There are two differences in where we choose to live. Forty percent of the people want to live in driveable places. That means high density housing and storefronts in the backyards. But another thirty to forty percent, which includes this writer, are attracted to urban living where you rarely have to drive anywhere.

I know that may sound like a strange idea to some but to others it’s ideal.
Christopher Leinberger is the director of the University of Michigan’s Graduate Real Estate Program and “walkable urbanity” is something he supports. He pushes for neighborhoods that encourage residents to walk up to six blocks to get to stores and entertainment.

This all leads to downtown Detroit. Leinberger believes the city is well on it’s way to becoming a place where people want to walk. He plans to present evidence supporting his theory for a walkable downtown to the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and Downtown Detroit Partnership. Downtown attracts mostly adults. They come for the casinos, pro sports, nightlife and social or family events. With the riverwalk and ongoing improvements in real estate, downtown is fast becoming a walkable urban place to live and I love it.

We have had an influx of about 4000 new residents since 2000. They are mostly affluent, young and educated. Hopefully that trend will continue. I can tell you how often I drive by saying that the fuel in my car, parked in Grand Circus Park, probably cost less than $2!