9 Things You May Not Expect When Moving To Detroit
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Sophie Boudreau
Author
For better or for worse, Detroit is the subject of many stereotypes and outside opinions. Everyone seems to have something to say about the Motor City, so new residents might enter Detroit with a handful of preconceived notions about what to expect. Never fear, though: we’re here to open your eyes to some of our city’s lesser-known realities. When you move to Detroit, here are a few things that might surprise you.
Perhaps you’ve heard rumors of Detroit being a ghost town, but these beliefs couldn’t be further from the truth. In actuality, Detroit draws in thousands of tourists each year with its variety of artistic, cultural, and educational attractions. You might not expect to run into gaggles of out-of-towners in the Motor City, but it will certainly happen.
As with any city, Detroit isn’t necessarily renowned for its wide-open spaces and plentiful greenery -- but that doesn’t mean it’s entirely void of natural beauty! Throughout the city, you’ll find all sorts of spots to appreciate the great outdoors. From Belle Isle to Milliken State Park to the Dequindre Cut, you’ll never be too far from your own little peaceful slice of paradise.
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Many newcomers to Detroit expect that the automobile industry takes over every element of the city, but this is certainly not accurate. There’s so much more to the Motor City than fantastic cars, and art actually takes center stage for many Detroiters. Once you relocate, you’ll find yourself amazed by the abundance of public sculptures, murals, art galleries, and artistic celebrations throughout the area.
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You’ve likely been warned about the cold temperatures that grip Detroit for much of the year, but you won’t fully understand the depths of a Detroit winter until you feel it for yourself. Make sure to invest in a heavy coat and plenty of cold-weather accessories -- you’ll be glad you did.
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Here in Detroit, Faygo isn’t just a silly soft drink: it’s a way of life. Throughout the Motor City, you might even see billboards specifically advertising our favorite brand of pop… not that it needs any extra promotion. There’s just something so classically Detroit about enjoying a cool sip of Redpop or Rock ‘N Rye, and newcomers to the area might find our obsession a bit unsettling.
For better or for worse, gentrification has certainly made an appearance in Detroit, and you’ll see multitudes of so-called "hipsters" living throughout the Motor City. Ample jobs and incredibly affordable housing have made our hometown a hotspot for young people, hence the abundance of coffee shops, unique farm-to-table eateries, and specialty stores popping up.
You’ll be amazed at just how quickly you start to feel like an honorary Canadian. Detroit’s close proximity to the Ontario border makes for easy access to an entirely new country, and we can even wave across the Detroit River to our Windsor pals. There’s something truly special about Detroit’s relationship with Canada, and you’ll feel welcomed by these friendly neighbors immediately.
We know, we know: it’s hard to believe, but most of us manage to continue rooting for the Lions without being deterred by their less-than-stellar record. Detroit newcomers might assume that the Lions have lost countless fans throughout the years, but we’ve actually just gained an intense sense of loyalty and perseverance. Next year is our year, boys!
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Regardless of the negative press that often surrounds the Motor City, one surprising element still exists here and shows no signs of disappearing: hope. We retain a positive spirit because we believe in the past, present, and future of Detroit. When you make the move to our fantastic city, you’ll be delighted to discover that this unrelenting attitude is contagious.
Did we leave any lesser-known facts about Detroit off our list? We’re always eager to hear from you, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. Welcome to the Motor City, new Detroiters!
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