Detroit: City Profile

[@FranzKaernBiederstedt]

I just returned to Germany from a two-week-trip to Detroit City and its Metro area. My mother was born in Wyandotte and studied in Detroit at Wayne State University where she met my Dad, who immigrated into the US and into Detroit in the 50s. My parents moved to Germany in the 70s where I was born. I have a huge family in the suburbs of Detroit (Wyandotte, Belleville, Riverview, Taylor...) whom I visited during my trip. But I also stayed 6 days in Downtown Detroit in a wonderful appartment at Cadillac Square, from where I explored as much of the city as I could, mainly walking by foot. I can say I fell in love with the city and can comprehend everything my Dad told me about his glorious and important time he spent in Detroit. He ows Detroit very much and always points out how much the city helped him growing to be the man he is now, accomplishing everything that constitutes his life. Of course you still see the wounds, injuries and scars from the times of decay and bancruptsy in the city. Some of these perhaps might never be healed totally. But I was nevertheless amazed by the beauty of the city, the old iconic buildings like Guardian, Penopscot, Fischer, Chrysler, Book Tower, Westinn, Masonic Temple, Shinola Hotel etc as well as the new ones that have been built recently or are currently under construction. You feel the growth there, the spirit of willing to come back, to revive. That alltogether creates an uplifting an inspiring atmosphere and vibe. I visited the Detroit Institute of Arts which really is one of the finest arts museums I know of, also the Wright's African American History Museum. I visited Eastern Market on market day on Saturday and was overwhelmed by its beauty and livelyness. Love all the creative street art there around and all over the city. I walked through Cork Town to Michigan Central Station which altogether with the park area in front of it is being reconstructed in the moment. I'm curious to come back and see what it will be like when it's filled with new life. I spent a whole morning until early afternoon walking around the campus of Wayne State University to look out for the traces my parents left here when they were studying here together. On one Sunday morning I attended a wonderful and uplifting, heartwarming Worship Service with the congregation of Fort Street Presbyterian Church where the folks gave me a very warm and personal welcome as their guest. Never experienced anything like that in Germany! If it weren't for my life, my own family and business in Germany, I could very well imagine myself moving to Detroit and living there. I find the city very attractive with all its beauty, contradictions, contrasts, dark sides, visions, with its belief in itself, with its willingness to recover, to invent itself anew. Really feels like real life. There's nothing fake about Detroit. It's all pure and real. Love it!

[@neilskinkle3019]

Visited Detroit for the first time a few months ago. When I told my friends I was going they had some genuine concern for my safety and it uneased me a bit, but once I got there I had a fantastic time and really enjoyed the place. Hope Detroit can continue to improve and eventually prosper!

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

Happy you had a good time Michigan a wonderful place to reside or visit…!

[@1L6E6VHF]

You're pretty accurate, overall. The flatland at 8:40 was cleared out for the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. The existing residents were paid off and moved elsewhere (which meant the end of Detroit's last stable, integrated, though weathered, affordable neighborhoods). It was Windsor that wanted the bridge. While the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel are directly connected to major streets in the Detroit side, The Windsor side gets congested by tunnel traffic and the Ambassador Bridge on the Windsor side dumps eighteen-wheelers into residential neighborhoods. Using the Gordie Howe Bridge, transponder-equipped trucks will have direct connections joining Interstate 75 to Autoroute 401 at the middle of the bridge, maintaining speed, without stopping. From my perspective, it looks like the cleared area is much larger than necessary. My guess is that they're wanting to build a very large port/warehouse/storage/logistics area. The best neighborhoods in Detroit Proper are those north of 7 Mile AND west of woodward (though there are a few exceptions). Sterling Heights is in Macomb County - ergo, it is a Northeastern suburb. The areas south of Detroit are known as the Downriver suburbs.

[@ozmosis1660]

Glad u had a good time. Where were u coming from and what spots u go to in your time in Michigan?

[@UserName-ts3sp]

i went up there for a red wings/blue jackets game, first time up there. the downtown looked cool, little caesars arena is really nice too. can’t say much else about the city though

[@sunnyjim1355]

"Hope Detroit can continue to improve and eventually prosper!" Sorry to say but that's not going to happen. The US is heading for a massive economic crash, and a town of musicians and eateries are going to be the hardest hit.

[@dethyprlps9020]

Thank you. 99% of YT content on Detroit seems 7-10yrs behind and ignores reality. I'm a musician living in Eastern Market and LOVE it. I can walk from here to Midtown to Corktown, Downtown, Rivertown and back without any worries or blight. There's a tremendous amount of rebuilding happening that is pushing outward and I appreciate your honest take about this great city comeback. Respect!

[@scummydummy]

That's cool man. I work over in the market mack n rivard. Not a bad area at all really

[@jakekeesling7591]

Not too many travel vlogging, geography channels I follow say as much positive or go as much in depth about the city as you do and I really appreciate, respect you for that. Detroit is such a unique city with a well defined character and culture of itself and I'm glad you like coming here and checking out the place. Keep up the good work!

[@pistolen87]

Since it wasn't mentioned, I'd like to pay my respect to Detroit techno, it's where the global movement of techno music was invented. Still lots of great producers and DJs hailing from Detroit.

[@tomrogue13]

My friend was big into Detroits EDM scene and he took me to a venue that was located (illegally) under the entrance ramp to a parking garage.

[@pistolen87]

@@tomrogue13 Yes, since the scene isn't accepted by the mainstream, many events take place in abandoned buildings and public spaces, often illegaly. Did you like it?

[@tomrogue13]

@@pistolen87 it was shut down, but I did think it was funny haha

[@pistolen87]

@@tomrogue13 Too bad, but not surprising!

[@scummydummy]

Tech fest baby! Aka demf though I have no clue what they call it now

[@artmeddaugh6669]

Detroit vs. Everybody! Detroit put the World on Wheels, Detroit was the Arsenal of Democracy that ended WWII, and nothing like that Motown sound coming across the airwaves. Proud to be a Detroiter no matter what!

[@cheeseninja1115]

the fact that white stripes, Eminem, and Stevie wonder came from Detroit always amazes me. It might not be the prettiest city but its got the grit to stay on the map

[@artmeddaugh6669]

@@cheeseninja1115 Don't forget Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, and Kid Rock, to name a few more Rock n' rollers from the Motor City!

[@GHoen1313]

Detroit area native here. This was an excellent overview, especially since it did not solely focus on the blight within the city. Kudos to you for giving a comprehensive view of the good (and bad) aspects of the city. One thing that is important to remember is that the city used to be nearly 2 million people back in the day, as opposed to about 600k today. This is the main reason why you see multiple city blocks without any residents (especially in parts of the east side). Personally, I think it'll be interesting to see how the city grows throughout this century as people look to escape different areas of the country (coastal cities and the desert) that are more prone to climate change. Who knows, a lot of that empty space may be filled eventually.

[@jonr6558]

I believe it will be, I mean look at brush park. Five years ago it was fields, now it’s a whole ass neighborhood

[@patrickmartin6977]

@@jonr6558 not only is it a major neighborhood now its not single family homes but medium to high density. When the income and property tax boost starts hitting stride big things are gonna happen

[@brucebeamon5460]

The only time he mentioned ANYTHING POSITIVE is if it had something to do with gentrification as if there aren’t other areas that are successful without the help of it .

[@katfayegarrett3872]

I'm a Detroiter, and I approved of your message 💙💙👍

[@justinlane1980]

I have always wanted to visit Detroit, but was nervous because of its reputation. This video has changed my mind, and I’m going to plan a visit to the city. Thanks for the video and information as always.

[@GeographyKing]

Well there are many parts of the city you probably don't want to go to, but there are plenty of good spots to visit as well. You can see a lot of the city without having to venture off into some rough neighborhoods, which was not possible 20 years ago.

[@grosseileracingteam]

If you visit, check out The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. You can stay at the Dearborn Inn right across the road and take a tour of the Ford Rouge Plant (now called Dearborn Truck Plant) where they build F150's. They have package deals with hotels.

[@daniellilly7591]

Arkansas here, had the same trepidation. It was unfounded. Def. agree with Dearborn's Henry Ford Museum recommendation along with Coney Dogs to eat.

[@jonr6558]

So glad to hear people wanting to come visit, the tourism here has increased tenfold recently. Make sure to stop by the museum district, go to a concert, bike around the greenways and riverfront, or eat at the top of the rencen!

[@Theredeyedjedi]

If you enjoy art the art institute is amazing. There are so many cuisines there too.

[@savannahstrawter4822]

I go to school at Wayne State! Detroit is definitely one of the best cities, especially for young college students. Always so much to do, amazing places to eat, and great nightlife!

[@MichiganAngling]

I remember how sketchy Detroit used to be even 10 years ago, but it’s been steadily improving, it’s way better than it was. Now I have a bunch of friends who have moved down there (early 20s) and find myself going down there to go bar hopping, to museums, etc. multiple times a month. It’s much more lively and feels way more safe these days. I really enjoy myself every visit, and it seems like there’s a new shop, eatery, or building every time I go down. My parents both grew up in Detroit and I don’t think either of them are aware of how vibrant it’s become recently. Great video Kyle. It’s refreshing to hear an outsider, yet familiar, point of view that has some positive things to say because Im so tired of hearing every other geography youtuber parroting the “it’s a shithole, literal hell on earth” trope. There is a lot more than just blight and crime in a 140 square mile city.

[@kmacdizzle]

you're 100% correct. we used to go downtown to skateboard (around 04-10) and you'd get down there around 6:30pm and the second everyone got off work it'd be a ghost town to the point that no one even cared we were down there skating. its very different these days

[@mausegetlit363]

Yall are strictly talking about downtown, which is still rife with crime lmao. Im glad your bar hopping expireince was great tho!

[@hockeyfan-rt8jl]

I live just south of Detroit, and I absolutely love the city of Detroit. The people for the most part are some of the coolest people around, and with all the different cultures and ethnic groups the Detroit area is very unique. Love this city !!!

[@lisapop5219]

I'm a 3rd generation Detroiter but now live in another state. Thanks for the flashbacks. Me and my parents grew up off Michigan Ave between Cecil & Livernois. My grandparents and husband were more from the Mexican town area. My husband's grandparents were from Poland so my inlaws lived on the east side or Hamtramck. Sometimes we miss the neighborhood feeling that we grew up with. A lot of our family still live up there but nobody lives in the old neighborhoods anymore.

[@michaellabadie6218]

Born and raised in Detroit and now living in Grosse Pointe's I found your details fairly accurate - thanks for covering all of the exciting new things happening in my home town!

[@jaimiehashey9233]

Yes! Musicians do move into cheap places and tend to fix up properties without jacking up prices! Nothing like having a bunch of musicians create music together and then work on fixing their building. Plus it makes for great music videos! Thanks Kyle now I want to move there!

[@cardsfanlv9371]

Detroit Pizza might be the best thing to come out of Michigan. So good!

[@alwillk]

Too much bread.

[@AlligatorArms]

Detroit has culture, it has architecture, it has character, it has cuisine, it has entertainment, and it has opportunity. I love Detroit-one of my favorite cities in the world and I appreciate videos like these which highlight the good more than the often documented bad.

[@LeveyHere]

I've never been to Detroit or Michigan, but I love Detroit. Literally just yesterday I checked back in on it's progress. I'm hoping it can regain it's former glory. It's such a cool looking city.

[@sunnyjim1355]

So... It's so great you don't even want to visit there. 🤦‍♂️

[@LeveyHere]

@@sunnyjim1355 you know that just because I like a place doesn't mean I'm required or able to go there, right? If you loved Italy but didn't have enough money for a plane ticket, would you go?

[@jonr6558]

Hopefully u can come visit! idk if you’ve seen this channel but frankai videos makes progress checks daily on all the development

[@johkupohkuxd1697]

@@LeveyHere It kinda is required though, atleast to mem How can you know a place is nice without actually going there and developing your own impression of it?

[@apollyon1157]

as a resident of detroit for 10 years, this is pretty nuanced and accurate for the most part

[@HDJoltTV]

With a typical ignorance of western wayne county cherry on top

[@apollyon1157]

@@HDJoltTV right. My awareness stops at Telegraph tbh

[@inceldestroyer1069]

I went a few years ago to music festival. The music scene in the area is fantastic with a lot of great underground hip hop acts and rock bands. The downtown was bustling.

[@Don-n6o]

Kyle, great job with this. You really gave the city and overall area a fair shake. I live in an inner ring suburb, so I’ve seen up close and personal the transformation of the downtown and midtown areas. It really is no longer you really got to know where you are going to be safe and have a good time. That whole area is pretty darn vibrant right now. You were also spot on about Corktown. Spent a ton of time in this area over the years and decades really, as the old Tiger Stadium was located in this neighborhood. Never a blighted area, but what I would call “tired”. Now almost all of the homes have been refurbished, the neighborhood is full of young urban dwellers walking their dogs. Quite a change. Yes, some of the outlying neighborhoods are still severely blighted, but some, especially on the lower east side, like “ island view” and “west village” are improving. You did a great job describing the food scene. Detroit deep dish is my favorite style of pizza, and is not to be confused with the two corporate giant pizza companies that are based here that are not deep dish. Also the coney dogs are delicious also. One again, thanks for getting a balanced view out there about this area, so people can be more educated about what the area is really like.

[@nathanielthrush5581]

Great how you have a nuanced perspective on this city, I feel that many other “geography” youtubers will kinda throw Detroit and other cities completely under the bus, disregarding their important histories and cultural impacts. I hope you do this for other cities that you visit/know well too

[@tracylester116]

Thank you for the most honest review of the city I've seen on KZbin. As a life long Detroitier I remember this city at its best and live though its long slide but this is the best time to come visit or even move here.

[@b5thomas7]

Grew up in metro Detroit and this was a solid overview.

[@godawful5600]

Thank you for always providing quality, fair, and in-depth discussion on all these things. It’s so refreshing. Also, I see that Danny Brown album in the back! Good stuff

[@mohameddhia-eddinebaghdadi741]

This is the most accurate current summary/analysis of Detroit and its metro areas. Great Job

[@tonyporco9524]

I'm not pretending Detroit doesn't have problems, but my son and I had a great day when we were there back in 2008 (we went on a day trip while my wife went to her college reunion in Ohio). We drove through downtown past the Renaissance Center and enjoyed seeing the tall buildings, but our favorite thing was Belle Isle, a large city park that is also an island in the river. The park had rides and playgrounds that my 6-year-old son loved, and it also had natural areas and historic buildings and monuments that this history buff enjoyed seeing. The people were all friendly; a family there for a birthday party even let my son play in their rented bouncy castle. We then had dinner at a Bob's Big Boy right on the other end of the bridge leading to Belle Isle. (It was a nice surprise finding a Bob's Big Boy; they don't have them where I live in the D.C. area.)

[@OrondeBranch]

Big Boy is now gone…I think there’s one left in a nearby suburb. If you have a chance come on back….it’s even better now.

[@itsme-rt7nz]

@@OrondeBranch Yes, and it used to be Elias Brothers, not Bob's. So that Bob's Big Boy that they went to was not a holdover from the old days. It was probably an interloper from California.

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

We are Oakland county residents for 38 years love living in Oakland township… Thanks for the review…🥰

[@wm_9640]

Macomb Twp resident for life ✌🏻

[@carlreyes4536]

I grew up off 6 mile near the city airport where the mayor at the time of the 80s allowed that zone to decay in order to depreciate the property value that was to be bought up to expand the airport that never happened. So many houses were razed there and other areas at the peak of Devil’s night fires. My sister runs Detroit’s Hispanic Development Center in Mexican town where gentrification is pouring into. But every time I return to Detroit from Milwaukee, I see something new and get excited to see development! Thanks, Kyle, for your video!

[@GeographyKing]

Yeah that area around the airport is pretty bad. I honestly thought that Amazon should have looked at that spot for their 2nd HQ. They have a ton of unused space to work with and they could've had the airport essentially to themselves.

[@BenMorelliRG]

I just want to say, as a resident of the metro area, I'm impressed at just how well you "get" the city. Fantastic video.

[@marklittle8805]

As a Student at the University of Windsor in the 80's, we went to Detroit for four things: Mexicantown for amazing food, the old Stroh House brewery tour (not there now), Red Wing games at Joe Louis Arena or ball games at Tiger Stadium. Things have changed a little but I am glad Detroit is fighting back a little. They have a ways to go but with all the new arenas downtown, the new Fox Theatre, the gentrification it feels like in a few decades it may be interesting

[@JosephKulik2016]

"interesting" for WHO ? All the poor people who can't afford to go to all the places you mentioned ? All the poor people who lost affordable housing because of gentrification ? All the poor people who lost their manufacturing jobs overseas ? Nothing "interesting" helps the poor people of Detroit to survive.

[@MasterMalrubius]

@@JosephKulik2016 Are you saying some people are incapable of improving their lives? That’s sounds demeaning and elitist.

[@marklittle8805]

@@JosephKulik2016 they have lots of poor and run down housing Joe. Affordable housing isn't an issue in Detroit. Wanting to live there and the shitty condition it is is a problem. But why does Detroit look like a war zone? Because of the strife and crime. So if a bunch of yuppies want to make the place livable you want to complain? Give your head a shake. Governments elected by the people who have to live there have kept it that way. Coleman Young and his successors made Detroit worse, not better and they were elected by the very people who need this help. I think gentrification is the only way out

[@sunnyjim1355]

@@MasterMalrubius It's reality, kid.

[@noelbecker7002]

@@JosephKulik2016 People in Detroit did not lose their housing due to gentrification. This is historically inaccurate. Detroit lost it's industrial base when the auto companies move their plants out, in search of a non-unionized labor force. Some people also moved for a warmer climate. The result has been a HUGE overstock of existing houses that could be had for almost nothing, with not enough population to absorb the overstock of housing, resulting in huge decline in the state of repair of the empty houses. Also, the city of Detroitt has a huge physical footprint (i.e. landmass). When people started leaving, the tax base declined, and it became almost impossible for the city to provide basic city services such as policing and fire protection across a far flung and sparsely populated city because of the lost tax revenue. The real reason Detroit had such a brutal decline was that the Big Three auto companies withdrew from the area in order to not have to pay union wages. So let's blame what happened on monopolistic practices by the auto companies.

[@BiggCliph]

New favorite channel right here

[@Dave_Hrabosky]

@Geography King Kyle, thanks for this great video on Detroit. It is a fair and honest report on this interesting city that has had so many challenges for decades. I really enjoyed it. I also appreciate you for including a shot of my friend Nina Friday in the music section of the video, at 12:26. She is very talented and one of the vocalists for the bands The Ruiners and Bat Hearse. Terrific! Cheers and thanks!

[@GeographyKing]

I'm glad you liked the video. That's pretty cool that you know Nina. I've never seen the Ruiners live but I dig the "Happy Birthday Bitch" album. I'm not familiar with Bat Hearse. But it's a great name. I'll have to check them out.

[@Dave_Hrabosky]

Hey that’s cool. Bat Hearse has six or seven videos put up on KZbin over the past year or so. If you like the Ruiners you’ll like Bat Hearse too.

[@cartermoberg3092]

2 things, coming from someone from detroit, this is prob one of the best description of Detroit, thx you for actually doing some research. And just so ppl know gentrification isn’t always used as a negative term

[@johnnguyen6159]

Thanks for the unbiased analysis on Detroit! There is also Palmer Woods and the University District which is a decent area with historic houses as well as old money.

[@ThomasTalbotMD]

Have been away for awhile and really appreciate the update on what is happening in Detroit. Very happy to hear about growing and contiguous area of habitability.

[@husseyshuddle]

I went to school in Windsor and used to go over to Detroit all the time, mostly for sporting events. Nice to hear the area talked about again on the channel, good work Kyle!

[@MyManEarl]

Kyle, I grew up in Detroit and could not have made a better video. Completely spot-on, although I’d argue that having the hot dog in its casing is part of what makes a coney true. Excellently done.

[@TheAnger101]

I’m from suburbia detroit. I was just down in Nashville for the first time and absolutely loved it. I will be making a trip down there many more times. Might cross by ya on 75 when you’re on your way up to the D!!!! Love the video. Detroit is showing signs of growth man nothing gets me more excited than that.

[@eddieeichenhorn4930]

Thanks for doing this. Not enough stuff from people who have actually been to Detroit recently and seen it improve.

[@JS-iy4zb]

I grew up in suburban Detroit but stayed in the city a lot with my grandma in Clark Park. Detroit and it’s suburbs are very misunderstood and I think you’ve done a very fair analysis. It’d clear you have a connection to the area.

[@radicaldude36]

Love that you put the Danny Brown record in view! Detroit thru and thru

[@tamarab5751]

I typically cringe when I'm recommended a video on my hometown; we've been a punching bag for 60 years. But Kyle, if ever someone was to be trusted to share an honest appraisal of a 310+ year old city that's been under at least 3 country's flags, it's you & I'm grateful for it. There's nowhere else like Detroit, for better or worse. Plus Detroit city water is the best tasting water. Signed, 8 Mile & Greenfield

[@IsmailAbdulMusic]

I'm in Pontiac, Michigan. Right up the road from Detroit. Cool video, I appreciate you all for putting it together.

[@ericbickel5465]

As someone who grew up in Detroit I think you summed it up with one quote, “Well it’s improved, but it’s still Detroit.” Thanks for doing this Detroit video though.

[@daniellilly7591]

I was impressed by the limited part of Detroit I experienced...from the Amtrak Station, Woodward Ave. to the Doubletree hotel downtown. All of downtown I explored incl. Coney dogs, and the bus to Windsor. It was a pleasant surprise and I'd like to return and visit Motown's Visitors center and a automobile plant tour next time.

[@jonathantitus2629]

I love Detroit--have ever since a visit as a kid. The zoo is solid, there are good museums, I love both Detroit pizza and coneys, there are some cool mansions (think the Fords of multiple generations), and it is home to the Red Wings! If I lived closer I would make a couple visits a year. Thank you for a balanced look at this iconic American city.

[@mikegorski6895]

Detroit native here and I think you fairly assessed the city. Fun fact, you may want to actually fact check, is that Manhattan, Boston, and San Francisco could all fit within the borders of Detroit on a square miles basis.

[@tycobb8974]

I've never been but seeing a Tigers game is on my bucketlist. Got to go see my namesakes stature at the stadium. Great vid Kyle. I sure didn't know Detroit was alive like that. Good for them.

[@dayra6425]

i travel all over the country detroit is one of the only city’s i turn down jobs because i don’t want to go back to that shit hole

[@HabitatGBO8004]

Also Ty Cobbs old house is like 10 mins from the stadium

[@tycobb8974]

@@HabitatGBO8004 oh wow. Thx

[@lilmotel6663]

Apollo! Most people around here haven’t even hears of it but when the conversation of best coney islands comes up i always say Apollo. Stoked to hear them referenced here!

[@cutthemixmaster7981]

Had to throw the Danny Brown in the background. Love the videos man!

[@Lakeshore14]

Nice job describing Detroit. While it still has a long way to go, especially in the neighbourhoods, Detroit is being reborn. It is such a unique area and culture. They have a great mayor now and luckily tons of investment going on by the Ilitch family, Dan Gilbert, the Ford family and Roger Penske.

[@skyl4rk]

Important Detroit Geography Fact: Detroit is north of Canada.

[@WetOctober]

That's why in the Journey song, "Don't Stop Believing" when they say, "born and raised in South Detroit" everyone around here laughed and say, "You mean Windsor, Ontario?!"

[@antoinemoorman5754]

@@WetOctober wouldn’t that be “South OF Detroit” though and not South Detroit? (Yes, I know there is no real South Detroit)

[@ajs11201]

Some more trivia for you: Once upon a time, an SAT question asked students if they were in the U.S. traveling to Canada, which direction would they need to go? The expected answer, of course, is North; however, the test-takers in southeastern Michigan answered South. The SAT folks were mortified that Detroiters would be so poor at such basic geography. Ultimately, though, the joke was on SAT, and they abandoned that question in future tests.

[@84Hammy1]

@@antoinemoorman5754 Windsor really is south Detroit. We are intricately connected to our American neighbours to the north.

[@douglasbiggs1009]

I think Apollo Coney Island is probably one of my favorite as well! My grandmother lives at 17 and Dodge Park in Sterling heights. My sister used to live fairly close to 19 and Garfield. Before I moved to Pensacola Florida, I was out in waterford! But I love Apollos!

[@noelbecker7002]

Great analysis of Detroit. I grew up in the Detroit Metro area, and much of my family is still there. The state of Michigan has always had much going for it. Because of various complexities existing in the city, including having too big of a physical footprint for the size of the current population, it would benefit from some original and creative thinking. Love your video. I would like to see you do more videos re Detroit and the metro area.

[@dan_drews3476]

Best and most honest look at Detroit that I've ever seen.

[@CommuterAndCoffee]

Currently a local of Oakland county with family ties to the east side, and that was definitely a fair and honest assessment of Detroit! Great video!

[@paulguimond7548]

Dang you're good at what you do. I could watch your videos all day long. Your's is one of the very best channels on KZbin.

[@GeographyKing]

Thank you very much!

[@thatgoodshitlads5556]

Next time you are in Detroit, be sure to check out the 7mile/livernois area. There are a couple continuous 6 figure neighborhoods and a strong and walkable retail corridor. Be sure to stop in at good cakes and bakes for one of their cinnamon roles!

[@jimr513666]

I appreciate your positivity, it's too rare these days.

[@RaptorShadow13]

I wish we could encourage tourism in the city for out-of-staters! It seems like there are so many great things happening downtown, and more tourism to the cultural district would be so helpful for the city.

[@KathleenMcCormickLCSWMPH]

Thanks. Very informative and comprehensive. I’ve been through Detroit a couple of times. Very intriguing place.

[@markrogers1786]

I don’t think many people would be upset about downtown Detroit being gentrified. It’s better than abandoned and blighted.

[@HoneyBakedHam7]

Problem is Detroit is has a majority of its population as minorities and not rich, at that.

[@danp1305]

Leaving it as is not going to fix anything....He's not exaggerating the blight. Gentrification is at least doing something to fix it and bringing jobs in.

[@markrogers1786]

@@HoneyBakedHam7 not to be overly blunt but it’s gonna be hard to create jobs and grow the economy without attracting some kind of wealth to the area. My paycheck has never been signed by a broke man. It’s unfortunate that some people will be priced out of their homes but if they own them at least they’ll be making some money on the sale. And it seems like there’s an abundance of cheap housing that they would only have to move a few blocks in any direction to relocate to. Anything’s better than what Detroit’s been doing for the last 60 years.

[@HoneyBakedHam7]

@@markrogers1786 that’s just it: it’s not some people, it would be a lot of them. As for the chances to move out, a lot of them either rent their place or, if they do own their house, sustain themselves with the low property taxes. There’s been a raging problem where those that can’t afford their property taxes would go through foreclosure and get fucked. Afterwards, property slumlords would buy the properties en mass, sell them to house-flippers, and the house-flippers would then sell them for dramatically large amounts (compared to what the original property value was worth). To make it worse, it’s typically the black communities falling victim and being bought out by wealthy white flippers, so it’s just adding to the frustration and hate.

[@markrogers1786]

@@HoneyBakedHam7 yeah you’re describing the traditional problems with gentrification in a place like say Harlem or most of San Francisco at this point. But in Detroit there are literally thousands of homes and lots for sale that are in the city limits for less than 10,000 dollars. There is no actual transit system since its “Motown” so it’s not like you can argue they would be blocked from any public facilities. In a growing city I can see your point to some degree. But a place like Detroit that’s been steadily losing population since the 1950s... sorry I just don’t take your points seriously. The city had nearly 2 million people at its peak and now is less than 700,000. Housing space isn’t a real concern. The priority needs to be drawing people and business in to Detroit. Without any industry or jobs who cares where your apartment is located.

[@jayanttchapman7874]

A very accurate analysis of my city i might add! Definitely still has a lot of potential.

[@kevinlincoln6791]

Kyle! Loving the Danny Brown shoutout on the wall…a true Detroit legend

[@GeographyKing]

I'm surprised he's not more well known. I guess a lot of folks don't like his nasally voice? But I love both of his albums that I have.

[@pallen1157]

Hey Kyle, you neglected to mention Indian Village, Sherwood Forest, Palmer Woods and my neighborhood, ROSEDALE PARK! These are also well kept neighborhoods and homes. I bought my home in 2008-09 during the economic/mortgage crisis. I was living in an apartment in Southfield and couldn't resist the asking price ($45,000) for a 2400 sq/ft, brick Tudor style home, 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, 2 car garage and a finished basement. Just two weeks ago I got a value estimate of $223,000! GENTRIFICATION GOOD!

[@jacobdennis3020]

i live just north of 8 mile and this is a pretty evaluation of detroit. neat cbd but nothing crazy. tons of varieties of food options and music is such a cultural staple here always a show going on or a band playing somewhere. good job 👍

[@katevgrady]

You live near the 8 Mile area? Did you grow up there or did you choose to move there?

[@jacobdennis3020]

@@katevgrady i moved here, a friend bought a house there and we moved to a nice neighborhood. i live just north of 8 mile and theres a drastic difference between north and south of 8 mile.

[@AlligatorArms]

8 Mile is far from what I’d call a nice area but there’s a dispensary on like every block & business is booming. It’s not exactly a wasteland, especially compared to some of the neighborhoods south of there.

[@tomrogue13]

@@katevgrady 8 mile also stretches pretty far east and west. While I believe Jacob Dennis lives closer to Detroit, it is possible to live on 8 mile in like Northville, which is like 30 mins from Detroit and quite nice

[@I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music]

Are you a rapper?

[@curtandoscar]

Another fascinating, well researched video. Thank you!

[@turtleenaitor]

So many beautiful houses in the suburbs with wonderful craftsmanship on the woodworking and masonry details. Hope more homes are restored in the future to preserve them 🙏

[@aaronhrynyk]

You comment about the staff dropping glasses and the patrons reacting is so damn true!

[@ItalianoDelSud7]

Wayne county resident here. One cant forget the giant Italian markets we have all over and there are even still churches in Italian. People forget us in convos with Chicago and New York but there is a huge population still here in and around Detroit.

[@saltychipdust5700]

Detroit really has some great spots. If you’re not looking for trouble you won’t find any trouble. Is it ruff? Sure is but it’s that gritty feel that makes this such a unique place to live in or visit.

[@jimraves]

Great attention to detail with the Danny Brown record in the background!

[@xbigshot1]

I lived in the Detroit Metro area for almost 20 years......best years of my life, I loved SE Michigan, especially Detroit........Great video!

[@davemehelas5053]

Video could have been 30 min and not covered it all. As far as in town historic neighborhoods, you missed the big ones-Boston/Edison, Palmer Woods, and Indian Village.

[@ayeeeeeeee6240]

would love to see more videos like this about other cities!

[@sleepyhead8681]

Plz more!

[@GeographyKing]

I plan on this becoming a series. I'll post videos like this after getting back from whatever city I was in. Not sure where the next one will be though.

[@markbrown2615]

Excellent review for an outsider. When we visit city we want entertainment districts and breweries, historical and gentrified neighborhoods, landmarks, good walking areas, and bike trails. You did most of that. Do more cities!

[@ayeeeeeeee6240]

@@GeographyKing you should do one on Chattanooga or Nashville or Atlanta!!

[@GeographyKing]

Actually I never even thought of doing one for Chattanooga strangely. But Atlanta and Nashville are easy for me to get to and I know pretty well.

[@denmartell4287]

Good unbiased report about Detroit! Thanks from a GK fan in western Wayne County 😀

[@willrobinson4976]

Great video and thanks for sharing some positive info about Detroit.

[@rayhanes1347]

Was downtown and midtown detroit yesterday for a walk and ice cream. I've been many places and I can say without a doubt what they've done to downtown blows alot of other major cities away. Looking up Woodward at night is simply amazing. Can't believe how gorgeous they've blade it and it started with Kwame. Folks don't give him the credit. Don't @ me because I was born and raised here since 84.

[@scotticarbs6072]

Good job man! I have never seen so many positive comments on a video like this.

[@TheGreenMeadow]

I work for a plumbing company north of Detroit and we have old customers in the city. So once in a while I get sent into some pretty sketchy areas. I always took the long way back north for some sightseeing the worst areas. Some blocks are entirely abandoned. Never had a bad experience though.

[@sirekumasutra7022]

As a Michigan native thank you for this Kyle and I love you for this. Also if you're ever into shopping malls Michigan has a nice variety of malls.

[@cougarsstudios]

THANK YOU for not making a completely ignorant video about (metro) Detroit ❤️. We get so much shit from everyone. There’s a lot of great places in Detroit still. Great neighborhoods that are over shadowed by the terrible ones. No one talks about the nice parts of Detroit. There are nice neighborhoods and the place really is coming back to life, I can’t wait to see it… in 30-40 years lol there’s a lot of work to do ❤️

[@markbrown2615]

GREAT video. Excellent review for an outsider. When we visit city we want entertainment districts and breweries, historical and gentrified neighborhoods, landmarks, good walking areas, and bike trails. You did most of that. Do more cities!

[@randygreen7871]

I grew up in upstate NY and iv'e never heard them called "Michigan's" they're are called 'Coneys' up there too. Another very interesting and good to hear video that Detroit is on the rebound!

[@sahump1]

Detroit was the first major metro area I visited as a kid. My brother and his wife lived near 6-Mile and Inkster in Redfield Township in the early '80s. And yep, even back then Faygo was the drink of choice.

[@tamedshrew235]

I worked for a Big Three company back in the 80's and would love to see Detroit make a complete comeback. Thank you for highlighting their progress and thumbs up on ur idea of seeding additional gentrification with musicians. Could you do a similar analysis for Cleveland?

[@therealHannibus]

Living here I'm skeptical of anyone giving an accurate description but I couldn't find many faults and you didn't blast us. 👍

[@overworlder]

Downtown Detroit was the main destination on my first visit to the US, from Australia. For a trade fair. Everything about it was a culture shock.

[@tonyceeone]

Finally a real video Not the bleak Urban Blight video - when the seas rise on both coast watch how this place will be the smart place to be 🔥🔥🔥

[@ohnoohyeah3205]

Nice! I grew up at 10 Mile and Little Mack. Can't wait to move home from central NC.

[@ErikMello96]

A quick showing of the area in a highlighted portion of a map would he very helpful when visualizing each part of town. Cheers

[@joelcrow]

As someone from the South (Atlanta) seeing how affordable small cute houses in the Grosse Point area and others are, really surprises me how many folks continue to migrate to WAY overpriced housing and stiffling traffic in the south. I would absolutely live in Grosse Point or Ann Arbor in a heartbeat, yes even with the cold. The area is cute, people are nice, and there's lots of good food spots to enjoy. I'm shocked no one seems to be catching on to the opportunity for cheap cute houses up there!!

[@awkwardsanchez6231]

I live in LA but I have family in Michigan (Detroit, Kalamazoo and Detroit) I haven’t been to Detroit since 2017. But when I went I had so much fun. I also learned that the geography is heavily influenced by Paris, France.

[@Trail1524]

I'm from Hamtramck, the Dodge Main assembly plant is what attracted the large foreign population to the area. The GM plant was built on the same land, a few years after demolition of the Dodge plant.

[@jacktegel3953]

Thank you for a fair and balanced portrait of the city. Jack Tegel

[@rickm8456]

Lived in Detroit for about 1 1/2 years in the late 90’s. I worked at the College for Creative Studies and lived on campus. Near the DIA and Wayne State. Not much going on there at that time. Lots of emptiness. I remember the fact it was the only major city in the US without a mall. Still remember Pizza Papalis; that was great pizza. So filling. Hamtramck was an interesting place too. I used to drive back from there to midtown, through abandoned areas - factories and buildings. There was so many traffic lights on my way back. I used to drive right through the red lights because there was just no one around. I was scared to sit at them for minutes on end, especially late at night!

[@ocko8011]

Detroit was a jewel, the level of wealth and prosperity in the 1960's was unmatched. War time supercharged the city then it burned down.

[@forgottenplaces9780]

Joe Louis Arena was a downtown arena for the Redwings and concerts for almost 40 years so there was a downtown arena before little Caesars.

[@thishereanakinguy]

As an Upstate New Yorker, a Michigan is a hot dog (usually of the Glazier's brand with the red casing), that has a meaty sauce on it (think sloppy joe sauce) with chopped onions. And only extreme northern New Yorkers know about Michigans. Get south of the Adirondacks and it is unheard of.

[@nithinvejendla2851]

Montréal has them too

[@michaelatoz580]

I'm from Michigan and loved the White Hots. Enjoyed them every time I visited Rochester as a kid

[@audrichvuneo181]

You’re thinking of a coney dog, I think