Lifestyle in Detroit

The lifestyle in Detroit offers plenty to keep you entertained. The city boasts a great restaurant scene, lively nightlife, exciting shopping opportunities, and a host of other attractions.

The best part is that enjoying these pursuits will not break the bank, as the cost of living in Detroit remains largely affordable.

Shopping in Detroit

Detroit’s shopping scene has grown in the last few years, with boutique retail outlets popping up all over the city. Popular shopping neighbourhoods in the metro include the culturally rich Midtown and old Corktown, while Birmingham is seen as the retail flagship in the suburbs. Head to nearby Dearborn to browse its Walmart supercentre for an all-in-one experience.

Perhaps most exciting is Eastern Market near downtown, a historic commercial district covering a massive 43 acres and boasting more than 150 businesses. Its many studios and art galleries have a charming Bohemian quality, while numerous eateries and sellers of fresh and organic produce are also present.

Eating out in Detroit

Detroit is a multicultural melting pot, reflected in its myriad restaurants and food offerings. There are spots to suit all tastes, whether craving a shawarma from Greektown, Polish cuisine from Hamtramck, or a spicy burrito from Mexicantown.

Residents can enjoy small hole-in-the-wall diners and coffee shops or splurge on fine dining and upmarket delis. The city is famous for its local take on the Coney hot dog, served with fresh onions, mustard, and chilli sauce.

Nightlife in Detroit

As the birthplace of Motown, Detroit has a stylish and lively nightlife. Many internationally recognised artists such as Madonna, Lizzo, and Aretha Franklin hail from Detroit, and the city continues to be a home for many live music shows.

The future of the entertainment sector looks bright, with all manner of establishments accompanying the city’s general revitalisation. Along with a host of clubs and bars, Detroit also has an assortment of craft breweries and trendy cocktail bars. No single area is considered the entertainment hub, with exciting places and events scattered throughout the city.

See and do in Detroit

Newcomers to Detroit will never be bored. The city is home to plenty of attractions for car aficionados, several galleries, museums and wonderful green spaces, not to mention the many landmarks that pay homage to the city’s musical Motown past.

Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts is home to over 65,000 works of art displayed in more than 100 galleries. The permanent collection includes works from America, Indigenous Americas, Africa, Oceania, Asia and medieval Europe. It also includes a few masters such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Matisse.

Motown Museum

A must for newcomers to the city, the Motown Museum chronicles Detroit’s rise to fame as the birthplace of many music legends. The museum allows visitors to see the recording studio where Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Jackson 5, and others produced hits.

The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant

The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is where Henry Ford birthed the famous Ford Model T. Visitors can see exactly how the plant was when it was functional, including machinery, tools, drafting tables and beautifully maintained early model vehicles.

Belle Isle

For nature lovers, Belle Isle is a large, wonderfully green island in the Detroit River with lush parks, gorgeous hiking trails, and even lakes. The island boasts a zoo, an aquarium, a beautiful conservatory with all sorts of interesting flora, and a museum on the history of shipping on the Great Lakes.

What’s on in Detroit

New residents of Detroit will be delighted to discover that the city’s calendar is brimming with fun events for every taste and creed. Below, we’ve listed some of our favourite Motor City events.

Motown Winter Blast Royal Oak (January)

As a newcomer to Detroit, you will love getting involved in the Motown Winter Blast, which never fails to kick the year off in style. The Winter Blast was initially a countdown party for Super Bowl XL, but the festival has since morphed into a huge annual tradition with live music acts, a massive snow slide, food trucks, and more.

Cupid’s Undie Run (February)

One for the ‘thrill-anthropists’, the Undie Run sees thousands of Detroiters don their best undies and take to the streets to aid neurofibromatosis sufferers. It’s the only time running around in underwear won’t get you arrested, and newcomers to the city are encouraged to join in the whacky fun.

Hamtramck Music Festival (August)

Who doesn’t love a good music festival? This is Michigan’s biggest local music event, attracting a host of Detroit bands, DJs, and solo artists who take over Hamtramck’s pubs and nightclubs for three days of revelry.

Detroit International Jazz Festival (August)

One to look forward to, Detroit’s International Jazz Festival brings the city to life. The festival spans several city blocks in Downtown Detroit, with a line-up that seems to grow in stature each year, as well as fireworks, parties, and more.

Where to meet people and make friends

Being an expat in a foreign city may be daunting, but you’ll find many opportunities to make friends and integrate into Detroit’s local culture. Below is a list of some of the best places to meet new faces.

Slow Roll

Biking enthusiasts will be glad to hear there’s a large community of like-minded people in the city. This lively group bikes throughout the city and partners with local non-profits to make a difference in the community.

Fowling Warehouse

With a unique blend of bowling and football, the Fowling Warehouse offers sports buffs a chance to release some steam. Fling a football, score a strike and grab a drink at this innovative social club.

People for Palmer Park (PFPP)

The PFPP initiative hopes to restore Palmer Park to its original glory. You may also find that working alongside others in the outdoors is a great opportunity to meet and befriend locals.

Michigan Adventurers Club

For anyone looking to break away from the buzz of the city and get the blood pumping, the Michigan Adventurers Club is an active group that offers the perfect solution. With many interesting activities, these social gatherings are never boring, and you are sure to meet some interesting locals.