While Highland Park is technically its own city, it embodies Detroit’s nickname of Motor City. Ford Motor Company built a production plant in Highland Park in 1907, laying the foundation for the community to become a burgeoning metropolis throughout the 1900s. After the decline of the automobile industry, the city is now home to a resilient community rebuilding after years of decline. “I was born and raised in Detroit, and I’ve been coming to Highland Park since I was five or six years old,” says Roshonda Hayes, Executive Director of the local nonprofit A Village Detroit. “They had beautiful, big houses when I was growing up, but they’ve faced financial hardship over the years. Many people frown upon that, but they don’t truly know Highland Park.” Located less than 10 miles north of Downtown Detroit, the city is looking to the future with the help of local organizations and city officials. “Most folks that live and work there are lifelong residents, and rebuilding the community will give everyone that sense of pride back like they used to have.”
Highland Park is sometimes known as Model T town.
The original Model T factory is in Highland Park on Woodward Avenue.
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Historic districts with classic single-family homes
Traditional single-family homes in Highland Park date back to the early 1900s, with many being built during the area’s Ford-inspired boom. Craftsman-style bungalows, Colonial Revivals and American Foursquares sit side-by-side on modest lots, with many embracing their original woodwork and hardwood floors. The city is home to two neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic Places: Medbury Grove and the Highland Heights-Stevens’ Subdivision. Prices range from about $35,000 to $200,000 depending on the condition of the home. “Folks are coming in to buy and renovate the properties that are abandoned,” Hayes says.
American Four-Squares and brick Tudors are a great place to care for a family in Highland Park.
Large colorful Bungalows hold a place of pride in Highland Park.
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Proximity to Downtown Detroit
Residents in Highland Park are less than 10 miles north of Downtown Detroit and enjoy quick access to three major expressways: Route 10, Route 8 and Interstate 75. The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation – SMART – provides local bus service to the community, with several routes making stops in the area. Bus stops along Woodward Avenue provide indoor seating areas and service to Downtown and beyond.
Aerial View of Neighborhood Homes in Highland Park.
The 4 Woodward bus line runs through Highland Park.
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Low enrollment in Highland Park’s school district
The School District of the City of Highland Park serves the community with two public charter schools for grades K-8: Barber Preparatory Academy and George Washington Carver Academy. Both schools earned a D-minus from Niche, and Barber Preparatory Academy offers free after-school programs and tutoring to students. The district’s last high school closed in 2015 due to low enrollment, and teens must commute to nearby high schools in the Detroit Public Schools Community School District. “I don’t know if it's still in the talks of getting another high school in Highland Park, but so many residents went to that high school and it would be a big thing for the community,” Hayes says.
Robert E Barber School strives to foster a safe environment for its Highland Park students.
Highland Park students can attend Central Collegiate Academy.
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Restaurants and supermarkets along Woodward Avenue
Woodward Avenue cuts through the middle of Highland Park and provides access to a collection of shops and restaurants. Residents can run errands at Aldi, Glory Supermarket and Dollar Tree. Cakes and Shakes is known for its homemade desserts and deli sandwiches, while locals gather at Woodward Bistro for classic bar food, drinks and daily brunch specials. Corned beef is a signature in Detroit, and residents can get their fix at locally owned spots like Mr. Corned Beef and Asian Corned Beef.
Highland Park residents know that Congregation is open daily.
You can pick up groceries at several Highland Park markets including Glory Super Market.
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Renovating the city's parks
Seven small green spaces are scattered throughout Highland Park. While many have been left neglected, nonprofits like A Village Detroit are working to upgrade the city's parks. “We adopted Casey/Barone Park because all of the residents and children need a place to get out and about,” Hayes says. “The weeds were as tall as I was, but volunteers helped us clean up the park and install new exercise equipment. Everyone was excited to see that.” The newly renovated park also includes a basketball court and playscape for kids to explore. Residents can also gather at the Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center, which has an indoor basketball court and meeting spaces for the community.
Highland Park residents enjoy a pickup game of basketball.
A family plays in front of the Imhotep STEAM Lab in Highland Park.
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Nonprofits hold community events
Several local nonprofits hold events for residents in Highland Park, including A Village Detroit. “One of our biggest projects is the Second Sundays Seniors Social and Luncheon,” Hayes says. “It began during the pandemic when I saw so many seniors were isolated and living alone, so I wanted to have a free lunch and social for the seniors every month.”
The Homework House is a strong community based organization in Highland Park.
There is a home schooling space within the Homework House in Highland Park.
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Future plans and crime trends for Highland Park
In late 2022, local nonprofit Manna Development Corp. announced a $10 billion revitalization plan for Highland Park. The budget includes plans to resolve the city’s water debt, invest in education and build a mixed-use development called Uptown Highland Park.
Although the population of Highland Park is just under 9,000, the city experiences higher-than-average crime rates compared to other communities nationwide.
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