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Woodland Beach

Woodland Beach

Suburban Neighborhood in Monroe, Michigan

Monroe County 48162

$192,104 Average Value
$144 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Five beachfront communities along Lake Erie

Named for its wooded streets and proximity to Lake Erie, Woodland Beach was once a vacation destination filled with summer homes and active neighborhood associations that held events throughout the summer. Five subdivisions from the 1930s make up the area – Grand Beach, Woodland Beach, Erie Shores, Indian Trails and Baycrest Beach. While the individual communities shifted to permanent residencies in the latter half of the 1900s, neighborly bonds grew stronger, and events spread into the fall, winter and spring months. In the area's early days, lots sold for as low as $150. While homes aren't quite as cheap as they once were, "A decent number of people move here from the beach communities in Wayne County because houses, taxes and insurance costs are cheaper," says Sheila Bussell, a Realtor and associate broker with Key Realty One LLC who lives in Indian Trails. Just over 2,000 people live in the half-a-square-mile area 4 miles north of Downtown Monroe. Although separated by streets and homeowner's associations, the lakeside life connects residents. "It's absolutely a golf-cart, beach-type community," Bussell says. "All the waterfront neighborhoods in Monroe County are."

Welcome to Woodland Beach on Lake Erie in Monroe, Michigan.
Welcome to Woodland Beach on Lake Erie in Monroe, Michigan.
Woodland Beach welcomes you to the lake life.
Woodland Beach welcomes you to the lake life.
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Gathering for holidays and park cleanups

Though small, the narrow subdivisions have their own homeowner's associations, HOA fees and events. Halloween, Christmas and Easter events occur in each, while some offer additional chances for the community to gather. "Indian Beach is the only community with a clubhouse still standing, and it's actually an old log cabin," Bussell says. The clubhouse is exclusive to Indian Beach residents or friends of residents who can rent it for private events at a higher fee. The Woodland Beach Association website shows photos of the area's history and provides helpful links for residents. Community beach and park cleanups are standard, and the parks are the gathering spots for annual events. One big event that unites the whole community is nearby Sterling State Park's Independence Day fireworks show. Celebrated a day early, on the third of July each year, the sky over Lake Erie bursts with color as residents sit along.

Renovated homes for year-round living

Bungalows and cottages from the 1930s still stand and sell for between $50,000 and $165,000. While their original architecture and foundation remain, most interiors have changed dramatically. "Ninety-nine percent of the homes in the area were once vacation homes for the summertime only," Bussell says. "They didn't have sanitary systems or furnaces, so they all required updates to make them livable year-round." Built in the 1960s and '70s, ranch-style homes, Cape Cods and split-levels range in price from $150,000 to $250,000. Waterfront homes fetch a higher price, between $235,000 and $530,000, and usually require flood insurance. These properties also have the largest yards, sometimes adorned with in-ground pools, decks and docks for boats. Though rare because the neighborhood is almost entirely developed, Bussell says, "Some new builds are going up on empty lots. It's interesting where you'll see a $400,000 house next to a $100,000 house."

These two happy home sit in the summer sun along Lake Erie in Woodland Beach.
These two happy home sit in the summer sun along Lake Erie in Woodland Beach.
Traditional homes are among many different styles belonging to Woodland Beach on Lake Erie.
Traditional homes are among many different styles belonging to Woodland Beach on Lake Erie.
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Private parks and beaches for each subdivision

Small parks with play equipment, baseball backstops and open fields are throughout the area, but they are exclusive to the residents living in each subdivision, and the individual associations maintain them. Woodland Beach Association replaced the backstop at their central park, planted new trees and installed new playground equipment in the early 2000s. Parkview Lake Erie, in the Baycrest Beach subdivision, has benches and swings on a grassy hill overlooking the water. Residents can fish for walleye from the retaining wall. Sandy beaches are at the end of most residential roads, while houses with water access cap others. The nearest public park is Kiwanis Park. Two baseball diamonds, a playground and a creek for fishing surround the Frenchtown Township Recreation Department Building a mile north of the neighborhood. The Jefferson Recreation Center is located at the high school and is open to the public. It has an indoor track, basketball court, and fitness classes.

Brest Bay residents appreciate the easily accessible Lake Erie for endless water adventures.
Brest Bay residents appreciate the easily accessible Lake Erie for endless water adventures.
Beach views along Lake Erie are in high demand along Woodland Beach.
Beach views along Lake Erie are in high demand along Woodland Beach.
Land ho on Woodland Beach along Lake Erie in Monroe, Michigan.
Land ho on Woodland Beach along Lake Erie in Monroe, Michigan.
The beautiful coastline shines in the morning sun along Woodland Beach in Monroe, Michigan.
The beautiful coastline shines in the morning sun along Woodland Beach in Monroe, Michigan.
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Young students can walk to Sodt Elementary

The area is young, with the most recent census reporting that over 38% of the families living there have children under 18. Sodt Elementary serves kindergarten and first grade and is rated a C-plus by Niche. The school is just north of the neighborhood. North Elementary School is farther away, 5 miles northeast, and is rated a C. It teaches second through fourth grade. Jefferson Middle School and Jefferson High School share a campus 2 miles away. Jefferson Middle School is rated a C-minus, and Jefferson High School is rated a C-plus.

Sodt Elementary welcomes playtime outdoors.
Sodt Elementary welcomes playtime outdoors.
North Elementary School welcomes creative kids.
North Elementary School welcomes creative kids.
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Dining out and getting dessert on North Dixie

North Dixie Highway runs through the area and is the main access street for every subdivision. A few locally owned establishments along the highway are a hit amongst residents. Open seasonally, Ice Cream Time serves sundaes, cones, frozen bananas and other novelty teats from the walk-up window of a tiny building. As if the spot weren't busy enough each day with patrons cooling off in the summer, the shop offers children under 36 inches tall a free soft-serve cone on "Not Too Tall Tuesdays." Also on North Dixie is Joe's French Italian Inn, the longest-running family-owned restaurant in the state. Established in 1930, Joe's makes its sauces from scratch and is known for its popular chicken marsala. Many Woodland Beach residents grocery shop at the Kroger on North Dixie and their home shopping at the Walmart, Lowes and Kohl's on North Telegraph Road, 6 miles west.

Putt putt golf is one of the many games The Sports Gardens offer to families in Brest Bay.
Putt putt golf is one of the many games The Sports Gardens offer to families in Brest Bay.
These friends enjoy some drinks together after a nice steak dinner at Angelo's Chop House.
These friends enjoy some drinks together after a nice steak dinner at Angelo's Chop House.
Ice Cream Time gives free cones to the little ones every Tueday.
Ice Cream Time gives free cones to the little ones every Tueday.
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Remote but accessible

North Dixie Highway, as well as nearby Interstate 75, continues 37 miles north to Detroit. The interstate also connects Monroe to Toledo, which is 25 miles south. Lake Erie Transit buses run regularly Mondays through Fridays and by call only on Saturdays. The buses connect Woodland Beach to the rest of Monroe County and Downtown Monroe. Major employers DTE Energy, La-Z-Boy and ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital are within 7 miles, and the nearest airport with commercial flights is 20 miles north in Detroit. The neighborhood has no sidewalks, and the roads are narrow. Still, driveways and garages provide a spot for cars to keep the streets open for leisurely walks.

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Heather Haggerty
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Paul Vilela
Photography Contributed By
Paul Vilela
Ennis Warlick
Video By
Ennis Warlick

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

36 min drive

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$147,000
Median Single Family Price
$148,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$144
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
49
Months of Supply
0.50
Median List Price
$159,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-17%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
391
Median Year Built
1945
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,211
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

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
1,909
Median Age
44
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$64,407
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,606

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.7%
College Graduates
20.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.8%
% Population in Labor Force
55.4%
Below the national average
65.1%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

40 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

45 / 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
Woodland Beach