10 Good Neighborhoods in Detroit to Live or Invest In

If you’re looking for a city that’s brimming with gritty optimism and the kind of opportunities that are only found in places just about to take off, you’d be pressed to find a better one than Detroit. Recent headlines gushing over the Motor City’s remarkable comeback have run in the New York Times, National Geographic, Politico, and The Guardian, and folks on the ground are beginning to reap the benefits of the hard work that they have put into revitalizing their city. For Detroit’s majority-Black residents, this has meant rising property values and opportunities to build generational wealth.  

With so many exciting things happening in Motown, it’s only natural to want to get in on the action. But whether you’re hoping to invest in property or make a move to the city yourself, it’s important to learn where the good neighborhoods in Detroit are so you can ensure that the area you choose fits your vibe and aligns with your vision. 

In the following list, we’ll break down some of Detroit’s best neighborhoods and give you the inside scoop on the kinds of homes, businesses, restaurants, schools, and recreation opportunities you can find in them. 

Ready to take the next step? Check out our live listings for properties to rent or get in touch with our team to discuss your investment strategy today!

Methodology: How We Found These Good Neighborhoods in Detroit

What are the criteria that make a neighborhood “good”? When compiling this list we looked for places that are safe, walkable, offer access to quality schools and amenities, and have strong investment upside. 

1. Corktown

Situated just west of downtown Detroit, Corktown is both the city’s oldest district and the poster child for its bright future. Its charming historic federal-style buildings and brick streets are packed to the gills with hip bars and restaurants, eclectic vintage shops, and trendy cafes. The Mobility Innovation District and recent re-opening of Michigan Central Station as a tech and culture hub courtesy of Ford Motor Co. have been the cherry on top of this buzzing neighborhood’s revival. Property values are about ten times higher than the city average, suggesting that plenty of people see Corktown’s appeal. 

Corktown at a Glance

Neighborhood Vibe Corktown is youthful and trendy. Its walkability, historic charm, and access to public transit make it ideal for students, creatives, and professionals. 

Housing Options Corktown offers a wide array of housing options. There are single-family refurbished Victorian houses, as well as townhomes, condos, and apartments in both converted industrial buildings and newly constructed mixed-use buildings. 

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies There are no massive supermarkets in Corktown, but most can fulfill their day-to-day needs at the Honey Bee Market on Bagley Street (technically in Mexicantown), which is known for its exceptional fresh produce and butcher shop. Residents can pick up their prescriptions and specialty items at the Corktown Apothecary.

Public Schools Burton International Academy serves grades Pre-K-8 and Northwestern High School serves grades 9-12. 

Favorite Bars and Restaurants Corktown is known for its great culinary scene. Some highlights include coffee and brunch at Folk, the German/Turkish doner kebab spot Supergeil, Ottava Via’s upscale Italian menu, Mercury Burger Bar’s shakes and tater tots, the sandwiches at Mudgies, Batch Brewing Company’s beers and BBQ, and the cocktails at Sugar House.  

Public Transit Corktown is well connected to the rest of Detroit via the city bus system. 

Other Notable Features The site of the old Tiger Stadium has been converted into the Corner Ballpark with playing fields used by the Police Athletic League (PAL) and numerous youth teams. The recently re-developed Michigan Central Station houses Ford’s mobility innovation headquarters as well as shops, restaurants, and world-class art installations.

2. Midtown

Situated directly northwest of downtown Detroit, the Midtown neighborhood is a vibrant educational, cultural, and commercial center. Institutions that call Midtown home include the Detroit Public Library, Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University, the Art Cultural Center, the College for Creative Studies, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, just to name a few. The district’s historic Cass Corridor is lined with commercial buildings full of shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee houses. For investors, this unique area offers especially strong long-term appreciation and mixed-use investment opportunities.

Midtown at a Glance

Neighborhood Vibe Midtown has an eclectic vibe that blends creativity and intellectualism with shopping, dining, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The demographic tends to skew younger and it’s great for students and university staff, as well as healthcare workers, creatives, and professionals.

Housing Options Most of the rental housing available in Midtown consists of apartments and condos. These can be found in converted industrial buildings, refurbished historic residential buildings, and newly built residential and mixed-use structures. A good mix of luxury and affordable options are available.

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies This walkable neighborhood has a number of options for grocery shopping with University Foods, Marcus Market, and Cass Corridor’s Midtown Market near the WSU campus, as well as a Whole Foods next to the Detroit Medical Center. A number of pharmacies are situated near WSU and the medical center as well including Warriors’ Pharmacy, Detroit University Pharmacy, a Walgreen’s and several CVS pharmacies.

Public Schools Burton International Academy serves grades Pre-K-8 and Northwestern High School serves grades 9-12. 

Favorite Bars and Restaurants Midtown residents have plenty of options for drinking and dining out. If it’s a casual evening, locals usually head to Motor City Brewing for pizza and beer or Ima for noodles. If it’s a date night, Castilla is known for their creative cocktails. Selden Standard, the Whitney, Chartreuse, and SheWolf are all great for special occasions. 

Public Transit Midtown is well connected to the rest of Detroit via the city bus system. It is also along the People Mover route and the M-1 rail line. There is an Amtrak station towards the northern end of the Wayne State campus. 

Other Notable Features Midtown is extremely walkable and bike-friendly. New Center Park across from the Fisher building is a public green space operated by Midtown Detroit Inc. that offers free events like movie screenings and stage performances throughout the summer. A little further down Grand Boulevard, music fans can find the Motown Museum located inside the legendary label’s famous Studio A. Midtown is also where fans come to root for the Pistons and Red Wings at Little Caesar’s Arena. 

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3. Downtown 

The Downtown neighborhood is the center of it all. Located along the northern shore of the Detroit river, Downtown is a 1.4 square mile district hemmed in by M-10 to the west, I-75 to the north, and I-375 to the east. It is Detroit’s primary business district, but it is not just where Motor City residents come to work- plenty of people find that Downtown’s walkable streets are great to live and play in as well. From excellent shopping and dining to the historic Fox Theatre and the RiverWalk, there is always something to see and do, meaning housing is in high demand. 

Downtown at a Glance

Neighborhood Vibe Downtown Detroit features unique architecture including historic buildings and skyscrapers from many different eras. It has the feel of a bustling urban center and is a good neighborhood in Detroit for people who work in the city and those who like to be near the action.

Housing Options Apartments and condos make up the vast majority of residences in Downtown Detroit. Most of these can be found in refurbished high-rise and mid-rise residential buildings and newer mixed-use buildings. 

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies Residents are able to walk to several good grocery stores including Eve’s Market, Plum Market, City Market, and Andrew’s, as well as some convenience stores and specialty food shops. Pharmacies include Griswold’s, CVS, and Henry Ford Pharmacy.

Public Schools Burton International Academy serves grades Pre-K-8 and Northwestern High School serves grades 9-12.

Favorite Bars and Restaurants Locals love the elevated Lebanese food at Leila and trendy New American spots like Le Supréme and BESA

Public Transit Downtown connects to the rest of the city via bus as well as the QLine streetcar and M-1 rail line. It also has multiple stops along the People Mover route. 

Other Notable Features In the summer sports fans gather to cheer on the Tigers at Comerica Stadium in Downtown. The RiverWalk provides a lovely outdoor space for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Campus Martius Park features ice skating in the wintertime. 

4. West Village

West Village is a mainly residential neighborhood that lies east along the river from Downtown Detroit. Named West Village for being west of Indian Village, evidence of Detroit’s renaissance can be seen all around in the quaint coffee shops, restaurants, and beautifully refurbished houses. This mainly residential neighborhood is filled with charming historic homes in a range of architectural styles, making it ideal for restoration projects. 

West Village at a Glance

Neighborhood Vibe West Village is generally quiet and peaceful with a suburban feel, making it a good neighborhood in Detroit for families. 

Housing Options Most of the housing in West Village consists of single-family homes in refurbished historic houses. West Village is known for its range of architectural styles including Queen Anne, Tudor, Mediterranean Revival, Colonial Revival, and Georgian Revival. There are also some apartments available in modern residential and mixed-use buildings. 

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies You will probably need a car to run errands from West Village as there are no substantial grocery stores or pharmacies located in the neighborhood. There are, however, several gas station convenience stores and liquor stores. 

Public Schools Nicholas Elementary-Middle School serves grades K-8 and Southeastern High School serves grades 9-12. 

Favorite Bars and Restaurants Kercheval Ave at the north end of the neighborhood is home to Two Birds, a local cocktail bar featuring seasonal pop up food vendors, as well as trendy dinner spot, Marrow, and a popular bakery called Sister Pie. A little further down on Agnes Street is Red Hook Detroit for coffee and breakfast items. Belle Isle is your go-to for pizza delivery. 

Public Transit West Village is served by the #5, #9, #67, and #80 bus routes, although most residents require their own car to get around. 

Other Notable Features West Village is connected to the River Walk at Gabriel Richard Park. The park features a butterfly garden, walking and running paths, and water features for children to play in. 

5. Brush Park

Located conveniently close to Downtown, Brush park is an emerging hotspot bounded by Woodward Ave to the west, Mack Ave to the north, Beaubien Street to the east, and Fisher Freeway to the south. Originally developed in the 1860’s as an enclave for Detroit’s elite, Brush Park is once again among the city’s priciest neighborhoods. Known for its distinctive Victorian mansions, it is a highly sought-after residential area with a dynamic mix of old and new luxury. 

Brush Park at a Glance

Neighborhood Vibe Brush Park is a haven for Detroit residents who prefer a residential neighborhood to the high rise apartments of Downtown but still wish to be close to the action. The demographic tends to skew younger and it’s especially popular with professionals and sports fans as it’s within walking distance from both the business district and sports venues. 

Housing Options Apartments, condos, and townhomes are what you’ll typically find in Brush Park. Buildings range from beautifully restored and converted Victorian mansions to new mixed-use structures like City Modern, as well as luxury apartment buildings.

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies There are no big grocery stores in the neighborhood itself, although there is a Whole Foods up on Mack Ave near the Detroit Medical Center and the Brush Park Bodega, which is a sandwich and specialty food shop. Several pharmacies are located near the Medical Center as well. 

Public Schools Spain Elementary-Middle School serves grades K-8 and Southeastern High School serves grades 9-12.

Favorite Bars and Restaurants There are of course tons of restaurants in Downtown and Midtown within walking distance from Brush Park, but the neighborhood itself boasts a few particular faves including Spanish restaurant Leña, French bistro Bar Pigalle, and trendy steakhouse and cocktail bar Grey Ghost.

Public Transit Brush Park is served by the QLine streetcar along Woodward Avenue and is well connected to the rest of Detroit via the city bus network. 

Other Notable Features With Little Caesar’s Arena at the north end and Comerica Park at the south, Brush Park residents never have to worry about how they’ll get to a game or concert. 

6. University District

Bounded by Seven Mile Rd, Livernois, McNichols, and Parkside, this distinguished neighborhood was originally built in the 1920’s and 30’s and named for the University of Detroit Mercy, which lies just to the south. The stately brick and marble homes that line its streets lend it an air of grandeur, and University District has a long-standing reputation as one of Detroit’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Investors looking to sink their teeth into a rewarding restoration project will find plenty of great historic properties to choose from, most of which qualify for NEZ tax breaks. 

University District at a Glance

Neighborhood Vibe University District is quiet and suburban. Stereotypical residents are doctors and lawyers and tend to skew a bit older than in some of the trendier neighborhoods like Corktown and Brush Park. Known for being a close-knit and LGBTQ-friendly community, it’s a good neighborhood in Detroit for families. 

Housing Options Single-family homes built in the 1920’s and 30’s make up the vast majority of the housing stock in University District. These unique, gorgeous homes come in a range of architectural styles including Victorian Revival, Colonial Revival, and Tudor. 

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies Savon Foods Supermarket and Mike’s Fresh Market on Livernois are the neighborhood go-tos. Livernois and McNichols also have several dollar stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies including a CVS.

Public Schools Pasteur Elementary serves grades K-4, Palmer Park Preparatory Academy serves grades 5-8, and Mumford High School serves grades 9-12.

Favorite Bars and Restaurants There aren’t too many restaurants in this heavily residential neighborhood, but What’s the Dill on McNichols is loved for its unique, pickle-forward bites. Detroit Sip a few streets east down McNichols from University District is a good spot for coffee.

Public Transit The neighborhood is served around its perimeter by the #7, #30, and #32 bus lines. However, most residents find it is necessary to have their own car. 

Other Notable Features University District sits directly west of the Detroit Golf Club. You can also see the mansion formerly owned by Aretha Franklin that backs up against the golf course’s seventh hole. Palmer Park is right next door as well. 

7. Sherwood Forest

Sandwiched between Seven Mile Rd and Pembroke Ave directly north of University District lies the equally affluent Sherwood Forest. This tony suburb features beautiful 1920s brick homes and great shopping on its Avenue of Fashion. 

Sherwood Forest at a Glance

Neighborhood Vibe Sherwood Forest’s leafy, winding streets are quiet and suburban. Like University District, it is known as a close-knit neighborhood where professional types go to raise their families. 

Housing Options Befitting of its British-derived name, Sherwood Forest features mainly single-family Tudor and Colonial Revival-style homes built in the 1920s. 

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies The neighborhood’s main grocery store is Mike’s Fresh Market on Livernois. A lot of residents also frequent the big ALDI on Eight Mile Rd. Residents can pick up prescriptions just north and south of the neighborhood on Livernois at Victoria Pharmacy and CVS. 

Public Schools Pasteur Elementary serves grades K-6, Palmer Park Preparatory Academy serves grades 7-8, and Mumford High School serves grades 9-12.

Favorite Bars and Restaurants Along Rivernois and Seven Mile you’ll find a variety of different cuisine at places like the Bucarest Grill, Fork in Nigeria, and DA BOMB TACO. For the health conscious, the Energy Zone serves up super fresh raw juices. 

Public Transit The #30 and #7 bus lines run along the neighborhood’s western and southern edges, but most residents will find it is necessary to have their own car. 

Other Notable Features The Avenue of Fashion along Livernois is the area’s historic hub for shopping, dining, and other services. The Detroit Golf Club is directly southeast of the neighborhood, as well as Palmer Park.

8. Green Acres

Green Acres lies just north of Sherwood Forest above Pembroke Ave, bordered by Livernois, Woodward, and Eight Mile Road. Much like Sherwood Forest and University District, Green Acres is a quiet suburb full of proud long-time residents and historic homes. Its price points, however, tend to be much more affordable. If you’re drawn to the look and feel of those neighborhoods but want a budget-friendly alternative and/or the chance to renovate some true architectural gems, Green Acres is the place to look. 

Green Acres at a Glance 

Neighborhood Vibe Green Acres is an historic neighborhood with a quiet suburban vibe. Residents are tight-knit with one another and the community events calendar always has something on, making this a great place for families. 

Housing Options Housing in Green Acres includes a mix of apartments and single-family homes. Most of the single-family homes were built in the 1920s and 30s and feature similar styles to University District and Sherwood Forest such as Victorian Revival, Colonial Revival, and Tudor. 

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies Residents of Green Acres do most of their shopping at the ALDI just west of the neighborhood on Eight Mile or at the Meijer that’s in the shopping center at the intersection of Eight Mile and Woodward. There are also a couple of convenience stores and Victoria Pharmacy on Livernois. 

Public Schools Durfee Elementary-Middle School serves grades K-8 and Central Academy and High School serves grades 9-12.

Favorite Bars and Restaurants There technically aren’t any restaurants in this residential neighborhood, but locals love visiting nearby eateries on Livernois’ Avenue of Fashion like Good Times which is known for its rooftop and vibes, and Pequeño Cantina for birria tacos. 

Public Transit Green Acres is served by the #8, #30, and #54 bus routes, but most residents will require their own car to get around. 

Other Notable Features Green Acres is close to the Avenue of Fashion on the Livernois side and has a large shopping center at the intersection of Eight Mile and Woodward that features amenities like Planet Fitness and PNC Bank, as well as big box stores like Marshalls.

9. Bagley

As University District and Sherwood Forest’s next door neighbor to the west, Bagley features similar architecture with a bit more modern and commercial development thrown in the mix. Formerly the home of Motown soul legends like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Berry Gordy himself, this up and coming neighborhood is once again a popular place for the artistically inclined with its trendy cafes and restaurants. Real estate here is still affordable, though it is appreciating quickly with prices shooting up ~15% year-over-year, making this neighborhood an incredible place to invest.

Bagley at a Glance

Neighborhood Vibe Bagley features a mix of residential streets that feel similar to the suburban quiet of University District and Sherwood Forest, plus more newly developed areas that have a bit of hustle and bustle and a younger vibe. This is a good neighborhood in Detroit for families, students, and young professionals.

Housing Options Residents of Bagley live in single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and apartments. Single-family homes tend to be refurbished 1920s Tudor and Colonial Revival-style houses, while multi-unit structures range from converted historic homes to newly built mid-rise residential and mixed-use buildings. Housing comes at a range of price points but is generally more affordable than University District and Sherwood Forest. 

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies Bagley residents can swing by the Savon Foods or Mike’s Fresh Market on Livernois or the Liberty Food Center just west of the neighborhood on McNichols for their groceries. The neighborhood’s perimeter also has several convenience and liquor stores, as well as a CVS.

Public Schools Bagley Elementary serves grades Pre-K-6, Palmer Park Preparatory Academy serves grades 7-8, and Mumford High School Serves grades 9-12.

Favorite Bars and Restaurants A lot of unique eateries can be found on Wyoming Ave including Faustina’s Creole and Soul Food and Chef Greg’s Soul-N-the-Wall. Down on McNichols there is also T-Mo’s for BBQ and Lou’s Deli for stacked sandwiches. Detroit Sip is a popular local coffee shop. 

Public Transit Bagley is served by the #7, #16, #32, #54, and #30 bus routes. However, most residents find it necessary to have their own car. 

Other Notable Features Livernois’ Avenue of Fashion runs along the neighborhood’s eastern edge. The neighborhood is also close to the University of Detroit Mercy campus, Detroit Golf Club, and Palmer Park.

10. Jefferson Chalmers

Jefferson Chalmers is a well-preserved historic waterfront district on Detroit’s east side. With a range of residential options and charming century-old brick streets, this neighborhood has garnered increasing interest from developers and residents. Still more affordable than other areas close to the river such as Corktown and Greektown, Jefferson Chalmers is chock full of opportunities for investors. 

Jefferson Chalmers at a Glance

Neighborhood Vibe Jefferson Chalmers is relatively quiet and has a distinct character thanks to its canals and historic buildings. There are fewer modern structures than in most other riverfront areas in Detroit, although new development is starting to move in. The close-knit community is great for families and the river access is of course a heaven for those who love all sorts of water-bound recreation. 

Housing Options Residents live in a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Single-family homes were mostly built in the 1920s and represent many architectural styles popular during that era including Craftsman, Colonial Revival, and Cape Cod. Apartments tend to be in converted houses or three to four storey multi-family residential structures.

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies There are a few smaller grocery stores like Fairfax Market and Neighborhood Grocery, as well as an ALDI on Mack Ave. Residents can also shop at the Trader Joe’s and Kroeger in nearby Grosse Pointe. Prescriptions can be picked up on Jefferson Ave at Brotherhood Pharmacy or King Pharmacy.

Public Schools Carstens Academy of Aquatic Science serves grades Pre-K-8 and East English Village Preparatory Academy serves grades 9-12.

Favorite Bars and Restaurants On Jefferson Ave there are a number of favorite local spots including Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts, Norma G’s Caribbean, and stalwart dive bar Marshall’s. The canalside Coriander Kitchen and Farm on Riverside Blvd has become a destination even for those who live outside the neighborhood thanks to its tasty locally sourced food, casual vibes, and canal views.

Public Transit The neighborhood is served by the #68, #620, and #635 bus routes, but most residents will find it is necessary to have their own car. 

Other Notable Features Jefferson Chalmers offers great water access with over 160 acres of riverside parks. Those who love being out on the water can enjoy boating, kayaking, and fishing just steps from home.

Wrapping Up: Get to Know these Good Neighborhoods in Detroit

Detroit offers so many diverse opportunities, from historic charm to urban renewal. 

If any of these ten good neighborhoods in Detroit have piqued your interest, be sure to visit them yourself so that you can really get a sense of whether they’re right for you. Check out amenities and schools, research crime stats and public transit networks, and connect with local real estate agents and property management professionals who can help you track market trends and find properties that align with your requirements.

Are you a renter looking for a home in one of Detroit’s dynamic neighborhoods? Browse live listings today. 

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