From vacation homes to permanent homes in Detroit Beach
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
