
East Canfield
Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48214
C Neighborhood Grade
6.3 Neighborhood Score
$44,402
Average Value
$70
Average Price per Sq Ft
Grit, Grace, and a Riverfront Comeback in District 4’s 48214
Between the West Village glamour and the historic bones of Island view, East Canfield is one of District 4’s most promising under-the-radar neighborhoods.
This east side gem in ZIP code 48214 is just blocks from the Detroit River, minutes from Belle Isle, and within walking distance from the revitalized Jefferson Avenue corridor.
Here, on wide tree-lined blocks and well-landscaped front yards, old Detroit meets new energy in the form of residents restoring homes, planting gardens, and refusing to let the past die out.
East Canfield borders West Village, Pingree Park, East Village and Islandview – neighborhoods that have seen significant investment and home value appreciation.
Yet even with all of these adjacent areas on the rise, East Canfield is still affordable—and residents get a front-row seat to Detroit’s east-side comeback.
A Legacy of Labor and Architecture
Like much of Detroit’s East side, East Canfield was built from the early 1900s through to the 1950s and housed autoworkers, machinists, and steel plant employees (mostly in mid-century apartments).
It was an age when families walked to work and church, and while decades of economic shifts have left their mark on the community in the form of vacant lots, neglected homes, and disinvestment, residents and grassroots groups have refused to let the story die there.
Instead, block clubs, nonprofits, and local faith groups are working hard to restore properties, mentor youth, and rehab abandoned spaces across the 48214 ZIP.
As far as home styles you can expect to find in District 4’s East Canfield, brick and wood-frame bungalows, Colonial Revivals with symmetrical facades and wide porches, Tudors with gabled roofs and storybook flair, and old school duplexes and two-flats with rental potential or multi-generational appeal are the norm here.
Signature features include:
Older hardwood floors, arched doorways, and plaster walls.
Bay windows with decorative wood trim and large porches for gatherings.
Fenced yards, alley-access garages, and a walkable neighborhood layout.
Market Snapshot:
Entry-level homes needing updates go for $35,000 to $80,000 in East Canfield, with well-maintained recently renovated homes near Pingree Park or West Village valued between $100,000 and $120,000.
These prices indicate investors slowly catching on, but the neighborhood still represents a great deal for first-time buyers and community-minded renovators alike.
Outdoor Access and Green Spaces
While it may not have a large park of its own, East Canfield is still surrounded by some of the best in Detroit.
Nearby Parks Include:
Pingree Park, a local gem with sports courts, playgrounds and shaded lawns.
Gabriel Richard Park, bringing riverfront tranquility with bike trails and gardens.
Belle Isle Park just a few minutes away by car with its stunning beaches, woodlands, conservatories and epic city views.
East Canfield’s many tree-lined streets, gardens, and green lots are also great for walking, biking, and community barbecues.
Local Eats & Eastside Flavor
Even though East Canfield itself is largely residential, it’s surrounded by culinary gold, with some nearby dining favorites being:
- Sister Pie: A neighborhood favorite and Detroit icon
- The Marrow, where modern American dining meets ethical butchery.
- Detroit Vegan Soul, Rose’s Fine Food, and dozens of local takeouts & Coney Island spots.
Just five minutes away, residents can also stroll down the Jefferson corridor, West Village, or enjoy a meal at Islandview restaurant.
Daily Needs and Errands
Everyday convenience in East Canfield is solid and improving.
Shopping options include:
Meijer (Harper Ave) and Aldi (Jefferson).
Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, and local corner stores for basics and quick eats.
Boutique retail, pharmacies, and personal services available at West Village and Mack Aves.
With Eastern Market, downtown, and Grosse Pointe just a short drive away making errands manageable without having to stray too far from home.
Education in District 4:
East Canfield students are zoned through the Detroit Public Schools system, which includes the following schools:
Nichols Elementary School (C-)
Southeastern High School (D)
With charter and private options such as:
Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglass Academy
The Detroit Waldorf School (in Indian Village)
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School
Extracurriculars in STEM, arts, and environmental education are also offered at many area schools – often with help from nonprofits, churches, or neighborhood groups.
Transit and Commute
East Canfield has the following transportation perks:
DDOT buses serve Jefferson, Mack, and Van Dyke.
I-94 access is minutes away, putting downtown, Belle Isle, the Dequindre Cut, and most of central Detroit’s major hubs just 10-20 minutes away depending on traffic.
Not only that, but ample cycle routes and close proximity to the Detroit Riverwalk go a long way in encouraging car-free living.
Community Energy and Safety
In East Canfield, safety and stability do not come from institutions – they come from everyday people.
Here, active community building is seen in the block clubs and churches that go out of their way to organize cleanup days, assist garden builds, and support public art projects.
Alliances with District 4 police, nonprofit coalitions, and schools also promote safety and opportunity.
As a result, boarded homes are being rehabbed, murals are replacing tagging, and empty lots are becoming edible gardens and gathering spaces.
Why East Canfield?
East Canfield is among the last affordable, character-rich Detroit neighborhoods built by residents, not outside developers.
Here, the houses still have soul.
The residents still wave to each other.
And with a little vision, sweat equity, and commitment – you can own a piece of East Canfield history, too.
For families, artists, retirees, and pros wanting to plant roots and be part of something meaningful, this 48214 neighborhood has room to breathe and plenty more reasons to stay.
But East Canfield is more than just a neighborhood:
It’s a comeback in progress.
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 | East Canfield | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 9 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 6 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 7 | 4 |
Robbery | 6 | 4 |
Burglary | 5 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 4 |
Larceny | 4 | 4 |
Crime Score | 6 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
East Canfield Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in East Canfield, Detroit sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days.
The average sale price over the last 12 months is $44,402, with modest growth of approximately +3.1% year-over-year.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo) | Median Single Family Price | Average Price Per Sq Ft | Number of Homes for Sale |
$44,402 | ~$44,000 | $70 | 10 |
Median List Price | Median Discount from List Price | Median Home Sale Price YoY % | |
$49,900 | 2% | +3.1% |
Neighborhood Facts
Median Year Built | Median Lot Size |
1930s | 4,000 sq ft |
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 |
10,513 | 38 | 14 ppl/acre | 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 |
$34,807 $71,702 | $64,127 |
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates | College GraduateBelow the national average | Advanced Degrees | % Population in Labor Force Below the national average |
91.2% | 27.5% 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” |