The best places to live in Detroit when you’re young (and fun)

By Layla McMurtrie on Fri, Mar 8, 2024 at 8:00 am

Looking for the perfect spot to kickstart your life in Detroit? While New York City and Los Angeles might be the typical go-tos when you’re young and want to have fun, they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea and definitely aren’t affordable for many. But fear not! Whether you want to be close to family, following a job opportunity, or simply seeking something less expensive, Detroit in your 20s or 30s can be great.

The New York Times even recently highlighted Detroit as one of the easiest places for Gen Z to purchase a home. So, if you’re scouting for the ideal area that suits your vibe, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. There are plenty of inner-city neighborhoods and nearby suburbs that are a vibe, and we’re here to help with the specifics. It’s all about finding the right fit for you — whether you’re prioritizing a place for the family or a thriving arts and culture scene. Read on for our recommendations.

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Facebook, Midtown Detroit

The Neighborhood: Midtown

The vibe: You get a little bit of everything, with a mix of people alongside diverse food choices, local businesses, museums, coffee shops, and more, all in one place.

Ideal for: Young professionals. Wayne State students. Artists. Really anyone seeking a vibrant urban life.

Not ideal for: People who want a quiet, suburban life.

Extra perk: Walkability.

Where to meet locals: Honest John’s. Kitab Cafe. The MOCAD.

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Marisa Miller, Flickr Creative Commons

The Neighborhood: Woodbridge

The vibe: Just outside of Midtown, Woodbridge offers a more residential area with a unique blend of historic charm and artistic flair, plus strong community involvement.

Ideal for: Young artsy folks and organizers.

Not ideal for: People who want a more bustling atmosphere.

Extra perk: There are lots of green spaces nearby, and all of Detroit’s hot spots are just a short drive away.

Where to meet locals: At the park.

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Randiah Camille Green

The Neighborhood: West Village

The vibe: A tight-knit historic community that merges old-timey charm with modern amenities. The few streets are packed with local businesses and food.

Ideal for: People who want to be near downtown Detroit but not right in the middle of the action.

Not ideal for: Bigots.

Extra perk: Free parking. Caribbean food at Yum Village.

Where to meet locals: Red Hook, for coffee. Sister Pie, for food and pastries.

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Steve Neavling

The Neighborhood: Downtown

The vibe: A mix of skyscrapers, historic architecture, and recent developments.

Ideal for: Young business professionals.

Not ideal for: People on a tight budget. Families.

Extra perk: You’re close to the sports stadiums and the concert venues.

Where to meet locals: Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters.

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Randiah Camille Green

The Neighborhood: NW Goldberg

The vibe: This neighborhood is now home to Dreamtroit. The recent development offers studio apartments that can be used for commercial purposes or living. There are no noise complaints allowed, as it’s designed for young artists and entrepreneurs to thrive and connect. Plus, there are often parties in the building’s courtyard.

Ideal for: Young artists who like to stay up late to work or party.

Not ideal for: People who want sleep and space.

Extra perk: You’ll meet cool people. Michigan & Trumbull pizza is attached to the building.

Where to meet locals: Lincoln Street Art Park’s “full moon” parties. Marble Bar. Michigan & Trumbull.

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Hannah Ervin, Detroit Stock City

The Neighborhood: New Center

The vibe: An emerging neighborhood of culture further north than Midtown and downtown, a little outside of the action.

Ideal for: Students. Artists. Entrepreneurs. Young professionals.

Not ideal for: Families.

Extra perk: Baobab Fare and Yum Village.

Where to meet locals:Northern Lights Lounge.

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Christian Gerard

The Neighborhood: Corktown

The vibe: As one of Detroit’s oldest neighborhoods, Corktown maintains historic character through its architecture and cobblestone streets. At the same time, it has evolved into a hub for creativity and innovation, with trendy cafes and shops.

Ideal for: Young professionals. Artists.

Not ideal for: Broke 20-somethings.

Extra perk: It’s located right between downtown and Southwest Detroit.

Where to meet locals: Alba Coffee or Nancy Whiskey Pub.

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Xavier Cuevas

The Neighborhood: Southwest Detroit

The vibe: Southwest Detroit, which includes the district of Mexicantown, has a diverse vibe rooted in its rich cultural heritage. The neighborhood offers many markets and authentic eateries along with vibrant street art and cultural festivals.

Ideal for: Foodies. Families. People looking for more affordable options.

Not ideal for: Suburbanites.

Extra perk: Lots of great Mexican restaurants, food trucks, and markets.

Where to meet locals: Taqueria Lupita’s. Church.

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Seth Tisue, Flickr Creative Commons

The Neighborhood: Hamtramck

The vibe: Historically Polish but now home to immigrants from Yemen and Bangladesh, this culturally rich community is known for blending traditions, languages, and cuisines from around the world with a local art and music scene. The city is home to the Hamtramck Labor Day and Hamtramck Blowout festivals.

Ideal for: People in bands. Immigrants.

Not ideal for: Nature lovers.

Extra perk: The great food and bars.

Where to meet locals: Yemen Cafe for food at any time. Cafe 1923 for coffee and coworking.

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Facebook, City Government of Ferndale, Michigan

The Neighborhood: Ferndale

The vibe: A lively and welcoming atmosphere with a unique blend of small-town charm and urban flair, known for its trendy boutiques, hip restaurants, artsy cafes, and queer spaces.

Ideal for: LGBTQ+ people. Progressives. Young professionals. Families.

Not ideal for: Conservatives or those seeking a rural environment.

Extra perk: Lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and community spaces.

Where to meet locals: The Rust Belt Market. Chazzano Coffee Roasters.

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Facebook, Downtown Royal Oak

The Neighborhood: Royal Oak

The vibe: A blend of urban energy and small-town charm, with lively streets and a mix of professional environments and entertainment.

Ideal for: Young professionals with families.

Not ideal for: Broke 20-somethings.

Extra perk: Lots of food, shops, and experiences.

Where to meet locals: Royal Oak Brewery. Atomic Coffee.

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Facebook, City of Hazel Park

The Neighborhood: Hazel Park

The vibe: A welcoming and down-to-earth vibe that embraces its roots as a blue-collar suburb.

Ideal for: Young professionals. First-time home buyers. Families. Small business owners.

Not ideal for: People who want to be more inside of the city or in a rural environment. People who want a more upscale lifestyle.

Extra perk: Community pride.

Where to meet locals: Eastern Palace Club and the Kozy Lounge.

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Facebook, City of Oak Park

The Neighborhood: Oak Park

The vibe: A family-friendly environment with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Ideal for: People who can’t afford Ferndale. First-time homeowners.

Not ideal for: People who want a more trendy life or upscale amenities.

Extra perk: It’s super close to major highways and only a short commute to Detroit.

Where to meet locals: Parks, churches, and community centers.

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Facebook, The Wurst Bar

The Neighborhood: Ypsilanti

The vibe: A unique and eclectic city lined with indie shops and cozy cafes, offering rich cultural diversity and a strong sense of community.

Ideal for: College students. Hipster families. Community-minded individuals. People who need something more chill and cheap than Ann Arbor.

Not ideal for: People who work in Detroit and would rather be closer to the city.

Extra perk: There’s lots of parks, lots of good food, and all the international food markets you need. Plus, the brick dick.

Where to meet locals: For coffee, Hyperion. For live music, Ziggy’s.

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Shutterstock/Jacob Boomsma

The Neighborhood: Ann Arbor

The vibe: Home to the University of Michigan, the city’s downtown boasts tons of shops and eateries, flowing with the energy of students. Outside the inner area are parks, lakes, and nature.

Ideal for: Students. Researchers. Professionals.

Not ideal for: Broke 20-somethings (It’s not very cheap).

Extra perk: There’s lots of food, shopping, and fun in a small area.

Where to meet locals: Literati Bookstore. Gallup Park. Dozer Coffee.

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