21 Reasons Why We’d Rather Live In Detroit

It’s no secret that Detroit has a bad rap, especially when compared to the bigger, brighter, and more financially stable metropolises of New York, San Francisco, and Chicago--but that’s because most people haven’t heard of all of things that make The D the Best. City. Ever.

1. One word: Coneys

While New Yorkers have to trek to Coney Island to get an authentic hot dog, we have restaurants with menus dedicated to this American delicacy. In fact, we don’t call them diners or restaurants, we call them “Coneys.”

2. We get paid to live downtown

Via detroitlivedowntown.org

Rent too high in NYC or SF? Not an issue in Detroit where you can get paid to live downtown.

3. And...we get paid to party!

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Once a year, many Metro Detroiters pick a Friday afternoon to take off and party on their boats on Gull Island on Lake Saint Clair. It’s the Jobbie Nooner - one heck of a soiree where nearly 10,000 people gather on their boats. We can neither confirm nor deny the rumor that it was the inspiration for The Lonely Island's “I’m On A Boat.”

4. Our public transportation is CHEAP

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Our public transportation system is pretty self-explanatory--it’s called the People Mover. And at $.75 per ride, you’ll pay no more than $70 a month (less than it costs to get a monthly Metrocard in NYC.)

5. We take work sports leagues to a whole new level...

...we're the only city in the States to have featherbowling leagues.

6. Our tech scene is far from being oversaturated

Last year, TechTown received an $800k federal grant to help small businesses grow. (Read about it HERE!)

7. Calling in sick on St. Patrick's Day is totally normal

You'll probably run into your boss, share a green beer and do some Irish dancing along Michigan Avenue in Corktown.

8. Tigers games at Comerica Park are perfect for an after-work outing

And Detroit fans are passionate: the Tigers are the only American League team to have drawn over 1 million fans each year since 1984. Tickets average $30 for a game. Average price for a Yankees game? $63.

9. The Spring Equinox is a two-part celebration in Detroit

Not only is winter over, but you also get to celebrate the Marche Du Nain Rouge. It comes from old Detroit folklore to chase the Nain out of the city, so Detroit can see happiness and success.

10. Looking for a way to bond with friends?

Try $3 cocktails at Green Dot Stables or a walk through Belle Isle, a park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame.

11. We’re a five minute drive away from Canada

So there’s no excuse to say that you’ve never been out of the country.

12. Detroit’s technology scene is very collaborative

We all know each other and we achieve more thanks to our tightly-knit community.

13. Our city might not host a nationally televised parade on Thanksgiving, but our annual Turkey Trot and Lions game is more than enough to take in before downing a turkey dinner

14. We have a Drunken Historical Society

We talk history and throw back a few beers. No, we don't attempt to archive the events you may have forgotten last Friday night.

15. We know of a few good Happy Hours that won’t cost you more than $30

To name a few: Roast, 1930s jazz club Cliff’s Bells, Angelina Bistro, or Coach Insignia—a once-rotating restaurant atop the city's tallest building.

16. Our music scene is legendary

We’re home to the Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, the oldest operating jazz club in America. And of course, we’re the home of Motown, where you can go sing at Hitsville U.S.A. in the same studio that created The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes and greats.

17. Detroit boasts the only international marathon in the country

It includes a bridge over Canada and a tunnel back into Michigan.

18. Jack White is singlehandedly reviving Detroit’s music scene

He paid $142,000 to save the historic Masonic Temple concert space.

19. We’re putting our abandoned buildings to good use by turning them into urban ski slopes

20. Gritty, down to earth musicians like Kid Rock and Eminem are known to have staged surprise concerts

21. Detroit is the only city where one of the four major US sports had to officially ban the swinging of an octopus over your head on the field of play

The best thing about Detroit is that it's always looking for new people to move in and help continue our traditions. Check out HelloWorld's career page to see jobs that'll have you calling The D YOUR city.