit:

  • Michigan’s income tax is 4.25% flat rate
  • Local income tax in Michigan is 0% - 2.40%
  • Michigan sales tax is 6%
  • Michigan’s property tax is 1.45% average effective rate
  • Michigan’s gas tax is 26.30 cents per gallon of regular gasoline and diesel

Best things to do in Detroit, MI

There are lots of exciting things you can do in Detroit.

If you’re moving to Detroit, we’ve made a list of the various things you can do and places to visit. Take a look at the list:

  • Visit the Belle Isle Island
  • Visit the Fox Theatre
  • See the Motown Museum
  • Relax at Belle Isle
  • Walk or Bike Along the Dequindre Cut
  • Check Out One of the Largest Bookstores in the World
  • Visit the Museum of African-American History
  • Take a Food or Brewery Tour
  • Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
  • Tour the eastern market
  • Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts
  • Snap Photos at The Belt
  • Witness the rise of technology in the Henry Ford Museum
  • Step back in time to visit Greenfield Village
  • Learn about African Americans within the city of Detroit
  • Go on a free walking tour
  • Take a Tour of the Guardian Building
  • Walk Around Campus Martius Park

What is the crime rate in Detroit?

Is Detroit a safe city for you and your loved ones? Similar to several other large cities in the United States, Detroit has its fair share of crime problems. The following are key stats about Detroit’s crime rates:

  • The violent crime rate in Detroit is 94.3. The national average is 22.7
  • The property crime rate in Detroit is 66.7. The national average is 35.4
  • Residents have a 1 in 50.9 chance of being the victim of a violent crime
  • Residents have a 1 in 23.2 chance of being the victim of a property crime

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Statistic Count Raw Concord/ 100k People New Hampshire/ 100k People National/ 100k People
Total Crimes Per 100K 41,590 6,268.3 2,022.5 2,476.7
Murder 275 41.4 5.6 5.0
Robbery 2,346 353.6 53.6 81.6
Aggravated Assault 9,467 1,426.8 305.9 250.2
Violent Crime 13,040 1,965.3 437.4 366.7
Burglary 6,820 1,027.9 286.1 340.5
Larceny 14,844 2,237.2 1,121.3 1,549.5
Car Theft 6,886 1,037.8 177.7 219.9
Property Crime 28,550 4,302.9 1,585.0 2,109.9

What is the safest place to live in Detroit?

Millennium Village is rated as the safest place to live in Detroit. if you’re moving to Detroit, you’ll most likely be interested in the safest places to live in the city. So, we’ve shared a list of the top ten places to live in Detroit alongside their crime rate per one hundred thousand.

Rank Neighborhood Crime Per 100K
1 Millenium Village 2,507
2 Midtown 2,487
3 Rivertown 2,487
4 Marina District 2,517
5 West Side Industrial 2,517
6 Corktown 2,517
7 Downtown 2,517
8 Brush Park 2,517
9 New Center 4,159
10 Old Redford 4,213

Best Schools & Universities in Detroit

Detroit is home to several top-quality schools. If you’re moving to Detroit, you’ll have easier access to several excellent schools from universities and colleges to elementary, middle, and high schools.

The following is a list of the best schools in the city if you’re moving to Detroit:

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