@Nickfire20,
I've only lived here since 2014 when I moved up here for a job (from Florida, haha) so all I have to compare it to are the stories of my mother and grandfather, but it seems like the downtown area enclosed by the peoplemover is really coming back. I really only go down there for events (Tigers games, auto show, etc) but I don't feel too worried when I do. Midtown and areas beyond the core downtown area have a ways to go, but that certainly isn't going to change overnight. If you stick to large groups in those areas, you are generally fine.