
Nortown
Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48234
D Neighborhood Grade
5.4 Neighborhood Score
$95,535
Average Value
$72
Average Price per Sq Ft
Affordable Housing and Grassroots Transformation in Detroit’s District 3
Nortown is a peaceful residential neighborhood located in northeast Detroit’s District 3, blending affordable housing with a strong sense of history, resilience, and community.
Known for its welcoming neighbors and grassroots revitalization efforts within Wayne County’s 48234 ZIP code, Nortown is a neighborhood where many families have lived for generations.
Situated near nearby communities like Sherwood, Pershing, and Krainz Woods as well as major throughways like Dequindre Street (west), 8 Mile Road (south), Conant Street (east), and 7 Mile Road (north), Nortown traces its roots back to the early 20th century, with many of its homes developed between the 1930s and 1950s.
This period was known as Detroit’s manufacturing boom.
During this time, Nortown thrived as a working-class enclave tied to the area’s nearby auto industry plants.
Since then, Nortown has managed to retain its charming old-Detroit feel, standing as a tight-knit, resilient, and proud 48234 ZIP code living community backed by community-led efforts such as block clubs, neighborhood watch patrols, monthly clean-up days, and the area’s ongoing cooperation with District 3 police to promote safety and reduce violence.
In Nortown, residents are highly engaged, working together to keep the neighborhood clean, secure, and family-friendly.
Real Estate and Navigation in Nortown
Nortown is centrally located, with Downtown Detroit just 20–25 minutes away by car thanks to I-75.
The area is also well served by the many DDOT bus routes scattered along Conant, Dequindre, and 7 Mile as far as public transportation for residents without a car.
The neighborhood features classic Detroit-style brick bungalows, single-family ranch homes, Cape Cods, and even a few Federal-style homes with common features like solid brick façades, large front porches, bay windows, hardwood flooring, coved ceilings, and spacious Michigan basements.
Lots are modest in size, with detached garages and driveways leading back to fenced-in backyards perfect for gardening and weekend entertaining.
As far as pricing, homes in the Nortown area typically go for between $29,000 and $100,000, with recently remodeled properties garnering prices more in the $103,000 – $170,000 range.
Parks, Green Spaces, and Trails
Nortown residents have a number of great parks and recreation centers just a short drive away, the most frequented being Farwell Field for its colorful children’s playground and sports fields and Heilmann Recreation Center, offering a large indoor swimming pool, fitness area, and youth programs.
Residents are also central to a number of smaller parks, trails, and picnic spots just within walking distance of Nortown’s residential area.
Nearby Dining and Shopping
With its accessible location, walkable streets, and ongoing improvements, Nortown serves as a bustling 48234 ZIP code neighborhood with plenty in the way of dining and shopping.
A few local hotspots central to the neighborhood include:
· Lou’s Deli for mouthwatering hoagies and subs
· House of Corned Beef for a modernized take on classic corned beef
· Motor City Fish & Chicken for soul food and fried favorites
· Bel Air Shopping Center and Van Dyke Avenue for fast food and quick eat take-out spots
· Aldi and Save-A-Lot for affordable groceries
· Multiple Dollar Tree and Family Dollar locations for essentials
· The many Coney Island stops and bakeries along 7 Mile and Conant
With more extensive shopping destinations like Eastland Center and other major big-box retailers just a short drive away.
Schools in the Nortown Area
Families in Nortown are zoned through Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), with Nolan Elementary-Middle School (Niche rating: C-), Brenda Scott Academy (Grades K–8, Niche rating: C-), and Pershing High School (Niche rating: D+) being the top public schools in the area based on enrollment.
As far as extracurriculars, most area youth get involved in sports, STEM-focused programs, after-school tutoring, and visual and performing arts thanks to local community centers and nonprofits.
For residents interested in private, charter, and parochial education paths in the Nortown area, those include:
· St. Jude Catholic School (No Niche rating)
· MacDowell Preparatory Academy (Grades K–8, Niche rating: C)
· Detroit Service-Learning Academy (Grades K–8, Niche rating: C+)
In short, the many great educational institutions in Nortown make it a very appealing area for potential homebuyers with children. Here, parents can rest easy knowing their children’s futures are in good hands.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Transit
Airport
Windsor International
Bus
7 Mile & E Outer Dr
Bus
7 Mile & Sherwood
Bus
E Outer Dr & Bliss
Bus
Van Dyke & Bliss
Bus
7 Mile & Helen
Bus
7 Mile & Filer
Bus
7 Mile & Antwerp
Crime and Safety
| 1 – Low Crime, 10 – High Crime | Nortown | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 10 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 7 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 10 | 4 |
| Robbery | 9 | 4 |
| Burglary | 9 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 4 |
| Larceny | 6 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 8 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Nortown, Detroit sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Nortown, Detroit over the last 12 months is $78,463, down 20% 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 |
| $68,000 | $69,950 | $72 | 4 |
| Last 12 months Home Sales | Months of Supply | Median List Price | Median Discount From 1st List Price |
| 33 | 1.50 | $79,445 | 5% |
| Median Home Sale Price YoY Change | |||
| 7% |
Home Facts
| Number of Homes in Neighborhood | Median Year Built |
| 1,294 | 1941 |
| Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft Below the national average | |
| 4,216 1,937 |
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 under 18 On par with the national average | Population over 65 On par with the national average |
| 3,126 | 37 | 26.6% 23.8% | 17.9% 19.1% |
Finances
| Median Household Income Significantly below the national average | Average Household Income |
| $37,536 $71,702 | $56,954 |
Education and Workforce
| High School Graduates | College Graduates Significantly below the national average | Advanced Degrees On par with the national average | % Population in Labor Force |
| 84.9% | 8.3% 34.1% | 2.4% 13.3% | 56.4% |
Weather
| Annual Precipitation | Average Winter Low Temperature | Average Summer High Temperature | Annual Snowfall |
| 30” | 20°F | 83°F | 38” |












