Few things are stronger than Detroit pride, and with good reason. The Motor City is an intriguing hub of history, art, culture, and strength, and these qualities are embedded in the daily lives of all who live here. It’s no secret that Detroiters are some of the most unique people you’ll ever have the pleasure of knowing. Here are eleven reasons why people from Detroit are awesome — and proud to call the Motor City home.
1. We know how to have a good time.
Whether we’re playing a few slots at Greektown Casino, riding our bikes along the Detroit River, or checking out the Motor City’s nightlife, we definitely know how to have fun — and we’d love to have you join us. Our city is full of exciting adventures just waiting to be discovered, and we’re always on the hunt for the next big thing in Detroit!
2. We can keep the rhythm.
Detroit is known for its amazing musical history, and that means we’ve got music running through our veins. We’ll take you to a concert at the Fox Theatre, blast our favorite tunes by Detroit’s own Stevie Wonder, or rap along with Eminem (another native son of the Motor City). No matter which genre we prefer, one thing is for sure: we’re not shy about our love for good music.
3. We’ll take you out to the ball game.
Is there anything better than a day spent watching the Tigers play at Comerica Park? Whether it’s your first baseball game or your fiftieth, we’ll gladly take you out to experience a true American tradition, Detroit-style. Baseball not your speed? No worries. We Detroiters are also passionate about our Red Wings, Pistons, and (despite it all) Lions.
4. We know good food.
Detroit is home to the original coney dog, and that alone should prove that we know great American fare. But it doesn’t stop at Lafayette or American Coney Island: we’ve also got delectable Detroit-style pizza, BBQ from Slows, and plenty of unique eateries scattered throughout the city. If you’re hungry, a Detroiter will never let your stomach go unfilled.
5. We’re diverse.
We’re proud of our city’s "melting pot" atmosphere. From our Greek residents to our African-American heritage to our large Middle Eastern population in nearby Dearborn, there are all sorts of people living and working in the Motor City. It doesn’t matter where you come from when you move to Detroit — it only matters that you accept the rest of us as equals.
6. We value hard work.
There’s a reason the auto industry has its roots here. We Detroiters have continued to work hard through tough times and not-so-tough times, and we have no plans to stop anytime soon. Ever heard the saying "Detroit hustles harder?" We’re inclined to agree.
7. We’re resilient and we’ll always persevere.
It’s no secret that our city has experienced its fair share of difficult times. We’ve suffered greatly from economic woes and other problems, but few things can break the spirit of Detroit. No matter what befalls us, we continue to fight for what we believe in and work for a better Detroit.
8. We appreciate art in all its unique forms.
We’re lucky to house the Detroit Institute of Arts, which offers a massive collection of art from every era and part of the world. Step inside to check out the impressive murals by world-renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera or marvel at historic sculptures. The city of Detroit is also home to plenty of street art: from colorful murals to our famous Joe Louis fist, there’s an art form for everyone here.
9. We know how to poke fun at ourselves.
Sure, we take our sports seriously, but that doesn’t mean we can’t laugh at the fact that our beloved Detroit Lions aren’t quite the top-performing team in the NFL. Among plenty of other topics, our undying love for our football team is a constant source of amusement for us when we get together with friends and family. What would life be like without a little laughter?
10. We respect our past while looking forward to our future.
We’re incredibly indebted to the talented men and women who built our city and helped it grow, and we’ll never forget the difficulties that have befallen Detroit over the past several decades. But we balance this respect for the past with a healthy dose of hope and excitement for what’s next. Detroit is home to all sorts of start-ups, non-profit organizations, and artistic endeavors that help us remain positive about the amazing future of our hometown.
11. We’ll welcome you here with open arms.
No matter who you are, where you come from, or what you believe, there’s a place for you in Detroit. We pride ourselves on a welcoming spirit and an attitude that anyone can succeed with enough hard work and dedication. Just be kind, believe in what you do, and never give up: that’s what it takes to be a Detroiter.
What do you think, Detroiters? What should out-of-towners know about you and your fellow Motor City residents? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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