Money magazine seems to thinks so: Detroit News Real Estate seems to think so : I have been there bunch of times and I agree – Ferndale is a happen’in place to be. Good place to buy and hold – condo’s / duplexes – for the next 3-5 years.

Ferndale diversity attracts residents
The town offers proximity to Detroit and a mix of people and establishments.
By Shawn D. Lewis / The Detroit News
Detroit News, February 1, 2005

FERNDALE -- This is undeniably one of Oakland County's coolest cities. Soaring housing values prove it.
With its eclectic mix of blue-collar workers and the blues-martini set, Ferndale's housing values have doubled during the past 10 years. And following a drought of new homes since 1993, City Manager Thomas Barwin said 200 new homes are scheduled to be built soon. Nearly 150 of those are condominiums.
Sidewalks, proximity to restaurants and bars and dependable city services are among the selling points to newcomers.
"We moved here about 90 days ago from Milwaukee," said Todd Gustke, 32, a recruiter.
"We liked living in Milwaukee in the downtown area, but my wife is from the Detroit area and we wanted to be closer to her family, so we moved here," he said.
Before settling on Ferndale, they looked at Royal Oak, Rochester and Grosse Pointe.
"But when we saw Ferndale, we knew instantly that this is where we wanted to be," Gustke said.
They wanted an older community with sidewalks, big trees, close to downtown Detroit and "frankly, a bit of diversity."
Higher taxes than they paid in Milwaukee also will be part of their yearly budget. But Gustke said he doesn't mind, "as long as I see that I'm getting something for it."
The Gustkes bought a 1920s bungalow with three bedrooms.
"It has hardwood floors and old-world charm, and what I like about the city is that every house is different. They don't all look the same."

Copyright Detroit News, 2005