Have you visited Detroit?

Question

Is it as bad as people say it is?

Answer 1

Since I am used to Detroit- I am biased, but I will try to give a review from the traveller's perspective. If you have a car to get around in, that is the best thing becuase public transit sucks. The people mover is a joke, yes it will get you around a general "loop" of the downtown area, but there is much it doesnt go to. Cabs are almost non existent. Buses-dont think about it. Just be careful where you park and only park in garages at night (or private parking lots) and on the street during the day.

There is some really nice things about the D as we say, Great restaurants all over, not much of an art district, we have the DIA which is under construction, and some art galleries down Woodward, but nothing to write home about. Sports are great, the Lions suck, but the stadium is new as of 2002 and is one of the nicest in all the NFL. The Red Wings and Pistons are winning teams and now we can say the Tigers are too, also with a new, world-class stadium (2000).

Casinos are an added bonus for some, but they are "temporary" casinos and the new ones are not even being built yet. No resort-style casinos, although Greektown is semi-attached to the Atheneum Hotel which is a 5 star hotel along with another famous and wonderful restaurant, Fishbones.

There is decent shopping in the suburban areas, from Novi to Troy, to Auburn Hills, there are many upscale and ritzy malls and shopping districs.

The weather is horrible from November until May. We have mild springs and falls and moderate summers. The fall time is nice if you enjoy the color show of the trees.

What some of the other's say is true, but do your exploring of the city during the daylight hours and you will be fine. The "bad parts" are really kinda far from downtown so if you have a good plan and map, you can avoid the "bad areas". Also, I have lived in and went to Wayne State University (excellent school btw) which is right in Detroit and have never seen too many prostitues, so I dont know what that other person was talking about. The only sure place to see some is on Woodward between I-75 and Highland Park. Beyond that I have never seen a hooker.

Answer 2

I live and first off dont speak on things you dont know. I actually like the city. It has crime and stuff but Beverly Hills, Ca also does. It also has bad areas but it is no different than L.A. and New York, Philly, etc. Everywhere has good and bad areas. It is a decent midwestern town but not like Chicago. If you have been to Cleveland or Pittsburg you should expect something like that. I would also visit the suburbs they are amazing and I would say some of the best in the country. Try Birmingham or Farmington Hill when visiting Detroit, you cant forget Grosse Pointe(s) either. Have Fun! : )

Answer 3

I grew up around and in Detroit. Its only bad if your not like everyone else there. I was robed once as a high school kid mayor young tore the city down to a hovel and last time I visited it seemed so sad and poor. Hookers yeah bad places yes police ?? did not see any I stayed in the subburb and visited friends I went to school with YEAH GP north. But there are some good places and if the city leaders would only get their butts in gear it just may be a good city again!! come on all the lakes and places and the unusuall people! DETROIT THE MOTOR city what happened?

Answer 4

Does michelob8 know what he is talking about? I don't like it when someone has to put their two cents in about something they know nothing about. The suburbs of Detroit are fine of course some are safer than others. I have lived in the suburbs of Detroit all of my life and I'm fine and safe. I own a home just 20 minutes west of Detroit in a very safe and middle class city. I go to the actual city of Detroit once in awhile and I'm fine there too. There are the safe and not so safe parts just like any other big city--just use common sense. I love where I live. I was born and raised in the metro Detroit area and I am very happy here. The winters could be a little shorter but otherwise Michigan and the Detroit area are very nice.

Answer 5

HECK NO. I have lived here all of my life, and the people who tell you to "never stop at traffic lights because you will get robbed" have most likely never been here before, and if they have, they were only here for a day or two and just listened to whatever their parents have been telling them since they were born about big, bad Detroit.
It is nowhere near as bad as people say. And, yes, I am white.
Downtown Detroit has really cleaned up a lot, and there are lots of new attractions down there.
The suburbs are gorgeous and there are no problems. I myself live in Livonia, but I lived in Detroit for eight years.
The murders here are mostly drug related, and just generally people who know each other.
Come here and have a great time, because you will.
But as someone as already said, the public transit here is pretty crappy. Your best bet would be to get a car.
Email me if you have any more questions, I will be happy to help you out.

Answer 6

As a Detroiter who travels a little, I will say, it is pretty bad if you don't know your way around.

Stick to the freeways to get places, and you should be fine. Some of our roads aren't laid out the great, and we lack a reliable public transit system.

That said, I don't think I would wander around most major cities alone at night, but that may be me. I've seen rough neighborhoods in Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C. and Las Vegas.

Detroit has a lot of culturally viable attactiosn worth visiting. If you go off the beaten path in any major city you can find trouble.

Answer 7

i visited Detroit Monday and Tuesday for a Microsoft event. it was my first time being down there without my family. it was me and a friend. i enjoyed the city i had no problems outside of driving around. the people i talked with were nice. i didn't once feel threatened walking from the bar. all the stereotypes and talk i have heard was put to rest after this trip, downtown was a bit smelly around cobo and joe Louis, im 200 miles away from detroit and im planning on visiting again.

Answer 8

I lived in Detroit and believe me the city gets a bad rap. Downtown has really be overhauled and you literally see folks out at midnight walking pets or jogging. The police presence is heightened in the Downtown area of course there has also been an influx of casinos which is driving a small level of tourism. Enjoy your stay and I'd love to hear your feedback after your visit.

Answer 9

Detroit.. not bad in many parts, but there are some area's you don't want to be around. Other then that, it's actually not that bad of a city. Downtown by the Joe is pretty sweet. I love going down there for hockey games.

Answer 10

Normally when people think that Detroit is dangerous i don't try to correct them.
However, Detroit is not a bad place at all. Sure there are areas where you don't really want to be if you are not sure about, but aren't there places like that everywhere. Detroit can be a very cool place to hang out. I lived down town for 7 years and NEVER had a hassle once. I lived in the suburbs prior to that and used to get some random crappy drunk frat boy in my face almost weekly trying to Be a tough guy. For the most part people freak out in the D when some homeless guy may approach them or something, but there really isn't anything to worry about.