5 Top Detroit Neighborhoods for Black Families, Singles, & Young Professionals – Michigan

The Motor City plays host to tons of different neighborhoods that each have their own personality and flavor. Whether you live off the esteemed Woodward Avenue, a short commute from bucolic Farmington Hills, or the lively, fast-paced suburb of Ferndale, you’ll experience all the city has to offer.

But where is the best for black families and singles? In this article we’ll explore.

3 Best Detroit Suburbs for Black Families

Detroit’s midwestern roots give the city the unique identity as a mix of an urban cultural center blended with the friendliness and familiarity typically found in small-town America. Your family can enjoy a day at the Detroit Zoo, the Michigan Science Center (great for kids age ten and under!), or catch a game at the Little Caesars Arena.

Let’s dig deeper into specific suburbs in Detroit ideal for African Americans to live.

Farmington Hills

Located just northwest of Detroit along the Detroit River, Farmington Hills is known for its small-town vibe and quick access to downtown Detroit. Because this sits at the outer edge of the, it’s a quiet and safe place to raise a family and easily one of the best Detroit neighborhoods for Black families.

Farmington Hills has several sprawling, forested parks with walking paths, playgrounds, and sports fields. When on a stroll through your neighborhood or in one of these parks, you can spot deer grazing quietly just off the beaten path and turtles in the small ponds that dot the landscape.

With tons of restaurants, stores, and entertainment centers, Farmington Hills will have something for each member of your family! The neighborhood hosts heritage and cultural events each year, such as the Stars in the Park concert series.

Farmington Hills is one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in Detroit.

The average cost of a home in Farmington Hills is $329,297.

Royal Oak

If you’re interested in an area that has a slightly more urban feel than Farmington Hills, Royal Oak might be for you.

This suburb’s tree-and-flower-lined streets alternate between busier roads heading into the heart of the city and small, walkable offshoots around the suburb’s many family-friendly neighborhoods.

Royal Oak is a short drive from the world-class Detroit Zoo, which offers Zoo Tots and Wildlife Adventure Stories programs for little ones. Plus, older kids and adults alike will love walking around the sprawling zoo to feed giraffes, spot lions, and enter the famous Penguin House.

For parents, this suburb connects quickly to I-75, which grants a quick and easy commute into downtown Detroit.

The area has plenty of public transportation in and out of Detroit for those who want to save some extra money.

The average cost of a home in Royal Oak is $294,296.

Hamtramck

Hamtramck (pronounced “Hamtramick”) used to be one of the foremost Polish communities in the United States and has since grown into one of the most culturally diverse suburbs in Michigan. This suburb is both affordable and amazing for young families.

This suburb is known for having a small, tight-knit community that is welcoming to others and embraces its unique blend of cultural and ethnic identities. Hamtramck’s main strip, called Joseph Campau, is lined with countless ma-and-pop stores, restaurants, mosques, and churches for you to explore any day of the week.

The neighborhood’s sidewalks are always filled with people of all ages walking, biking, and running. The suburb has several parks with splash pads, playgrounds, and sports fields for children of all ages.

For parents who travel, Hamtramck is close enough to the Detroit International Airport without the constant sound of air traffic flying overhead.

The average cost of a home in Hamtramck is $141,186. Home values in this neighborhood have been steadily rising since 2010.

2 Best Detroit Neighborhoods for Black Singles & Young Professionals

Singles and young professionals alike have tons of options when it comes to neighborhoods with great nightlife, quick commutes to work, and an active community of young people.

Ferndale

Known as one of the coolest (if not the coolest) neighborhoods of Detroit, Ferndale has a little bit of everything. The famous Woodward Avenue cuts straight through Ferndale, which paved the way for countless restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to pop up along the road that takes you straight into the heart of Detroit.

When you explore Ferndale, you’ll find tons of hidden gems at every corner. Because this neighborhood is so close to Midtown, you can easily enjoy the Detroit Institute of Art in your free time, head down to the River Front for a jog, or meet up with friends at one of the neighborhood’s many coffee shops.

There are seven colleges and universities within a ten-mile radius of Ferndale, which gives young professionals many opportunities to continue their education.

The average cost of a home in Ferndale is $225,148. There are also many different options for condos, apartments, and lofts in the area, which is part of what makes it one of the top Detroit suburbs for Black singles & young professionals.

Eastern Market

The Eastern Market District of Detroit is an up-and-coming neighborhood located close to central downtown Detroit. When you walk through the Eastern Market, you’ll quickly notice the colorful murals that line the streets, which adds to the area’s artistry.

Not an artist? No problem! This suburb of Detroit is full of cute coffee shops, incredible restaurants, and sleek bars. It’s also one of the historical districts of Detroit, so you can take a tour of the city in your free time and learn more about the city’s Mayan revival.

One of the newer features of the Eastern Market suburb is the Joe Lewis Greenway, a 27.5-mile path named after the legendary boxer. During the warmer months, the Greenway is full of adults of all ages biking, running, and walking.

This neighborhood gets its name from the massive series of indoor markets in its center, which now hosts a farmers’ market every weekend.

Are you a sports lover? Eastern Market isn’t far from the new Little Caesars Arena, where Eminem is known to make appearances, or Comerica Park, where you can catch a ball game and watch the city come alive as day turns to night.

The Eastern Market is perfect for those who love townhomes, lofts, and condos.

Is Detroit Safe?

In the past, Detroit hasn’t had the best reputation. The city’s history is complicated from its very beginning as a French outpost, but Detroit is a city that doesn’t back down. Like any city, it’s possible to encounter crime in Detroit, but that doesn’t mean the city is unsafe.

For data collected in 2019, Michigan has ranked the 22nd most peaceful state according to the United States Peace Index.

The entire Detroit Metro Area is going through a period of major revitalization, which has not only ushered in tons of new businesses and jobs but has also created a safer and friendlier city. Although crime remains a real possibility in Detroit, over half a million people are proud to make the city their home.

Many of the neighborhoods listed in this article are known for being safe.

What is Detroit’s Demographic?

Understanding a city’s demographic can help you get a better feel for where you might live.

Detroit is the 26th largest city in the United States and the largest city in the state of Michigan.

Detroit has always been known for having a predominantly Black population. According to the United States Census Bureau, 78% of Detroit’s population is Black or African American.

14% of the population is white, and 7% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.

There are slightly more females than males in Detroit at 52%.

The median age in Detroit is 34.7 years, which means young professionals and families thrive in the area.

Best Detroit Neighborhoods For Black Families, Conclusion

Detroit is experiencing economic revitalization, which has been drawing in more jobs and people. The city is known for its Midwestern charm and friendliness, making it an ideal place to raise a family or put down roots.

Whether you love sports, cars, or just beautiful cityscapes, Detroit has something for everyone.