The vision most outside of SE Michigan have of Detroit is utter desolation.  While that describes certain large areas, there are still sections with stately, large homes that have been solid despite the political issues.  Mainly homes of professional types.

For EXAMPLE, the immediate area around the Detroit Golf Club has fabulous homes... even new construction.  Palmer Park to 8 miles could be annexed by Ferndale... with a lot of provisions for clearing the slummy stuff.  Beyond that 1 sq. mile is a wasteland.