University District
Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48221
B Neighborhood Grade
7.3 Neighborhood Score
$380,473
Average Value
$147
Average Price per Sq Ft
Legacy, Culture, and Community Intersect in District 2
Located just south of Detroit’s historic Mercy campus, the University District neighborhood stands out as one of the 48221 ZIP’s most prestigious communities, not to mention one of the most welcoming.
Loved for its tree-lined streets, vibrant spirit, rich history and breathtaking 1920s and 1930s architecture, University District feels more like a small town within the city than it does your run of the mill suburb.
Here, you’ll find generations of families living within a close stretch of each other, from doctors and lawyers to teachers and entrepreneurs and tech professionals.
Timeless Architecture with Distinct Character in Detroit’s 48221 ZIP Code
One of the best things about University District is the fact that no two houses are exactly alike. Here, you’ll find a mix of Tudor, Colonial Revival, and Victorian Revival properties lining secluded, quiet streets where expert craftsmanship tells each home’s unique District 2 origin story.
With most of the properties in University District constructed during Detroit’s “golden age” of housing, you can expect to find properties in the neighborhood that showcase intricate masonry, gorgeous hand-carved woodwork, and one-of-a-kind metal detailing that has long withstood the test of time.
As far as square footage goes, properties in University District average around 3,100 square feet and come equipped with long driveways, backyard sheds and garages, and classic Michigan basements for all your extra storage needs.
Prices in the area generally range from $175,000 for homes that need a bit of TLC to around $600,000 for something larger and move-in-ready. And while there’s no formal HOA in the area, residents can instead opt for an affordable neighborhood membership to cover amenities like snow removal, landscaping, lively community events, and local deals and discounts.
University District Shopping and Dining Options
For residents who love to shop and dine out, the 48221 area Livernois Avenue of Fashion just west of the neighborhood brings plenty of options within easy reach.
The area features plenty of fan favorites.
For vegans, Trap Vegan serves up creative plant-based American classics (don’t forget to try their famous truffle fries), while Noni’s Sherwood Grille has an eclectic menu spanning various cultures in a laid-back, comforting setting.
As for everyday essential shopping, you’re in luck.
University Districts Savon Super Market and Mike’s Fresh Market are both within walking distance of residential areas, and for larger shopping runs, you can always take a quick drive up to big box chain favorites such as Meijer, Marshall’s, and Five Below just a few miles north near Woodward and 8 Mile.
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University District Greenspace and Golfing
University District residents have it good.
With direct access to two of Detroit’s green jewels, boredom is hard to come by here. Palmer Park, just a short walk or car ride away, proudly offers an impressive 296 acres of playgrounds, children’s splash pads, and shaded trails, as well as a wide array of community events such as the annual Harvest Festival featuring hayrides, a much-loved petting zoo, and a farmer’s market.
As for the second jewel, just beyond Palmer Park is the acclaimed Detroit Golf Club, home to two Donald Ross-designed courses and a whole host of premier golf tournaments, including the annual Rocket Mortgage Classic.
Some residents even take advantage of the increase in traffic through the city in the summer months by renting out their homes during golf tournaments, which also allows them to escape the steep influx in visitors to the neighborhood and nearby communities.
Navigating University District with Ease
If travel is a concern of yours, not to worry.
Well maintained sidewalks, wide biker-friendly streets, and plenty of easy access to public transit make navigating University District a stress-free experience.
There are also plenty of buses that run along Livernois, McNichols, and 7 Mile, offering residents quick connections to the rest of the city, while major highways like I-75 and The Lodge are a mere three miles away, far enough to avoid the harsh traffic noise that comes with the hustle and bustle of city life but close enough for effortless commuting.
For many residents, everyday errands and social get-togethers rarely require getting on the freeway at all, since main roads such as Woodward, Livernois, and 8 Mile keeps everything within an arm’s reach.
University District School Options
Residents in University District have a variety of different education options to choose from for their children.
Public school choices include Palmer Park Preparatory Academy, which serves Pre-K through eighth grade (C rated) and Mumford High School, serving grades nine through twelve (C rated) and known for its competitive wrestling program.
As far as private education goes, Gesu Catholic School serves Pre-K through 8th, while the highly-respected University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy—an all-boys college prep school with an A rating and an impressive 39 sports teams—provides an esteemed option for older students.
University District: A Beautiful Neighborhood with Heritage and Heart
Life in University District is not just about the beautiful architecture or central location that draws so many people in.
It’s the neighbors who wave as you walk the trails. It’s the laughter and camaraderie floating from backyard barbecues. It’s the legacy written into every brick, every community gathering.
Here, generation after generation grow and thrive together, traditions continue on, and the spirit of Detroit beats strong, steady, and proud.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Schools
-
Pulaski Elementary-Middle School
Middle • Public
B
8
-
Keidan Special Education School
Pre-K • Public
B
8
-
Ralph J.Bunche Preparatory Academy
Pre-K • Public
C-
5
Transit
Airport
Windsor International
Bus
Mcnichols & Wildemere
Bus
7 Mile & Muirland
Bus
Livernois & Margareta
Bus
Livernois & Santa Maria
Bus
7 Mile & Parkside
Bus
Bus
Crime and Safety
| 1 – Low Crime, 10 – High Crime | University District | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 6 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 5 | 4 |
| Robbery | 5 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
University District Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in University District, Detroit sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in University District, Detroit over the last 12 months is $386,575, up 11% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
| Median Price (12 Mo) | Median Single Family Price | Average Price Per Sq Ft | Number of Homes for Sale |
| $410,000 | $400,000 | $147 | 5 |
| Last 12 months Home Sales | Months of Supply | Median List Price | Median Discount From 1st List Price |
| 47 | 1.30 | $404,950 | 4% |
| Median Home Sale Price YoY Change | |||
| 28% |
Home Facts
| Number of Homes in Neighborhood | Median Year Built |
| 1,197 | 1931 |
| Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft Above the national average | Median Lot Size Sq Ft |
| 3,172 1,937 | 6,969 |
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 |
| 2,913 | 44 | 10 ppl/acre | 21.1% 23.8% |
| Population over 65 On par with the national average | |||
| 24.2% 19.1% |
Finances
| Median Household Income Significantly below the national average | Average Household Income |
| $99,276 $71,702 | $134,133 |
Education and Workforce
| High School Graduates | College Graduates Below the national average | Advanced Degrees Above the national average | % Population in Labor Force |
| 95.5% | 57.7% 34.1% | 33.1% 13.3% | 69% |
Weather
| Annual Precipitation | Average Winter Low Temperature | Average Summer High Temperature | Annual Snowfall |
| 30” | 20°F | 83°F | 38” |
Area Factors
38
/ 100
47
/ 100
41
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
