Evergreen Lahser

Named after two streets within the community, Evergreen Lahser sits about 17 miles northwest of bustling downtown Detroit. This square-shaped neighborhood has a clear-cut, gridded layout, making it easy to find your way around. The abundant, tree-lined sidewalks welcome residents to take their dogs for a stroll or drop by their neighbor’s house for a potluck.

Prospective buyers will find homes with cozy yards, well-kept by established residents. Many of Evergreen Lahser’s 2,600+ brick and vinyl-sided homes were built in the early 1950s. Bungalow and ranch-style homes line the streets, many including basements. Compared to the national average, homes are smaller, usually with two to three bedrooms and one to two bathrooms. You’ll tend to find homes priced between $72K and $130K, with most selling for around $90K—a bit higher than the Detroit average. Have a passion for home renovations? Some lots are a work in progress and older houses offer fixer-upper opportunities.

Residents take their pick of area schools, such as Bates Academy, which teaches prekindergarten through eighth grade. Bates scores a B-minus from Niche. Its student-teacher ratio is 21:1. Niche ranks Cass Technical High School in Detroit as the number two Standout High School in Michigan, giving it a B-plus overall. The average graduation rate at this public magnet school is 96%, with many students setting their sights on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Rated well for clubs, activities and teachers, Cass Technical also offers an IB curriculum.

For after-school or post-workday recreation, renovated parks provide ample walking paths through leafy trees. Play a game of soccer at Margaret Simmons Park or let little ones burn off energy at Tuttle Playground. Grow your own vegetables in Votrobeck Playground’s community garden, which also features a gazebo and walking trails.

Evergreen Lahser is primarily made up of homes, but entertainment is just a few streets away. Dubbed “America’s Most Unique Suburban Playhouse” at its opening in 1928, Redford Theatre hasn’t closed its doors since, unlike similar theatres in neighboring cities. Watch classic movies every other weekend and listen to its prized pipe organ play before each show. Carl Kiehler, Concession Manager and Board of Directors member says the theatre has inspired more businesses to take root: “The area’s coming back in quite a good way. In five years, it will be pretty artsy and dynamic.” And for athletic and social alternatives, head over to the Northwest Activities Center for adult swim lessons, senior basketball and youth book club.

Bus stops at opposite corners of the neighborhood make it easy to get around. But within Evergreen Lahser itself, shops and restaurants line Seven and Eight Mile Roads. Happy's Pizza is your one-stop shop for pizza, ribs, chicken and seafood. Just steps away, stock up on groceries at Apollo Market.

Around 6,000 residents call humble Evergreen Lahser home, including those who support New Hope Community Development Corporation. New Hope prioritizes revitalization and crime reduction through youth programs and housing assistance. Though crime rates in Evergreen Lahser are higher than the national average, they are lower than many other Detroit neighborhoods. With its well-maintained parks and sidewalks, Evergreen Lahser stands out as a quieter alternative to downtown. About the Evergreen Lahser area, Kiehler goes on to say, “Detroit has nice pockets. This is one of those pockets.” Whether you choose to regularly drive into the city or walk the blocks of Evergreen Lahser, residents know this hardworking community takes care of each other.

Written By

Laura Copan

Photography Contributed By

Gregory Hayes

Video By

Syd Silberman