Small southwest Detroit suburb with big family-friendly amenities
Located in Wayne County, Melvindale is a downriver city suburb of Detroit with just over 12,500 residents who take pride in supporting the community and its motto, “The little city with a big heart.” Melvindale started out as a farming community in the 1920s and then eventually a home for workers from the Ford River Rouge Plant in nearby Dearborn. Over time, as the plant transitioned, Melvindale brought in new residents with its welcoming small-town nature, family-friendly amenities and close 10-mile distance to downtown Detroit. “It’s a real small town, but there is lots to do,” says southeast Michigan native, Glen Silvenis, a broker at RE/MAX Crossroads III and former mayor of nearby Bellville. “Melvindale is affordable and safe, it’s close to everything, there’s good shopping down the street, and there are also some great local restaurants.”
Melvindale was largely formed as a home for workers for the nearby Ford River Rouge Plant.
Over 12,500 Melvindale locals call this Detroit downriver city suburb "home".
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A harmonious housing structure
Melvindale’s streets are mostly filled with single-story homes, particularly a lot of bungalow and ranch styles that are all commonly uniform in size. Many of the properties display well-landscaped yards and feature front entryway porches for relaxing in the shade on good weather days. Paved sidewalks reside on most blocks, where families can enjoy leisurely walks along the community subdivisions. “There’s not a lot of inventory right now,” says Silvenis when talking about the Melvindale market with its average price range from around $120,000 to $379,000. “But with these more affordable area prices, a potential buyer can get a lot of house on a lot and then build up to make a two-story home.”
Bungalow and ranch-style homes dominate the housing market in Melvindale.
Rows of cottage homes with uniform features and size are common in Melvindale.
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A location sweet spot for all types of travel
Location is one of the biggest draws for residents, with quick highway access for commuters and travelers. “Melvindale sits right off of Interstate 94, so it’s conveniently close to Dearborn, Taylor and Allen Park,” Silvenis says. “Locals can also get to downtown Detroit in less than 20 minutes.” The SMARTbus system’s 140 bus route is zoned for Melvindale and stops in both nearby suburbs and downtown Detroit. For locals taking a flight out of town, the Detroit airport is just 10 miles away.
From international eats to classic American fare
Residents don’t have to go far to find trusty local eats, especially when there’s the highly frequented Sabinas Restaurant sitting right on Oakwood Boulevard. This quaint but buzzy spot specializes in authentic Polish food with dishes like fresh kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes and pierogis. Also on Oakwood Boulevard is Melvindale Coney Island, where patrons grab a classic hotdog with all the toppings or other American-style dishes in an unfussy, vintage diner setting. For grocery staples, the local Melvindale Fresh Market provides a mix of regular and specialty food items, and for shopping, Fairlane Green is about 2 miles from Melvindale and is home to TJ MAXX, Target and Barnes & Noble. Entertainment options are also a quick drive away, as Silvenis shares that locals love living just under 5 miles from the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. “The museum is an amazing excursion,” Silvenis adds. “It’s a throwback in history, and you couldn’t ask for anything better nearby.”
Melvindale Coney Island offers a cozy dining atmosphere with Detroit-style Coney favorites.
Residents of Melvindale are near to Fairlane Green and Barnes and Noble in Dearborn.
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Outdoor adventure for every sporting type
When residents are ready to head outdoors, De Luca Field is an active spot with picnic tables, playscapes and baseball fields where local Little League baseball teams hold their games. Skateboarders show off their moves at Melvindale Skatepark, with a ton of outdoor space for skating around and various ramps for practicing new techniques. Other sporty types, like soccer enthusiasts, enjoy the Kessey Fieldhouse. It houses two soccer arenas and hosts soccer games, tournaments and other activities throughout the year.
De Luca Field has three baseball fields and a brand-new playground.
Melvindale skaters practice their tricks at the various ramps of Melvindale Skate Park.
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Public schools offering unique athletics
Melvindale’s K-12 public school lineup starts with Allendale Elementary School, rated at a C-minus by Niche.com followed by Julian O. Strong Middle School, also rated at a C-minus. For high schoolers, Melvindale High School is rated at a B-minus and is known for its wide variety of athletic programs, including more unique options such as seasonal bowling. The high school also provides multiple college credit programs, such as the “IDraw Program.” Within this program, students can earn college credits in the robotics and engineering fields and obtain dual-enrollment credits through the local University of Detroit Mercy.
Julian O. Strong Middle School is rated an overall C- on school ratings site Niche.com.
Melvindale High School boasts a robust athletics program for students.
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Longstanding annual events that draw in big crowds
The Melvindale Parks & Rec Department makes sure to keep the community connected and well-spirited, with events like the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, which dazzles residents each holiday season at the Town Hall. The Annual Melvindale Days Festival, running for over 25 years, creates a fun weekend space for families to enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, fireworks and the beloved Little Miss Melvindale Pageant. Another huge local hit is the Trunk or Treat Harvest Fest each October. It draws in a crowd of over 2,000 people with costume contests, hayrides and all kinds of sweet treats.
Steve is a licensed, full time and top producing agent focused on elite one-on-one service throughout the entire selling and buying process. He is passionate about discovering the needs and goals of his clients, and specializes in creating and implementing winning strategies, building relationships and closing deals. Steve regularly volunteers his time in his community and church. He loves to spend time with his family and friends and is very active - going to the gym, playing hockey, hiking, walking his dog and much more.
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.
