Where to house hunt in Detroit right now

he city of Detroit is spread out over 142 square miles and filled with dozens of unique neighborhoods. It’s also teeming with renters looking to make the jump into homeownership-whether as a rookie or a veteran. As newer Detroit residents contend with rising rental rates in hot neighborhoods, many are recovering from past economic crises that turned homeowners into renters. That’s not to mention suburban residents taking a second look at city life.

“There are record high rents in some neighborhoods, some commanding over $1 per square foot, which is unheard of for Detroit,” Gordon Hawkins, broker and owner of Hawkins Realty Group, says. “But the same home bought and financed through a conventional bank or credit union has substantially low mortgage payments.”

With the help of Hawkins and Austin Black, president and broker of City Living Detroit, BLAC has compiled a list of neighborhoods that you should consider right now-before they’re out of reach.

Green Acres

Move-in ready homes (Cost In Thousands): 100-150K

Find this small, close-knit community of homes at Livernois Avenue and Eight Mile Road. The neighborhood’s location is conveniently near commercial amenities in Ferndale, along with the Avenue of Fashion and Gateway Marketplace, home to Detroit’s first Meijer. You’re also a short walk to Palmer Park and the Detroit Golf Club.  

Bagley

Move-in ready homes (Cost In Thousands): 75-125K

Just south of Outer Drive and west of Livernois, the Bagley district is close to the development and revitalization of northwest Detroit. The fact that you can walk to get chicken and waffles from Kuzzo’s could be a selling point for some, but the short walk to Palmer Park is also a plus. Black notes there are frequent Detroit Land Bank homes in this area for those looking to put in some work, but Rehabbed & Ready abodes also occasionally pop up.

Rosedale Park

Move-in ready homes (Cost In Thousands): 125-175K

A historic haven with brick colonial and tutor revival homes, Rosedale Park is located south of Grand River Avenue and west of the Southfield Freeway, on the city’s west side. The neighborhood is also close to the Jeffries Freeway, so it’s easy to get almost anywhere.

“This is one community where you can get homes with character, but in a more manageable size,” Black says.

It even has its own community center, the North Rosedale Park Community House, which serves as a great meeting spot for neighbors.

West Village

Move-in ready homes (Cost In Thousands): 200-300K

If you’re looking for walkability, Hawkins says it’s worth taking a look at West Village. The neighborhood is home to businesses like the new charcuterie and wine bar, Brix, which is opening soon, and joining favorites like Parker Street Market, Craft Work and Detroit Vegan Soul. Located just off East Jefferson, it’s close to Belle Isle, which makes it great for families, and only a short trip to downtown-so it’s easy to get to the action.

“People are sometimes surprised that there are a lot of multi-family homes and apartments in the area,” Hawkins says.

The houses in this neighborhood tend to be older, so some need a little work.

East English Village

Move-in ready homes (Cost In Thousands): 100-150K

This active neighborhood has regular events for neighbors like potlucks and walking clubs. East English Village is filled with distinctive brick homes and a diverse group of residents. Again, you have easy access to downtown, but you’re also close to amenities in nearby Grosse Pointe, like shopping and restaurants.

“East English Village is very special because it is one of the few eastside Detroit neighborhoods that has remained stable after the housing crisis,” Hawkins says. “The neighborhood association is phenomenal with volunteer security and monthly news bulletins.”

Relocation Assistance

Nowadays, house-hunters have more otions in Detroit to finance or purchase a home that don’t involve seeking a traditional mortgage. Here are some alternative programs offered to buyers in the market.

Detroit Neighborhood Initiative
With the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, buyers can purchase with no down payment or closing costs. 

Detroit Home Mortgage
A partnership between the City of Detroit and local banks to offer buyer mortgages in Detroit that cover the “appraisal gap” in financing.

Detroit HomeLIFT
Through Southwest Solutions, a nonprofit, buyers can receive up to $15,000 for a down payment. 

Opportunity Resource Fund
Offers financing to buyers who have been turned down by other lenders. 

Rehabbed and Ready
Through the City of Detroit, this program offers fully renovated homes in the city. 

ALANA WALKER IS ASSOCIATE EDITOR OF BLAC DETROIT