Detroit Housing Market: Trends & Prices

On this page:

    Detroit Real Estate Market Overview

    (Last Updated – 10/2020)

    Detroit is a city founded on innovation and is most famous for being the home of where Henry Ford rolled out his Model T for mass production. Today Detroit is known for being a widely diverse and bustling city. Fun fact. Detroit was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the third best place to live in all of Michigan.

    Which may explain why Millennials are drawn to Detroit’s city center where there are low-cost housing options amongst distinct neighborhoods. Housing costs in Detroit are much lower than the national average ($156,508 in Detroit vs $213,127 nationally), but typically daily living expenses such as food and utilities are more on par with national averages.

    Residents may find their home and car insurance cost a little more than average, as the city has a reputation of struggling with crime.

    For families hoping for a snowy holiday season, Detroit will deliver. In winter, locals can enjoy heading to popular skiing spots slightly north of the metro area. Fall is a stunning time to live in Detroit once the tree-lined streets are illuminated by red, orange, and golden hued leaves.

    Keep reading to learn more about what it’s like to live in some of Detroit’s most popular neighborhoods, take a look at the Detroit real estate market, and learn some key facts about housing costs and demographics.

    $55,000

    Avg. Home Price

    $44

    Avg. Price Per Sq. Ft

    54 days

    Avg. Time on Market

    Detroit Housing Market Forecast

    For those wondering what the future of the Detroit housing market looks like, this housing forecast from the real estate pros at Zillow gives an idea of what housing prices could look like in the coming months.

    Detroit median home prices are on the rise. In the past year prices rose by 7.7% and Zillow predicts they could rise by 0.8% within the next year.

    Housing market forecast chart

    *Graph taken from Zillow as of 09/2020

    Demographics of the Detroit Market

    Before diving into the specific demographics of some of Detroit’s most popular neighborhoods, it can be helpful to take a look at some of the city’s overall demographics.

    Hopefully these handy demographics give a little preview of what it’s like to live in Detroit.

    Median Income: $31,283

    Median Age: 35

    College Educated: 15%

    Homeowners: 46.8%

    Married: 26%

    Downtown

    Previously known for being Detroit’s Central Business District, the Downtown neighborhood is quickly becoming a desirable neighborhood for living. Residents can take advantage of modern high-rise and loft living in a walkable neighborhood that has access to lovely parks, great restaurants, and exciting entertainment options.

    This neighborhood is especially convenient for those who work Downtown, but don’t want to commute, as tons of great career opportunities are just a quick walk away.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    10,192

    Median Age:

    35

    Housing Units:

    6,908

    Bike Score:

    73

    Walk Score:

    77

    Transit Score:

    56

    Average Household Income:

    $56,114

    Downtown Housing Market

    In this somewhat competitive housing market, some homes receive multiple offers with homes typically selling for 4% below their list price. On average, homes in the area sell in around 39 days.


    Average Home Price

    $350,000

    Average Price Per Sqare Ft.

    $286


    Gold Coast

    The Gold Coast neighborhood has a rather dense urban feel about it, but there are plenty of parks that provide lush, green space.

    There’s room for everyone in Gold Coast, from young professionals to retirees. Locals consider this area to be fairly diverse, they find commuting to be very doable, and they enjoy the fun outdoor activities they can take advantage of.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    7,933

    Median Age:

    60.2

    Housing Units:

    5,426

    Bike Score:

    65

    Walk Score:

    60

    Transit Score:

    39

    Average Household Income:

    $77,592

    Gold Coast Housing Market

    While some homes for sale in this area receive multiple offers, it takes around 37 days for homes to sell.

    On average, Gold Coast homes sell for about 4.6% below their list price, so snagging a deal may be possible in this neighborhood!


    Average Home Price

    $70,000

    Average Price Per Square Ft.

    $100


    Finney

    Almost 42,000 people call the great neighborhood of Finney home, the majority of whom are white collar workers.

    While there are over 14,000 households in this area, about 5,500 have children living in them, making this neighborhood a great option for families, working professionals, and singles alike.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    41,973

    Median Age:

    31.2

    Housing Units:

    19,555

    Bike Score:

    57

    Walk Score:

    59

    Transit Score:

    38

    Average Household Income:

    $43,453

    Finney Housing Market

    Potential homeowners interested in the Finney housing market are in luck, as this neighborhood is not considered to have very competitive home prices.

    It’s rather rare for a home on the market to receive multiple offers and when homes do sell, they typically sell for 7.6% below their list price after spending around 69 days on the market.


    Average Home Price

    $78,060

    Average Price Per Square Ft.

    $55


    Rosedale Park

    This officially designated historic district was founded in 1916 and is bordered by Grand River on the north. Classic tree-lined streets and beautiful historic architecture lend this neighborhood a charming feel.

    As the name implies, Rosedale Park is not short on amazing parks. Both Stoepel Park #1 and Rosemont Acacia Park are in this pretty neighborhood. Families enjoy watching Little League games and there are a wide array of shopping and dining options in the area.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    11,704

    Median Age:

    38

    Housing Units:

    5,800

    Bike Score:

    46

    Walk Score:

    48

    Transit Score:

    39

    Average Household Income:

    $45,964

    Rosedale Park Housing Market

    The Rosedale Park housing market is considered to be somewhat competitive as some homes in the area receive multiple offers.

    Home buyers can look for deals, as homes in this neighborhood sell for around 4.3% below their list price. That being said, Rosedale Park homes sell rather quickly in about 17.5 days.


    Average Home Price

    $154,000

    Average Price Per Square Ft.

    $98


    Palmer Park

    For those looking to call Palmer Park home, there are almost 300 acres worth of lawns, historic woodlands, athletic courts, and biking and hiking trails to enjoy.

    This scenic neighborhood offers views of Lake Frances and its lighthouse, as well as an historic log cabin. Nature lovers should keep an eye out for the oak trees in the area that are over 350 years old.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    13,936

    Median Age:

    39

    Housing Units:

    7,360

    Bike Score:

    49

    Walk Score:

    51

    Transit Score:

    41

    Average Household Income:

    $47,431

    Palmer Park Housing Market

    While homes generally sell for 6.7% above their list price, homes in this area on average only cost $10,000 making this an ideal spot for fixer uppers.

    Homes typically sell after 79 days on the market, allowing many home buyers to take their time during the house hunting process.


    Average Home Price

    $10,000

    Average Price Per Square Ft.

    $16



    SoFi Home Loans

    It’s easy to see why Detroit has become such a popular market to buy a home in. There are some really amazing neighborhoods to choose from whether you’re young and single or have a family to look after.

    If you think Detroit could be your home sweet home, then you may need to consider your mortgage financing options.

    If you’re buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage, SoFi can help you make the process as quick and painless as possible.

    Learn more


    SoFi Loan Products
    SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

    SoFi Mortgages
    Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.

    Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
    SOHL20010