
Riverbend
Suburban Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48215
C- Neighborhood Grade
5.9 Neighborhood Score
$93,230
Average Value
$96
Average Price per Sq Ft
Riverfront Serenity Alongside Urban Conveniences in Wayne Countyโs 48215 ZIP Code
Riverbend is among Detroit’s most peaceful neighborhoods โ a pocket of quiet at the city’s eastern edge where urban life hums along the river.
Tucked into District 4 and anchored by ZIP code 48215, this waterfront neighborhood borders East Jefferson Avenue to the north, Alter Road, and the Grosse Pointe Park border to the east, with the Detroit River to the south and Conner Avenue to the west.
However, what makes Riverbend unique is not its geography โ itโs its identity: how its tree-lined streets drop down toward the marina, how sunlight dances on the water, and above all else, how its residents have weathered Detroit’s booms and busts without ever losing touch with their deep connection to their shoreline community.
A Quiet Way of Life Near the Water
Riverbend is a waterside neighborhood that first developed in the early to mid-20th century during Detroit’s development of the suburbs to provide working- and middle-class families with homes near shipping lanes, auto plants, and factories.
Its location along the Detroit River and close to nearby suburbs like Jefferson-Chalmers and Fox Creek attracted boating enthusiasts, anglers, and families looking for an affordable, laid-back waterfront lifestyle.
Though the neighborhood has seen its fair share of disinvestment and economic shifts over the last few decades, it has also seen resilience and grassroots renewal thanks to community groups, devoted residents, and a number of local nonprofits working hard to protect the area’s natural assets and restore its housing stock.
From Bungalows to Waterfront Gems: A Journey Through District 4 Homes and Architecture
The housing stock in Riverbend includes:
ยท Brick bungalows and Cape Cods
ยท Mid-century ranch homes
ยท Colonial Revivals with stately facades
ยท Canal-front and riverfront homes with docks
With key elements such as:
bay windows
coved ceilings
original plaster walls and hardwood flooring
Prices start at $45,000 for a fixer-upper bungalow and can go as high as $200,000 for a fully restored colonial.
Parks, Marinas, and Outdoor Life
One of the best gifts Riverbend has to offer residents is its scenic location by the water.
Here, locals get to enjoy:
Alfred Brush Ford Park for its riverfront views, picnic areas, playgrounds, and fishing piers.
Mariner Park & Marina for its sailing, boating, and waterfront recreation.
Chandler Park for its aquatic center, well-maintained golf course, sports fields, and walking trails.
Detroitโs beloved Belle Isle Park is also just a short drive from Riverbend, with the neighborhood bringing plenty of sidewalk-lined streets, bike paths, riverwalk extensions, and smaller nature trails for residents wanting a more laid-back outdoor experience.
Dining and Culinary Landscape
Food in Riverbend has local charm:
ยท Coriander Kitchen & Farm brings Canalside dining and a menu of locally sourced dishes.
ยท Norma G’s Caribbean is treasured for its bold, island-inspired flavors.
ยท Rose’s Fine Food & Wine a modern diner that has become a Detroit culinary landmark.
With plenty of pizza joints, Chinese takeout spots, Coney Islands, and family-owned restaurants lining Jefferson Avenue, as well as upscale restaurants and cafes at nearby Grosse Pointe Park.
Daily Living in Riverbend: Shopping & Errands
And for everyday needs, Riverbend residents rely on:
- Aldi (located on Jefferson Avenue)
- Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, and small local convenience stores.
- Jefferson Avenue shopping plazas
With close access to Grosse Pointe Park and Harper Woods providing boutique, local, and pharmacy shopping.
Education and Youth Programs
Riverbend is served by the Detroit Public Schools Community District, which includes:
Nichols Elementary School (C-)
Southeastern High School (D)
As for charter, private, and alternative options, those include:
Detroit Edison Public School Academy (DEPSA)
Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglass Academy
Saint Clare of Montefalco Catholic School (Grosse Pointe Park)
Detroit Waldorf School (Indian Village)
As for extracurriculars, youth programming in the Riverbend area draws from nearby water activities, like sailing and environmental education at local marinas, as well as school-based sports, arts, STEM, and robotics clubs.
Connectivity and Transportation
Riverbend offers:
Bus service along Jefferson Avenue and Alter Road (DDOT).
Car access to I-94, downtown Detroit, which is just a short 15-20-minute drive away.
Cyclable routes and Riverwalk extensions for improving pedestrian and cycling access.
Community Spirit and Safety Efforts go Hand in Hand
Resilience is what defines Riverbend.
Neighborhood strength shines in the form of:
- Active block clubs and waterfront preservation groups.
- Environmental clean-ups, canal restoration, and home rehabilitation programs.
- Police, nonprofits, and environmental advocates in partnership with District 4 promoting public safety.
In Riverbend, residents aren’t just fixing up homes โ they’re restoring a way of life connected to water, nature, and community connection.
Here, families hang out by the marina, retirees tend to river-facing backyard gardens, young professionals bike to waterfront cafes, and community elders oversee block improvement projects.
For those looking to escape the buzz without leaving the city, or to invest in a neighborhood with roots and renewal momentum, Riverbend in the 48215 ZIP code is one of Detroit’s underrated gems.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Schools
No Schools found.
Transit
Airport
Windsor International
Bus
Jefferson & Manistique
Bus
Mack & Lakeview
Bus
Conner & Kercheval
Bus
Jefferson & Eastlawn
Bus
Chalmers & Jefferson
Bus
Jefferson & Dickerson
Bus
Conner & Jefferson
Crime and Safety
| 1 – Low Crime, 10 – High Crime | Riverbend | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 10 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 7 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 9 | 4 |
| Robbery | 9 | 4 |
| Burglary | 7 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 4 |
| Larceny | 5 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 7 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Riverbend, Detroit sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Riverbend, Detroit over the last 12 months is $73,772, down 5% 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 |
| $62,000 | $85,750 | $96 | 7 |
| Last 12 months Home Sales | Months of Supply | Median List Price | Median Discount From 1st List Price |
| 11 | 7.60 | $85,000 | 1% |
| Median Home Sale Price YoY Change | |||
| 13% |
Home Facts
| Number of Homes in Neighborhood | Median Year Built |
| 1,044 | 1922 |
| Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft Below the national average | Median Lot Size Sq Ft |
| 2,393 1,937 | 3,049 |
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 |
| 3,683 | 39 | 6 ppl/acre | 26.4% 23.8% |
| Population over 65 On par with the national average | |||
| 16.9% 19.1% |
Finances
| Median Household Income Significantly below the national average | Average Household Income |
| $19,999 $71,702 | $29,666 |
Education and Workforce
| High School Graduates | College Graduates Below the national average | Advanced Degrees | % Population in Labor Force Below the national average |
| 77.5% | 10.7% 34.1% | 3.3% | 38.5% 65.1% |
Weather
| Annual Precipitation | Average Winter Low Temperature | Average Summer High Temperature | Annual Snowfall |
| 30” | 20ยฐF | 83ยฐF | 38” |















