What is the Current Situation of Detroit?

Detroit, Michigan, is a major city that has experienced a massive transformation over the last decade. It was once one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, only to be hit hard by the Great Recession in 2008. The city was greatly affected by the economic downturn and has since been working to rebuild its economy.

The population of Detroit has declined since its peak in 1950. The city had a population of 1.8 million in 1950, but that has dropped to about 673,000 in 2018. The citizens of Detroit are facing an unemployment rate of 10.4%, which is higher than the national average.

When it comes to crime, Detroit has seen a drastic reduction in violence in recent years. In 2014, the city’s homicide rate was the highest it had been in almost 40 years. Since then, the rate has dropped by more than 50%. In 2017, the city saw its lowest homicide rate since 1967.

The overall economy in Detroit has improved significantly in recent years, with GDP growth of 5.0% in 2016-17. Property values have also been on the rise, increasing by 13% between 2011 and 2018. Most notably, the city has attracted a number of companies that are looking to invest in the area.

As far as transportation is concerned, Detroit was one of the first cities to test self-driving vehicles on public roads and is continuing to make strides in that area. In addition to self-driving cars, the city has added new bike lanes and recently opened their first bike-share system. The Metro Detroit transit system has also improved over the years, making it easier for those who live in Detroit to get around.

The city is also making considerable efforts to improve the quality of life for its citizens by creating new budget-conscious housing options and opening up more public parks and green spaces. With the development of downtown Detroit, people are flocking to newly renovated apartment buildings and condos as well as a variety of restaurants, shops and nightlife attractions.

All in all, Detroit is making strides to rebuild its economy and improve its overall quality of life. While there’s still a lot of work to be done in terms of reducing crime and increasing employment prospects, there’s no doubt that Detroit is on the right track. According to detroitstory.org, “Detroit has entered a new era as a place where both investment and opportunity can abound.” With the positive momentum in motion right now, we can look forward to seeing continued growth and improvement in the years to come.

Insider’s guide to Detroit

Detroit, known as the Motor City and Motown, is the largest city in the state of Michigan, and it is infamous for a tumultuous history that included financial crisis and bankruptcies. Nonetheless, the city has undergone massive transformations in recent years, with revived historical landmarks and cultural centers. It is now considered a revitalized and distinct metropolitan hub for the region.

Local Attractions

Detroit has plenty of landmarks that are significant to the city’s history and modernity. One of the must-visit attractions is the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where guests can learn about the country’s industrial past and interesting inventions. Diego Rivera’s famed mural, Industry of Detroit, is located at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The famous Motown Museum, is a world-renowned site that captures the essence of the city’s unique sound and music history. Another iconic attraction is the Belle Isle Park, an island park with beautiful gardens, beaches, playgrounds for kids, and diverse natural scenery.

Dining Spots

Detroit is known for its diverse food scene, with many unique, locally-owned restaurants. One restaurant serving up delicious dishes from Venezuelan cuisine is called El Rey; try the traditional arepas or the hearty plantain sandwich. At Batch Brewing Company, located in Corktown, you can have some of the best locally brewed craft beer and enticing comfort food. MercuDeli is the perfect spot for anyone in search of some vegan and vegetarian food. They serve the best vegan burgers, salads, and sandwiches in town. For dessert, head over to Sister Pie, a modern Detroit bakery with a wide range of baked goods that are as pretty as they are delicious.

Cultural Experiences

Detroit is a city where historical landmarks intersect with cultural experiences. The Motown area hosts great concerts and events throughout the year. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra has frequent performances that celebrate music. For architecture enthusiasts, a visit to the Guardian Building, a downtown skyscraper known as the Cathedral of Finance is not to be missed. Finally, Cass Corridor is well-known for its street art scene, and the artist Murals in the Market brings together various artists every year to share their works and stories.

Local History

Detroit has a rich historical background. Significant historical sites include the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, a renowned research and educational institution that celebrates Black history and culture. The campus of Michigan State University connects with the city’s history at the Museum of Contemporary Art, a venue that endeavors to build community through discussing and challenging contemporary issues. Additionally, the Detroit Historical Museum tells the story of Detroit through informative and engaging exhibits.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions can include touring an abandoned Detroit location that’s not open to the public. When visiting Detroit, taking a tour underneath the roads and through the abandoned ruins of the Old Michigan Theater, the Detroit Salt Mines, or the Redford Theatre is ideal. Tours is also available for visitors looking intent to explore urban farming. To conclude, The Dequindre Cut, an abandoned rail line-turned-bike path is an oasis of street art and industrial relics, perfect for those seeking outdoor excitement.

In conclusion, Detroit is a dynamic, modern city with a storied past and a bright future. With so much to do and see, it’s impossible to see everything on your first visit, but hopefully, this insider’s guide would give you a starting point to get you going.