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Dexter-Fenkell
Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48238
A- Neighborhood Grade
8.1 Neighborhood Score
$43,167
Average Value
$40
Average Price per Sq Ft
History, Rejuvenation, and Resilience in Wayne County’s 48238
Dexter-Fenkell neighborhood is a Detroit District 2 living community that is heavily focused on connection, maintaining a working-class, culturally focused identity anchored by nearby religious institutions such as churches, mosques, and civic groups.
Faith-based organizations like churches and local non-profits in the Dexter-Fenkell area are also deeply involved in:
· Neighborhood clean-up days
· Youth mentorship
· Food assistance programs
· Beautification contests
Located within the 48238 ZIP code, the neighborhood centers around the intersection of Dexter Avenue to its north and south and Fenkell Avenue (5 Mile Road) to its east and west.
First developed during the 1920s to 1950s as part of Detroit’s industrial boom, which fueled middle-class growth, many Dexter-Fenkell residents have generational ties to the neighborhood.
Today, the area is known for its gritty resilience and central location, with neighborhoods such as Bethune Community, Russell Woods, Pilgrim Village and Highland Park just a short drive away.
Dexter Avenue is also a key commercial corridor in Detroit, bustling with small businesses, black-owned businesses, boutique shops, and plenty of signs of civic life.
District 2 Parks and Recreation
Dexter-Fenkell residents have access to several parks, including:
· Russell Woods Park, which features multiple open sports fields and walking paths
· Eliza Howell Park and Rutherford Park for larger-scale outdoor recreation like winding nature trails, shaded picnic areas, and sports fields
· Zussman Park for a colorful children’s playground and basketball courts weekend pickup games
Shopping, Dining, Essentials, and More in Detroit District 2
As for dining, shopping, and indoor recreation, Dexter-Fenkell offers a variety of options in the local area.
A few of the most frequented spots are:
· Motor City Soul Food and Dexter’s Fish & Chicken for soul food and fried favorites
· Detroit Coney Island for classics like Detroit-style coney dogs and chili cheese fries
· Nearby bakeries, coffee shops, and pizza spots along Dexter Avenue
· Family Dollar, Save-A-Lot, and Imperial Fresh Market for affordable essentials
The area also benefits from its close proximity to larger chain grocery stores like Meijer along nearby Grand River and Greenfield, as well as culturally diverse dining options, with everything from Middle Eastern to Caribbean and American fare available along Livernois (the Avenue of Fashion) and McNichols (6 Mile).
Dexter-Fenkell’s Schools and Extracurriculars
Dexter-Fenkell is zoned through the Detroit Public School District, which offers the following schooling options in the area:
· Durfee Elementary-Middle School (C- Niche Rating)
· Pasteur Elementary School (C Niche Rating)
· Central High School (C- Niche Rating)
For private, charter, and alternative schooling, University YES Academy, Detroit Leadership Academy, and Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School are the top options in the 48238 ZIP code.
Dexter-Fenkell Real Estate
Despite challenges during Detroit’s deindustrialization period, the Dexter-Fenkell neighborhood continues to show signs of revitalization thanks to investors, city restoration efforts, and a handful of community groups and block clubs working to keep the neighborhood safe and vibrant.
Dexter-Fenkell even has an ongoing partnership with District 2’s police department, further supporting crime prevention through multiple neighborhood watch programs that help residents sleep better at night.
Its location is another big plus, with nearby I-96 and the Lodge Freeway (M-10) putting downtown Detroit just a short 15-minute drive away by car, 30-40 minutes by bus (with plenty of stops along Dexter and Fenkell Avenues).
Housing styles common in the Dexter-Fenkell area include two-story Colonials, brick bungalows, duplexes, and two-family flats on modest lot sizes with well-maintained front and backyards.
As for architectural features, original hardwood flooring, detached garages, large front porches, and brick façades/stone trim are all 48238 area staples.
If pricing is a concern, you’re in luck. Dexter-Fenkell is a very affordable neighborhood, with home prices typically ranging from $30,000 to $85,000, offering much in the way of opportunity for flippers, first-time buyers, and owner-occupiers alike.
It’s a neighborhood where cultural pride is strong, with vibrant hand-painted murals, lively events, and public art installations reflecting Detroit’s legacy of resilience, history, and creativity.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Schools
No Schools found.
Transit
Airport
Detroit Metro Wayne County
Bus
Dexter & Fenkell
Bus
Dexter & Collingwood
Bus
Fenkell & Livernois
Bus
Fenkell & Linwood
Bus
Dexter & Richton
Bus
Dexter & Tuxedo
Crime and Safety
| 1 – Low Crime, 10 – High Crime | Dexter-Fenkell | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 9 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 7 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 9 | 4 |
| Robbery | 7 | 4 |
| Burglary | 7 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 7 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Dexter-Fenkell Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Dexter-Fenkell sell after 65 days on the market, slightly higher than the national average of 48 days. The median sale price over the last 12 months is $40,000, reflecting affordability but also recent volatility in the market.
Home Trends
| Median Listing Price | Median Sale Price | Average Price per Sq Ft | Number of Homes for Sale |
| $40,000 | $40,000 | $42 | 15 |
| Last 12 months Home Sales | Median List Price | Median Home Sale Price YoY % | |
| 8 | $49,000 | 8.4% |
Home Facts
| Number of Homes in Neighborhood | Median Year Built |
| 2,100 | 1939 |
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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 |
| 2,547 | 35 | 8 ppl/acre | 26% 23.8% |
| Population over 65 On par with the national average | |||
| 16% 19.1% |
Finances
| Median Household Income Significantly below the national average | Average Household Income |
| $34,010 $71,702 | $36,902 |
Education and Workforce
| High School Graduates | College Graduates Below the national average | Advanced Degrees | % Population in Labor Force Below the national average |
| 39% | 9% 34.1% | 7% | 51.5% 65.1% |
Weather
| Annual Precipitation | Average Winter Low Temperature | Average Summer High Temperature | Annual Snowfall |
| 30” | 20°F | 83°F | 38” |
