Late 20s... Northville/Novi or Rochester/Troy? (Detroit, Ann Arbor: apartments, rent)

[rxcity]

In my late 20s and have a job opportunity in Northville or Troy. I'd like to be somewhere there's lots to do and can meet other young professionals. Somewhere with nice small apartments that aren't more than $1k/mo.

Right now I'm considering Troy because I'd have the option to live around Birmingham, Rochester, or Royal Oak. Not to mention I'd be close to my family which is nice.

Northville tempting because it opens me up to Novi, Plymouth, and even Ann Arbor/Royal Oak aren't bad commutes from there for weekend fun. Only thing is I know nothing about Novi and Plymouth areas.

Troy would be the more "comfortable" area for me since it's close to home and I'm somewhat familiar with the area. I guess my only concern is would I be missing much by staying on the east side? How does Rochester/Rochester Hills, Birmingham, Royal Oak nightlife compare to Novi, Northville, Plymouth, etc? What would you do in my position and why?

[Arthur Digby Sellers]

There is nightlife in Novi, mostly in the Fountain Walk clubs and a few other places. There are a few bars in Plymouth that skew younger. However, they don't compare to the nightlife in Royal Oak/Birmingham. If you want to be closer to the action I would suggest Troy.

[usroute10]

I would listen to Arthur Digby Sellers. Also, Rochester doesn't have much nightlife. I would consider working in Troy, but living in Madison Heights, Clawson, or Berkley for cheaper housing - they are close to Birmingham, Royal Oak, and Ferndale - all of which have pretty substantial nightlife (for the Detroit area).

[jonnynonos]

Unless you are really a homebody Nortgvilke and Plymouth though charming are still mostly bedroom communities.

I would actually live in downtown or Midtown Detroit but barring that I guess Troy or wherever.

[WayneCounty]

Have you considered moving right into Royal Oak? It's not a bad commute and there's lots of nightlife.

[rxcity]

Thanks for the feedback guys. It certainly helps. I've considered moving to Royal Oak but you need to spend $1,500-$1,700 in rent to get something that isn't a slum.

[usroute10]

Originally Posted by jonnynonos

Unless you are really a homebody Northville and Plymouth though charming are still mostly bedroom communities.

I would actually live in downtown or Midtown Detroit but barring that I guess Troy or wherever.

If you are more adventurous, I hope you consider jonny's recommendation. You can still rent a one-bedroom at the Riverfront Apartments downtown for $858 and up. You have great views, very secure, close to Joe Louis Arena, the Riverwalk and People Mover, its allows pets. You're commute to Troy wouldn't be too bad, because you would be doing the reverse commute. Please consider it.

[rxcity]

Oh wow, that is awesome! :O Small, yet classy and modern feeling!

[jcg1212]

does Northville have rolling hills like Rochester?

[Bimmerfanboy]

Originally Posted by usroute10

If you are more adventurous, I hope you consider jonny's recommendation. You can still rent a one-bedroom at the Riverfront Apartments downtown for $858 and up. You have great views, very secure, close to Joe Louis Arena, the Riverwalk and People Mover, its allows pets. You're commute to Troy wouldn't be too bad, because you would be doing the reverse commute. Please consider it.

I believe Detroit does levy a tax on income for residents. Plus I'm sure that automotive insurance will be high and your run-of-the-mill stores like Costco, Meijer, Home Depot, etc. along with most retail are a long drive away. I'm not saying that OP shouldn't look at it but there are some downsides to take into consideration.