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Palmer Woods
Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48203
A Neighborhood Grade
8.8 Neighborhood Score
$641,215
Average Value
$181
Average Price per Sq Ft
An Upscale District 2 Cultural Icon
Palmer Woods, spanning ZIP codes 48203, is one of Detroit’s most sought-after areas.
With well-maintained homes, plenty of seclusion near the Woodward Corridor, and a vibrant community spirit, it’s easy to see why this historical community is one of the most desired neighborhoods on the market.
The homes in Palmer Woods are not just homes–they’re pieces of Detroit history that each tell their own individual story.
When driving through Palmer Woods, one can feel its lively energy and soul, which can be hard to come by in upscale areas. Not this neighborhood though. Here, you’ll find a perfect balance of friendly, close-knit neighbors, old school camaraderie, and privacy right alongside beautiful homes and scenic views of nature.
The location is central, which is another factor that makes it so appealing to potential homebuyers.
Navigating the 48203 Area
One of the biggest perks of thePalmer Woods neighborhood is its walkable layout, bringing well-kept roads and paved bike lanes.
It’s also right on the local bus route, with buses running along 7 Mile, Livernois, Woodward, and McNichols.
Here, residents don’t necessarily need to own a vehicle in order to get around – they can easily walk or bike to nearby hotspots.
It’s also convenient that there are only a few entry and exit points for Palmer Woods, which offers an added sense of seclusion nestled behind trees and narrow roads.
Community Trust and Grassroots Activism in Palmer Woods
Looking for a community where you can sleep well at night?
Look no further than Palmer Woods.
Here, you’ll find neighbors you can trust, not to mention residents that band together in grassroots activism via community events and fundraisers – such as working together to restore historic homes in the area.
One such organization behind such events is Palmer Woods Music in Homes, which was conceived and produced by long-time neighbors and friends Barbara Barefield and A. Spencer Barefield.
The event is a vibrant and longstanding tradition in Palmer Woods, where residents open their doors and transform their living space into makeshift concert halls. It showcases local talent in the Detroit classical musician scene while also raising money for neighborhood restoration and charity.
In fact, the event is so loved that it’s known to sell out.
Luxurious Palmer Woods Homes on Secluded Lots
Palmer Woods is more than just a neighborhood — it’s a time machine showcasing iconic American residential architecture nestled into Detroit’s north end.
With just over 300 homes in the area, it’s the kind of place where no two houses look alike, yet everyone feels like it has its own rich history associated.
Walk down any block in Palmer Woods and you’ll see a wide array of different house styles, from breathtaking Tudors with steep gables and diamond-pane windows to Mediterranean villas with red tile roofs and arched entryways to classic brick Colonials.
There are even a few Victorians with turrets and wrap-around porches that feel like they’re right out of a storybook.
Another perk is that most of these homes sit on half-acre lots— something hard to come by in any city, let alone one with Palmer Woods’ historic pedigree.
Indeed, these homes are far from everyday offerings.
Quite the contrary, they were handcrafted by some of the most influential architects of the 20th century. Frank Lloyd Wright left his mark all through Palmer Woods, as did Clarence Day and Minoru Yamasaki — yes, the very same Yamasaki who would later go on to design New York’s original Twin Towers.
Prices range from $350,000 for modest homes in need of TLC to well over $1.5 million for a fully restored home.
That is if you can find a home for sale here to begin with.
Inventory in the Palmer Woods neighborhood is notoriously tight.
Houses in this ZIP are so sought after that they rarely hit the market, and when they do, they tend to get plucked up practically overnight.
It’s not just the architecture, seclusion, and vibrant walkable community that keeps demand in Palmer Woods high – it’s the sense of living somewhere with soul.
Looking for a neighborhood where you won’t be lorded over by a strict HOA or hefty monthly dues? Palmer Woods is for you. Despite its opulence, neighborhood association here is completely voluntary, with the majority of maintenance funded through local taxes and annual fundraisers – think garden parties and holiday home tours that feel straight out of the Great Gatsby.
There’s a reason Tudor homes in Palmer Woods are particularly prized: they perfectly capture the spirit of the neighborhood — charming, romantic, and above all else…built to last. And then there are the Mediterranean-style homes that almost seem to sparkle, with stucco facades and lush courtyards that make you forget Michigan winter is even a thing.
Indeed – Palmer Woods is less a neighborhood and more a living love letter to history, stunning architectural design, and the idea that where we live should inspire us.
The Historic Palmer Park and Detroit Golf Scene
Just south of Palmer Woods is one of Detroit’s true gems: Palmer Park — nearly 300 acres of woodland, meadows, and history tucked right into the city’s core.
For Palmer Woods residents, it’s not just a park — it’s a sanctuary that can be enjoyed regardless of the season and weather.
Here, you’ll find 2.5-mile walking trail loops that curve through towering trees and quiet clearings, a favorite haunt for joggers, cyclists, and stroller-pushing mothers and fathers alike looking for a breath of fresh air without ever having to leave the city.
In the warmer months, Children dash through the colorful playscape and splash pad, while adults tend to community garden plots or pick apples from the blooming orchard in the cooler fall months. It’s the kind of gathering place where you’ll see a neighbor walking a dog and then a full drum circle jamming out not far up the path.
Then there’s the Palmer Log Cabin — a rugged little time capsule straight from 1855 that looks like it was transplanted out of a frontier novel of old western.
Though the Palmer Log Cabin has been closed for years, there are extensive efforts underway to restore it to its former glory, part of a wider revival fueled by the organization People for Palmer Park, a grassroots group known for breathing new life into old spaces that need restoration.
Events like Harvest Fest transform the park into a full-blown autumn fairytale with hayrides, apple cider, petting zoos, and enough pumpkins to make Linus from Charlie Brown and Friends weep.
And if all that isn’t enough, just across the way is the esteemed Detroit Golf Club, a true emblem of old-school elegance.
Founded in 1899 and home to not one but two Donald Ross-designed 18-hole courses, Detroit Golf Club remains a favorite haunt for locals and out-of-town weekend warriors alike. Its clubhouse — all dark wood and chandeliers with touches of Prohibition-era glamour — add yet another layer of timeless charm to this already iconic area.
Palmer Park isn’t just greenspace.
It’s living history, a shared backyard for Palmer Woods residents, and the heartbeat of the community that surrounds it.
Palmer Woods Schooling
Good schooling in the area is obviously an important factor for any potential homebuyer.
While not a top-ranked school, Palmer Park Preparatory Academy (serving grades pre-K through eighth grade) currently holds a C-minus rating on Niche and has a reputation for its small class sizes and committed faculty that are dedicated to helping the student body thrive, overcoming academic challenges, and prepare for higher education.
There is also Mumford High School in the area, which also holds a C rating and is known for its acclaimed sports programs, newer buildings, and its expansive arts curriculum.
If that doesn’t suit your needs, some parents in Palmer Woods go the private or alternative education route. One such school in the area is Charlotte Mason Community School, (currently unrated on Niche), which takes a nature-based, more hands-on approach and serves grades pre-K through eighth grade.
For high school boys, there’s University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, which comes with an A rating, a long legacy of academic excellence, and 39 esteemed sports teams, blending discipline with opportunity.
Palmer Woods Shopping and Dining on Woodward and Livernois
Residents in Palmer Woods have no shortage of dining and shopping destinations to choose from in the 48203 ZIP, the bulk of which can be found on Woodward, 8 Mile, or the iconic Livernois Avenue of Fashion.
Here you’ll find popular shopping locations such as Meijer, Target, Kroger, Aldi, and HomeGoods as well as chain restaurants and much-loved local favorites like La Dolce Vita Detroit, an old-world Italian gem serving brunch and dinner on a lush patio accompanied by live jazz or soulful acoustic sets.
There’s also Kitchen by Cooking with Que on Woodward – known for its homemade modern offerings blending vegan and comfort food with immense flavor.
Over on Livernois, Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles is a popular spot that draws in a loyal crowd for its hearty brunches, while Petty Cash offers a stylish, contemporary vibe with its Southern-fusion menu, lively dining scene, and art-covered walls.
Looking for history?
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, also on Livernois, is an intimate dining destination with an art-deco-style bar that has been a staple since its opening in 1934. One of the most unique hangouts in the area, the bar offers an eclectic soul food menu, live jazz, and an endless amount of good vibes.
From boutique shopping to big box stores to hidden culinary gems, Palmer Woods has something for everyone. Here, you can be just close enough to the action — without ever feeling too far from home.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Schools
No Schools found.
Transit
Airport
Windsor International
Bus
7 Mile & Gloucester
Bus
7 Mile & Pontchartrain
Bus
7 Mile & Burlington
Bus
7 Mile & Strathcona
Bus
7 Mile & Lincolnshire
Crime and Safety
| 1 – Low Crime, 10 – High Crime | Palmer Woods | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 7 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 6 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 6 | 4 |
| Robbery | 6 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 3 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Palmer Woods Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Palmer Woods, Detroit sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Palmer Woods, Detroit over the last 12 months is $745,500, down 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
| Median Price (12 Mo) | Median Sale Price | Median Single Family Sale Price | Median Change From 1st List Price |
| $875,000 | $754,000 | $855,000 | 6% |
| Last 12 months Home Sales | Months of Supply | Average Price Per Sq Ft | |
| 6 | 3% | $181 |
Home Facts
| Number of Homes in Neighborhood | Number of Homes for Sale |
| 284 | 5 |
| Median Year Built | Months of Supply |
| 1929 | 10.00 |
| Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft Above the national average | Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft |
| 9,842 1,938 | 18,295 |
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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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 |
| 689 | 52 | 4 ppl/acre | 18.6% 23.8% |
| Population over 65 On par with the national average | |||
| 31.8% 19.1% |
Finances
| Median Household Income Significantly below the national average | Average Household Income |
| $138,636 $71,702 | $164,402 |
Education and Workforce
| High School Graduates | College Graduates Below the national average | Advanced Degrees Below the national average | % Population in Labor Force |
| 96% | 64.4% 34.1% | 44.6% 13.3% | 56.9% |
Weather
| Annual Precipitation | Average Winter Low Temperature | Average Summer High Temperature | Annual Snowfall |
| 30” | 20°F | 83°F | 38” |
