Bedford-Melvern Hill

The Bedford-Melvern Hill Neighborhood of Detroit is known for its charming architectural features, with homes on tree-lined streets that highlight a mix of styles from the early 1900s to the mid-century modern era. Many homes in this neighborhood feature beautiful brickwork and unique details like stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and decorative tilework.

The median sale price for a home in the neighborhood is $70,550 with homes selling on average after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 36 days. The architectural style of the houses in the community is predominantly Tudor and Colonial Revival, with half-timbering, stucco exteriors and decorative brickwork as distinct features.

Single-family homes in the neighborhood range from $46,000 to $220,000, with larger Tudor-style homes costing upwards of $350,000.

That nice mix of housing options, new and planned developments, the favorable housing market and existing community amenities combined are creating an aura of excitement in the community, as supporters anticipate productive growth, says Maya Rushing, an agent with Keller William Paint Creek.

“Looking at what’s here and what’s expected to come makes it a really exciting time for this neighborhood,” says Rushing. “I can see this becoming a much sought-after place to live in the very near future.”

The Bedford-Melvern Hill neighborhood has several parks in the area for residents and visitors to enjoy. One popular park is Balduck Park, which features a playground, basketball court and picnic area. Another option is Chandler Park, which includes a golf course and tennis courts. For those looking for more natural surroundings, there's Farwell Field Park with its walking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Several highly ranked schools serve the neighborhood. Nearby University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy is a top-ranked private high school in Detroit, known for its college prep curriculum, arts programs and competitive sports teams. Another school for kindergarten through 12th-grade students, University Preparatory Academy, ranks No. 22 out of 472 schools in Detroit, according to Niche. And the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences ranks #29 in the city and offers a creative and performing arts-focused curriculum for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Residents of Bedford-Melvern Hill have their choice of walkable restaurants and shops along Woodward Avenue. Favorites include Greenfield Deli for breakfast and sandwiches and Avalon International Breads for baked goods and coffee. And of course, there’s always a coney island nearby – Motor City Coney - to grab Detroit’s favorite dog. The city’s large farmers’ market, Eastern Market, has been dishing out fresh produce, baked goods, meat and seafood in the community since 1891.

For everyday necessities, residents can visit the local Kroger or venture a little farther outside the neighborhood for stores like Aldi and Meijer.

While residents enjoy the neighborhood improvements, they also are excited about new projects for continuing revitalization. Plans are underway to open a community center featuring a fitness center, indoor pool, and gathering spaces for events and meetings. The city also has allocated funds for the restoration of historic homes and buildings, as well as the construction of new community spaces and parks.

Additionally, several new businesses are slated to open in the area, including a locally owned coffee shop and a farm-to-table restaurant. The neighborhood association also plans to host more community events and festivals to celebrate the area's rich history and diverse culture.

“It’s a neighborhood with a lot of eyes on it,” Rushing says about the anticipated community improvements.

Written By

Kelly Anderson

Photography Contributed By

Gregory Hayes

Video By

Jonathan Bradley