What's up with Pontiac, MI? (Detroit, Flint: for sale, low crime, houses)

[southernerbychoice]

We are house shopping and came across some houses in downtown historic Pontiac. Beautiful houses in one particular area, but seems to be ALOT for sale CHEAP! What's up with that? Someone please shed some light on this before we buy a property we might end up regretting.

[J'aimeDesVilles]

Did you drive around the area?
Pontiac is like so many older cities in Michigan. Economically depressed, gritty, auto-factory town, high crime/gang problem, few city services due to low budget, etc.
The Silverdome is pretty much abandoned and the Arts, Beats, and Eats festival is moving to Royal Oak after all these years in Pontiac.
It is a shame because at one time the downtown was nice and the potential is still there if the economic condition would ever be right. There are a couple of good hospitals and some popular nightclubs but not much else to draw anyone into Pontiac.

[southernerbychoice]

I personally didn't drive the area, but did get feedback from someone who did. The homeless shelter was brimming today so they said. It's just a shame that these fantastic older neighborhoods have fallen. Being from Durham, NC previously, diversity/melting pot of sorts isn't not a major issue, but high crime is a concern being that we have school age children still. Where should I look for large older homes in a decent area?

[scolls]

Originally Posted by southernerbychoice

I personally didn't drive the area, but did get feedback from someone who did. The homeless shelter was brimming today so they said. It's just a shame that these fantastic older neighborhoods have fallen. Being from Durham, NC previously, diversity/melting pot of sorts isn't not a major issue, but high crime is a concern being that we have school age children still. Where should I look for large older homes in a decent area?

If you have a bigger budget, Grosse Pointe is exactly what you described. Beautiful old neighborhoods, great schools, and low crime.

[michmoldman]

Drove through Pontiac a few weeks ago...ughh...couldnt wait to get out!

[behindenemylines]

Originally Posted by southernerbychoice

I personally didn't drive the area, but did get feedback from someone who did. The homeless shelter was brimming today so they said. It's just a shame that these fantastic older neighborhoods have fallen. Being from Durham, NC previously, diversity/melting pot of sorts isn't not a major issue, but high crime is a concern being that we have school age children still. Where should I look for large older homes in a decent area?

All depends on your budget and where you need to commute to. There are lots of beautiful older homes in decent to very nice suburbs that are very close or very far from Detroit. A little more info will help us suggest some places to look.

[Wewantout]

What they have said is so true. Pontiac has some great older buildings, but you probably don't want to live there. The crime rate is high and it's drug infested.

[zakian]

Originally Posted by southernerbychoice

We are house shopping and came across some houses in downtown historic Pontiac. Beautiful houses in one particular area, but seems to be ALOT for sale CHEAP! What's up with that? Someone please shed some light on this before we buy a property we might end up regretting.

Pontiac is hit.For get it.

[itdoesntmatter]

Live in Pontiac about 2 years now. My neighborhood (border Waterford) is ok.
I have heard gun fires once though.

[plannine]

The city is in deep financial trouble. The police force is operating on a shoestring (they've let go many of their finest). One of the highest jobless rates in michigan (which may be the cause of the high crime rate).

While there are a couple of decent areas in Pontaic, as a whole, I would say it is a place to avoid, unless it's all you can afford. (I'd also add to that list, Highland Park, Flint, Royal Oak Township, River Rouge, and Inkster). Even the City of Detroit has more things positive then Pontiac.