How To Move to or Within Metro Detroit

Here's How:

1. To Turn on Electricity:

   Electricity to most areas in the Detroit Metro Area is provided by Detroit Edison, a subsidiary of DTE Energy.
   
   Tip: If you live in Wayne County, chances are your gas is provided through another DTE subsidiary, MichCon, which means you can turn both on through DTE Energy.
   
   

2. To Turn on Gas:

   Gas service is provided by three different companies. Each company provides service to specific areas within metro Detroit as demonstrated in this map posted on DTE Energy's website. Generally speaking, gas service in the Detroit Metro Area is broken down as follows:
   
   
   • MichCon, a subsidiary of DTE Energy, provides service to most of Wayne County.
   • Consumers Energy provides service to most of Oakland County and the southern half of Macomb County.
   • SEMCO ENERGY Inc. provides service to northern Macomb County.
   
   

3. To Turn on Water:

   Water is provided through local municipalities in the Detroit Metro Area. Many of the municipalities, in turn, contract with the Detroit Water & Sewage Department for both water and waste water disposal.
   
   

4. To Determine Your Cable Options:

   Cable companies contract separately with each local municipality; therefore each area may have completely different cable providers and service options. Depending on which cable companies service your area, super service bundles, including phone and Internet services, may be available at a reduced cost. You can find out what options are available by entering your zip code at Zap2it.com.
   
   

5. To Contact a Cable Provider to Install Service:

   The Detroit Metro Area has a large number of cable providers, many of which offer packages that include Internet and phone services.
   
   
   • Charter Communications
   • WOW! (Wide Open West)
   • Comcast
   • Bright House Networks
   • INC Group
   
   

6. To Set up Local Phone Service and/or a DSL Line for Internet Access:

   Many companies now provide local phone service through traditional phone lines or the Internet. Listed below are the companies most utilized in the Detroit Metro Area.
   
   
   • SBC/AT&T Communications, including phone service and/or a DSL line for Internet access.
   • Verizon
   • Vonage
   
   

7. To Subscribe to a Local Newspaper and/or Magazine:

   Several different types of publications serve the Detroit Metro Area, including daily newspapers, monthly magazines and specialty publications. Publication descriptions and subscription information can be found in the List of Detroit Newspapers and Magazines.
   
   

8. To Get Information About Your Property Taxes:

   Understanding how property is taxed in Michigan requires the ability to distinguish between special assessment and ad valorem levies, as well as a general understanding of the terms taxable value and millage.
   
   General information about property tax can be obtained through the State of Michigan website, which provides an on-line estimator, exemption criteria and information about the Homestead Credit.
   
   Property tax information concerning a specific piece of property, however, is obtained through the city/township where the property is located.
   
   

9. To Register to Vote

   In Michigan, residents register to vote through the Secretary of State. This can be done online or by reporting to a local branch office. The precinct you report to on Election Day can be determined on the State of Michigan website by entering your name and address.
   
   More Info
   
   

10. To Obtain a Michigan Driver License or Change Your Address Through the Secretary of State:

    If you are new to Michigan, you must meet certain requirements and report to a local branch office of the Secretary of State to obtain a Michigan driver license.
    
    If you are moving within Michigan, you can submit a Michigan Change of Address/Voter's Registration form at a local branch office or through the mail. Your address will also be updated on any car registration that lists your driver license number.
    
    Tip: You can renew your car registration online, by phone, by mail or at a local branch office of the Secretary of State.