Initially developed in 1922 as a low-cost community for workers of the expanding automotive industry, Brightmoor was a bustling blue-collar neighborhood until the mid-twentieth century. Now, the neighborhood is “severely underserved,” says Rachel Meeker, executive director for the Brightmoor Artisans Collective, a non-profit dedicated to helping the community engage in affordable and healthy food practices. “But the community members take a lot of ownership of the neighborhood. They’re very proactive in taking their own initiative to improve the neighborhood.” Though blight and crime are often the theme of discussions about Brightmoor, the neighborhood is one in which neighbors establish pocket parks to prevent illegal dumping, navigate the numerous conflicting interests that manage neighborhood resources and often work multiple jobs to meet the demands of a rising cost of living.
Members of the Brightmoor community take pride in fixing and maintaining their homes.
Pick up boxes of pre-ordered, 100% Locally Grown, fresh, seasonal produce at Beaverland Farms.
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Empty homes and worries about rising costs
Since the middle of the twentieth century, many Brightmoor homes have been abandoned and fallen into disrepair. The problem has become substantial enough that the city now owns a third of Brightmoor properties, and selling or developing these properties has been put on hold until the city finalizes framework planning for the neighborhood. What remains is a combination of recent renovations and homes needing significant work, and many neighborhood streets are lined with empty lots and vacant housing. The neighborhood’s architecture includes ranch-style homes, Tudors and two-story Colonial Revivals. While the $50,000 median price represents a 17% decline from the previous year, the median has more than doubled since 2021. Prices can sink as low as $9,500 for a neglected two-bedroom bungalow and reach as high as $250,000 for a newly updated, four-bedroom ranch-style home.
Residents of Brightmoor enjoy living in a tight knit community.
Those shopping for homes will find all sorts of shapes and sizes in Brightmoor.
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Locally-grown produce and locally-owned restaurants
For a deli, fresh produce, or other grocery needs, nearby grocery chain Meijer has almost everything needed to keep a household stocked. Locally-owned restaurants are easy to come by in Brightmoor, and Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips has served the area since 1950. When residents want a burger, they can head to Sonny’s Hamburgers, which has been a neighborhood staple for more than 50 years. A sizeable urban agriculture scene keeps these local restaurants stocked with fresh, locally-grown ingredients.
Residents of Brightmoor shop for all their home needs at Meijer in Redford.
Maty's Cuisine in nearby Redford is a local favorite for authentic Senegalese food.
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A full calendar of community events
The neighborhood’s concentration of activists and community organizations means many events are dedicated to improving the area and empowering its people. The Brightmoor Artisans Collective is a non-profit organization that brings together community members to learn about healthy and sustainable production and consumption of food. In addition to the gardening classes and fresh markets organized by the collective, institutions like Michigan State University Extension hold events like popup gardens or nutrition classes for new mothers.
The NBB Tool Bank offers tools and equipment in Brightmoor.
Neighborhood associations meet at community gardens throughout Brightmoor.
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Detroit Public Schools Community School District
As part of the Detroit Public Schools Community School District, Brightmoor students can attend pre-kindergarten through 8th grade at Gompers Elementary-Middle School, which earns a C on Niche. “There’s only one Detroit public school, which is Gompers, and the neighborhood does a lot to support them,” Meeker says. In 2022, NBA players from the Detroit Pistons surprised Gompers students and staff with a donation to establish a non-profit to supply Gompers students with toiletries and other supplies. Earning a D-plus, charter school Detroit Community High School gives students the opportunity to work with the University of Michigan to build their professional skills.
Detroit Community High School is centrally located, making it easy to access.
Walk your children to school at the recently constructed Samuel Gompers Elementary-Middle School
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Kids will enjoy playing for hours outdoors at Eliza Howell Park.
Detroit’s third-largest public park
At 250 acres, Eliza Howell Park is gaining attention from the city, the county and community members alike. In 2015, local non-profit Sidewalk Detroit began a community-wide effort to improve the park and its amenities. Since then, the group has hosted free programs at the park—like Winter Fest, a day of winter festivities like sledding and roasting marshmallows—and hosted an art residency that brought Patrick Dougherty’s sculpture “Stickwork” to the park.
One bus route, a network of sidewalks
The Detroit Department of Transportation reaches Brightmoor by way of bus route 18, which serves bus stops along Fenkell Avenue. Sidewalks are plentiful throughout the neighborhood, but some of the walkways have been overrun by grass. Interstate 96 runs through the south end of Brightmoor, and Telegraph Road and Southfield Freeway give drivers access to larger highways and the greater Detroit area.
Commuters living in Brightmoor will enjoy direct access to downtown using Detroit's DDOT busses.
Newly installed bike lanes enable commuters to travel downtown quickly and safely.
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Data indicates a high risk of crime
Equal to Brightmoor’s infamous blight is its reputation for crime. In every category measured, Brightmoor’s CAP Index is double the national average or higher. With a 10 showing the greatest crime risk, the neighborhood’s homicide score is 10, against a national score of 4. The overall CAP Index score for Brightmoor is 7, and the overall national score is 4.
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
Bryan Redmond,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Stoepel Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Tennis
Phoenix Park
Eliza Howell Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Events
Optimist-Stout Playground
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Riordan Park
James T Hope Playfield Park
Baseball/Softball
Trails
Playground
Transit
Airport
Detroit Metro Wayne County
34 min drive
Bus
Fenkell & Patton
Bus
Telegraph & 15414 Telegraph
Bus
Schoolcraft & Heyden
Bus
Schoolcraft & Burt
Bus
Fenkell & Burgess
Bus
Fenkell & Blackstone
Bus
Fenkell & Virgil
Reviews
Niche Reviews
2.917 Reviews
2.0Niche User
4/15/2015Niche Review
I am happy that I live in a place that does not have to deal with a lot of disasters.
3.0Niche User
7/31/2016Niche Review
I wish there was more positive attitudes.
5.0Current Resident
12/20/2016Niche Review
Brightmoor is the kind of neighborhood where children like to play. Where everyone gets along and do there best to try to keep the neighborhood clean and safe. But unfortunately there is still some concerns for there are lots of abandoned houses and drug dealers that use the empty houses to sale there drugs out of. Fortunately there are many organizations that board up these houses and build parks for the children to run around and be safe in. There is also a Youth Garden group that help the children during the summer to build job skills and responsibilities as well as good eating habits. Over all Brightmoor it truly a beautiful neighborhood full of more great changes to come.
3.0Niche User
8/1/2016Niche Review
There generally isn't much crime around where I live. Most of it is isolated incidents that are mostly random. The biggest threat in my area is the amount of dogs.
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Brightmoor Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Brightmoor, Detroit sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Brightmoor, Detroit over the last 12 months is $60,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch has been fully remodeled and sits near the Redford border. Inside, you’ll find a renovated kitchen with granite countertops, luxe tile, and all major appliances included, plus added counter space for practical everyday use. The updated bathroom mirrors the same thoughtful style and quality. Natural light pours in through large windows throughout, including
The spacious layout provides plenty of room to make it your own, while the natural character and charm create an inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a place to call home or a smart addition to your portfolio, this property is full of opportunity and ready for the right vision to bring it to life.
Why rent when you can own this Detroit home and start building equity today? This house has been refreshed with thoughtful improvements throughout, giving you peace of mind and comfort from day one. Step into a bright living space filled with natural light, your own kitchen perfect for everyday cooking, and spacious bedrooms that make relaxation easy. Fresh paint and a welcoming layout make this
This 3 bedroom, 1 bath home offers 1,300 sq. ft. of comfortable living space with a bright and airy aesthetic throughout. The living room features a cozy fireplace and large windows that fill the home with natural light. The updated kitchen is complete with stainless steel appliances, and the modern remodeled bathroom adds a fresh touch. Outside, you’ll find a spacious fenced backyard with plenty
Hello! Thank you for your interest in the property. What date and time works best for you to schedule a tour? I look forward to meeting you! Property is available call to schedule a walk through**Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed Rental Rate is Subject to Change without notice.** ***Move-in Special Not Guaranteed Restrictions Apply***
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bryan Redmond,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
11,134
Median Age
34
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.8%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$32,257
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$42,197
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.5%
College Graduates
11.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.7%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
30''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
38''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
32/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
16/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
38/ 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.
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.
