Detroit Attracting More Young Professionals
There has been much talk about a "brain-drain" in Michigan – people packing up and moving away from the state – but many young professionals are turning to Detroit as a place to live, work, and thrive.
According to real estate broker Austin Black, 95% of his clients are looking to move into Detroit. "I represent a broad spectrum of young professionals, empty nesters, even people with kids," said Black, "they want to see themselves contributing to the greater good of the city."
Black suggests that some of Detroit's up-and-coming neighborhoods, like the Midtown area, are also responsible for the trend.
"(Midtown) is one area that's really starting to develop into its own identity; people see the vibrancy that's going on in the neighborhood and want to be a part of it," Black explained.
Among those Detroit residents attracted to the vibrancy of the city is Matt Clayson, director of the Detroit Creative Corridor Center. "My wife and I, we came for the houses, for the sky rises, to be close to the river," Clayson said, "it's a great community, it's tight-knit, and everyone is a little eccentric in their own way."
Detroit's unique character and cultural significance offer its residents a place not only to live, but an identity, and an opportunity to be a part of something greater.
"Love it or hate it people know Detroit, it's got that brand … we're manufacturing, we're automobile, we're music, we're bold, we're in your face, we're a little loud," said Clayson.
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