Detroit: City on the Move

Read a certain set of news stories about the current state of metropolitan Detroit, and it's a lot of doom and gloom. The population of the city itself has declined to its lowest point in 100 years, according to early 2010 Census estimates (that figure, 713,777, remains under dispute while Mayor Dave Bing seeks a recount. You'll notice that our Detroit page currently lists the much higher, and in all likelihood wildly inaccurate, 2009 estimate while we wait for 2010 numbers to be finalized).

Read another set of stories, and the picture becomes much brighter. Young creative types are steadily moving into the downtown area, and hip local businesses are opening up to cater to them. Residents from all walks of life are coming together to remake vacant lots into bountiful community gardens.