Mexicantown
Suburban Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48216
A- Neighborhood Grade
7.8 Neighborhood Score
$261,530
Average Value
$159
Average Price per Sq Ft
Detroit’s Cultural Heartbeat in District 6
Set along the Vernor Highway spine and nestled in ZIP code 48216, Mexicantown is more than a neighborhood – it’s a cultural icon.
With a reputation for being one of Detroit’s most beloved and recognizable neighborhoods, Mexicantown is home to murals, tight-knit families, Latin heritage, and a flavorful culinary scene that draws in people from all across the metro area.
Life in 48216: A Tight Market with Deep Roots
Formerly a haven for immigrant workers settling near the Ambassador Bridge, Mexicantown has endured for decades as an honorable residential and commercial community that embraces reinvestment, and the area’s real estate market is reflective of that pride.
Repairable investment properties in Mexicantown go anywhere from $150,000 to $190,000, creating a competitive market for cash buyers and flippers, while well-maintained single-family homes go from $240,000 to $290,000 with original woodwork, porches, and small yards.
The limited inventory means available homes sell quickly – especially if they’re in good condition.
Housing stock includes cozy bungalows, brick colonials, and multi-unit buildings – often owned by generations and passed down through families.
Although more accessible than neighboring Corktown’s housing market, values have been climbing in 48216 partly because of its proximity to the Ambassador Bridge, Ford’s Corktown campus, and public investment in District 6 as a whole.
Food, Family, and the Vernor Highway Pulse
Mexicantown is a Detroit staple backed by authentic food, warm hospitality, and family-run businesses.
El Rey de las Arepas, Taqueria Lupita’s, and Los Galanes are local favorites that feature family recipes for tacos, tamales, and mole.
Xochimilco Restaurant is renowned for their unique blend of Tex-Mex dishes and traditional Mexican cuisine.
And La Gloria Bakery makes pan dulce that locals swear by.
As for the best places to get groceries in Mexicantown, E&L Supermercado, one of the city’s largest Latin grocers, and locally owned Honey Bee La Colmena, are two busy spots bringing fresh produce and specialty items.
As for the weekends in Mexicantown, expect to find live music and vendors, as well as families crowding the sidewalks along Vernor. The occasional community festival is also common, especially on important Latin holidays like Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos.
Arts & Culture in District 6 – Community Spirit and Unity
Street art in Mexicantown tells a story – from Aztec ancestry murals to graffiti tributes of the area’s local leaders.
It’s a neighborhood where cultural preservation and small business growth are central goals, with local community organizations like the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation (MCDC) leading the way when it comes to cultural preservation and growth, as well as the Anne de Detroit Catholic Church and local block clubs, which provide everything from GED classes to food assistance and monthly curbside cleanups.
Transportation, Schools, and Daily Living
Mexicantown is highly connected to the rest of District 6, especially given the presence of the Bagley Pedestrian Bridge, which connects the neighborhood to downtown over I-75, representing the resistance and unity of those who refused to let freeways divide them.
There are also several DDOT bus routes that run along Vernor & Michigan Avenue, making commuting by transit feasible, and recently added bike lanes and crosswalk improvements along Vernor have increased pedestrian safety.
For education, the Mexicantown neighborhood is served by the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD).
Maybury Elementary is a dual-language elementary school in the area, and one of the city’s largest high schools, Western International High School, is also in close proximity, with an acclaimed soccer program and plenty in the way of student activism.
For charter and parochial schools, Cesar Chavez Academy and Holy Redeemer School are both popular options in the 48216 area.
Final Word: Mexicantown, Detroit’s Cultural Anchor
Mexicantown doesn’t merely survive – it thrives.
Amidst a city constantly reinventing itself, this neighborhood is strong in family, culture, and pride, offering a rare balance: affordable homeownership, a walkable neighborhood, and cultural richness that cannot be duplicated.
For those who want more than a house – for those who want belonging and diversity – Mexicantown warmly opens its doors.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Schools
No Schools found.
Transit
Airport
Windsor International
Bus
W Grand Bl & Lafayette
Bus
W Grand Bl & Porter
Bus
W Grand Bl & Shady
Bus
Vernor & 24th
Crime and Safety
| 1 – Low Crime, 10 – High Crime | Mexicantown | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 7 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 6 | 4 |
| Robbery | 7 | 4 |
| Burglary | 5 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Mexicantown Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Mexicantown, Detroit sell after 12 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in Mexicantown, Detroit over the last 12 months is $200,000, down 31% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
| Median List Price | Median Sale Price | Median Single Family Sale Price | Median Change From 1st List Price |
| $225,000 | $200,000 | $200,000 | 11% |
| Last 12 months Home Sales | Median Home Sale Price YoY Change | Average Price Per Sq Ft | |
| 1 | -31% | $159 |
Home Facts
| Number of Homes in Neighborhood | Median Year Built |
| 107 | 1904 |
| Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft Below the national average | Median Lot Size Sq Ft |
| 1,600 1,937 | 2,613 |
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 |
| 625 | 36 | 9 ppl/acre | 24.6% 23.8% |
| Population over 65 On par with the national average | |||
| 12.2% 19.1% |
Finances
| Median Household Income Significantly below the national average | Average Household Income |
| $38,005 $71,702 | $58,618 |
Education and Workforce
| High School Graduates | College Graduates Below the national average | Advanced Degrees | % Population in Labor Force |
| 78.2% 89.1% | 19.7% 34.1% | 13.6% | 56.5% |
Weather
| Annual Precipitation | Average Winter Low Temperature | Average Summer High Temperature | Annual Snowfall |
| 30” | 20°F | 83°F | 38” |
Area Factors
87
/ 100
45
/ 100
77
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
