Considering a move to a new city to launch your career into the stratosphere?

You’ve probably considered the “Big 3” (New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago)… but what about the city that gave birth to the real Big 3 (Ford, GM, Chrysler)? If you haven’t considered a move to Detroit, and you’ve overheard that the city is experiencing a renaissance that nobody’s seen in decades, then you’ll want to tune in…

A move to Detroit could be what accelerates your life and career to the next level.

Maybe I’m biased. After all, I was raised in the suburbs of Detroit. But after college, I actually left my Michigander life to move to Los Angeles, but not for long. Here I am back in Motown, writing to you from the Globe building in the Greektown district of downtown Detroit. And guess what? I couldn’t be happier.

Let me tell you why I think Detroit is THE city for rockstars and innovators. If you’re looking for a new, hip, urban environment to take your life and career to a higher altitude, Detroit is the place for you.

1. Major tech companies are buzzing in Detroit

Microsoft, Twitter, Google, IBM, Quicken Loans, Pandora Radio, Mog, ePrize. What do these tech companies all have in common? They all have offices in and around downtown Detroit. You might not have expected it, but the tech world is buzzing about Detroit. Major companies are recognizing the amazing influx of talent into the city, and they are following suit by establishing major operations in Motown. As a result, thousands of new tech jobs have moved here in Detroit.  If you’re looking for a career where you can make an impact in the tech world, then Detroit is the place to be.

2. Join the “entrepreneurial gold rush”

Entrepreneurs of all types are flocking to Detroit just like gold-miners headed to San Francisco back in 1849. Why, you ask? It has a lot to do with talent. From Erik Torenberg, founder of online rap battle startup Rapt.fm to Nathan Labenz, founder of professional reviews website Stik.com and even our own CEO, Joe Joachim, entrepreneurs see massive potential for growth in the city of Detroit.

I haven’t even mentioned all the restaurants, fashion lines, art galleries, artisanal coffee shops, and urban farms sprouting up across the Detroit map. Detroit is a city of doers, tinkerers, makers, and entrepreneurs. If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.

3. Detroit is the city of opportunity

Where some see tough economic issues, others see the opportunity of the century. Why has billionaire Dan Gilbert purchased more than 8 million square feet of real estate in Detroit? Because he senses that opportunity is knocking, and he wants to be there when Detroit re-centers itself as the next great American city. And there are plenty of other entrepreneurs and change-makers creating impact in Detroit.

Take John Hantz, founder of Hantz farms, for example. He just bought 140 acres of land in the heart of Detroit. What’s he going to do with it? Turn it into the world’s first urban forest – right in the middle of the concrete jungle that is Detroit. Whatever you want to do, you can do it in Detroit.

4. Get city-wide support for what you want to build

You’re going to have to take our word for it until you come for a visit, but no matter what you’re working on, you have the support of the entire city behind you. As long as people get the sense that your intentions are to help rebuild the city, you have an army of people behind you that want to see you succeed.

The news channels might not show it, but wherever a group of people gather to collaborate about improving the city, the energy buzzes. Not to mention the tech accelerators like TechTown, Bizdom, and D:hive that literally throw resources your way if you’re planning to make an impact. There’s no going it alone in this town.

5. You can’t beat the value

Looking for a shining new city, but your budget is more dollar menu than steakhouse? There isn’t a better city in the country for you than Detroit. If you’re looking to buy, there are houses here for pennies on the dollar, as Buzzfeed made clear in this article. And if you’re looking to rent, you can get a gorgeous multi-bedroom apartment in the heart of downtown with a balcony and a view for the same price as a closet-sized studio in the hinterlands of New York City.

6. When you need a break, enjoy some of the finest sports in the country

The Detroit Tigers were two games away from the World Series last year. The Detroit Red Wings were a slap shot away from the Stanley Cup Finals. And the Detroit Lions are lovable, even if they’re not exactly Super Bowl bound. What do these 3 teams have in common? They are all situated in the heart of Detroit, near all sorts of bars and restaurants to enjoy pre and post-game shenanigans. The energy of the city lights up when our teams are doing well, and we happen to have some of the finest athletesin the country here. So when you want to relax from that exhilarating new Detroit job of yours, head over to Comerica Park and enjoy some first pitch fun.

7. Did I mention the theatre district?

We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we left out that Detroit has the second largest theatre district… in the country. Bet you didn’t know that we’re right behind New York City, with over 15,000 seats within a two block radius. There’s the Detroit Opera House, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The Fox Theatre, The Fillmore, The Majestic, The Fisher Theatre, The Masonic Temple, the Motor City Music Hall, and much more. If shows and concerts are your spice of life, then you’ll love Detroit.

(image credit: dionnemusic)

8. Be a part of America’s greatest turnaround story

Everyone’s a fan of a good turnaround story, from Rudy to Rocky and beyond. But where do you fit in that equation? The renaissance of Detroit will be THE turnaround story of the 21st century. News media from around the country are reporting how young millennials who want to have an impact are all moving to Detroit. In the words of Detroit Venture Partner Ted Serbinski…

“Ten years from now, San Francisco will be just as good as it is today. But in ten years, Detroit will be a roaring city once again, defining a new technology hub at the intersection of muscle and brains. Where do you want to be in ten years? Status quo? Or one of the heroes that rebuilt a city?”

You can’t beat Detroit…

Detroit is a city for do-gooders. It’s a city for people whose heartstrings get plucked for social good and urban innovation. Detroit isn’t a place if you want to stay quiet. It’s the place to be if you want to change the world. And with the pulsing rhythm of life here for the entrepreneurially minded, you’ll have a lot of friends to change the world with.

That said, what are you waiting for? If you want to get a head start on your Detroit job search, we have 60 open positions in our beautiful downtown Detroit office.

Click here to see if you’re cut out of the right cloth to join the Hello Innovation team!