Welcome to Detroit!
Detroit is experiencing an incredible renaissance with booming tech, arts, dining, and innovation. Over 15,000 people moved to Detroit in 2024 alone. Here's your complete guide to making your move smooth and successful.
📦 Moving Checklist: 60 Days Before
✓ Essential Tasks:
- Research Neighborhoods: Midtown, Corktown, Downtown, West Village (see below)
- Schedule Home Inspection: Get professional roof, HVAC, and structural check
- Arrange Movers: Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best rates
- School Research: Check Detroit's top schools
- Update Documents: Driver's license, vehicle registration (within 30 days)
- Set Up Utilities: DTE Energy (electric/gas), Detroit Water
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Families
1. Midtown
Median Home Price: $250,000
Highlights:
- Walkable to museums, restaurants, Wayne State
- New construction and renovated homes
- Excellent schools nearby
- Safe, vibrant community
2. West Village
Median Home Price: $180,000
Highlights:
- Historic homes with charm
- Tree-lined streets
- Strong community events
- Close to downtown
3. Corktown
Median Home Price: $300,000
Highlights:
- Detroit's oldest neighborhood
- Trendy restaurants and bars
- Ford Corktown Campus nearby
- Rapidly appreciating values
4. Downtown Detroit
Median Condo Price: $350,000
Highlights:
- Walk to work opportunities
- Sports, entertainment, dining
- Modern luxury condos
- 24/7 lifestyle
5. Palmer Woods
Median Home Price: $450,000
Highlights:
- Mansions and estates
- Highly rated schools
- Safe, prestigious area
- Large lots and privacy
6. Rosedale Park
Median Home Price: $120,000
Highlights:
- Affordable single-family homes
- Strong neighborhood association
- Quiet, tree-lined streets
- Good value for money
💰 Cost of Living in Detroit
How Detroit Compares (vs. National Average):
📊 Average Monthly Costs:
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $950 - $1,400 |
| 3-Bedroom House | $1,200 - $2,000 |
| Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water) | $150 - $250 |
| Internet | $60 - $100 |
| Groceries (Family of 4) | $600 - $900 |
| Transportation/Gas | $150 - $300 |
💼 Job Market & Economy
🚀 Growing Industries:
- Technology: Google, Microsoft, StockX, Quicken Loans (Rocket)
- Automotive: GM, Ford, Stellantis + EV startups
- Healthcare: Henry Ford Health, Beaumont, DMC
- Manufacturing: Advanced manufacturing, robotics
- Finance: Ally Financial, Rocket Mortgage
💵 Average Salaries:
| Software Engineer | $85,000 - $130,000 |
| Healthcare Professional | $65,000 - $95,000 |
| Manufacturing | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| Education | $45,000 - $70,000 |
🏠 Preparing Your Detroit Home
⚠️ Detroit-Specific Home Considerations:
1. Roof Inspection (CRITICAL!)
Detroit's harsh winters with heavy snow and ice dams can damage roofs quickly. Before closing on any home, get a professional roof inspection.
Free comprehensive roof inspection for all new Detroit residents! We'll check:
- Shingle condition and lifespan remaining
- Ice dam protection and ventilation
- Structural integrity
- Potential storm damage
- Gutter system effectiveness
2. Winterization
- Insulation check (attic should have R-49 minimum)
- Furnace inspection before winter
- Seal windows and doors
- Install storm windows if not present
3. Plumbing
- Check for lead pipes (common in older Detroit homes)
- Insulate pipes to prevent freezing
- Test water pressure
4. Foundation
- Inspect for cracks (freeze-thaw cycles)
- Ensure proper drainage away from house
- Sump pump installation if needed
🌆 What Makes Detroit Special
❤️ Reasons People Love Detroit:
- 🎵 Music & Culture: Motown, jazz, world-class museums
- 🍕 Food Scene: Coney dogs, Middle Eastern cuisine, farm-to-table
- 🏈 Sports: Lions, Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings
- 🏙️ Revitalization: Exciting transformation and growth
- 💰 Affordability: Low cost of living vs. other major cities
- 🤝 Community: Strong neighborhood pride and support
- 🎨 Arts: Vibrant street art, galleries, performing arts
- 🌳 Parks: Belle Isle, riverfront, numerous green spaces
📝 Moving Day Essentials
✓ Day-of-Move Checklist:
- ✅ Update address with USPS (do online 2 weeks before)
- ✅ Transfer utilities to your name
- ✅ Schedule roof inspection within first week
- ✅ Meet neighbors and join neighborhood association
- ✅ Locate nearest hospital, fire station, police
- ✅ Register to vote in Michigan
- ✅ Find local grocery stores, pharmacies
- ✅ Update car insurance (Michigan has unique no-fault)
🔗 Helpful Resources
🏡 Welcome Home to Detroit!
Moving to Detroit is an exciting adventure. Let Elite Roofing help protect your new home from day one with our complimentary relocation roof inspection.
New Resident Special Offer:
- ✅ Free comprehensive roof inspection
- ✅ Winterization assessment
- ✅ 15% discount on any needed repairs
- ✅ Priority scheduling