South of Six: Northwest Detroit’s Heartbeat

McNichols Road (Six Mile) staple, South of Six, is one of Detroit’s most grounded neighborhoods thanks to its rich history of being a place of prosperity for mid-century factory workers, educators, and returning WWII veterans.

Located in District 1’s 48235 ZIP code, South of Six is a community-driven northwest Detroit neighborhood that manages to strike the perfect balance between residential peace and quiet and big city convenience.

It’s the kind of place where block clubs host lively events, neighbors still look out for each other, and gospel music is often heard drifting out of open windows. 

As for its history, South of Six came about in the 1940s through to the 1950s during Detroit’s population boom, which is obvious when you take in the architecture here.

Think affordable but attractive ranch-style homes, Cape Cods, and solid brick bungalows that often still have many of their original detailing, withstanding the test of time.

These homes quickly became filled with working and middle-class families seeking stability: hardworking, proud people that would go on to put down deep roots in the South of Six area, handing down their homes through the generations.  

Here you’ll find a mix of newcomers, second- to third-generation residents, wise elders who still remember the area’s golden age, and young families on the come up – living proof that South of Six is a neighborhood that honors its history just as much as its revival.

Culture, Family, and Fellowship

Faith is one of the core pillars of South of Six’s cultural identity.

Look no further than Greater Grace Temple, one of Detroit’s largest and most gregarious congregations.

Best known for its massive campus on Seven Mile that often hosts events like college fairs, food drives, and benefit concerts, Greater Grace Temple isn’t just a place of worship – it’s an active South of Six community hub.

Looking for a more laid-back church experience?

The many smaller churches around the neighborhood have you covered, each with its own unique offering of outreach programs and community services.

Not only that, but the many block clubs around South of Six also do their part in giving back by organizing cleanups, hosting summer block parties, and holding school supply drives so that neighborhood youth never have to go without what they need to carve out a successful future for themselves. 

Local Eats and Recreation

South of Six residents are right within reach of some of Detroit’s best-loved dining and recreation destinations. 

A few area favorites include:

• Livernois’ bustling “Avenue of Fashion”
• Good Cakes and Bakes for delicious baked goods
• Table No. 2 for an upscale dining experience
• Palmer Park for outdoor fun and gorgeous wildlife
• And last but certainly not least, the legendary Baker’s Keyboard Lounge for jazz and networking 

As for daily essentials, there are a number of smaller neighborhood grocers, beauty supply stores, barbers, and old-school carryout spots that stay open late enough to satisfy those late-night munchies.

In short: there really is something for everyone here. 

South of Six: A Model of Detroit’s Resilient Spirit

While South of Six has certainly faced its fair share of challenges like aging infrastructure, vacancy, and lack of city resources, perhaps one of its greatest assets is its devoted residents who never lost hope. 

Pay the area a visit on a lazy Sunday and you’ll see it for yourself: homeowners who still shovel each other’s driveways, elders that watch over and educate the younger generation, community-led renewal making up for the slack of city officials. 

With stats like that, it’s no wonder South of Six is considered one of Northwest Detroit’s hidden gems.