1. We’re diverse.
When you walk the streets of Detroit, you’ll find residents from all sorts of backgrounds and belief systems. Whether you’re mingling with restaurant owners in Greektown or chatting with friendly faces in Mexicantown, there’s no shortage of diversity in the Motor City. We think our differences make us stronger.
2. Two words: coney dogs.
Okay, coney dogs aren’t the only delicious food items that set Detroit apart from other American cities, but they certainly help! Our city is chock full of unique food items that we’re proud to call our own, from Better Made Potato Chips to tasty sandwiches at Slows Bar-BQ. Don’t forget to wash it down with some Faygo!
3. We’re just a stone’s throw from Canada.
Few other major American cities can claim such close proximity to an international border. At this point, we Detroiters sometimes even think of ourselves as honorary Canadians. After all, it only takes a quick jaunt across the Ambassador Bridge to reach Ontario, and we’ve got a special place in our hearts for Windsor.
4. Our city is responsible for some amazing music.
No other city can claim responsibility for the joys of Motown music, and we’re thrilled to have jump-started the careers of international superstars like Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. These incredibly talented musicians are just two of the Motor City’s many native sons and daughters, and we couldn’t be prouder.
5. If you love cars, you can thank Detroit.
They don’t call us the Motor City for nothing! Our hometown’s investment in the auto industry is long and storied, with plenty of ups and downs along the way. At the end of the day, though, many of your favorite cars throughout the years likely had their roots in Detroit, and this certainly sets our city apart.
6. Our football team is… certainly special.
"Unique" doesn’t always have a positive connotation, and this rings true in the case of our beloved Detroit Lions. Despite our dedication to the team, we’ve been let down and disappointed countless times throughout the years. In fact, we’re one of the very few NFL teams to have never appeared in a Super Bowl. If that doesn’t make us stand out from the crowd, we aren’t sure what does!
7. People from Detroit are especially resilient.
Growing up in Detroit instills residents with a certain sense of toughness that simply can’t be found anywhere else in America. After all, our city is often the butt of jokes and the subject of negative news stories, so we’re well-accustomed to overcoming judgment and standing up for what we believe in. No matter how many times a Detroiter gets put down, they’ll always stand back up.
8. Our city gets a totally incorrect shoutout in your favorite karaoke tune.
Admit it: you’ve gleefully sung along to "Don’t Stop Believing" at a wedding, karaoke bar, or other special event at least once in your life. Perhaps you’ve even shouted along to the "born and raised in South Detroit" line. But did you know that South Detroit isn’t even a real neighborhood? That’s right: Detroit is improperly represented in a very famous tune, and we Detroiters take glee in correcting those who aren’t aware.
9. Our full potential is just being realized.
We’ve had our ups and downs throughout the years, but we’re a city on the rise. After all, our hardships have only created a stronger drive to improve the city of Detroit and develop its full potential. From new business ventures to exciting restaurants popping up around the city, there’s always something wonderful to experience in the Motor City. We’re thrilled for our next chapter.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.