Tell me about Detroit

skirtznsox

Wed, Mar 11 2015, 4:49 pm

What's the frum community there like? Is there more than one type? How many shuls are there? What's it like to get kosher food. Are there kosher supermarkets? Do the regular supermarkets have a lot of kosher options? Are there nice restaurants and delivery options? What about housing prices in the Jewish area(s), particularly standalone houses but apartments also? Is a car mandatory for getting around or is public transportation actually functional enough if you have the patience for it? TIA.

amother

Wed, Mar 11 2015, 6:07 pm

skirtznsox wrote:

There are already a few threads up about Detroit.
It's OOT, brace yourself. Though there is a trend now of basement vendors moving to storefronts.
OK, I'll try to answer in order.

It's OOT. But there is a big mix of people. For example, there are two non Zionist day schools (plus a Lubavitch cheder) and while one is more RW, there is a lot of overlap, and families who will send some kids to one, others to the other. There are two mesivta high schools for boys. A few kollelim. LOTS of shuls.

Kosher food is fine. Yes, it's more expensive than KRM in Brooklyn. There is one full kosher store (though check hashgachos) and they really do try hard as far as selection and prices. The standard big chain supermarkets aren't like say, Pathmark, as far as their kosher selections. (Though Costco has cholov Yisrael cheese and other stuff.)

I don't know if the restaurants deliver but there are a few in town.

Housing is relatively cheap though because of the demand it's getting more expensive. You might want to rent first to decide where to live. There are rental houses and apartments that are more generous than NY apts. But sometimes there aren't openings.

Public transportation is not functional in Detroit. It is the motor city, after all.

Hope this helps.