10 Best Neighborhoods in Detroit, MI

Detroit, double-crowned the Motor City and Hockeytown, is home to a rich history of stunning Art Deco architecture, historic neighborhoods, Motown music, beloved Coney Island Chili Dogs, and the Golden Age of the automobile industry. While the city experienced a decline over the decades, more people are moving to Detroit for its affordable cost of living, food scene, and cultural amenities. In fact, state and city officials continue to invest long-term in developing Detroit for the future, with big plans rolling out between 2024 and 2025. Even now, you're never far from a museum, jazz club, or waterfront views when you live in the city.

If you’re thinking about moving to Detroit, but you’re not sure where to start your apartment search, you’ll want to figure out which neighborhood is right for you. We can help with that!

10 Best Neighborhoods in Detroit, MI

How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods in Detroit

For us, choosing the best Detroit neighborhoods came down to a number of factors:

• Rental Prices: We looked for a mix of upscale and affordable neighborhoods that were desirable to renters.
• Popularity: These neighborhoods are all highly-rated and sought-after places to live in Detroit.
• Lifestyle: Whether you crave the beach life, a charming island community, historic vibes, or a young and vibrant scene, this list has something for most preferences.
• Amenities: The neighborhoods encompass a range of offerings, including beautiful parks, shopping, dining, nightlife, cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities.

It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other nice neighborhoods to consider as well. If you're feeling brave, consider browsing all of our Detroit apartment listings and investigating neighborhoods on your own!

Please note that the rent averages below represent current listings on our website and may differ from what people are actually paying right now.

1. Downtown Detroit

• Average Apartment Rent: $2,726
• Walk Score: 76
• Transit Score: 53
• Bike Score: 71
• Map of Downtown Detroit

Downtown Detroit is a dense urban neighborhood made up of tight-knit communities. As in any big city, locals are diligent about their safety, especially while being out and about at night. Over the last decade, the neighborhood is steadily transforming into a desirable place to live for its arts, culture, and entertainment scene. Of course, there are still transitioning areas and streets that you should avoid. Check out the neighborhood around your rental and talk to locals before you sign your next lease.

That said, you’ll find some amazing (affordable) apartments that fit your aesthetic, from upscale European-style minimalism to industrial modernism to artsy warmth. When you live in Downtown Detroit, you're steps away from Art Deco-style skyscrapers, newer buildings and amenities, as well as top attractions, like the stunning Fox Theatre. The Fox regularly hosts concerts and musicals. You’ll also find an artificial beach at Campus Martius Park, where you're never far from a mouth-watering food truck. In the winter, the park hosts an ice skating rink, complete with hot chocolate.

2. Bagley

• Average Apartment Rent: $900
• Walk Score: 50
• Transit Score: 38
• Bike Score: 44
• Map of Bagley

Bagley offers affordable accommodation near the University District. A commercial strip runs along Livernois, which earned the nickname, "Avenue of Fashion,” for its dedication to the industry. McNichols Road also houses coffee shops and pubs along its commercial corridor.

Locals choose casual eateries, like Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles, or fine dining at Table No. 2 restaurants. Renters snag an apartment near the action or look for single-family Tudor homes, built mostly between the 1910s and 1930s, to rent. Bagley is seeing more investment in the neighborhood with upcoming projects in the works.

3. University District

• Average Apartment Rent: $1,802
• Walk Score: 86
• Transit Score: 47
• Bike Score: 88
• Map of University District

University District is home to mid-century homes and beautiful, affordable apartments. Today, you'll find enough galleries and art spaces that locals call it “Gallery Row.”

You're also never far from parks, greenspace, or restaurants. This Detroit neighborhood is ideal for students and staff looking for a quieter Detroit neighborhood near the University of Detroit Mercy. It also offers access to golf, tennis, and a community garden. It's popular, too, for retirees looking for a slower urban lifestyle that's still close to amenities. Most locals commute to work or stroll over to the commercial districts.

4. Midtown

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• Map of Midtown

Midtown Detroit lies between the trendy New Center and Brush Park. You'll find Wayne State University along with a revitalized district for dining and shopping. Tourists are also likely to turn up in Midtown for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), and the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). There are plenty of quirky stops in Midtown, too. Locals love to catch a show at the Majestic Theatre before heading over to the country's longest continuously running bowling alley, The Garden Bowl.

You can find newer condos and apartment complexes in the heart of Midtown, Detroit. A new $31 million mixed-use development in the neighborhood is also in the works.

5. West Village

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• Map of West Village

Detroit's West Village is a historic neighborhood that offers plenty of retail and independent shops. Despite its name, West Village is actually on the east side of Detroit. The area is quaint but still offers dining favorites like Detroit Vegan Soul Belle Isle Pizza. Take your pick of historic apartment buildings and newer developments where vintage meets modern charm.

The walkable neighborhood is also undergoing a $22 million mixed-use development space at Jefferson and Van Dyke avenues. Apartments and commercial space will provide more amenities to renters and newcomers looking to settle in Detroit. For outdoor recreation, the West Village connects to the RiverWalk at Gabriel Richard Park. Explore the butterfly garden or take a bike ride along the paths.

6. Palmer Woods

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• Map of Palmer Woods

Palmer Woods is another of Detroit's notable historic districts, lined with elm trees and Tudor Revival homes. The neighborhood received its name from Thomas W. Palmer, a U.S. Senator who gifted more than 100 acres of farmland for use as a public park. His family also sold land to a residential subdivision that became Palmer Woods.

The lovely neighborhood received the Michigan Horticultural Society's Award of Merit in 1938 and is now home to well-heeled Detroit locals. Doctors, lawyers, executives, and families call Palmer Woods home.

7. Sherwood Forest

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• Map of Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest is home to quiet streets and distinctive homes. Most of the single-family homes were built during the "Golden Age" of the 1920s and 1930s. The neighborhood eventually evolved into a beloved historic district. Young professionals and executives love the area for its laid-back vibe and stunning architecture. Locals are just minutes from Downtown Detroit. There are plenty of dining options along its western border, such as Noni's Sherwood Grille and 1917 American Bistro, which are a few local favorites.

8. Rosedale Park

• Starting Apartment Rent: $1,250
• Walk Score: 49
• Transit Score: 37
• Bike Score: 42
• Map of Rosedale Park

Detroit's Rosedale Park is the largest district in the city, with stunning homes and landscape boulevards. Rosemont-Acacia Park and Stoepel Park draw locals for their green space and outdoor recreation. The neighborhood is popular with families and is home to the Rosedale-Grandmont Little League, the largest in Michigan. Although the district has a reputation for being quiet, the Grand River commercial corridor offers shopping, dining, and coffee shops. Renters will enjoy affordable single-family homes in abundance here.

9. Rivertown

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• Map of Rivertown

Rivertown is a primarily residential neighborhood located along the Detroit River. You’ll find plenty of dining and shopping options sprinkled throughout the area. Many renters enjoy apartments with waterfront views. Rivertown is conveniently located across the river from Belle Island Park. The 982-acre island park features an aquarium, museum, athletic fields, three lakes, and bike rentals. Residences spend the day enjoying the outdoors and Detroit skyline before heading back to their apartment along the water.

10. Greektown

• Average Apartment Rent: N/A
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• Map of Greektown

Named for the influx of Greek immigrants that arrived in Detroit in the early twentieth century, Greektown is home to on-theme dining, shops, and entertainment. You’ll enjoy great nightlife too, especially at the Hollywood Casino. Locals will encourage you to try a Coney Island Chili Dog (mustards and onions only, friends) and an orange julius as you stroll along Monroe Ave. Apartments in the area are a bit pricier and more upscale, but the location is conveniently situated near Downtown Detroit.

Which Detroit Neighborhood Is Right for You?

Are you moving to Detroit? Browse Apartment List to find that dream Detroit apartmentin the right neighborhood.