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Palmer Woods

Palmer Woods

Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan

Wayne County 48203

$641,215 Average Value
$183 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

History and camaraderie converge in iconic Detroit community

Palmer Woods has always been a highly desired neighborhood with well-kept historic homes, a strong community spirit, and a slice of seclusion along the Woodward Corridor. "It really defines Detroit's heyday," says Jay Taylor, founder of Jay Taylor Associates. "The houses tell the story of Detroit's history." While it's always been considered an upscale area, residents mostly appreciate their friendly neighbors and close-knit spirit. Barbara Barefield is a resident of over 37 years and a board member for People for Palmer Park. She speaks highly about the neighborhood's beautiful homes and nature, but says, "The spirit and camaraderie are what is most attractive." The central location and appreciation of home values also attract homebuyers. Boyd White, the pastor of Ark Ministries, says he and his wife chose this neighborhood for both reasons. "It was a good investment. Within three years of us moving in, the neighborhood started to reflect what was happening in other parts of Detroit."

Palmer Woods has always been a highly desired neighborhood with well-kept historic homes.
Palmer Woods has always been a highly desired neighborhood with well-kept historic homes.
Beautiful homes and nature combine in Palmer Woods.
Beautiful homes and nature combine in Palmer Woods.
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Palmer Woods Music in Homes among grassroots community events

The residents of Palmer Woods know how to band together. They work together to restore and protect the historic homes and host community fundraisers. "When you see that there's a need, you can make amazing changes from the grassroots," Barefield says. She and her husband started Palmer Woods Music in Homes, a lively and longstanding community tradition. "The thing about Palmer Woods is that we have a lot of people who are passionate about the community," says White, who is also running for a spot on the school board. "We have a lot of people fighting to make a difference." A few times a year, residents open their doors and transform their living rooms into concert halls. The concert series showcases talented classical musicians in Detroit and raises money for neighborhood improvement and charitable causes. "They always sold out," she says. We could seat anywhere between 90 and 140 people indoors. In warmer weather, we'd set up in people's gardens." There have been over 200 concerts since 2007.

Residents of Palmer Woods work together to restore and protect the historic homes.
Residents of Palmer Woods work together to restore and protect the historic homes.
Palmer Woods residents are passionate about the community and assist the community garden.
Palmer Woods residents are passionate about the community and assist the community garden.
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Luxurious homes on half-acre lots

There are over 300 houses in Palmer Woods – and no two look the same. There’s a mix of Victorian, Tudor, Colonial, Georgian and even Mediterranean homes on half-acre lots. There are over 300 houses in Palmer Woods – and no two look the same. There’s a mix of Victorian, Tudor, Colonial, Georgian and even Mediterranean homes on half-acre lots. Houses were designed by a range of famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Clarence Day and Minoru Yamasaki (who designed the Twin Towers). Home prices range from $350,000 to upwards of $1.5 million depending on their size, location and level of renovation. Inventory is very low, and houses don't stay on the market long. While Palmer Woods has a neighborhood association, there are no monthly dues. Tax money and fundraisers go toward the neighborhood’s upkeep.

Palmer Woods is known for its stock of highly-sought-after Tudor style homes.
Palmer Woods is known for its stock of highly-sought-after Tudor style homes.
Mediterranean homes sit on well-maintained half-acre lots in Palmer Woods.
Mediterranean homes sit on well-maintained half-acre lots in Palmer Woods.
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Palmer Park and Detroit Golf

The historic Palmer Park sits south of this neighborhood and offers 296 acres of recreation. The 2.5-mile walking trail loop is a year-round favorite, providing a green getaway for walkers, runners and bikers at the city's center. There's a playscape and splash pad for kids, a community garden, an apple orchard, picnic spaces and more. The Palmer's log cabin has been in the park since 1855 and is being revamped to its full glory. Along with funding the park's upkeep, People For Palmer Park hosts several events throughout the year, including the Harvest Fest. Hayrides, apple picking and a petting zoo are just a few activities festival-goers can enjoy.Detroit Golf is also nearby and offers two 18-hole courses — designed by Donald Ross — and an exclusive clubhouse.

Palmer Park, next to Palmer Woods, provides a green getaway for walkers, runners, and bikers.
Palmer Park, next to Palmer Woods, provides a green getaway for walkers, runners, and bikers.
The historic Detroit Golf Club, established in 1899, borders the Palmer Woods community.
The historic Detroit Golf Club, established in 1899, borders the Palmer Woods community.
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Palmer Park Academy and Mumford High School

Palmer Park Preparatory Academy serves pre-K through eighth graders and has a C-minus rating on Niche, while Mumford High School has a C and teaches ninth through twelfth graders. Some people opt for private schools, including Charlotte Mason Community School, which has not been rated on Niche and serves pre-k through eighth graders. The University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy is an all-boys option with an A rating and is known for having 39 sports teams.

Palmer Park Preparatory Academy challenges Palmer Park students to excel.
Palmer Park Preparatory Academy challenges Palmer Park students to excel.
Mumford High School earned a
Mumford High School earned a "C" rating in 2024 according to Niche.com.
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Shopping and dining on Woodward and Livernois

Residents can shop on Woodward, the Livernois Avenue of Fashion or 8 Mile. Woodward is the closest option, featuring big box stores like Meijer and Marshalls and chain restaurants like Applebee's. There are also locally owned favorites like La Dolce Vita Detroit, an old-world Italian restaurant that serves up brunch and dinner with a side of live music. There's a more extensive selection of small shops, diners and services on the Livernois Avenue of Fashion. Baker's Keyboard Lounge, an intimate, art-deco-style bar that has been a staple since 1934, is one of the most unique hangouts. The bar offers an eclectic soul food menu, live jazz, and good vibes.

La Dolce Vida in Palmer Woods serves fresh Italian cuisine and has live music on the weekends.
La Dolce Vida in Palmer Woods serves fresh Italian cuisine and has live music on the weekends.
Big box grocers like Meijer are just down the street from Palmer Woods.
Big box grocers like Meijer are just down the street from Palmer Woods.
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How to get around Palmer Woods

With a walkable layout, paved bike lanes and buses running along Woodward, 7 Mile, Livernois and McNichols, residents don't need a car to get around – although most own at least one. And with only a few points of entry, curving streets and established trees stretching high above the narrow roads, there's a serene sense of seclusion despite its central location. "It's far enough away from the hustle and bustle where it's like a getaway, but it's also centrally located," says Taylor. "It's very quiet and secluded."

Kaitlin Davis
Written By
Kaitlin Davis
Gregory Hayes
Photography Contributed By
Gregory Hayes
Bill Jennings
Video By
Bill Jennings

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Vicki Ashton-Hendrixson, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Windsor International

38 min drive

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

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$754,000
Median Single Family Price
$855,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$183
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Months of Supply
10.00
Median List Price
$875,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
284
Median Year Built
1929
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
9,842
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
20,037

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Vicki Ashton-Hendrixson, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
689
Median Age
52
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
31.8%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$138,636
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$164,402

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96%
College Graduates
64.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
44.6%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
30''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
28''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

43 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

24 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

57 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Palmer Woods