Inclusive, forward-thinking city 11 miles north of Detroit
Bordering the northern reaches of Detroit, Ferndale is a progressive city with a population of about 19,000 residents. Longstanding establishments and preserved older homes give this Oakland County city a nostalgic feel, with a downtown district packed with a diverse selection of businesses. Home to the largest free Pride Festival in the state, Ferndale attracts buyers with its open, lively ambiance.
“One of the blessings you have in a city like Ferndale is people who embrace individuality and diversity,” says Keith Weber, Realtor at Re/Max First Royal Oak and 35-year Ferndale resident. “It looks a lot like the country does.”
As stated within Ferndale’s master plan, the city’s guiding principles of inclusivity and sustainability set its path into the future. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments predicts continued population growth, estimating an increase of 8.4% by 2030. At the same time, the city has set an environmental vision, aiming to decrease its emissions by 63% by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050, following a climate action plan to combat global warming.
Everyone is welcome with open arms at Ferndale Pride.
Colorful crosswalks keep pedestrians happy and safe in Ferndale, MI.
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Downtown Ferndale is filled with local flavor
Ferndale is known for its downtown, home to rainbow-colored crosswalks, murals, and various storefronts. The intersection of Nine Mile Road and Woodward Avenue creates the heart of downtown and the center of Ferndale. Locals can shop for bikes or plants at specialty stores, hit the bars or dine in at one of the all-American restaurants. “People love to vibe because Ferndale has a really exciting nightlife,” says Melissa Morabito, Realtor with Re/Max First. “When we lived there, we could go to a new place almost every night and never run out of options.” Big box stores sit at the intersection of Woodward and Eight Mile Road for centralized errands. The Ferndale Farmers Market runs from May through September.
You will find colorful modern art wall murals throughout the Downtown Ferndale area.
The original Downtown Ferndale sign still stands on Woodward Avenue and 9 Mile Road.
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Several parks throughout Ferndale
There are several parks and athletic facilities evenly dispersed throughout the city. Garbutt Park is located right off Eight Mile Road and a skatepark, while the walking path at Harding Park is popular year-round. When it snows, the hill at Martin Road Park behind Webb Elementary is filled with sledders and tubers.
Ferndale's David Oppenheim Park offers outdoor recreation and nature preservation.
Dog Park rules in Ferndale, MI keep dogs and their owners in line.
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Homes selling for under Oakland County’s average
Home styles range from Tudor Revivals to bungalows, mostly built between the 1920s and the 1940s. At an average of 26 days, homes in Ferndale sell faster than the national average of 45 days. The median sale price is about $250,000, far cheaper than in nearby cities such as Royal Oak and Berkley. “We’re around some very expensive real estate,” Weber says. “If you drive up Woodward from Nine Mile, it goes through the very wealth of [metro] Detroit. We’re like the jumping point for that stretch.” In a recent Community Summit, locals have expressed their desire for housing to remain affordable, ranking it as the highest priority in development.
Colonial-style Tudor, Queen Anne, and Bungalow are some of the many home styles in Ferndale.
Many vintage craftsman-style bungalow homes are in Ferndale.
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Pride, muscle cars and art fairs
Residents can attend several local events or head into Detroit for more entertainment. Ferndale hosts the largest free LGBTQ+ pride festival in the state of Michigan. The Woodward Dream Cruise is an annual car parade celebrating the spirit of Motor City. “It’s a weekend of fun,” Morabito says. “People park their cars, and they show off their hot rides up and down Woodward and different businesses will have big parties and giveaways.” The city also hosts various art fairs, a DIY festival and more.
Spend the day shopping and exploring the vendors at Ferndale Pride.
Hit the red carpet and grab a photo at Ferndale Pride.
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Getting around by car, bus or bike
A small industrial sector in Ferndale’s southeast corner provides some jobs, but most workers commute to nearby cities such as Detroit and Southfield for work. Interstate 75, which runs north and south, intersects with Interstate 696 just outside city limits. Major thoroughfares include Woodward and Nine Mile, which runs through the heart of Ferndale and leads to the nearest hospital, Ascension Providence Hospital – Southfield Campus, 4 miles west. Drivers sometimes experience traffic jams due to trains passing, but legislation passed in 2023 will provide funding for overpasses and underpasses, ultimately reducing congestion at rail crossings.
Sidewalks line the blocks of Ferndale, providing the ability to walk to many places. The FAST Woodward regional bus runs through Ferndale; however, stops are limited. Several bike lanes stretch along roads such as Nine Mile Road, Pinecrest Drive and Livernois. Detroit Metro Airport, roughly 30 miles southwest, offers nonstop flights to over 140 destinations.
Ferndale Public Schools
Ferndale Public Schools serves Ferndale and surrounding cities through its early childcare center, two elementary schools, a middle school, and two high schools. The district is rated C-plus on Niche.
Ferndale High School consistently ranking among the top schools in the state.
Ferndale Lower Elementary is designed with the young learner in mind.
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Crime, flood concerns and Michigan Winters
According to FBI data, violent and property crimes in Ferndale rose between 2022 and 2023. The Ferndale Police Department uses a community-centered approach in its work. The department employs a year-round Community Engagement Officer and hosts summertime Street Corner Round Tables to build relationships and answer questions. This city is prone to flooding and heavy rains and experiences all four seasons, with warm summers and snowy winters. The city plows the roads and asks residents to clear the sidewalks on their property within 24 hours of snow accumulation.
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For buyers, Charyl takes the time to truly understand their needs, ensuring they find not just a house, but a home. Her keen market insight and negotiation skills help buyers secure the best value while making the experience as stress-free as possible.
Charyl provides personalized guidance through her constant communication every step of the way, ensuring her clients feel confident and supported throughout the process.
Whether you’re buying or selling, Charyl’s expertise, market knowledge, and dedication to her clients set her apart. She works tirelessly to ensure every transaction is a success.
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.
