Waterworks Park
Island Park Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48214
A Neighborhood Grade
8.9 Neighborhood Score
$119,500
Average Value
$63
Average Price per Sq Ft
Where the Past Meets the River: A District 5 Legacy in 48214
Waterworks Park is a historically significant residential neighborhood in District 5, ZIP code 48214.
The neighborhood is bounded by east Jefferson Avenue to the south and Cadillac Boulevard to the west, just east of Belle Isle and minutes from downtown Detroit.
Waterworks Park borders busy districts like Islandview, Indian Village, and West Village, yet it retains a more residential character rooted in a rich civic history.
Waterworks Park: The Story
The original Detroit municipal water system was located at Waterworks Park in the late 1800s, with the park itself opening in 1879, featuring landscaped promenades and lagoons that made it one of the first public recreational green spaces in the city.
Waterworks Park is also home to the Hurlbut Memorial Gate, a 1894 Beaux-Arts stone arch still standing in honor of Chauncey Hurlbut, president of Detroit’s Board of Water Commissioners.
From utility hub to residential neighborhood, the area has evolved through industrial development, wartime closures, and post-industrial decline.
And while the original park has seen much in the way of change, Waterworks Park’s historical landmarks, layout, and architecture reflect its strong civic legacy.
Housing Revival in Zip Code 48214
Waterworks Park has a diverse housing stock that combines architectural history with real estate opportunity.
Here you’ll find a mix of early 20th-century relics, such as:
· Brick single-family homes
· Mid-century duplexes and tiny apartments
· Buildings in co-op properties and Jefferson Avenue high-rise condominiums
With details such as brick facades, original hardwood floors, leaded-glass windows, and large front porches.
As far as pricing in the 48214 ZIP, expect single-family homes between $75,000 and $525,000, depending on size, location, and rehab status, as well as condos and co-op units for anywhere from $39,999 to $199,900.
This price range reflects the neighborhood’s growing appeal, with Belle Isle’s views and nearby Jefferson corridors improvements drawing in first-time buyers and preservationists alike.
From Filtration Fields to Parks and Green Space
Although the original Waterworks Park no longer serves any public recreational purpose, the neighborhood is just steps from several of Detroit’s most celebrated parks, including Woodward Park, Riverfront Park, and Woodward Park.
Also within close reach are:
Belle Isle Park: a 982-acre recreation hub with beaches, a conservatory, a zoo, an aquarium, and a lively marina.
Gabriel Richard Park: a recreation space with trails, public art, riverfront seating, and fishing access.
Erma Henderson Park: a wide riverfront park with sports fields and shaded picnic areas.
Dining Between the River and the Village
Some of Detroit’s most exciting food neighborhoods are near Waterworks Park.
Local dining options include:
Sister Pie, Marrow, and Red Hook Coffee in the West Village.
Classic soul food spots, seafood restaurants, and Coney Islands along Jefferson Avenue.
Nearby Indian Village and East Village offer fine dining and local favorites.
This puts residents within minutes of new culinary experiences mixed with old-Detroit staples.
Daily Errands, Shopping, and Amenities
Living in Waterworks Park means having easy access to essentials and specialty services:
Rivertown Market (Meijer) is a go-to spot for its deli, produce, and household goods, small local corner stores and pharmacies are scattered throughout the 48-block area, and it’s also just a short drive from Midtown, Downtown, and Grosse Pointe for boutique shopping, hardware, and retail services.
Not only that, but as Jefferson Avenue continues to redevelop, new businesses and mixed-use buildings will continue adding modern amenities to the historic corridor, further enhancing its curbside appeal.
Education / School Options
Waterworks Park is served by the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) and includes public, charter, and private schools including Cass Technical School, Moses Field School, Renaissance High School, Detroit Prep, Bates Academy, and Nichols Elementary-Middle School (known for its STEM & enrichment programs).
As for charter and alternative options for Waterworks Park’s families with more diverse educational needs and philosophies, those include:
Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglas Academy
The Detroit Waldorf School (Indian Village)
Detroit Edison Public School Academy (DEPSA)
Saint Clare of Montefalco Catholic School (Grosse Pointe Park)
Moving through the East Side
Drivers and transit riders will appreciate Waterworks Park’s central location:
Jefferson Avenue connects residents to downtown Detroit with ease.
I-94 links commuters to the rest of metro Detroit in less than 10 minutes.
Regular DDOT bus lines service Jefferson.
And the flat terrain in the 48214 ZIP code along with its close proximity to the Detroit Riverwalk and Belle Isle trails makes biking and walking safe & enjoyable.
Community Strength and Civic Engagement
Safety and neighborhood identity are strengthened through resident action and preservation advocacy in Waterworks Park:
· Active block clubs and local associations plan cleanups, safety patrols, and other community events.
· Continuing efforts underway to protect and maintain the Hurlbut Memorial Gate and surrounding landmarks.
· Partnerships with historic preservationists and District 5 council initiatives have been proposed for infrastructure and park improvement.
In short, residents in the 48214 ZIP code are neighborhood stewards and active participants in painting its vibrant next chapter.
Lifestyle, Identity, Legacy
Waterworks Park combines historic charm with affordable housing central to Detroit’s sparkling waterfront, drawing in preservationists, professionals, and first-time buyers looking to put down strong roots somewhere with a bright future ahead.
Indeed, the Waterworks Park neighborhood looks promising going forward, especially with District 5 leadership focused on east-side reinvestment and continued development along Jefferson Avenue.
In short, it’s an area with legacy, where architecture speaks, and the river is never far – a real 48214 ZIP code gem.
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 | Waterworks Park | 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
Waterworks Park Demographics and Home Trends
Waterworks Park is a predominantly residential neighborhood with a diverse population. The median household income is $44,850, which is below the national average. The area has a higher percentage of residents with some college or associate degrees (54%) compared to the national average. The median age of residents is 61.7 years, indicating a mature community.
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.
See All Homes
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 |
| 16,447 | 39 | 5,315 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 |
| $35,308 $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 |
| 88.9% | 23.6% 34.1% | 11.1% | 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
