Belle Isle
Island Park Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48207
C Neighborhood Grade
6.2 Neighborhood Score
$664,803
Average Value
$311
Average Price per Sq Ft
Detroit’s Crown Jewel of Culture, Nature, and Civic Revival in ZIP Code 48207
Wayne County’s Belle Isle is a place of great memory for most Detroiters.
Part of District 5 and ZIP code 48207, Belle Isle is more than just a neighborhood – it’s an experience – Just ask anyone who’s ever biked across the MacArthur Bridge or fished off its shores.
The Island Between Nations
Belle Isle is connected to Detroit’s mainland via the MacArthur Bridge and sits between the United States and Canada, with scenic views of both skylines.
Located between Lafayette Park to the west, East Village to the north, and Jefferson-Chalmers to the East, it sits right at the heart of Detroit’s Riverfront Renaissance.
As development swells along East Jefferson and revitalization transforms the city’s East side, Belle Isle stands as a living symbol of what Detroit was, is, and can b
From Wahnabezee to Belle Isle: A Timeline of Significance
Belle Isle goes by many names:
Wahnabezee or “Swan Island” by the Indigenous Anishinaabe peoples.
Isle aux Cochons, or “Hog Island” by French settlers.
And finally, Belle Isle – a name that paints a romantic picture of a place of beauty and leisure.
Belle Isle’s History
It was the father of landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, who first sketched early plans for Belle Isle as a great public park.
Though he never quite saw his vision come to fruition, you can see his influence in the gentle curves of the roads, the open green spaces, and the integration of water and land.
In 2014, the island even entered into a state lease with Michigan’s DNR for new funding, maintenance, programming, and restoration efforts.
Landmarks and Legacy Sites
Belle Isle is nearly 1,000 acres – making it one of the largest island parks in the United States. It features:
· Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
· A tall glasshouse of tropical palms, orchids, and desert plants.
· Belle Isle Aquarium (North America’s oldest and a local treasure, designed by Albert Kahn in 1904)
· Detroit Yacht Club—the marina and clubhouse were originally private establishments dating from 1868
· Belle Isle Nature Center
· Exhibits by the Detroit Zoo teaching kids and families about Michigan’s native wildlife
· Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, aka the only marble lighthouse honoring a Great Lakes hero in the United States
As well as ample fields, bike loops, picnic shelters, and scenic turnouts.
Recreation on the Island
Belle Isle is Detroit’s playground.
Here, there’s something for everyone:
Bikers, walkers, and rollerbladers winding down sidewalk-lined streets with riverside views.
Lifeguards on the swimming beach during the summer.
Fisheries, piers, and kayak launch sites, along with picnic shelters, dot the landscape.
Soccer fields, open lawns, and random pick-up games taking place on sunny weekends.
Events like the Grand Prix, music festivals, art fairs, and family reunions transforming the island into Detroit’s front lawn.
So whether you’re there for sunrise yoga, a paddle, or a barbecue with family – Belle Isle has something for everyone.
Real Estate Ripple Effect
There are no residential properties on Belle Isle, but its influence is felt in the market:
Neighborhoods around Belle Isle are backed by the following pricing:
Islandview: $175,000-$350,000 for updated single-family homes and infill townhomes.
Elmwood Park: $120,000-$300,000 for mid-rise condos and gated communities.
Detroit Gold Coast: $200,000-$700,000 for high-rises along the riverfront with views of Belle Isle.
East Village/Pingree Park: Stunning historic homes ranging from $55,000 (rehab-ready) to $450,000 (fully restored).
With park access, walkability, and river proximity commanding high premiums from buyers.
In short, Belle Isle is more than just a place to play – it’s a strong influencer of neighborhood value.
Food, Dining, and Urban Access
While there are no restaurants on Belle Isle itself, its surroundings offer some of the best food in the city:
Nearby Culinary Highlights include:
Joe’s Seafood: fine riverfront dining with skyline views.
Andrew’s on the Corner: dive bar charm meets sports bar energy.
Coriander Kitchen & Farm, Sister Pie, Marrow, and Detroit Vegan Soul just 10 minutes away by car.
With groceries and essentials easily accessible at Meijer’s Rivertown Market, Whole Foods Midtown, and boutique grocers in West Village and Lafayette Park.
Safety, Stewardship, and State Oversight
With the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at the helm of the ship, Belle Isle has undergone a dramatic transformation in safety, cleanliness, and ecological care:
Ranger and event staffing has greatly increased.
Wetland restoration and control of invasive species are ongoing.
Voluntary cleanups, habitat education programs, and art installations keep the community fresh and active.
In short, Belle Isle values sustainability and community ownership even under state stewardship.
Final Word: Detroit’s Living Landmark
Many consider Belle Isle to be more than an island – it’s a heirloom – a place where childhoods are defined by Fourth of July picnics and Sunday drives, and the city’s beauty, heartbreak, and resilience meet the river.
Today, Belle Isle is proof that public spaces – when protected and preserved – can change cities not just visually, but spiritually.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Schools
No Schools found.
Transit
Airport
Windsor International
Bus
7 Mile & Northlawn
Bus
Curtis & San Juan
Bus
7 Mile & Pennington
Bus
Curtis & Cherrylawn
Bus
Mcnichols & Ohio
Bus
Mcnichols & San Juan
Bus
7 Mile & Greenlawn
Crime and Safety
| 1 – Low Crime, 10 – High Crime | Belle Isle | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 8 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 5 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 6 | 4 |
| Robbery | 6 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Belle Isle Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Belle Isle sell after 70 days on the market, compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in Belle Isle over the last 12 months is $119,500, up 99.2% from the previous year.
Home Trends
| Median Price (12 Mo) | Median Single Family Price | Average Price Per Sq Ft | Number of Homes for Sale |
| $119,500 | $119,500 | $63 | 12 |
| Last 12 months Home Sales | Median List Price | Median Home Sale Price YoY % | |
| 6 | $157,450 | 11% |
Neighborhoods Facts
| Number of Homes in Neighborhood | Median Year Built |
| 3,911 | 1937 |
| Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft Below the national average | Median Lot Size Sq Ft |
| 1,483 1,937 | 4,138 |
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
No listings found.
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Average Home Value
Property Mix – Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
| Total Population | Median Age | Population Density | Population under 18 On par with the national average |
| 10 | 39 | 7 people/sq mi | 25.6% 23.8% |
| Population over 65 On par with the national average | |||
| 18.5% 19.1% |
Finances
| Median Household Income Significantly below the national average | Average Household Income |
| $39,684 $78,538 | $119,000 |
Education and Workforce
| High School Graduates | College GraduateBelow the national average | Advanced Degrees | % Population in Labor Force Below the national average |
| 35.83% | 23.55% 34.1% | 18.03% | 55.7% 65.1% |
Weather
| Annual Precipitation | Average Winter Low Temperature | Average Summer High Temperature | Annual Snowfall |
| 30” | 20°F | 83°F | 38” |
Area Factors
66
/ 100
50
/ 100
63
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
