Amidst the increasing positive media coverage of Detroit one narrative sits above the rest. That of the new Detroiter. A millennial being that one year ago could have been described as “so Brooklyn”. A loft dwelling individual with a taste for craft beer. There are countless ways to describe this stereotype, but that is not important. It is important to remember that though the current media coverage of this city is positive it possesses no more depth than its negative counterparts. Detroit is not full of criminals. Detroit is not full of millennials. Detroit is full of people living their lives just like any other city in America.

//view from our second floor landing

The Challenge Detroit 2014-2015 cohort provides a great example of the beautifully diverse neighborhoods and lifestyles that this city has to offer. My fellow fellows live in Downtown,Midtown, Woodbridge, Southwest, Lafayette Park, and East Village. I call the University District home. I live in a house owned by Ben, a 2013-2014 Challenge Detroit fellow, and Dom. This best friend duo purchased their home after graduation. With three bedrooms to spare and plenty of room my landlords have housed and entertained a host of characters in their Detroit home. Between the pets, the musical endeavors, and the constant home improvements my life is anything but quiet. I am living the life I want in a city that I love.

Whether you are ready to be my roommate or looking for a more traditional home, Detroit is the place for you. Whatever life you wish to lead, whatever home you wish to make you can make it here.  No flannels, tech talk, or gentrification required.