Having lived in Oakland county for the better part of 27 of my 30 years. While Detroit isn’t the most fancy city compared to some others, it does get a bad rap.
Not sure if the story is properly translated but Kubalik had time to visit Birmingham, west Bloomfield, orchard lake, st Clair shores, auburn hills, Rochester, Novi, Commerce etc. most pro athletes usually do not live in the city they play in, they live in the border cities.
Like a couple other users have said, Michigan does have a great communities, especially in Oakland county and great spots to buy a house/retire in.
IF translated properly, then Kubalik is wrong.