
Jefferson Chalmers
Suburban Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48215
F Neighborhood Grade
4.4 Neighborhood Score
$149,022
Average Value
$119
Average Price per Sq Ft
Distinctive Lifestyles, Historic Charm, and Waterfront Living in Wayne Countyโs 48215 ZIP Code
Jefferson Chalmers is a Detroit District 4 gem, bringing historic charm, waterfront beauty, and grassroots revival to one of the city’s most scenic east-side settings.
A 48215 ZIP code staple, the Jefferson Chalmers area around the Detroit River is defined by its unique canal system, early 20th-century architecture, and its anchor to the rest of Detroit, with Jefferson Avenue to the north, Alter Road and the Grosse Pointe Park to the east, and Clairpointe Street to the west, giving the area a reputation as “Detroit’s Venice.”
That said, Jefferson Chalmers is much more than just a picture-perfect waterfront district.
This is a neighborhood whose history includes boom, decline, and resurgence โ where old storefronts meet new businesses, where residents rebuild homes with sweat equity, and boats cruise canals that once represented the city’s golden age.
An Energetic Neighborhood with Deep Roots & Fresh Energy
Jefferson Chalmers got its start in the early 1900s during the start of Detroitโs industrial boom.
It was a time when professionals, factory workers, and boating enthusiasts flocked to the middle-class haven for its busy commercial corridor, pretty homes, and direct water access.
However, in the latter half of the 20th century, as Detroit endured economic decline, Jefferson Chalmers faced many of the same problems โ vacancy, disinvestment, and an ageing infrastructure.
It was only in the last decade that it became known as one of the city’s most inspiring comeback stories, fueled by active residents, nonprofits like Jefferson East Inc., and city partnerships for housing, storefront, and park revitalization.
Architecture with Elegance on the Water
Jefferson Chalmers’ housing stock is among Detroit’s finest:
ยท Tudors with steep roofs and decorative stonework.
ยท Colonial Revivals with symmetrical facades & columned porches.
ยท Cape Cods & Craftsman bungalows.
ยท Duplexes and multi-family homes.
ยท Canal-front homes with private docks and river views.
With key elements like original hardwood floors, leaded-glass windows, arched doorways, and stunning woodwork.
Prices in Jefferson Chalmers range from $75,000 for fixer-uppers and smaller homes to $750,000 for restored and waterfront homes โ a direct reflection of the neighborhood’s growing appeal.
District 4 Life in Nature, Parks, and Canals
Outdoor life in Jefferson Chalmers is unmatched.
Here, residents enjoy close access to parks like Alfred Brush Ford Park for playgrounds, fishing piers, and river views, and Maheras Gentry Park for sports fields, picnic areas, and direct river access.
Jefferson Chalmers also has a historic canal system, with kayaking, canoeing, and gorgeous water views right in residentsโ backyards.
For more extensive outdoor recreation, the 48215 ZIP code’s Mariners’ marina district has sailing, fishing, and youth programs.
Food & Drink with Local Flavor
Jefferson Chalmers has laid-back casual eateries and creative upstarts for dining, with a few area favorites being:
Coriander Kitchen and Farm, a canal-side farm-to-table hot spot.
Norma G’s Caribbean for flavorful Caribbean favorites.
Rose’s Fine Food and Wine for a creative twist on modern diner food.
As well as Detroit Shrimp and Fish, Coney Islands, pizzerias, and more along Jefferson Avenue, with nearby Grosse Pointe Park putting residents in close proximity to a wide variety of fine dining restaurants, cafes, and wine bars
Shopping, Services, and Essentials
For everyday needs, Jefferson Chalmers locals turn to:
ยท Aldi (on Jefferson Avenue)
ยท Family Dollar and Dollar Tree
ยท Various local shops
ยท Jefferson Avenue’s commercial strip
With nearby Grosse Pointe Park & Harper Woods available for even more grocery, pharmacy & boutique shopping destinations.
Schools and Youth Opportunities
Jefferson Chalmers is served by the Detroit Public Schools Community District, which includes the following area schools:
Nichols Elementary-Middle School (C- on Niche)
Southeastern High School (D+ on Niche)
As for charter, private, and alternative options, those schools include:
Detroit Edison Public School Academy/DEPSA
Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglass Academy
St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic School
Detroit Waldorf School
Youth programs are another big neighborhood draw, with everything from sailing, fishing, environmental education, sports leagues, robotics and arts available for 48215 area youth looking to get involved in extracurriculars
Getting Around
Jefferson Chalmers offers:
DDOT bus routes along Jefferson Avenue and Alter Road.
I-94 access, putting downtown Detroit just a short 15-20-minute drive away.
Bikeable routes along the waterfront & Riverwalk expansions in the works.
Jefferson Chalmers: A Growing Neighborhood
Jefferson Chalmers is a prime example of community-led revitalization gone right.
Itโs a neighborhood where block clubs, neighborhood associations, and nonprofits like Jefferson East Inc. work together to:
ยท Restore historic storefronts
ยท Stabilize housing
ยท Improve public safety
ยท Support area youth via outreach & mentorship programs
With regular clean-ups, home rehab projects, and neighborhood festivals, this is a one 48215 ZIP code living community where the future looks promising.
What Makes Jefferson Chalmers a Detroit Crown Jewel
Whether youโre a family wanting beautiful scenery in a safe, walkable area with good schools, a local artist seeking inspiration, a retiree wanting peace by the water, or a young professional wanting a neighborhood with upward momentum โ Jefferson Chalmers in 48215 has it all.
Itโs a neighborhood where canals weave alongside historic homes, nature and beautiful mid-century architecture intersect, and community determination creates a better environment for everyone.
Simply put, Jefferson Chalmers is one of Detroit’s best District 4 neighborhoods โ and one of its brightest hopes.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Schools
-
Davis Aerospace Technical High School
High โข Public
C+
6
-
Carstens Academy of Aquatic Science
Middle โข Public
C-
4
Transit
Airport
Windsor International
Bus
Freud & Kitchener
Bus
Lakewood & Essex
Bus
Lenox & Essex
Bus
Korte & Newport
Bus
Lakewood & Avondale
Bus
Lakewood & Jefferson
Bus
Freud & Dickerson
Crime and Safety
| 1 – Low Crime, 10 – High Crime | Jefferson Chalmers | 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
Jefferson Chalmers Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Jefferson Chalmers, Detroit sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Jefferson Chalmers, Detroit over the last 12 months is $184,141, down 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
| Median Price (12 Mo) | Median Single Family Price | Median Townhouse Price | Average Price Per Sq Ft |
| $199,450 | $177,500 | $240,000 | $118 |
| Number of Homes for Sale | Last 12 months Home Sales | Months of Supply | Median List Price |
| 30 | 58 | 6.20 | $205,000 |
| Median Discount From 1st List Price | Median Home Sale Price YoY Change | ||
| 2% | 4% |
Neighborhood Facts
| Number of Homes in Neighborhood | Median Year Built |
| 1,816 | 1924 |
| Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft Below the national average | Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft |
| 1,880 1,937 | 1,598 |
| Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft | Median Lot Size Sq Ft |
| 1,163 | 5,662 |
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 |
| 5,797 | 43 | 7 ppl/acre | 22.6% 23.8% |
| Population over 65 On par with the national average | |||
| 23.9% 19.1% |
Finances
| Median Household Income Significantly below the national average | Average Household Income |
| $50,350 $71,702 | $75,513 |
Education and Workforce
| High School Graduates | College Graduates Below the national average | Advanced Degrees | % Population in Labor Force Below the national average |
| 83.3% | 23.5% 34.1% | 13.4% | 50.3% 65.1% |
Weather
| Annual Precipitation | Average Winter Low Temperature | Average Summer High Temperature | Annual Snowfall |
| 30” | 20ยฐF | 83ยฐF | 38” |























