Commute wise, Midtown can't be beat. 3 or 4 miles to GM and a rail line going in to boot. I got to tour the area a couple of months ago with my nephew and couldn't believe the changes taking place. It is booming. But with a 3 year old I think you are right to look to the burbs. Seemed like mostly single young folks. No doubt any kids living there go to private schools. Also I hear car insurance is sky high anywhere in Detroit proper.
Ferndale and Royal Oak are nice choices. Not too far away and both have nice downtown areas and affordable housing costs. I just don't know what it's like to try to commute down Woodward on a bike. Been a while since I lived there. And I certainly wouldn't deviate too far off Woodward in any direction. It gets scary in a hurry. Good Luck on your move.