Detroit is the largest city in Michigan, and with a population of over 670,000, it also has the highest number of people. The greater metro Detroit area is home to 4.3 million people, making it the second largest metro area in the United States behind Chicago.

Although synonymous with the automobile industry, Detroit is also regarded as a cultural center and a repository for architecture. Since the 2000s, the city has focused on the restoration of several historic theaters and other venues, improving the region's restaurants, as well as high-rise buildings and riverfront revitalization. In recent years, the populations of Downtown Detroit, Midtown Detroit, and several other great Detroit neighborhoods have experienced growth. Take a look at the different neighborhoods in Detroit, MI.

Detroit Neighborhoods & Districts Guide

Areas of Detroit

The primary residential areas of Detroit include Downtown, Midtown, New Center, North End, East Side, West Side, and the Southwest/Near West. Each area is made of many distinct neighborhoods or districts.

Some neighborhood boundaries and names are long-established and well-known by Detroit residents. In other cases, neighborhood perimeters may be less rigid, and there may be multiple names for a particular district or neighborhood.

Within the Downton Detroit area, there are 17 distinct neighborhoods, while Midtown Detroit has 20. The New Center area of Detroit consists of 10 neighborhoods, and there are 11 in the North End.

The large east side region of Detroit can further be divided into the Upper East Side with 18 neighborhoods, the Central East Side with three neighborhoods, and the Lower East Side with 19 neighborhoods.

Detroit's expansive West Side area is divided into the Upper West Side with 23 distinct neighborhoods and the Central West Side with 12. The Southwest/Near West has 14 neighborhoods.

Downtown Detroit

Downtown Zip Codes

  • 48201
  • 48226

Downtown is Detroit's central business and residential district. It consists of the 1.4-square-mile region bordered by Lodge Freeway to the west, I-75 to the north, I-375 to the east, and the Detroit River to the south.

Nearly all of what we know as Detroit today started after a fire burned down the entire city in 1805. After that, the rebuilding efforts paved the way for the coming Industrial Revolution. Downtown was the original home of Detroit's automotive industry, and that led to a surge in downtown's population and wealth. Much of Downtown's architecture was built during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Following the Great Recession, which saw the city filing bankruptcy, Downtown Detroit has recovered with a burst of development and tremendous growth. The area has seen a huge influx of businesses and investment, which continues to transform it today.

About 5,300 residents live in Downtown Detroit. In addition to historic homes, Downtown Detroit features high-rise residences. It is home to numerous parks, including those along the Riverfront.

Some of Downtown Detroit's most popular attractions are the Greektown Casino, the International Riverfront, and a variety of art displayed around the city like the Fist of Joe Louis.

The area is served by a bus system as well as an automated rail rapid transit system. Zip codes in the Downtown Detroit area include 48201 and 48226.

Downtown Detroit Neighborhoods

Downtown Detroit is home to 17 neighborhoods, including residential and commercial districts. Broadway Avenue consists of just a single block along Broadway Avenue, with 11 commercial buildings built from 1896 to 1926. Riverfront Condominiums feature factories and warehouses converted to condominiums. The following neighborhoods are part of Downtown Detroit.

List of Downtown Detroit Neighborhoods

  • Bricktown
  • Broadway Avenue
  • Campus Martius
  • Capital Park
  • Downtown
  • Financial District
  • Greektown
  • Grand Circus
  • Griswold Street
  • West Jefferson Avenue
  • Lower Woodward Avenue
  • Monroe Avenue
  • Park Avenue
  • Randolph Street Commercial
  • Riverfront Condominiums
  • Washington Boulevard
  • Woodward Avenue

Downtown Detroit offers an eclectic mix of revitalized commercial and residential neighborhoods, rich in culture and heritage, with a wealth of historic architecture to complement the modern urban skyline.

Midtown Detroit

Midtown Zip Codes

  • 48201
  • 48202

Midtown Detroit covers roughly two square miles, along either side of Woodward Avenue, between Downtown Detroit to the south and New Center to the north. It is bordered by the Lodge, Fisher, Chrysler, and Ford highways.

Like Downtown Detroit, the area was first platted after the devastating fire of 1805. But, development went slowly. It wasn't until after the Civil War that the northern part of Woodward Avenue was developed into an upscale residential district. As demand for housing grew, the area saw construction of small apartment buildings beginning in 1895.

Before World War I, the area began to transform from residential to commercial properties. The 1950s through the 1980s saw the demolition and rehabilitation of older buildings. From the 1990s through today, that focus has shifted toward revitalization.

Midtown's diversity includes the Art Center, Medical Center, Wayne State University, the Detroit Public Library, and the Detroit Historical Museum. The Cultural Center is also there and includes several eateries, galleries, lofts, and condos, as well as nightlife venues and other attractions.

While Midtown is mostly commercial, there are still residential neighborhoods with single-family homes exhibiting Queen Anne and other historic architectural styles. Midtown includes the zip codes 48201 and 48202.

Midtown Detroit Neighborhoods

Midtown neighborhoods are rich in the arts. The Cultural Center Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Though mostly commercial, several historic residential neighborhoods are remaining, such as East Ferry Avenue and Brush Park, as well as newer lofts and condos. It includes the following neighborhoods.

List of Midtown Detroit Neighborhoods

  • Art Center
  • Brush Park
  • Cass Corridor
  • Cass-Davenport
  • Cass Park
  • Cultural Center
  • Medical Center
  • East Ferry Avenue
  • Jeffries
  • Midtown
  • Midtown Woodward Avenue
  • Sugar Hill
  • University-Cultural Center
  • Wayne State University
  • Warren-Prentis
  • West Canfield
  • Willis-Selden
  • Woodbridge
  • Woodward East
  • Woodward Avenue

Midtown is rich in arts and culture, as evidenced by its many art museums and galleries. Those relocating will find several historic neighborhoods as well as newer lofts and condos.

New Center Detroit

New Center Zip Codes

  • 48202
  • 48211

New Center is located about three miles north of Downtown Detroit. It is bordered by Virginia Park Historic District to the north, The Edsel Ford Freeway to the south, John R Road to the east, and the Lodge Freeway to the west. The area enjoys a mixture of commercial and historic residential districts. It is the birthplace of Motown.

Convenience to both Downtown as well as outlying manufacturing facilities spurred commercial development started in the 1920s. It was the home to General Motors headquarters from 1923 until the automaker moved downtown in 1996. GM's former headquarters—Cadillac Place—is now a National Historic Landmark.

General Motors began refurbishing some of New Center's residential neighborhoods in 1977. The area is now known as New Center Commons, comprised of a series of refurbished single-family homes on New Center's northside. The Virginia Park neighborhood was also refurbished. In addition, the area has seen loft renovation. New townhomes and condominiums were developed in previously vacant lots.

New Center includes government and commercial offices dotted along Woodward and Grand Avenue. It is home to the Fisher Theatre, the Hotel St. Regis, Henry Ford Hospital, and numerous restaurants and residential neighborhoods.

New Center includes the zip codes 48202 and 48211.

New Center Detroit Neighborhoods

New Center is home to the Boston-Edison Historic District, the largest residential historic district in the nation, with over 900 homes. Most of the homes were built from 1905 to 1925. Virginia Park has about 92 homes built between 1893 and 1915 in Tudor, Neo-Georgian, Bungalow, and Arts and Crafts architectural styles.

List of New Center Detroit Neighborhoods

  • Alden Park
  • Arden Park-East Boston
  • Atkinson Ave.
  • Boston-Edison
  • Henry Ford Hospital
  • New Amsterdam
  • New Center
  • Piquette Ave.
  • Virginia Park
  • Woodward Avenue

New Center features several neighborhoods of historic architectural styles and is within proximity to Downtown Detroit. There are also several historic commercial areas, including the Piquette Avenue area.

North End

North End Zip Codes

  • 48203

The North End is located along the Woodward Corridor. It is bound by East Grand Boulevard to the south, Woodward Avenue to the west, the Chrysler Freeway to the east, and Woodland Street to the north.

The North End began as a part of Hamtramck Township but was later annexed by the City of Detroit in 1891. It gets its name due to being the "north end" of the Paradise Valley neighborhood.

As with the rest of the city, the North End took off—culturally and economically—in the 1920s and 1930s, thanks to the success of the automotive industry. That growth slowed with the economic downturn of the 1950s. Many Motown musicians came from the North End.

In later decades, the North End saw several development projects, beginning with the founding of the Vanguard Community Development in 1994 and continuing through today. Although it saw difficult times in the aftermath of the 2008 housing crisis, the area has slowly rebounded.

The North End includes the 48203 zip code.

North End Detroit Neighborhoods

The North End has a rich music history and an urban-suburban vibe. Its neighborhoods are diverse in architectural style. Many homes offer unique architecture in historic neighborhoods, while other residences are converted commercial buildings that stand as single-family homes or are divided into lofts or condos. Neighborhoods include the following:

List of North End Detroit Neighborhoods

  • Chaldean Town
  • Detroit Golf Club
  • State Fairgrounds
  • Green Acres
  • Highland Park
  • Martin Park
  • Palmer Park
  • Palmer Woods
  • Sherwood Forest
  • University District
  • University of Detroit Mercy

The North End includes several notable neighborhoods with rich histories, such as the Detroit Golf Club and Palmer Woods. It is home to several restaurants, bars, and parks.

East Side Detroit

East Side Zip Codes

  • 48021
  • 48080
  • 48203
  • 48205
  • 48211
  • 48212
  • 48213
  • 48215
  • 48225
  • 48234
  • 48236

Detroit's East Side district runs to East 8 Mile Road to the north, following roughly around Mack Avenue to the east, the river to the south, and Interstate Highway 75 to the west.

In addition to communities like East English Village and Eastern Market, the area is home to the Eastside Historic Cemetery District and features a sizable portion of the Riverfront.

The East Side was first settled around 1830 by German and Irish immigrants, and later Polish immigrants. For the first 100 years, various settlements grew into communities in their own right. By 1929, the district was reincorporated as the City of East Detroit.

Today's East Side has benefited from the nearby casino complex, which brought hundreds of jobs, as well as the revitalization of the waterfront. More than $6 billion has been invested in recent years, primarily for neighborhood revitalization, new construction, and further development of the arts and theater district.

The neighborhoods on the East Side offer easy access to downtown and the city's many cultural attractions and parks. It is also near Belle Isle, a 982-acre island state park located in the Detroit River.

The East Side includes the zip codes 48021, 48080, 48203, 48205, 48211, 48212, 48213, 48215, 48225, 48234 and 48236.

Upper East Side Neighborhoods

The Upper East Side consists of residential and commercial neighborhoods. They include the Chandler Park district, home of the Detroit Public Library, and Krainz Woods, which housed many Motown singing groups. The Upper East Side is also home to Milwaukee Junction, the birthplace of the Model T.

List of Upper East Side Detroit Neighborhoods

  • Chandler Park
  • Conant Gardens
  • East English Village
  • Fox Creek
  • Greenbriar
  • Grixdale
  • Hamtramck
  • Highland Heights-Stevens' Sub.
  • Krainz Woods
  • Milwaukee Junction
  • La Salle College Park
  • Mohican Regent
  • Morningside
  • North End
  • Pulaski
  • Ravendale
  • Regent Park
  • Van Steuban

Central East Side Neighborhoods

The Central East Side consists of three distinct neighborhoods: Eastern Market, Forest Park, and Poletown East. Eastern Market dates back to the 1850s and is the country's largest historic public market district. Forest Park is prized for its low density of residents. Poletown East was named for its large influx of Polish immigrants.

List of Central East Side Detroit Neighborhoods

  • Eastern Market
  • Forest Park
  • Poletown East

Lower East Side Neighborhoods

The Lower East Side is home to the 982-acre Belle Isle State Park in the Detroit River. Leading to the park is Rivertown, a neighborhood of upscale high-rise condominiums. The Lower East Side's Indian Village is well known for its homes built in the early 20th century by prominent architects.

List of Lower East Side Detroit Neighborhoods

  • Barry Subdivision
  • Conner Creek
  • East Jefferson Avenue
  • East Village
  • Eastside Cemetery
  • Elmwood Park
  • English Village
  • Gold Coast
  • Indian Village
  • Islandview
  • Jefferson-Chalmers
  • Lafayette Park
  • McDougall-Hunt
  • Marina Park
  • Rivertown
  • St. John Hospital
  • Victoria Park
  • West Village

The East Side is an eclectic mixture of residential and commercial neighborhoods. It is also home to the Riverfront, with shops and restaurants popular among residents and tourists alike.

West Side Detroit

West Side Zip Codes

  • 48150
  • 48152
  • 48154
  • 48167
  • 48168
  • 48170
  • 48180
  • 48187
  • 48197
  • 48198
  • 48219
  • 48377
  • 48235

Detroit's West Side is home to some of the city's most iconic neighborhoods, including Palmer Park, Palmer Woods, Woodbridge, Sherwood Forest, and University District. The area boasts dozens of historic residences, as well as commercial and residential buildings. Residents enjoy ready access to retail and restaurants, while also enjoying some of the most stunning homes in the city.

West Side is bordered by East 8 Mile Road on the north, the North End and New Center districts to the east, and Southwest Detroit district to the south.

The West Side was originally settled by the French and English in the 18th century, but it didn't become very accessible until the advent of the automobile in the late 19th th century. The area's neighborhoods became residential communities for the increasing number of automotive workers. The industry brought new wealth to the city, spurring its residents to create new neighborhoods beyond the downtown area.

Today, the West Side district offers an energetic fusion of old and new. From its riverfront to its thriving arts community and nightlife, the West Side provides residents and visitors alike with a multitude of attractions and activities.

The West Side includes zip codes 48150, 48152, 48154, 48167, 48168, 48170, 48180, 48187, 48197, 48198, 48219, 48377 and 48235.

Upper West Side Neighborhoods

The Upper West Side offers a multitude of architectural styles. The Rosedale Park neighborhood alone features English Tudor revival, Arts and Crafts, Bungalows, Colonial Revival, Dutch Colonial American Foursquare, and Prairie. Many were constructed between the early 1900s through 1940s. Upper West Side neighborhoods include the following.

List of Upper West Side Detroit Neighborhoods

  • Bagley
  • Belmont
  • Berg-Lahser
  • Brightmoor
  • Blackstone Park
  • Castle Rouge
  • Eight Mile Wyoming
  • Eliza Howell
  • The Eye
  • Fitzgerald
  • Five Points
  • Grandmont # 1
  • Grandmont - Rosedale
  • LaSalle Gardens
  • Minock Park
  • NW Goldberg
  • Oakman Boulevard
  • Old Redford
  • Petosky-Otsego
  • Riverdale
  • Russell Woods
  • Rosedale Park
  • North Rosedale Park
  • Westwood Park

Central West Side Neighborhoods

Central West Side is home to Warrendale neighborhood, one of the city's largest neighborhoods. It also includes the Hubbard-Richard neighborhood, where walkability is a popular amenity, as well as the many restaurants and parks. Another part of the Central West Side is Core City. Central West Side neighborhoods are as follows.

List of Central West Side Detroit Neighborhoods

  • Aviation
  • Barton-McFarland
  • Briggs
  • Core City
  • Fiskhorn
  • Franklin Park
  • Grandale
  • Herman Gardens
  • Littlefield
  • Parkland
  • Hubbard-Richard
  • Warrendale
  • Weatherby

West Side residents can take advantage of a host of activities easily accessible from their neighborhood. From its trendy theaters and museums to its restaurants and nightlife, there's plenty for residents to do.

Southwest/Near West

Southwest/Near West Zip Codes

  • 48208
  • 48209
  • 48210
  • 48216
  • 48217

Located just outside Downtown Detroit, the Southwest Side is bordered roughly by Interstate Highway 94 to the north, I-96 to the east, and the Detroit River to the south.

The Southwest Side is the launching spot for the Ambassador Bridge to Canada, which carries over one-quarter of all trade between the two countries. Historic buildings of every architectural period anchor the urban landscape. Local museums and theaters offer residents and visitors an eclectic mix of musical and artistic talent.

The Southwest Side was originally settled by the Irish and Germans, beginning in the early 18th century. Later, the Industrial Revolution brought railroad jobs and neighborhoods to support them. The Corktown neighborhoods feature classic Federal-style row homes, popular at the time. Many older structures remain today, giving neighborhoods a historical feel. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area became popular with workers from the manufacturing and automotive sectors, which brought elements of Queen Anne and Gothic architecture. However, several urban projects in the 1950s and 1960s brought sweeping infrastructure demolition. While leaving a mark, the neighborhood has gone through revitalization in recent years.

Southwest Side is a foodie's dream, with over 130 restaurants, 30 bakeries, and 25 markets. It offers residents an easy commute to Downtown and surrounding attractions.

Southwest Side zip codes include 48208, 48209, 48210, 48216, and 48217.

Southwest/Near West Detroit Neighborhoods

The Southwest Side includes Corktown and Mexicantown, two of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Elements of Federal-style row homes, Queen Anne, and Gothic architecture are evident throughout the region. Southwest Side. Active business associations and community leaders are spearheading several revitalization efforts.

List of Southwest/Near West Detroit Neighborhoods

  • Boynton
  • Carbon Works
  • Corktown
  • Delray
  • Hubbard Richard
  • North Corktown
  • Mexicantown
  • Michigan-Martin 48210
  • Millennium Village
  • Oakwood Heights
  • Springwells 48209
  • West Vernor-Junction
  • West Vernor-Lawndale
  • Westside Industrial

From festivals to historic landmarks, residents and visitors alike will find a multitude of activities on the Southwest Side. Restaurants specializing in ethnic foods offer a taste of the district's many cultures.

While the world may know it as the center of the automotive industry, Detroit is a city with even more to offer. The past two decades have brought about a renewed focus on the restoration of entertainment venues, the riverfront, and the downtown business district. Detroit was also recently named a top global destination for 2024.

Explore Detroit's Neighborhoods and DistrictsThis revitalization has brought about population growth in certain areas of the city, particularly Downtown Detroit, Midtown Detroit, the West Side of Detroit, and other neighborhoods, both affordable and luxury. The city is rich in historical architecture, offering examples of nearly all major architectural styles. The riverfront and growing technology sector have helped the city become a draw for businesses and professionals alike.

Posted by Michael Perna on
Email Send a link to post via Email

North Rosedale Park is missing. It is not the same as Rosedale Park. Otherwise, thanks for sharing this information.

Posted by Carol Hale on Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 at 3:17pm

why did you leave out 48235

Posted by valenciA grier on Sunday, February 26th, 2023 at 5:58pm

Great catch, Valencia! And thank you! I just updated the page on your suggestion.

Posted by Michael Perna on Monday, February 27th, 2023 at 2:02pm

Please list each part of the city as far as by their district they go by Please. I'm having issues finding each part and their divided area to know what district label they are given.

Posted by Amy Sharber on Friday, March 31st, 2023 at 8:16pm

Hello Amy! Thank you for visiting our site, and that is totally understandable. Detroit itself really is a large city and with so many neighborhoods it is easy to get confused on which neighborhood belongs to which district.

While we don't have a complete list all in one place on this page, if you review the grey boxes in each section of this article, (the title will look like: List of XXXXXXXXXXX Detroit Neighborhoods) we do our best to provide the name of each neighborhood located in the corresponding district.

I hope this helps and please feel free to give us a call at 248-494-4698 with any questions!

Posted by Michael Perna on Monday, April 3rd, 2023 at 10:36am

I had no idea there were so many vibrant neighborhoods and communities in Detroit! This blog post really opened my eyes to the rich diversity and unique characteristics of each area. I'm particularly intrigued by North End. Can anyone share their personal experiences or recommendations for exploring that area? I'd love to hear more about the hidden gems, local businesses, or events that make it special. Thanks for sharing this informative post!

Posted by Hawthorn on Monday, July 24th, 2023 at 1:59am

Can we have a map that shows the neighborhood boundaries? Zipcodes are not that precise

Posted by Thadine Katherine Kazmer on Monday, January 22nd, 2024 at 4:54pm

Leave A Comment

e.g. yourwebsitename.com
Please note that your email address is kept private upon posting.