10 Things Longtime Detroiters Wish They Could Tell Newcomers
We Detroiters sure are proud to be from the Motor City. Whether we’ve lived here for five years or fifty, there’s no doubt that our city pride runs deep — and we’re always happy to welcome new residents to our town. If you’re planning a move to Detroit in the near future, here are ten tidbits of advice that longtime Detroiters would like you to know.
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Sure, much of the country experiences harsh winter conditions — but Detroit winters are truly something else. Throughout Michigan, temperatures plummet during December and January, so make sure you’re prepared with snow tires on your car, plenty of layers, and a persevering spirit!
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We know you’ve probably heard that famous line in "Don’t Stop Believing," but we’ve got some bad news: there’s no part of the Motor City called "South Detroit." Unless, of course, you want to count the Detroit River or the Ontario city of Windsor. Just don’t arrive in town and start asking for directions to this fictional locale!
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Detroiters certainly love our fizzy beverages (Faygo, anyone?), and we’re willing to put up a fight when it comes to the names used to describe them. Sure, we’ll understand what you mean if you say "soda," but it will always be "pop" to us. You should probably follow suit if you’d like to avoid ridicule.
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If you’re moving to Detroit from out of state, chances are good that you’ve typically reached for Pepto Bismol or another over-the-counter medication while experiencing stomach issues. Here in Detroit, we swear by Vernor’s ginger ale to settle our indigestion and nausea. Don’t knock it until you try it!
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Now that you’re a Detroiter, we sincerely hope you’ll start rooting for our beloved teams. From the Tigers to the Pistons to the Red Wings to the Lions (despite their less-than-stellar record), we’re always loyal to our favorite players. If you’re moving in from out of town, you’ll quickly learn that our teams come first.
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Coney dogs are a Detroit classic, and you can’t call yourself a true Motor City resident until you’ve downed at least one. But be forewarned: you’ll get a few odd looks if you douse your coney dog in ketchup. With so many delicious toppings coming standard, there’s simply no need!
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When you move to Detroit, you’ll soon meet plenty of people who tell you that they’re also from Detroit. But here’s the truth: only a handful of those who claim Motor City residency are ACTUALLY from Detroit proper. Many residents of the suburbs claim to be "from Detroit," but this is a slight stretch.
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Detroit-style pizza might not be as famous as Chicago deep dish, but it’s just as delicious! When you live in Detroit, you’ll soon grow accustomed to enjoying square pizza — and we hope you’ll agree that it’s just as tasty than your average pie. There’s something wonderful about a perfectly crispy corner piece covered in melty, oozy cheese. Is your mouth watering yet?
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Detroit has experienced its fair share of negativity over the years. Sure, we’ve had our ups and downs — and there’s no doubt that we still have some issues to sort out. But, at our core, we’re a city of resilient, creative folks who simply won’t give up. Don’t listen to naysayers who know nothing about the real Detroit.
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No matter who you are or where you’re from, there’s something in Detroit for you. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a student, a medical professional, or something in between, Detroit will charm you with its go-getter attitude, unshakeable spirit, and wide variety of attractions. We’re happy to welcome you with open arms!
Okay, Detroiters: it’s time to share your thoughts! What would you say to a Detroit newcomer? We’d love to hear your suggestions and ideas in the comment section below!
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