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Axios Detroit Thought Bubble

Axios Detroit

Data: U.S. Census American Community Survey; Chart: Jacque Schrag/Axios

The pandemic shaved a couple of minutes off your drive (or ride) to work.

What's happening: The average one-way commute in Metro Detroit was 1.3 minutes shorter in 2021 than 2019,  according to the latest U.S. Census data.

Why it matters: More people working from home has reshaped the traditional back-and-forth commute.

Michigan's at-home workforce exploded from 4.5% in 2019 to 16.4%, in 2021, according to Census data.

Zoom out: Traffic congestion is down about 27% across major U.S. cities' downtowns compared to pre-pandemic levels, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick reports.

Nationwide, the average one-way work trip in 2021 was two minutes shorter than in 2019.

What we're watching: The Renaissance Center — our region's largest office complex — has been mostly working remotely for two years.

General Motors decision last month to bring salaried workers back in-office three days a week was recalled after immediate backlash from employees. 

A more regular, in-person presence could boost the central business district, but how much of an uptick is still unknown, Crain's Detroit reports.

Go deeper: The number of people working remotely tripled during COVID

Commutes are down from 2019

The pandemic shaved a couple of minutes off your drive (or ride) to work.What&#x27;s happening: The average one-way commute in Metro Detroit was 1.3 minutes shorter in 2021 than 2019, according to the latest U.S. Census data.

News

Data: Point2Homes; Map: Tory Lysik/Axios Visuals

Detroit is one of only four large U.S. cities where renters could recently afford a starter home.

An analysis by the real estate website Point2Homes considered "starter homes" properties valued in the lower one-third of all available homes for sale.

Why it matters: The city offers relatively affordable home buying opportunities at a time when higher housing costs nationally present obstacles for first-time buyers.

In September, a typical Detroit starter home cost $48,129.

Reality check: Some homes for sale under $50,000 are foreclosures. Others need a lot of work to be liveable.

By the numbers: In October, Detroit renters made 31% more than the income they would need to buy a starter home, according to the analysis.

Renters in the Motor City earned a household income of $25,004 on average, while the yearly income needed to cover a mortgage was $19,103.

Between the lines: Despite the relative affordability of Detroit homes, 45% of local mortgage applications were incomplete, withdrawn or denied in 2020, according to Detroit Future City.

The lending industry's reliance on credit scoring inequitably hampers Black applicants. 

Poor credit makes it more difficult to obtain a mortgage.

Detroit Future City recently published a report offering step-by-step advice to ensure mortgage lenders aren't unfairly using your credit history against you.

The big picture: The share of first-time home buyers across the United States has shrunk to a record low, according to the National Association of Realtors. 

First-time buyers made up 26% of all buyers in 2022, down from 34% last year, the group found.

Go deeper: 3 reasons it's getting harder for renters to buy

Starter homes are more affordable in Detroit than most other cities

The share of first-time home buyers across the U.S. has shrunk to a record low.

Detroit is one of only four large U.S. cities where renters could recently afford a starter home.<ul><li>An<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.point2homes.com/news/research/starter-homes-where-to-find-them-entry-level-house-myth.html" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.point2homes.com/news/research/starter-homes-where-to-find-them-entry-level-house-myth.html" target="_blank"> analysis</a> by the real estate website Point2Homes considered &quot;starter homes&quot; properties valued in the lower one-third of all available homes for sale.</li></ul>

Real Estate

Did someone say rooftop? Enjoy a drink with a view at these spots as the weather heats up.

Why it matters: Lofty bars and restaurants are multiplying as new developments crop up across the city.

Details: A luxe space for drinks and bites that's encased in glass to maximize the cityscape.

Go when: You want to get dressed up or show off Detroit to an out-of-towner.

Details: An elegant penthouse perch atop the historic Metropolitan Building.

Pro tip: Book a reservation for patio seating near a fire pit.

Details: A rooftop biergarten with communal seating that's located along the riverfront.

Go when: You want to get some fresh air and grab a few cold ones with friends.

Details: Kick back in the heart of Detroit’s Sherwood Forest District.

Go when: You're itching for some fun beyond downtown Detroit.

Details: Come for the ultra-pink decor, stay for this suburban spot's DIY boozy ice pops.

Sweet tooth: Split the "Beauty School Dropout," a 3-foot tall cotton candy wig.

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5 must-try rooftop bars in Detroit

Take in skyline sights. Photo: Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Restaurants

Did someone say rooftop? Enjoy a drink with a view at these spots as the weather heats up.Why it matters: Lofty bars and restaurants are multiplying as new developments crop up across the city.<h5><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1. Lumen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lumendetroit.com/" data-vars-content-id="b9c1ac78-b18a-4f88-b4a5-2379d32978ba" data-vars-headline="5 must-try rooftop bars in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lumendetroit.com/" target="_blank">1. Lumen</a></h5>Details: A luxe space for drinks and bites that&#x27;s encased in glass to maximize the cityscape.

Food and Drink

Dating can be expensive, but you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a good time. 

Whether you’re on a first date or have been together for years, here are some date ideas under $25.

Enjoy views on the Bagley Pedestrian Bridge, then grab tacos nearby or sushi at The Goblin.

Best for: Those who like playing tourist in their own city.

Details: Rolls at The Goblin (2547 Bagley St.) range from $5-$14+. See the menu.

Stroll the Bagley Pedestrian Bridge. Photo: Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

2. Explore downtown and get lost in books

Walk around before ending up at John K. King books, which boasts multiple levels of shelves containing used and rare reads.

Details: The downtown store is located at 901 W. Lafayette Blvd.

Purchase ingredients from local vendors for a romantic recipe you'll cook together. 

Details: Local favorite Eastern Market runs Saturdays year-round, along with Tuesdays and Sundays from June to September. 

Eastern Market. Photo: Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images

3 Detroit date ideas under $25

Dating can be expensive, but you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a good time.

Explore a local farmers market. Photo: Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Dating can be expensive, but you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a good time. <ul><li>Whether you’re on a first date or have been together for years, here are some date ideas under $25.</li></ul>

Sami Sparber

Featured stories

Starter homes are more affordable in Detroit than most other cities

Commutes are down from 2019

3 Detroit date ideas under $25

5 must-try rooftop bars in Detroit