Top 10 neighborhoods in Metro Detroit to live in

Top 10 neighborhoods in Metro Detroit to live in

Finding the right neighborhood is just as important as finding your dream house.

The neighborhood you choose will determine the community you’ll surround yourself with. Thus, it’s important to pay attention to the safety and crime rates, school districts, employment rates, and amenities in the area, among other things, when choosing the right neighborhood to rent in.

However, with 290 neighborhoods in the Metro Detroit area–it can be difficult to find the one that matches your and your family’s needs!

So, we’ve compiled data from multiple sources to create a list of the top ten neighborhoods in Metro Detroit to help tenants find the best ones for them.

1. Huntington Woods

Population: 6,322

Crime Index: Safer than 89% of US cities

Median Income: USD $136,331

No. of School Districts: 1

With a crime rate 14x lower than the US average, Huntington Woods is one of the safest neighborhoods in the country and Metro Detroit area. It is also known as the “City of Homes,” because the area mainly consists of single-family structures, and it also benefits from having a golf course and the Detroit City Zoo located nearby.

2. Village of Wolverine Lake

Population: 4,312

Crime Index: Safer than 91% of US cities

Median Income: USD $93,043

No. of School Districts: 1

Unique to this list, the Village of Wolverine Lake was formed after a nearby dam combined six small lakes into what is now known as Wolverine Lake. The village is made up of eight separate subdivisions and hosts an annual Tiki night when residents place tikis around the lake’s waterfront and celebrate with a fireworks display.

3. Grosse Pointe 

Population: 5,154

Crime Index: Safer than 31% of US cities

Median Income: USD $106,932

No. of School Districts: 15

Grosse Pointe is one of five exclusive neighborhoods, which are collectively known as the “Gold Coast.” Its residents belong to some of the most affluent families of the area, and thus, it offers top-class amenities, such as a tennis court, skating rink, and yacht club.

4. Grosse Pointe Woods

Population: 15,498

Crime Index: Safer than 43% of US cities

Median Income: USD $104,848

No. of School Districts: 1

Grosse Pointe Woods is the largest community among the five Pointes and some of the most recreational parks and public spaces of any other nearby areas, which include:

• Ghesquire Park
• Lake Front Park
• Veteran’s Memorial Parkway
• Plaza in front of City Hall

5. Grosse Pointe Farms

Population: 9,114

Crime Index: Safer than 60% of US cities

Median Income: USD $143,711

No. of School Districts: 1 

Grosse Pointe Farms combines the best of both worlds–the close-knit community of a small town and the conveniences and amenities of a big city nearby. Downtown is a 15-minute drive and neighbors are known to socialize around the sidewalks and in the neighborhood’s peaceful, park.

6. Grosse Pointe Park

Population: 11,153

Crime Index: Safer than 36% of US cities

Median Income: USD $115,341

No. of School Districts: 1 

Grosse Pointe Park has the most historic houses among the five Pointes, with most homes built before World War II and designed by established architects. Aside from compact, brick houses, you’ll also find mansions and mixed residential buildings dotting the area.

7. Farmington

Population: 10,491

Crime Index: Safer than 66% of US cities

Median Income: USD $72,808

No. of School Districts: 19

Historically, Farmington was the home of the farming community in the area, until the post-war boom transformed it into the city that we know today. Farmington is now a city full of structural heritage and modern suburban amenities, which include the Farmington Civic Theater (one of the few historic theaters left in the country) and the Village Mall.

8. Berkley

Population: 15,372

Crime Index: Safer than 88% of US cities

Median Income: USD $86,905

No. of School Districts: 2

Berkley is the arts and cultural center of Metro Detroit, where the state’s artists gather for the annual Art Bash, and where you can find craftspeople and specialty shops in almost every corner–from fashion boutiques and handcrafted jewelry stores to art galleries and design centers.

9. Birmingham

Population: 21,201

Crime Index: Safer than 77% of US cities

Median Income: USD $122,804

No. of School Districts: 1

Filled with all the necessities of urban life–and nestled amongst some of the most affluent neighborhoods in the area–Birmingham has all the warm comforts of a small town, plus about 300 retailers and 20 parks. Additionally, it has tennis courts, two golf courses, baseball diamonds, soccer pitches, playgrounds, and picnic areas, and wooden trails to keep residents busy.

10. Troy

Population: 84,092

Crime Index: Safer than 46% of US cities

Median Income: USD $105,856

No. of School Districts: 22

One of the most populated cities in the state, Troy is one of the most in-demand cities to live in because of its bustling business district, urban amenities, and city safety–ranking as one of the top 25 safest cities in the country. Additionally, it has 20 recreational parks and facilities, with a nature center for residents and young families to enjoy.

Conclusion

As a renter, the neighborhood in which you live is just as important as the home you choose for yourself. And in Metro Detroit, there’s an abundance of communities to choose from, whether you’re looking for all the comforts and convenience of urban life, or the warm, close-knit relationship of a small town. 

This list narrows the top ten neighborhoods in Metro Detroit and helps you find that dream neighborhood that supports all your needs and those of your family.

What other neighborhoods in Metro Detroit should we include in the list? Let us know in the comments below.

 

Image courtesy of Dhyamis Kleber