3409 East Ferry Street, Detroit MI 48211

Floor Plan

This is the 2nd floor (where I live), but the upper and lower apartments are almost identical.

Neighborhood

If you’re unfamiliar with living in Detroit, please read up on living here, specifically in the neighborhood of Poletown. This area is unique because it’s so incredibly close to all that Detroit has to offer in terms of culture, business, and entertainment, but it’s not a densely populated area. There is a growing green space movement happening in our area with help from the Detroit Audobon now called Detroit Bird Alliance and the local residents. The area boasts several urban farms, and I have raised garden beds next to the house, a pine-tree nursery in my back parcel, and have been working with Fish and Wildlife to establish a pollinator meadow in my side lot.

Like any major city, you want to be mindful of your surroundings. That being said, I’ve never had any break-ins or car thefts. I have motion detection lights and ring cams outside the building. I regularly ride my bike to Belle Isle and my jobs in New Center and Art Center, and sometimes walk to visit the neighborhood greenspaces, community gardens, or friends.

Utility Bills

This is the 2023 DTE bill for my 2nd-floor unit, but depending on your habits, your bills will probably be LOWER: in addition to my unit, I pay for the utilities for my 3rd-floor art studio and Airbnb unit. (See more on Airbnb below.) The building is very well-insulated and has new, energy-efficient windows.

Third Floor Airbnb

The third floor is my studio and an Airbnb. Here’s the link. Guests have their private building entrance. I’m very selective about who stays on Airbnb, and I’ve never had complaints from leaseholders about an Airbnb guest. I have a friend who is staying here now, and she will probably occupy it for the rest of the summer.

Laundry

It’s a typical basement laundry. Nothing fancy, but it’s free and on my utilities. You share with the third-floor unit. In all my years of hosting, I’ve only had one Airbnb guest ask to use the laundry. A friend staying on Airbnb currently uses it about once every 10 days.