Detroiters Fight Blight: Residents are Renovating Homes in Droves
Detroit’s housing narrative is changing, and residents are at the heart of it.
Once-abandoned homes that sat decaying for decades are now sporting fresh roofs, manicured gardens, and stunning architectural restorations.
If you’ve walked the streets of neighborhoods like Cornerstone Village, Hamtramck, or North End lately, you’ve seen the energy firsthand. Life is returning to these areas in a way that’s reshaping Detroit’s landscape—making it more livable, charming, and, yes, more valuable for landlords and investors.
This isn’t just about aesthetic improvements, though.
These renovations are tackling blight, fostering pride of ownership, and creating tight-knit communities—while at the same time contributing to a quiet but steady climb in property values.
And the best part? Detroit is still one of the most affordable places in the country to snag a rental property.
Resident-Led Renovation
Over the past five years, 17,000 homes in Detroit that once stood empty are now filled with families.
This transformation is overwhelmingly thanks to local residents—in particular, immigrant communities who are taking the initiative to renovate homes one property at a time.
Take the Midwest neighborhood, for instance. Since 2019, over 125 vacant homes have been brought back to life, and an additional 75 saw major upgrades. These efforts have lowered vacancy rates by 70% in just five years.
A lot of this progress has been driven by neighborhoods like Hamtramck and Dearborn—communities rich in culture and filled with hard-working individuals dedicated to improving their surroundings.
Many of these DIY renovations rely on what insiders call “sweat equity,” with neighbors, family members, and community tradespeople pitching in to repair and rehab homes. Immigrant families often rely on each other for expertise on everything from roof repairs to plumbing fixes—transforming not just homes, but entire streets in the process.
Local Charm Meets Modern Value
For landlords and investors, the charm of Detroit’s historic homes is unmatched at a price point under $100,000.
But many of those properties need a lot of work.
Fortunately, restoration efforts are creating safer, more vibrant neighborhoods where pride of place is tangible. Walk around these renovated streets, and you’ll notice growing community gardens, newly paved sidewalks, and inviting backyards. The ripple effect this has on surrounding property values is undeniable—nearby homes see price bumps as the community improves.
For renters, these rejuvenated neighborhoods offer a balance of style and affordability. That’s great news for landlords and investors on the hunt for loyal, high-quality tenants—because when neighborhoods thrive, tenant demand does too.
Why Now Is the Time to Invest
While Detroit is seeing an undeniable renaissance, it’s still a goldmine for entry-level investors. Areas like Corktown may be out of reach for many buyers, but neighborhoods just a stone’s throw away remain affordable and untapped.
Here are a few hot spots on our radar for Detroit landlords who want to ride the wave of renovation while prices are still manageable:
1. Hamtramck
This small city within Detroit’s borders is a hidden gem—diverse, eclectic, and packed with opportunity. Homes here often sit under $100,000, and with its proximity to Midtown and Downtown, it’s increasingly attractive to tenants. Actually, it’s currently the number 2 most popular suburb in the country.
Pair that with its cultural roots and bustling local economy, and Hamtramck is looking like a landlord’s dream.
2. North End
Heading north of Midtown, you’ll find North End, a neighborhood that’s been quietly blossoming. There’s a mix of historic charm and newer development here, making it the perfect middle ground for investors looking to balance affordability and potential long-term appreciation.
3. Dearborn and Surrounding Areas
If you’re willing to venture a bit west along Warren Avenue, Dearborn and its nearby neighborhoods offer a strong renter base, family-friendly vibes, and unbeatable commute times to Downtown or the Midwest area renovations.
Best of all, prices haven’t yet caught up with the buzz, making this a smart play for growth-focused investors.
What’s Next for Detroit?
With residents continuing to take charge of their neighborhoods and reinvest in their communities, there’s no doubt Detroit’s rise is built to last. And as more homes are rehabbed and blocks transformed, demand for rentals is only going to increase.
For landlords and investors, playing the long game is key. Detroit’s already seeing property values climb, but for those who get in now, there’s still massive potential to turn a budget-friendly purchase into an income-generating powerhouse.
Your Next Move
Curious where Detroit’s next big opportunities lie? Watch one of our Deep Dives to see the transformation happening in real time—and how it’s driving rents and property values upward.
Or, skip the searches and get in touch today for exclusive off-market properties primed for exactly these kinds of high-growth neighborhoods.