The Grosse Pointe area is famous for its beauty, architecture and historic character, but that's not all. It has also been featured in many Hollywood films such as Grosse Pointe Blank, the Virgin Suicides, and Gran Torino.
The Grosse Pointe Park area includes architectural jewels that rank right up there with greatest residences and landmarks in America. With any easy commute to the center of Detroit and cozy know-your-neighbor streets, Grosse Pointe Park is truly one of the most desirable locations within the Detroit area. With a little planning, you can find an apartment in Grosse Pointe Park in a reasonable amount of time.
Moving to Grosse Pointe Park
Finding a Place to Call Home
Grosse Pointe Park features a range of different houses, from cozy one-bedroom apartments to large palatial estates on splendid properties. No matter what, you're likely to enjoy the setting of your new residence. After all, there is a reason the Grosse Pointe area has been the focus of so many Hollywood films.
Getting There
Grosse Pointe Park is easily accessible by car and moving trucks, meaning there should be no real issue with your move. Still, don't twiddle your thumbs for long. Start searching for a residence at least four weeks before you come to Grosse Pointe, using a broker or online services for quicker results.
Knowing Your Options
Grosse Pointe Park, with a population of 11,555 during the 2010 U.S. Census, has many different types of residences and apartments, including townhouses, colonials, beautiful red brick single-family homes, split-level homes, and some newer apartment complexes. Among the more desirable options are two bedroom duplexes for rent in the City Center neighborhood. You should be aware many of the houses predate World War II, so if you're buying, be sure to check the general condition of the home before you make the final purchase. You should also know Grosse Pointe Park has its own police force, meaning crime rates are very low in the area.
What to Expect
The cost of living in Grosse Pointe Park is reasonable. Moving into many apartments or homes often comes with some bonuses. Consider yourself a chef? Quite often residences often come with some furnishings, such as top-line refrigerators and other brand new kitchen appliances. Laundry machines are also often available. Utilities such as water are usually included, but expect to pay for gas, heating and electricity.
What Landlords are Looking For
You should be prepared to provide Grosse Pointe landlords with a number of documents before you rent a place. You will likely need references from previous landlords, and sometimes even references from employers. You will be expected to provide proof of income, undergo a credit check, and pay your deposit and first month's rent upfront.
Grosse Pointe Park Neighborhoods
Grosse Pointe Park is considered one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Michigan, meaning that many of its premier apartments tend to be pricey. Despite Grosse Pointe Park's reputation, there are townhouses, condos, and small two- to three-bedroom houses that can be reasonably priced. One of the great things about Grosse Pointe Park is that no matter where you live in it, you'll have access to great fine dining and plenty of community activities.
Kecheval Street / Cadieux Road: This area features the most lavish homes in Grosse Pointe Park. Most are large three- to four-bedroom houses that were built before 1940, and sometimes much earlier. Here you can see truly beautiful architectural achievements, replete with a large collection of colonial and Victorian-style houses that were built to impress. This neighborhood features great stores like Another Time Antiques, a cozy little shop where you can pick up some lovely furniture or knick-knacks for any of the premier apartments that you are scouting out.
City Center: This area has a number of residential homes mixed with apartment complexes, giving you a wide variety of options. Everything Detroit and the Grosse Pointe area have to offer is a quick jump away. This area features great restaurants like Antonio's in the Park, a place perfect for feasting on delicious Italian food.
East Jefferson Avenue / Balfour Street: This area features lovely homes close to the river and Three Mile Drive Park. Here you can find the Village Wine Shop, a small shop where you can pick up a stellar wine to go with your dinner.
Living in Grosse Pointe Park
Grosse Pointe Park provides quick access to Detroit, but also serves as an oasis away from bustling city life. While using a car is probably the easiest way for traveling long distances, many locals use their bikes to move around the neighborhood. Bus connections are also available. Residents of Grosse Pointe Park are in close vicinity to the Country Club of Detroit, full of classic golf courses, tennis, and other amenities. Nearby is also the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, a famous boating club that has boasted many famous members.
However, Grosse Pointe goes way beyond country clubs. It's also a place you can spend the day shopping at the local farmer's market, grab a craft beer at Atwater Brewery, and then play Frisbee with friends at one of the many local parks. Once you make the decision to move, you will find Grosse Pointe Park life has much to offer.