
McDowell
Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48221
F Neighborhood Grade
4.2 Neighborhood Score
$128,365
Average Value
$103
Average Price per Sq Ft
Under the Radar Living in Detroitโs 48221 Zip Code
McDowell is a northwest side Detroit suburb with a reputation for being peaceful and community-oriented.
With its central location providing easy access to nearby suburbs like Ferndale and Oak Park as well as plenty of Detroit city conveniences, the area brings an understated charm that appeals to prospective buyers seeking a blend of urban living and suburban seclusion.
McDowell is located in Wayne Countyโs District 2 and falls entirely within ZIP code 48221, putting it close to major throughways like Livernois Avenue, 6 Mile Road (also known as McNichols), and a number of bordering communities like Sherwood Forest, Pembrook, and Green Acres.
First developed in the 1940s to the 1960s during Detroitโs suburban expansion as a community to house middle-class families, McDowell has since gained a reputation for its quiet tree-lined streets as well as its loyal residents, many of whom have called the community home for generations.
McDowell Area Real Estate Overview
McDowell is a living community characterized by its brick, Cape Cod, Colonial Revival, and mid-century style homes on modest-sized lots.
Signature architectural highlights include:
ยท Original hardwood floors
ยท Sturdy brick faรงades
ยท Coved ceilings
ยท Bay windows
ยท Detached garages
ยท And fenced-in backyards
As for pricing, homes in the area typically range between as low as $20,000 for properties in need of major TLC, while well-maintained and recently renovated homes can fly off the market for as much as $150,000.
Parks, Recreation, Dining, and More
McDowell residents are well-served by a number of great parks, shopping, and dining locations in the nearby area.Palmer Park, one of Detroitโs most high-traffic green spaces, is just a short drive away, featuring everything from a golf course to tennis courts, nature trails, dog walking paths, and a healthy seasonal event calendar. Thereโs also Zussman Park, Peterson Park, and a scattering of smaller parks, playgrounds, and walking paths throughout the 48221 ZIP and neighboring communities.
For dinner, simply head over to Detroitโs Livernois Avenue, home of the busy Avenue of Fashion, or McNichols Road Corridor for area favorites like:
- Petty Cash for cocktails and comfort food
- Table No. 2 for fine dining in a laid-back lounge setting
- Starterโs Bar & Grill and Good Times on the Ave for casual eats
- Bucharest Grill for shawarma and sandwiches
- Brunch staple Kuzzoโs Chicken & Waffles
Additional eatery options include a variety of bakeries, fast food, coffee shops, and carryout shops along Livernois and 6 Mile.As for all your shopping needs, Fresh Value Market (7 Mile), Meijer (8 Mile), and Aldi (Greenfield Rd) lead the way for groceries, with Livernois Avenue bringing much in the way of smaller corner stores, local businesses, boutiques, barber shops, and nail salons.You can also hop in the car and be at a major shopping district like Fairlane Town Center or the Oakland Mall within 20 minutes.
Area Schools Serving District 2โs McDowell Neighborhood
McDowell residents with children in the 48221 area have access to a range of schools. Some of the top options include:
ยท Pasteur Elementary School (C rated)
ยท Bagley Elementary School of Journalism and Technology (C+ rated)
ยท Mumford High School (C-)
While top Charter and Alternative Schools in the area are:
ยท Cornerstone Health + Technology High School
ยท University YES Academy
ยท Detroit Enterprise Academy
As far as extracurriculars, area youth can get involved in sports like football, track, soccer, and basketball, as well as creative / arts-based programs such as theater, band, and choir.
STEM and robotics clubs, as well as after-school tutoring and mentorship supported by local churches and nonprofits.
Lifestyle, Safety, and Culture
McDowell is a living community that attracts everything from retirees to families and business professionals thanks to its strong focus on safety and community restoration in the form of monthly clean-up days and active neighborhood watch programs.
Here, residents can sleep easy knowing they live in a stable, peaceful living environment just a short drive from area attractions such as Downtown Detroit, Palmer Park, and the Avenue of Fashion.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Schools
No Schools found.
Transit
Airport
Windsor International
Bus
Wyoming & W Outer Dr
Bus
7 Mile & Birwood
Bus
7 Mile & Pinehurst
Bus
7 Mile & Wyoming
Bus
Wyoming & St Martins
Bus
7 Mile & Ilene
Crime and Safety
| 1 – Low Crime, 10 – High Crime | McDowell | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 9 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 6 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 7 | 4 |
| Robbery | 7 | 4 |
| Burglary | 6 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 4 |
| Larceny | 5 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 6 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
McDowell Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in McDowell, Detroit sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in McDowell, Detroit over the last 12 months is $163,275, up 54% 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 |
| $152,500 | $146,000 | $103 | 6 |
| Last 12 months Home Sales | Months of Supply | Median List Price | Median Discount From 1st List Price |
| 16 | 4.50 | $153,500 | 0% |
| Median Home Sale Price YoY Change | |||
| 53% |
Home Facts
| Number of Homes in Neighborhood | Median Year Built |
| 844 | 1946 |
| Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft Above the national average | Median Lot Size Sq Ft |
| 1,231 1,936 | 4,791 |
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 |
| 2,002 | 40 | 10 ppl/acre | 24.6% 23.8% |
| Population over 65 On par with the national average | |||
| 20% 19.1% |
Finances
| Median Household Income Significantly below the national average | Average Household Income |
| $49,608 $71,702 | $61,410 |
Education and Workforce
| High School Graduates | College Graduates Below the national average | Advanced Degrees | % Population in Labor Force Below the national average |
| 84.9% | 21% 34.1% | 8% | 55.8% 65.1% |
Weather
| Annual Precipitation | Average Winter Low Temperature | Average Summer High Temperature | Annual Snowfall |
| 30” | 20ยฐF | 83ยฐF | 38” |


