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Detroit Beach

Detroit Beach

Suburban Neighborhood in Monroe, Michigan

Monroe County 48162

$191,944 Average Value
$150 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

From vacation homes to permanent homes

Detroit Beach was once a vacation home community, named as such to attract wealthy residents of Detroit looking for a second home along Lake Erie. After many years of residents finding their permanent homes there, the neighborhood has grown into a thriving community built on history and nostalgia. "A lot of people buying homes here are family members from preexisting residents or adults who vacationed here as children," says Nicole Fitzgerald, the president of the Detroit Beach Neighborhood Association. Though over 2,000 people live in Detroit Beach year-round, a few homeowners still treat the spot as a weekend or summer destination. According to Drew Presto, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway who has been selling in the area for 12 years, "The neighborhood has a huge mix of socioeconomic backgrounds: maybe the largest in all of Monroe County." This mix is reflected in the wide range of housing prices and styles but does not divide the neighborhood. All residents gather at social events, and children play games and go fishing together, regardless of income status.

There are some rather spectacular homes in Detroit Beach.
There are some rather spectacular homes in Detroit Beach.
Many cottages can be found in Detroit Beach.
Many cottages can be found in Detroit Beach.
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Old cottages and modern mansions share the streets

Living along the water is not for everyone due to high winds and potential water damage. Many homes on the streets closest to the lake require flood insurance if a mortgage is in place. Once a house is paid off, it is up to the owner whether they'd like to cancel their policy. Of all the homes in Detroit Beach, only 100 have basements, reducing the possible impact of flooding. At its inception, the neighborhood was full of cottages, bungalows and even the occasional kit home. Some old homes remain, selling between $125,000 and $200,000. Ranch-style homes, Colonial Revivals and bilevel homes from the 1960s sell between $175,000 and $300,000 depending on how close they are to the water. A common theme in the area is the purchasing of land or small houses to tear down to make way for new large homes. The modern Craftsman homes range between $350,000 and $565,000. There is also a condo development within the map's boundaries, but according to Lynelle Gessner, a resident of Detroit Beach for over 50 years, "The condos are very separated from the Detroit Beach community. We don't interact with them often, and they aren't a part of our events." The FrenchTown Harbor units have private docks along the water and sell between $280,000 and $495,000.

There are many styles of homes to choose from in Detroit Beach.
There are many styles of homes to choose from in Detroit Beach.
Many luxury homes have direct access to the water in Detroit Beach.
Many luxury homes have direct access to the water in Detroit Beach.
Many cottages can be found in Detroit Beach.
Many cottages can be found in Detroit Beach.
Luxury home with their own dock line Detroit Beach.
Luxury home with their own dock line Detroit Beach.
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Community events at the park

While there are 11 registered parks in Detroit Beach, only two have athletic courts and play equipment. At the largest park, behind the neighborhood association's office, is where some exciting annual events take place. "Our Halloween Party is huge, and people from outside the neighborhood can come, too," Fitzgerald says. The Easter egg hunt and Christmas celebration are just for residents, however. Just two years ago, the association planted a "Forever Christmas Tree " at the park where locals can hang their ornaments. As the community grows, the tree and collection of decorations will grow with it. Of course, being along the lake, many locals take advantage of the waterfront. "There's a crew that rides their bikes around and fishes off the wall. I call them the 'IT' Crew, and there's a whole gaggle of them," Fitzgerald says. "It's nice to see kids still playing outside and not always on their phones." Sterling State Park is south of the neighborhood and hosts a monumental firework display around the Fourth of July. Because one must pay to enter the park, many visitors attempt to park in Detroit Beach and watch the show from the beaches, despite the neighborhood being private.

Detroit Beach Park welcomes you.
Detroit Beach Park welcomes you.
Detroit Beach welcomes alone time along the water.
Detroit Beach welcomes alone time along the water.
Bear Country Park welcomes the association.
Bear Country Park welcomes the association.
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Life on the water

Like the other waterfront neighborhoods of the area, Detroit Beach is overseen by The Resort Authority District. The organization has completed rehabilitation projects for paving, repairs, and storm drains through approved millage votes. They also oversee the brace walls and pumps that keep flooding out. "When the lake is angry, its water hits the retaining wall like a semi-truck," Fitzgerald says. "Even houses removed from the water can feel the ground shake during big storms." All the walls were replaced within the past seven years, and the last significant flooding event was over 30 years ago. The neighborhood's entrance is marked with two large columns modeled after lighthouses and a sign that states "Detroit Beach Residents Only" to prevent non-residents from going for a drive by the houses. However, the exceptions to this sign are the Detroit Beach Boat Club members. Anyone can become a member and pay fees to the club for access to its clubhouse, docking facilities and summer events.

Many luxury homes have direct access to the water in Detroit Beach.
Many luxury homes have direct access to the water in Detroit Beach.
Detroit Beach welcomes alone time along the water.
Detroit Beach welcomes alone time along the water.
Boaters in Detroit Beach appreciate quick access to the water on a hot summer's day.
Boaters in Detroit Beach appreciate quick access to the water on a hot summer's day.
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A pipeline of four schools

Jefferson School District serves parts of Frenchman Township, Berlin Township and Monroe. Students living in Detroit Beach can expect to attend four schools before graduating. Sodt Elementary teaches kindergarten and first grade and is rated a C-plus by Niche. Second, third and fourth grade are taught at C-rated North Elementary. Jefferson Middle serves fifth through eighth graders and is rated a C-minus, while Jefferson High School teaches the rest and is rated a C-plus. The high school is also the location of Jefferson Recreation Center. Sports and health facilities are available for the whole community to enjoy.

The Jefferson High School football team practices kicking deep punts.
The Jefferson High School football team practices kicking deep punts.
Sodt Elementary welcomes eager minds.
Sodt Elementary welcomes eager minds.
North Elementary School welcomes everyone.
North Elementary School welcomes everyone.
Jefferson Middle School welcomes creative kids.
Jefferson Middle School welcomes creative kids.
Jefferson High School welcomes the public.
Jefferson High School welcomes the public.
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Activity and food on North Dixie Highway

Golfers choose their colorful ball for miniature golf at The Sports Gardens. Built in the past few years, the spot also has a video game arcade, batting cages and reservable space for birthday parties. Before leaving, many grab an ice cream from the shop to enjoy on the Adirondack chairs and picnic benches outside. North Dixie Highway has convenience stores, national chains and a Kroger. The highway is located right outside of the neighborhood. For a quick bike to eat among familiar faces, locals visit Sal's Family Restaurant. Patrons can eat in the minimalist dining room or grab takeout after a long day of fishing on the lake.

The Sports Garden is a popular spot to spend time with friends and family playing games.
The Sports Garden is a popular spot to spend time with friends and family playing games.
This couple keeps the romance alive at Sal's Place in Detroit Beach.
This couple keeps the romance alive at Sal's Place in Detroit Beach.
Angelo's Chop House is famous in Detroit Beach for their steaks.
Angelo's Chop House is famous in Detroit Beach for their steaks.
Dixie Highway is lined with fast food chain restaurants in Detroit Beach.
Dixie Highway is lined with fast food chain restaurants in Detroit Beach.
This kid lines up his homerun at The Sports Garden batting cages in Detroit Beach.
This kid lines up his homerun at The Sports Garden batting cages in Detroit Beach.
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Residents of Detroit Beach enjoy quick access to Interstate 75 from Dixie Highway.
Residents of Detroit Beach enjoy quick access to Interstate 75 from Dixie Highway.

Getting to work from Detroit Beach

South of Sterling State Park is DTE Energy, one of Monroe's largest employers. Plumes of white from the smokestacks can be spotted from the shores of the neighborhood, changing direction with the wind. DTE Energy, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, and La-Z-Boy headquarters are all within a 5-mile drive. Lake Erie Transit buses serve the county and stop throughout Detroit Beach. There are no sidewalks in the neighborhood, and the streets are narrow. However, there is spacious room for a walk or bike ride since the roads are free from non-residential traffic.

Heather Haggerty
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Paul Vilela
Photography Contributed By
Paul Vilela
Myles Manuel
Video By
Myles Manuel

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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 area? Reach out to Drew Presto, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Detroit Metro Wayne County

37 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Detroit Beach US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$198,000
Median Single Family Price
$194,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$150
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
54
Months of Supply
0.20
Median List Price
$199,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
14%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
429
Median Year Built
2011
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,243
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,070
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,773
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Drew Presto, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,029
Median Age
44
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$66,627
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$71,862

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96%
College Graduates
9.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.1%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

32 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

21 / 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
Detroit Beach