tanjafarmer

  • Local Expert 322 points
  • Reviews 4
  • Questions 0
  • Answers 0
  • Discussions 0

Reviews

2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 1/5
Just now

"Atwater Street is exactly what it says"

Atwater Street is exactly what it says it is, it's a winding street located directly next to the Detroit River, or "at water." It begins in Downtown Detroit around the Joe Louis Arena, and ends at Joseph Campau Street. There is a nice pathway that follows the street, and is great during the summer for long walks at the shore, and spectacular views of Windsor, ON Canada on the other side.

It's definitely an interesting place to spend a Sunday afternoon, with family, friends, or a significant other. The atrium at the GM Renaissance Center is the main commercial area along the street, and is a great place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee while looking out at the river. There is also nearby St. Aubin Park, and Chene Park.
Recommended for
  • Retirees
2/5
Just now

"Tree Lined Wide Thoroughfare"

Washington Blvd is a wide street, as the title suggests, it is tree lined. It begins at Jefferson Avenue, and ends at Park Avenue. It is one of the major thoroghfares of Downtown Detroit.

Cobo Hall, which is the main convention center in Detroit is located right at the corner of Jefferson and Washington, because of this many business people who come to Detroit for conventions stay at nearby hotels on Washington, which include the Sheraton, and the Holiday Inn, soon to be added to these will be the historic Westin Book Cadillac Hotel, which is architecturally gorgeous.

You will notice a significant amount of seniors walking around the area, this is due to the fact that there are many senior apartment complexes located on the street or in the direct vicinity.

Retail is almost non existent, there are a few places to eat, but these are mostly Coney Island themed restaurants, which is ever so popular here in Detroit.

Public transportation is good, many of the Detroit city buses stop at nearby Capitol Park.
Recommended for
  • Retirees
1/5
Just now

"Abandoned parking lots, and vacant factories"

Sproat Street begins at Cass Avenue, and ends at Woodward Avenue. The Downtown area of Detroit has been revitalized quite a bit in recent years, as well as the Mid-Town area in Detroit located near Wayne State University. This middle region between Downtown and Mid-Town is where Sproat Street and its adjacent areas are located, and have yet to see the revitalization of Downtown and Mid-Town.

There are some precarious hotels, and rundown homes in the area, as well as parking facilities, which many people utilize during Detroit Tiger home games, or Detroit Lion home games.

I've had to walk along Sproat Street on a few occasions in order to get to my car in nearby parking lots during baseball games at Comerica Park and football games at Ford Field. It's generally empty and void of activity. Other than parking facilities, it is not worth checking out.
3/5
Just now

"Behind all the action in Downtown"

Farmer Street begins at Clifford Street, and ends at Randolph Street. It is very safe, and clean. I walk through the area often during the evening. Many local area residents walk their dogs along the streets.

In terms of transportation, it is serviced by the Broadway People Mover Station, which is incidentally located next to the Boll Family YMCA recreational facility.

The Skillman Branch Library, part of the Detroit Public Library system is also located along the street, and has a quaint little park behind it. The building has the appearence of ancient Greek or Roman architecture, and is definatley worth seeing.

There are options for residential living nearby at the Lofts at Woodward Center, and Lofts at Merchants Row which are located nearby on Woodward Avenue.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
1/5
Just now

"Skid Row, with Abandoned Buildings"

Temple Street is just outside of the Downtown area of Detroit, and right before Mid-Town. It begins at Woodward Avenue, and ends at 16th Street.

Other than a few landmarks of note which include the Masonic Temple, Motor City Casino and The Metropolitan Center for High Technology, the street is completely ramshackle.

It is definatley not safe to walk through, and the park adjacent to the street (Cass Park) is full of vagrants, drug users, and homeless individuals.

There are a few rundown hotels which are often used for illicit purposes including prostitution, as well as dilapidated homes line the street. This area should be avoided.
2/5
Just now

"Skyscrapers, and Neat Architecture"

Griswold begins in the heart of Downtown Detroit, and ends at Grand River Avenue. It is strictly a commercial, and business area of the city, with no residential facilities.

There are a few buildings that are worth checking out in terms of architecture, these include the Penobscot Building, and the Guardian Building which are both in the Art Deco style. All the major commercial buildings have a varying degree of retail stores within them.

There is not much of a street life, and people generally seem like they are in a hurry most of the time, not one of the friendliest places, but generally safe, and well kept.
4/5
Just now

"Corporate to Casino"

Monroe Street begins at the Compuware Corporate Headquarters, and ends up in the lively Greektown neighborhood of Detroit. Monroe is the main street in the heart of Greektown, which is quite possibly the best, and most safe area in Downtown Detroit.

There are a few residential lofts, the main one being the Greektown Lofts, located on the street which were made out of the renovation of old factories, and warehouses. The street itself is always full of hustle and bustle. There's many places to go eat, from fast and convenient Plaka's, and Pizza Papalis, to more fine dining at the Pegasus Taverna, and Mosaic also located on the street.

The main attraction of the street is the Greektown Casino, which has undergone massive renovations, and is set to become even better with the opening of its brand new hotel in January 2009. The Casino has more of an intimate, and relaxed atmosphere and smaller gaming areas in comparison to the MGM Grand Casino, and Motor City Casino.

There's a variety of restaurants located inside the casino, including Fishbone's Rhythm Cafe, which offers Cajun inspired food, sushi, and seafood. Just around the corner is Loco's Bar & Grill, which is a combination of nightclub, and Mexican restaurant.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Arts and Theater Hub of the City"

Although its a small stretch of road, roughly a quarter of a mile beginning at Witherell Street, and ending at Randolph Street, there is still much to do on Broadway.

One of Detroit's premier recreational facilities is located on Broadway, The Boll Family YMCA which offers rock climbing, state of the art recreational facilities, and exercise equipment, including a pool, as well as Child Care services. Located directly adjacent to the YMCA is the Broadway People Mover Stop (the people mover is an overground public transportation system, similar to a subway which has stops all around Detroit).

In terms of entertainment, The Detroit Opera House is located on Broadway, and for the individual that is looking to relax, and have a few drinks after work, there is the Detroit Beer Co. which occupies the first two floors of the recently restored Hartz Building on Broadway just steps from both Comerica Park and Ford Field.

For a quick bite to eat, you can head over to Small Plates, and for more formal dining, there's Vicente's Cuban Cuisine, about a 2 minute walk from Broadway, on Library Street.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
2/5
Just now

"High Traffic Area, connects to Major Highway."

East Jefferson Avenue begins in Downtown Detroit, and continues on into Grosse Pointe, Michigan. It offers convenient access to Highway 375 which emanates from the street.

The street is relatively safe for Detroit standards meaning there are a few vagrant, and homeless individuals present, but they do not pose a threat to your personal safety.

General Motor's Headquarters is located just off the street on neighboring Renaissance Drive. The Renissance Center has a variety of shops, restaurants and services including a movie theater, salon, and health club. The University of Detroit Mercy's Law campus is also located on the street.

In terms of restaurants, for seafood lovers I would highly recommend Tom's Oyster Bar and for more casual fare, there is Nathan's Deli, which offers a variety of sandwiches, and coney island style menu items.
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 1/5
Just now

"Needs improvement, yet has potential to be vibrant and fun"

Woodward Avenue is like an artery coming out of downtown Detroit. It begins right at the United States and Canada border and continues all the way through to Pontiac, Michigan.

This review will focus on the part of Woodward Avenue that is located in Downtown Detroit. In recent years the city has made quite a few improvements to the area, a lot of the crime, grime, and graffiti has been cleaned up. Many of the abandoned buildings have been turned into modern lofts, and restaurants. However, some vacant buildings still remain.

There is a lot to do in terms of nightlife, arts and entertainment. Both the Fox Theater, and The Fillmore Theater call Woodward Avenue home. There are nightclubs and bars along the street including Club Bleu, Pure, Proof, State Bar, Elwood, and many more, as well as restaurants including the Detroit Breakfast Grill (which is amazing), Oslo, and Salad Creations.

Further, the public transit system is excellent in terms of service; there are many bus stops along the street that go to all corners of the city, and the suburbs.

Overall, Woodward has experienced much growth and rejuvenation, and has potential to become even better in the future.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles

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