15 Safest Neighborhoods to live in Detroit

15 Safest Neighborhoods to live in Detroit

*Originally published by Ruth on October 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R on September 2023

Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. Detroit’s violent crime rate is six times higher than the national average, with a 4% decrease in homicides in 2021. There are a lot of crime problems to be solved in the city, and leaders are making strides. The crime rates in Detroit are above the national average in all categories. 

The City of Detroit had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 census, making it the 27th-most populous city in the United States. The city consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., but it doesn’t mean it’s unsafe to live here. After all, over half a million people proudly call Detroit home. 

Like with all major cities, it’s important to do your research, be vigilant, and get acquainted with the safest and most dangerous areas of any city. In this article, we explore the 15 safest neighbourhoods to live in in Detroit.

1. Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest is an area in Detroit, Michigan, United States. The community, with about 435 houses, consists of two subdivisions: Sherwood Forest and Sherwood Forest Manor. The neighborhood was named after Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, England which was the setting for the Robin Hood tales.

Most of the houses were built in the late 1920s and 1930s. Sherwood Forest is within the Detroit Public Schools district. Here, you’ll find close access to parks, quiet streets, and a 20-minute-or-less commute into Downtown.

THINGS TO DO IN SHERWOOD FOREST:

Take easy strolls straight from your house to the Sherwood Pines Forest Park or explore the legend of Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest Country Park. Set out for a day’s hike along the Robin Hood Way or enjoy the country views in Clumber Park.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: Detroit, Michigan

RENT AVERAGE: One Bedroom: $738 ; Two Bedroom: $883 ; Three Bedroom: $1,056

SCHOOLS: Farmington Steam Academy and Hamtramck Academy

AMENITIES: Sherwood Forest Branch Library and Sherwood Forest parks

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: train which takes 2h 18m and costs $40 – $80. OR TAKE A  bus, which costs $25 – $45 and takes 3h 5m.

2. Jefferson-Chalmers

The Jefferson–Chalmers Historic Business District is a historic district located on East Jefferson Avenue between Eastlawn Street and Alter Road in Detroit, Michigan. The district is the only continuously intact commercial district remaining along East Jefferson Avenue and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

In addition to 100-year-old brick roads, ranch homes, and mansions, Jefferson-Chalmers boasts canal communities and immediate access to Alfred Brush Ford Park, a cozy waterfront space and a favorite locals spot for casting lines and catching fish.

THINGS TO DO IN JEFFERSON-CHALMERS:

The district is unique in that two big-band era ballrooms, : the Monticello and the Vanity Ballroom. Get to attend and participate in  the cultural activities of the early 20th century social scene, which still exist within the district

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

RENT AVERAGE: One Bedroom Apartments range from $925 to $8,550

SCHOOLS: George Defer Elementary School, Hutchinson Elementary-Middle School and Bates Academy

AMENITIES: Fisher Mansion, Mariner Park, Detroit Sails, marshall’s BAR AND DETROIT RIVER SPORTS

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: bus from  Jefferson & Rivard station which takes 19 min and costs $1 – $2.

3. Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is a village in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. Located within Southfield Township, Beverly Hills is by far the most populated village in the state. The area was incorporated as a village named Westwood in 1958. It was incorporated in the same year as the much larger city of Southfield to the south.

By incorporating as a village, it prevented the area from being annexed into the city and allowed the village to retain its own autonomy. In 1959, the village changed its name to Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills is a part of the Birmingham Public School District. It is home to several public schools: Groves High School, Berkshire Middle School, Beverly Elementary, and Greenfield Elementary.

THINGS TO DO IN Beverly Hills :

The city offers various recreational opportunities for its people, like boating and fishing, hiking, biking and golfing. Visitors can also plan a sightseeing trip and enjoy visiting all the tourist attractions situated in and around the city. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: Oakland County

RENT AVERAGE: one bedroom $1,358 and three Bedrooms $2,100 

SCHOOLS: Beverly Hills Academy, Greenfield Elementary School, Lawrence Technological University, Oakland Community College-Bloomfield Hills Campus and University of Phoenix-Detroit Campus

AMENITIES: Franklin Historical Museum, Inglenook Park, Robert Kidd Gallery, David Klein Gallery, Artspace II Inc and Cranbrook Art Museum

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: Detroit to Beverly Hills  line 851 bus and line 420 bus which costs $4 and takes 1h 39m, TAXI OR CAR

Read more unbelievable  facts about Beverly hills. 

4. Midtown 

Midtown is a mixed-use area consisting of a business district, a cultural center, a major research university, and several residential neighborhoods, located along the east and west side of Woodward Avenue, north of Downtown Detroit.

The Midtown area is a general mixed-use community area of neighborhoods containing successive waves of development that have transformed the area multiple times since it was first platted. The area includes several historic districts, the Detroit Medical Center, and Wayne State University.

The Midtown neighborhood offers residents a little taste of nearly everything. With housing options from high-rise apartments to historic homes, spilling with shops eateries, and culture, it’s easy to see why this is such a trendy and popular Detroit neighborhood. 

THINGS TO DO IN MIDTOWN :

Midtown Detroit  offers the best food experiences when you visit the restaurants and the best nightlife in the bars. Also visit the museums for a historical trip of Detroit and finally shopping. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: DETROIT

RENT AVERAGE: One Bedroom $574 and two-bedroom $1,444 

SCHOOLS:  Hamtramck, Henry Ford Academy, Southfield and University Liggett School

AMENITIES: Motown Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Historical Museum, Motor City Brewing Works and  Detroit Riverwalk.

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: Detroit to Midtown Detroit bus  costs $2 takes 9 min

Read more in this article on the coolest cafes in Midtown.

5. Berkley

Berkley is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. This area’s crime rate is below the national average. In fact, Berkley’s crime index is 73 on a scale where 100 is the safest, which means Berkley is safer than 73 percent of U.S. cities.

Berkley is comprised primarily of single-family homes, such as three-bedroom brick homes, which offer a wonderful neighborhood if you’re planning to raise a family. Additionally, Berkley’s close proximity to the downtown area offers a short commute for professionals and a handful of Detroit attractions.  The public school system in the area also has a higher rate of proficiency than the overall average of all schools in the state.

THINGS TO DO IN berkley :

Downtown Berkley is home to many restaurants, boutiques, clothing stores, and retail shops. Berkley’s municipal offices, public library, and parks. You get to explore these amenities when you reside there.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: DETROIT, michigan 

RENT AVERAGE: studio $953 , one bedroom $1,170

SCHOOLS:  Burton Elementary School, Norup International School, Berkley High School and Farmington Steam Academy

AMENITIES: Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room. Wineries & Vineyards, Detroit Kid City, Royal Oak memorial Park. Monuments & Statues and Classic Book Shop.

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: The Detroit Bus Company,  TX Alliance Taxi Service or car

6. Grosse Pointe

Grosse Pointe is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. Grosse Point provides a quiet atmosphere, a reasonable commute to many companies in the city, and safety. The crime rate for this area is low, with an average of five violent crimes and 98 property crimes per year.

The Grosse Pointe real estate landscape is full of older Colonial homes, and this area of the city is usually associated with old money. Detroit real estate in this area is among some of the most expensive in the country. Sidewalks provide safe places for families to walk throughout the area. The school system is among the best in the city, as well as the state. Grosse Point also is home to the Young Republican’s Club, a yacht club, and other members-only establishments.

THINGS TO DO IN grosse pointe :

Grosse Pointe offers a range of activities to explore from the Hamtramck Disneyland  to the Outdoor Adventure Center and the Detroit Experience Factory. There is no dull day to experience here. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: DETROIT, michigan 

RENT AVERAGE: two bedroom  $930, three bedroom $1,443

SCHOOLS:  Grosse Pointe Woods and Lewis Maire Elementary School

AMENITIES: Detroit River Sports. Kayaking & Canoeing, Balduck Park. Playgrounds, Parks, Fisher Mansion. Historic Sites and point Beaches.

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: bus from Clifford & Washington takes 34 min for $2

7. Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills is a small city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a northern suburb of Metro Detroit and is approximately 20 miles northwest of Downtown Detroit. The school system and community activities are among the most active in the area. Lakes are a major part of the landscape and a source of entertainment all year long.

The Bloomfield Hills area, which is flanked by West Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Township, is an affluent community with close ties. . The overall crime index is 77, which means Bloomfield Hills is safer than 77 percent of communities across the country. 

THINGS TO DO IN bloomfield hills: 

Explore more than 40 acres of gardens that are available for exploration at Cranbrook House & Gardens, a centerpiece of Cranbrook’s 319-acre National Historic Landmark campus.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: Oakland County

RENT AVERAGE: one bedroom $1,139, Two bedroom $1,672

SCHOOLS: Conant Elementary School, Bloomfield Hills Schools and Birmingham Covington School

AMENITIES: henry ford museum, ann arbor, guardian building

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: bus, taxi, car

8. West Village

West Village is a historic district roughly bounded by Jefferson, Kercheval, Parker, and Seyburn Avenues in Detroit, Michigan. The district received its name in the mid-20th century because of its location just west of the more well-known Indian Village Historic District. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

West Village is a primarily residential neighborhood containing 275 single and two-family houses, thirty apartment buildings, and about twenty commercial structures spread over 20 square blocks. The neighborhood is platted in an irregular grid and includes a number of service alleys and short, narrow cross streets.

As in many Detroit neighborhoods, the racial tensions, redlining, and white exodus to the suburbs following World War II led to a decline in the neighborhood. However, the resurgence of the nearby Indian Village in the 1970s created a resurgence in interest in the neighborhood. The West Village Association, a neighborhood association, was formed in 1974.

THINGS TO DO IN west village: 

West Village has no shortage of bars and restaurants, offering up choices from farm-to-table, vegan spins on old favorites, pizza, and some of the best baked goods in Detroit. The neighborhood also boasts convenient access to many necessities, including grocery stores, auto repair and maintenance shops, dry cleaners, and laundromats.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: detroit

RENT AVERAGE: one bedroom $949, two bedroom  $1,540.

SCHOOLS: Hamtramck Academy and Garvey Academy

AMENITIES: the Red Hook Restaurants, Jefferson Liquor Mart Groceries,  Craft Work Nightlife, The Lip Bar. Shopping and Live Cycle Delight Fitness

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: bus, taxi, car

9. University District

University District is a neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan, United States. Located one mile west of Woodward Avenue, the University District is named for its neighbor to the south, the University of Detroit Mercy.

The University District was the first organized neighborhood in the City of Detroit to recognize, embrace, and support Gay and Lesbian persons, dating back to the 1950s. A number of Gay and Lesbian themed bars and nightclubs were only minutes from the District. University District is also seeing a surge in the number of LGBTQ families moving into the neighborhood, which engulfs and relives the history of the district.

THINGS TO DO IN university district: 

Get to visit a number of Gay and Lesbian themed bars and nightclubs which are only minutes from the District. Read more about the best Techno clubs in Detroit. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: detroit

RENT AVERAGE: one bedroom $1,585, two bedroom  $1,952 .

SCHOOLS: Gesu Catholic School,Barbara Jordan Elementary School and Farmington Steam Academy

AMENITIES: Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, Detroit RiverFront, Eastern Market, The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, The Guardian Building, Belle Isle Park

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: bus, taxi, car

10. Gold Coast 

Gold Coast is a neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan with a population of 2,434. Gold Coast is in Wayne County. Living on Gold Coast offers residents a dense urban feel and most residents rent their homes. 

In Gold Coast, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in Gold Coast and residents tend to be liberal.

THINGS TO DO IN gold coast: 

Discover top tourist attractions, vacation activities, sightseeing tours and so much more in this city. There are also a lot of parks to explore.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: detroit

RENT AVERAGE: one bedroom  $850, two bedroom  $1,350 .

SCHOOLS: Hamtramck Academy, Cass Technical High School and Moses Field School

AMENITIES: detroit riverwalk, detroit zoo, gabriel richard park and belle isle.

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: bus, taxi, car

11. Palmer Woods

Palmer Woods is a historic area close to Woodward Avenue. Palmer Woods is accessible to the Detroit Golf Club and is included on the National Register of Historic Properties. This area is home to many city professionals. This neighbourhood has a crime rate of 2,059 per 100,000 people as of 2022, which is 10% less than the national average. Because of this, Palmer Woods is the safest neighbourhood in Detroit.

THINGS TO DO IN gold coast: 

Follow the Glenn Highway to Palmer and the Matanuska River Valley for a fantastic day trip; you’ll be in the middle of breathtaking beauty in about an hour. This scenic journey offers a lot of sights and activities, such as a short climb to a 200-foot waterfall and a historical village.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: Detroit

RENT AVERAGE: one bedroom  $950, two bedroom  $1,195.

SCHOOLS: Palmer Park Preparatory Academy, Palmer Park Academy, and private schools such as University Liggett School. 

AMENITIES: Park, Cultural institutions, Institute of Arts, historical museum & Detroit Science Center 

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: bus, taxi, car

12. Corktown

Another one of Detroit’s safest neighbourhoods is Corktown. It has 592 residents and is 8% safer than the US average. The oldest neighbourhood still in existence in the city is Corktown, which is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 2005, various multi-use complexes in Corktown, including Tiger Stadium, UIS Irish Plana, and others, have completed renovations. Corktown is not far from Downtown Detroit.

Things to do in Corktown:

The John K. King Used and Rare Book Shop has millions of books, maps, and unique items that will keep you occupied for a few hours. Then, jam out to the vinyl collection at Hello Records, which focuses on dance music from the whole second half of the 20th century.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: Detroit

RENT AVERAGE: one bedroom  $928, two bedroom  $1,300.

SCHOOLS: Davis Aerospace Technical High School, Academy of the Americas High School

AMENITIES: historic landmarks, train station, restaurants.

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: bus, taxi, car, public transit.

13. Marina District

Just outside of the city centre of Detroit sits the Marina District, which is a highly safe neighbourhood. There are 386 people living there, and there are very few violent crimes here. In comparison to the Detroit average, the median property price in Marina District is $168,200. This safe Detroit area is still more reasonably priced than the state average, though. As the name suggests, the neighbourhood is close to a number of local marinas and has a wide variety of restaurants nearby.

Things to do in marina district:

There are many marina’s around this district so you’ll be able to go for a boat ride or you can go for a swim in one of the many heated swimming pools. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: Detroit

RENT AVERAGE: One bedroom  $950, two bedroom  $1,200

SCHOOLS: Pathways Academy, Detroit Enterprise Academy & Detroit Lions Academy.

AMENITIES: Parks, gyms restaurants, restaurants and hospitals

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: bus, taxi, car, public transit.

14. Rivertown

One more of Detroit’s safest neighbourhoods is Rivertown. Rivertown, which is near the Detroit International Riverfront, is home to 925 people. The rate of violent crime is 871, and the rate of property crime is 1,294 per 100,000 people.  Rivertown is a popular tourist destination with quick access to Downtown Detroit.

Things to do in Rivertown:

You can either visit the parks, eateries, and a selection of stores or go for a boat ride 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: Detroit

RENT AVERAGE: One bedroom  $881, two bedroom  $1,400

SCHOOLS: University Prep Science & Math: High School, Chrysler Elementary School & Detroit Edison Public School Academy

AMENITIES: grocery stores, coffee shops, hospitals, Parks. 

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: bus, taxi, car, public transit.

15. New Center

A mix of residential and commercial properties make up the New Center neighbourhood which is close to Midtown. There are 1,038 people living there. A significant portion of the architecture in the historic area of New Center dates from the 1920s, when it was first developed as a commercial centre. The Henry Ford Health System and the nearby College for Creative Studies are primarily responsible for the New Center’s economy.

Things to do in New Center:

Visit the New Center which is not far from the Fisher Building which also serves as a place for concerts and has fun outdoor activities that you can get into. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

REGION: Detroit

RENT AVERAGE: One bedroom  $775, two bedroom  $1,725

SCHOOLS: Detroit Public Schools, Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies & University Prep Art & Design: Middle High School

AMENITIES: parks, community centers, bike lanes, hospitals.

TRANSPORT OPTIONS: bus, taxi, car, public transit.