Russell Woods

Russell Woods carries with it over a century of Detroit history, having been platted in the early 1900s. Like the rest of the city, its growth and population have stemmed mainly from the automotive industry over the decades. Its gridded streets were also the setting for various activities during the Civil Rights Movement. Today, it’s home to over 2,600 Michiganders of different ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Large green yards and stately English Tudor, brick Colonial and brick bungalows blanket this neighborhood, one where colorful murals depict everything from family to pride in the community. Nationally recognized artist Fel’le has painted several murals in the community and is always working on some form of artistic expression to beautify the neighborhood. Arts and Crafts-style houses are also spread throughout, adding to the well-preserved historic charm and diverse architectural offerings that provide a unique backdrop. There is a vast range of prices for single-family homes here. A four-bedroom, two-bath, 2,800-square-foot home needing a total renovation can go as low as $4,100, while a wholly remodeled four-bedroom, 1.5-bath, 3,100-square-foot home can go as high as $275,000.

"It's centrally located, close to the suburbs, near downtown Detroit," says Adam Soroka with @Properties Detroit. "There's some retail in the area, and the homes are all nice brick houses in a historic neighborhood. Homeowners definitely gravitate to this area because of the convenience of proximity."

Education remains a top concern for most people looking to move and families moving to Russell Woods have the option of sending their students to some of Niche’s top-ranked schools. Russel Woods is a part of the Detroit Public School District, serving the educational needs of Detroit's diverse and dynamic community. Students begin their academic career at institutions dedicated to kindergarten through 8th grade, such as Durfee Elementary-Middle School. For secondary, students have the option of attending Cass Technical High School, which boasts an above-average Niche score of B-plus, with clubs/activities, sports and teachers earning the highest accolades. Clippert Multicultural Magnet Honors Academy Middle School also received high acclaim from Niche for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum to ramp students up for entry to the city’s elite high schools like Cass Tech.

In a city where the recreation department works hard to maintain and improve neighborhood parks, Russell Woods Park and Zussman Park have benefitted from those upgrades. The three-acre Rusell Woods Park offers beautiful scenery and greenery, along with a basketball court, walking trail and picnic area, while the smaller Zussman Park anchors the community. Zussman has outdoor fitness equipment, several colorful murals, playground equipment and a walking trail. Murals also adorn the park.

One of the highlights of Russell Woods is its culinary scene. Within the neighborhood, you'll find a variety of restaurants that cater to diverse tastes. Two of the more popular eateries are the In Harmony Café’ and Everything Turkey. Customers take to the cozy interior of In Harmony Café to use free Wi-Fi as they snack on breakfast wraps, sandwiches and pastries while sipping a hot cup of joe or trying out the unique, C.O.G. The Cup of Gold is a hot cup of turmeric, cardamon, cinnamon, steamed almond milk and honey. There’s also a garden stage that provides for the perfect summer night ambiance. At Everything Turkey, you can get, well, turkey. Turkey wings, turkey ribs, grilled turkey flats, turkey chops, garlic parmesan turkey chops, barbecue turkey, turkey chili cheese fries, turkey spaghetti and turkey lasagna – are just a few of the turkey offerings. The restaurant also has a list of side dishes, various turkey sandwiches and several types of gravy – just enough to keep diners returning.

For groceries, local market Food Farm carries butchered meats, vegetables and everyday essentials like laundry detergent and cooking oil. A Family Dollar is also in the neighborhood. However, residents looking to go outside the neighborhood for different cuisines, shopping or even a trip to the nearest hospital have convenient access to Detroit’s transit system. There are a number of bus routes that serve the neighborhood, including the 14 Woodward and the 28 Dexter. Residents can make it to nearby Sinai Grace Hospital or anywhere in the city through the neighborhood buses and transit lines that provide efficient routes throughout the area.

During the 50s and 60s, the Russell Woods neighborhood played a pivotal role in the struggle for racial equality, providing the backdrop for organized marches and protests with local and national Civil Rights figures. Residents and businesses hope to attract more people to the area who appreciate the neighborhood’s history and want to help preserve that while helping it to move forward. Several events are held in the neighborhood during the year to commemorate history and to bring the community together for social occasions.

Written By

Kelly Anderson

Photography Contributed By

Eric Lynch

Video By

Matt Pangman