5.7 out of 10

State Fair Grounds

42.4433822217356 -83.1175248712344
Great for
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Clean & Green
  • Nightlife
  • Public Transport
Not great for
  • Childcare
  • Cost of Living
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Resale or Rental Value
Who lives here?
  • Singles
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists

Reviews

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

"Good Spot Though Not Much Residential"

What you will find here is some great history. The State Fair Grounds are something almost magical as they are one of the oldest in the country and therefore some great things have occured here. You can enjoy what a true state fair is meant to be here and that grounds almost speak to that.

The rich history is the main focus of this area as there isn't much in the way of residential. Though there are homes nearby they aren't what the focus of the State Fair Grounds encompass. The other unfortunate part of this is that though the fair grounds are great, the surrounding areas in some instances aren't all that great overall.

Sure you are close enough to suburbs like Ferndale that have great nightlife and a lot of amenities to offer, but the rest isn't so great. The area of 8 Mile and Woodward has a very negative connotation and that is one of the closest surrounding areas.

It's importante to note that the State Fair Grounds themselves are in good shape and are perfectly safe for attending an event within. There is a great story to be told here and it's practically a rite of passage in the area to visit them at some point. There isn't much in terms of residential though and what is closeby isn't necessarily your best choice, particularly for families with children.
Pros
  • A Rich Piece of Local History
  • Great for Events and Family Fun
  • Many major thoroughfares and retail outlets
  • The State Fair is still fun
Cons
  • Not Much Residential to Speak Of
  • Some Areas Closeby Aren't the Best
  • 8 mile and Woodward are notorious trouble spots after dark
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
2yrs+

"The oldest State Fair in the U.S."

The Michigan State Fair Grounds host the state’s annual fair, which is the oldest such even in the United States. More than 150 years old, the Michigan fair was first held on the site in 1905 and has been there ever since. It is one of the most historic areas of the city, and sits between Seven and Eight Mile Roads, just east of Woodward Avenue. This area isn’t exactly a neighborhood, but is important for its cultural significance, and for the historic Detroit neighborhoods surrounding it.

At 164 acres, the fair grounds are also home to the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum, and the site has been the host of NASCAR races in the past, as well as political rallies. With over 200,000 visitors flocking there for the state fair, it is an area that remains vibrant – and attracts a cultural melting pot of both guests and residents.

The Michigan State Fairgrounds are surrounded by some important Detroit neighborhoods, and these areas are filled with many of the city’s dining, shopping and entertainment options, as well as some of the downtrodden areas of the city. It is not, however, among the most glum areas of Detroit, and offers a great look into the city’s personality.
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 1/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 1/5
2yrs+

"Not a neighborhood, just the area that hosts the State Fair"

All of the residential areas around here are on the perimeter of the State Fair Grounds. Since their is no neighborhood in here, I'll just talk about the State Fair itself.

I don't know if there is anyone who lives in Southeast Michigan who hasn't been to the State Fair in late summer. We still go all the time. Some of the tickets and tokens used to purchase rides and stuff have gotten expensive, but the fair itself is still fun. Rides, games, live acts, it's all here. I imagine that the two weeks that the fair is in town must be a boon to the local economy.

There is plenty of public transportation on both Woodward and 8 mile for those who travel by bus to get to the fair or the surrounding neighborhood. However, anywhere near 8 mile and Woodward is an area you want to avoid after dark. This area has a notorious reputation for prostitution in Detroit, and nothing good happens after dark around here.

There are plenty of retails outlets and stores along the main thoroughfares: 8 mile, Woodward, 7 mile, and John R. I-75 is the closest major freeway as far as getting to the fair by automobile. After all these years the fair is still pretty fun.
Pros
  • The State Fair is still fun
  • Many major thoroughfares and retail outlets
Cons
  • 8 mile and Woodward are notorious trouble spots after dark
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers

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