[Aussie_Bob]

G'day,

My partner and I are possibly going to relocate from Sydney, Australia to Michigan with the company we both work for. They are based in Novi and I would like to find some information about living in and around this area.

Ann Arbor seems to be, from what I have read, a good and vibrant city. We are interested in getting out and see as much as we can of the city, state, country wherever possible (we both love travelling).

We would like to find a nice upmarket apartment (2 or 3 bedrooms) and am interested in areas and price ranges.

In the last few days, mortgages for US seem to have gone down a lot and may fall again (in Aust, the are about to go about again!), so possibly buying a house might be an option. I guess this depends on resale value after 3-5 years. Any thoughts?

Any other info would be great.

Thanks,
Aussie Bob

[TheProf]

Welcome to the US of A, bloke! ...

Novi's a nice community and, although Michigan's struggling economically right now, it's still a very pleasant state. Novi's very reasonable price-wise from my understanding, as well... Ann Arbor, Royal Oak and Birmingham are the major, vibrant suburban/satellite town "downtowns" in the region. And for all the bad press Detroit gets -- it has issues, to be sure -- there's lots to see and do there, esp downtown these days, which is getting better and better... But Detroit, nice though it is, can't hold a candle on most levels to a beutiful, tropical-climate, international city like Sydney-- no knock on Detroit, but let's just tell it like it is. The 4 aforementioned areas around Detroit (and you could toss in downtown Dearborn and a few others, are pockets of vibrant, walking-district urbanity. More the exception than the rule.

One MAJOR adjustment (and downer), Aussie Bob, is you'll have to get used to driving everywhere. There's nothing comparable to the huge, comprehensive CityRail network of Sydney in metro Detroit or anywhere in the state. Detroit has no rapid or commuter rail of any kind – Detroit holds the dubious distinction of being America’s largest metro area w/ no rail (and we’re talking transit-challenged America!)-- which really holds it back in terms of high density (re) development. Novi like much of the entire state, is part of a urban sprawl/mall network... So sadly, you'll be sitting in traffic many hours on streets and, certainly, on one of the Detroit area's multitude of freeways.

[Coldjensens]

If by "partner" you are indicating that you are a gay couple, then Ann Arbor or Ferndale are the only places that you are likely to be comfortable. You are moving to a very conservative area in that regard.

Most areas around Novi are primarily giant modern subdvisions filled with look alike homes or what we often refer to as McMansions. McMansions are giant very pretentious homes with loads of fake architectural features that just don't look quite right. The are usually too big for the lots that they are on, too close to adjoining homes and built with an eye towards maximizing square footage and eye catching features, rather than to quality construction materials and techniques. Maybe someone with better computer skill will post a picture of a McMansion subdivision for you. They are all pretty much the same.

Novi itself consists almost entirely of shopping malls, strip malls and modern subdivisions. Traffic there is terrible. Schools are good and freeway access is good once you clear the Novi area traffic. Forget nightlife beyond shopping mall life.

Adjoining towns are South Lyon, Milford, Wixom, Brighton, Farmington/Farminton Hills, Northville, Canton, and Walled Lake. All are basically similar. Most of the housing consists of bland but nice subdivisions and loads of McMansions. Golf courses abound.

Northville and South Lyon still have a little bit of a quaint small town feel to them. Both have really outstanding schools. Both have some older homes in town and a few remaining outlying farmstead properties with some character. South Lyon's down town was inundated with strip malls. Northville's was yuppified (they tore down the historic buildings and put up cruddy modern stuff that is designed to be sort of reminiscent of the historic buildings that they removed). Of the two, Northvlle has a slightly better downtown and schools and slightly higher prices. South Lyon has more surrounding rural areas (Lyon Township).

Walled lake has some pretty neat places on or overlooking the lake. It also has some neighborhoods as opposed to subdivisions. Traffic right in town is nasty though.

Milford is also a small town, but it never really made quaint. Milford borders on one of the best parks anywhere (Kensington Metropark).

Brighton is not too far away, but it was always a strip mall kind of place. It is more distant and the schools are not as good, but it is a bit bigger and a little bit cheaper than the other communities. It has a pile of trash (literally) that they made into a ski hill.

Ann Arbor and Grand rapids are the only cities with much walking and/or trendy urban life appeal. Ann Arbor is about 40 minutes away from most businesses in Novi. Grand rapids is hours away.


You might want to look at Plymouth. Cute downtown. Somewhat cosmopolitan compared to other places. Loads of community events. Great housing stock. Close to Ann Arbor. Not too far from Novi.

[Aussie_Bob]

[quote=Coldjensens;2609624]If by "partner" you are indicating that you are a gay couple, then Ann Arbor or Ferndale are the only places that you are likely to be comfortable. You are moving to a very conservative area in that regard.quote]

No no, not gay. Although there is nothing wrong with that...

[Aussie_Bob]

Thanks everyone for your time in replying.

I have visited before and did some work up in Flint for a couple of weeks. Very cold in Feb. - I prefer shorts and a t-shirt - what is summer like?

I know it is going to be a big change in climate - god snow - how the heck do I drive in that? Not to mention on the wrong side of the road . Hey it was only the once I drove down the left hand side - lucky it was late at night with no other cars around - which is probably the reason i didn't notice for a few 100metres .

Downtown Detroit is a bizarre place. When I was there I saw the new (well prob. not new now) baseball stadium and the old rotting central train station. My god, it was an impressive old building - just waiting to be done up.

I guess the driving everywhere had something to do with the 3 major car companies in the region - maybe they pushed out the other transport infrastructure! Now look at them.

But it is a good opportunity for us workwise, and it is a new place. We love other countries and cultures, and the American culture is unusual in places, so it should be fun!

We are also getting a lot of McMansions in Sydney too. All rather boring architectural styles.

We aren't bringing kids (they are all grown up), so don't care too much about schools.

I'll have a google around the places you have mentioned.

Thanks again.
Aussie Bob.

[Skerly]

Aussie Bob, I am in Melbourne but lived in Novi for a little time about 10 years ago. Coldjensens summed it up very, very well in similarity to what I found (but I but admit I'm having a giggle at the assumed 'partner/gay' bit - no offence CJ ) I'll be honest I would say live in Ann Arbor and commute. It is a college town but Novi is just one bit sprawl of pretty much blo*dy nothing. Lots of apartment and houses all contained into their own walled areas and it always had a bit of a desolate and empty feel to me. And yep, you'll have to drive everywhere. I decided one day to *God forbid* walk the 1km to the local Kroger Supermarket, I nearly caused 3 car accidents everyone staring out at me as they zoomed by in their Fords in utter disbelief.

[4WD Greg]

It used to be a small town, but now it's just acre after acre of subdivisions. If you're going to work in Novi, you might want to consider something a little closer than Ann Arbor, such as Northville (pretty expensive though).

[Cato the Elder]

I don't think anyone's asked what type of neighborhood you are looking for. Depending on your priorities, Ann Arbor, Plymouth, Walled Lake/West Bloomfield/Franklin, and Brighton would all be good options. If you absolutely want a cosmo, walkable setting, AA is your choice, but it does mean a significant commute. On the flipside, if you want the shortest commute, Plymouth and Northville are your best bets. The area north of Novi is nice if you want a more scenic, rural setting. Finally, Brighton is a good option if you anticipate commutes to Flint. Good luck.

[Aussie_Bob]

Thanks for all the info about the different areas. It will give me a good place to start.

As for the commute from Ann Arbor to Novi, is it really that far or is the traffic just terrible?

@Skerly, I like your story about walking - yes I am very used to walking to keep fit, etc - guess I'll have to get used to the stares.

[DRD]

[quote=Aussie_Bob;2615303]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

If by "partner" you are indicating that you are a gay couple, then Ann Arbor or Ferndale are the only places that you are likely to be comfortable. You are moving to a very conservative area in that regard.quote]

No no, not gay. Although there is nothing wrong with that...

Alright!, another Seindfeld fan, welcome to America mate.