12 Detroit Neighborhoods to Watch

My fondest first memories of Detroit involve driving through its historic neighborhoods and choosing which houses might one day be mine. (This was before I had accepted the harsh reality that the Charles T. Fisher mansion would never be called “home.”) At that time, sprawling estates could be purchased for a fraction of what they’re worth now. The houses just needed a little love!

A lot has changed in Detroit in the past decade. (This is an understatement.) I still enjoy detouring through the city’s residential neighborhoods on my way downtown for a date night, or showing off the gorgeous real estate to visitors from out of town. It’s become quite a hobby to follow along from home, scrolling through pictures and taking virtual tours from my couch. A special shout-out to [insert your house-hunting site of choice] for countless hours of entertainment!

Here are 12 Detroit neighborhoods I love to follow, classified by region. {Pardon my brevity as I try to describe them all while staying within my word count – each neighborhood truly deserves its own post!}

Palmer Park

Palmer Woods – With its sprawling lots, large houses, and prestigious reputation, homes here tend to be at upper end of the price range. Keep your eye out for some mid-century gems!

Sherwood Forest – Next door to Palmer Woods is slightly-more-affordable Sherwood Forest. It has cozy, winding streets and is walkable to the revitalizing Livernois Avenue of Fashion, a major Detroit shopping district in the 1950s.

University District – Named for its proximity to University of Detroit, UD offers block after block of unique brick Tudors. This area will benefit from the development at 7 Mile and Livernois that is set to be completed in the next several months.

Northwest

Grandmont-Rosedale – This area has benefited from a huge homegrown revitalization over the last few years, as community members have worked to clean up lawns and vacant properties.

North End/Midtown

Boston Edison – Boston Edison has wide boulevards and many famous mansions (including the Charles T. Fisher mansion I mentioned earlier!). A lot of beautiful rehabbed houses have been coming on the market west of the Lodge.

Woodbridge – It’s rare to see a single family home come on the market in Woodbridge, but with its gorgeous Victorian houses and close proximity to Midtown, it’s worth watching.

Southwest

Mexicantown – Here is a neighborhood that has always had a special charm. Mexicantown is a cultural enclave with numerous places to grab authentic, delicious Mexican food.

Corktown – Who doesn’t love Corktown and its adorable, Victorian-style homes? Though the lots are on the smaller side, you can’t beat the countless nearby restaurants and bars along Michigan Avenue.

Hubbard-Richard – Expect Hubbard-Richard to start booming with Ford’s announcement of purchasing nearby Michigan Central Station.

The Villages

West Village – West Village has gained a lot of popularity in the past few years. There’s lots to do, with new restaurants and shops and the Butzel Family Recreation Center nearby.

Indian Village – Similar to Palmer Woods and Boston Edison, Indian Village is well-known for its large, historic mansions, and it is adjacent to all that West Village has to offer.

East English Village – This neighborhood is tucked in near the Grosse Pointes and full of cute, affordable, single-family homes. East English Village has garnered a lot of attention as the winner of the Curbed Cup for two consecutive years (2017-2018).

Which Detroit neighborhoods do you love best?
Which ones should we add to our list?

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Kelsie Rodriguez
I’m a stay-a-home mom to a 3-year-old boy, Theodore, and his baby brother, James, and a wife to my husband of 5 years, Gabe. I grew up in a small town in Michigan, and though I sometimes miss the country, I love living in Metro Detroit! I enjoy reading, playing piano, traveling, trying new restaurants, craft beer, and Michigan sports (Go Blue!). I graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology and Sociology from U of M in 2009, and received my Master of Social Work degree from Boston University in 2013. Though I'm not currently working, I've found that my degrees turned out to be great training for parenthood!

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