Communities
Corktown
This has the distinction of being Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, and what is left of its great old Victorian architecture is attractive to folks who want to rehab their way into a nice home. Corktown is located just west of downtown, and dates back to the 1830s.
East English Village
Like many in Detroit, this is a historic neighborhood with a mix of one and two-family homes. It’s located on the east side where the city collides with its wealthiest suburban neighbors, Grosse Pointe; upscale homes in nice surroundings.
Brush Park
Not far from Comerica Park, the glitzy new home of the Detroit Tigers baseball team, this neighborhood is now getting some new town homes. What little of the original housing that remains is getting a facelift. This is truly a Victorian neighborhood on the comeback trail.
Greektown
Believe the name. This is the home to the city’s large and exuberant Greek community. Much of its architecture hails from the Victorian era, and many buildings have been converted from their original uses into clubs, restaurants and shops. Modest amount of residential space.
Indian Village
Located on the city’s east side, The Village formerly was home to the city’s industrial elite. Luxurious homes were designed by acclaimed architects for millionaires. Many of its residents have moved on to even bigger, more expansive homes … mostly in the suburbs. Still, even modest homes in Indian Village today begin at $200,000 and top out well past $1 million. The entire neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Grayhaven
Located between the Detroit River and Jefferson Avenue East, Grayhaven began life as a marina community for millionaires. Over the years it has been home to Hare Krishnas and a motorcycle gang. Today, it has single family homes, apartments and townhouses, all with a nautical view.
East Jefferson Avenue
A major thoroughfare to and from Grosse Pointe and other upper class suburbs along the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair, East Jefferson is attracting a growing amount of residential growth.
Mexicantown
The city’s growing Hispanic community is located on the southwest side at the foot of the Ambassador Bridge that crosses into Canada. This area of the city has a collection of restaurants and shops, all with a south of the border flare. Efforts are under way to improve commercial opportunities and housing stock.
Midtown
This part of Detroit may well be the answer to the question, “Is the glass half full or half empty?” Half empty: this section is unfortunately known for the blight that has plagued the city. Half full: this large portion of the city also has a bright future with development already under way. This eclectic section of the city includes a neighborhood called New Center (see below).
New Center
This is where the arts meet education and both meet the medical community. This is home to Wayne State University, the Detroit Medical Center, the Detroit Institute of Art and other attractions. This also is home to the General Motors headquarters building. Interestingly, not long ago GM did some rehab work on 50 single family homes in the area, bringing them up to code and preserving single family homes.
Palmer Woods
Don’t call it the Indian Village of Detroit’s west side, but it’s hard not to. This community of some 300 upscale homes is adjacent to the city’s Palmer (surprised?) Park and includes examples of the handiwork of architects like Frank Lloyd Wright. Even with Detroit’s many changes, Palmer Woods remains a quiet, tree-lined enclave for the well-off.
Rosedale Park
Upscale neighborhood of Tudors and Arts & Crafts bungalows, this one located on the city’s northwest side. Nearby is North Rosedale Park, even more exclusive; it has a private park and community house.
Warrendale
Historically Polish community on Detroit’s west side with a great deal of single-family housing. Today Warrendale is one of the few integrated neighborhoods in the city, and it has a real sense of identity, and some significant problems to overcome.
Delray
This historically-diverse neighborhood used to be filled with immigrants who provided the labor for many of the city’s industrial plants, including the mammoth River Rouge Ford plant, possibly the most famous industrial building in the country. Today it is home to residents who know hard work and hard times; their residential property is worth more for industrial use.
Northwest Side
Neighborhoods like Brightmoor, Strathmoor, Rosedale Park and Sherwood Forest are middle class strongholds in the city. Streets are filled with two-story brick homes and bungalows.
Green Acres
A neighbor to Sherwood Forest, Green Acres is popular because it has a mix of relatively new housing. No, Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor do not live here.