Moving to Detroit

Guest post written by Derick Burks

Moving to Detroit was one of the biggest decisions of my life but as an artist I felt like there were few places in the country that offered such affordable real estate and also so many opportunities to watch a community grow. I’m a photographer and since I moved here I’ve made it my life’s work to photograph all the dilapidated buildings around town and get the history of them, too. I think it’s really important for us to keep track of what’s happening here and that’s what I’m going to do even if I can’t make much money at it. I’ve got a great little house that I bought for literally pennies on the dollar and a ADT detroit system that makes me feel safer – Detroit isn’t exactly known for being low crime. I just can’t imagine living anywhere else and I love how integrated I feel with this community and its people. I’m hoping one day this city will be restored to its former glory so everyone can appreciate it like I do.