The downtown area features high-rise residential living along with a number of parks including those linked by a promenade along the International Riverfront.

Downtown Detroit was named among the best big city neighborhoods in which to retire by CNN Money Magazine editors.

The east necklace contains a sub-district sometimes called the Harmonie Park District, which has taken on the renowned legacy of Detroit's music from 1930s through the 1950s to the present.

[3] Near the Opera House and emanating from Grand Circus along the east necklace are other venues including the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts and the Gem Theatre and Century Club.

Certain buildings on Monroe Street are themed to resemble the Parthenon, Pegasus, and other forms of Greek architecture.

St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, founded by German immigrants, is located in the heart of the district.

The College for Creative Studies is located adjacent the Scarab Club and opposite the East face of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The main campus of Wayne State University is located adjacent to the area, on the opposite side of Woodward.

The area is centered just west of the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Grand Boulevard, and is approximately bounded by the Virginia Park Historic District on the north, the Edsel Ford Freeway (I-94) on the south, John R Street on the east and the Lodge Freeway on the west.

The northern area includes the Detroit Golf Club and neighborhoods which surround the main campus of the University of Detroit Mercy:[1] Pilgrim Village; Palmer Park Apartment Building Historic District; and the Palmer Woods Historic District.

Palmer Woods is known for its elm-lined streets, large brick homes, and Tudor style architecture.