As you drive east from downtown Detroit, there comes a point where the streetscape changes completely. This is the boundary of Grosse Pointe. The wealth accumulated during the heyday of the automotive industry still remains in this area. Each time you cross this boundary, where the road width and tree lines change, you are reminded of the traces left by the automotive industry in this city in the early 20th century.

Grosse Pointe is divided into several small cities, including Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe City, Grosse Pointe Farms, and Grosse Pointe Shores, with Grosse Pointe Shores, which borders Lake St. Clair, being the most expensive. The median home price is reported to exceed $900,000, and mansions connected to founding families of the automotive industry still stand. Among the large homes by the lake, there are many listings that come with gardens and boat docks.

Grosse Pointe Farms is also a representative upscale residential area, with median prices known to range from $700,000 to $900,000. The lake views, spacious lots, and the long-established community club culture support the premium of this area. The social culture centered around yacht clubs and country clubs forms a significant part of the local identity.

Turning your gaze to the northwest suburbs of Detroit, you will find Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills. Bloomfield Hills is considered one of the most affluent areas in Michigan, with median home prices reportedly reaching around $1 million. Due to the concentration of private schools and golf clubs, intergenerational transfers among wealthy families are common here. The downtown area of Birmingham features a walkable shopping district, making it popular among affluent individuals seeking an urban lifestyle.

Considering that the median home price in Detroit itself remains around $100,000, the gap between these affluent suburbs and the city is larger than in any other area of the city. While the population and wealth of downtown Detroit have significantly declined following the decline of the automotive industry, Grosse Pointe and Bloomfield Hills have been relatively less affected. There are observations that the gap is gradually narrowing due to recent redevelopment in downtown Detroit, but it seems that a significant change has not yet occurred.

In the Detroit metro area, many Korean households are involved in the automotive industry as engineers or parts suppliers, and a significant number prefer school districts near Birmingham or Bloomfield Hills. Even if the commuting distance is somewhat longer, it is a choice that prioritizes school quality and safety. There are also many households opting for nearby areas like Novi or Troy, which have relatively lower entry prices, as a compromise.

The affluent landscape of Detroit is divided into the eastern Grosse Pointe belt and the northwestern Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills belt. Both areas operate as separate markets from the city center, so when searching, it would be more accurate to look up the names of these small cities rather than just Detroit.

In summary:

• Grosse Pointe Shores, Farms: Lake views and traditions of automotive industry families
• Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills: Emerging affluent areas centered around private schools and golf clubs
• Downtown Detroit: Undergoing redevelopment but still a region with a significant gap

Regardless of which belt you choose, it is advisable to check school district information and recent transaction cases before making a decision.