The eastside neighborhood of Gratiot Woods may have seen better days, but longtime residents and community workers see its potential. Bordered north by Gratiot and south by Mack, this neighborhood provides easy commutes throughout the city. There’s also a wide variety of fixer-uppers waiting to be loved.
“It does have access to Interstate 94, and you’re right off Gratiot Avenue, which are major roads that go right into downtown,” says Gordon Hawkins, the broker and owner of Hawkins Realty Group, who works and lives nearby. “It needs a little more development, and there’s a church in the neighborhood that has been trying to build it up.”
Classic Detroit architecture
Timeless Detroit Bungalows, Duch Colonials and American four-square homes line the residential roads of Gratiot Woods. Most of these houses were built in the 1910s and 20s, although a few were built as late as 2020. While some of these historic residences have fallen to blight, many have been cared for and restored to their original glory.
“It’s a lot of rehab going on over there, so that’s really the energy,” says Hawkins. “A lot of people have been there for a long period of time, 40, 50 60 years. A lot of people that grew up here are seeing it come back.”
There are plenty of vacant lots throughout the neighborhood, but there’s also a selection of narrow, three-story homes built closer together. Few houses have long paved driveways for off-street parking. Others have backyard garages that can be reached by driving through alleyways, but most residents park on the streets. Single-family homes sell from $14,000 for a fixer-upper to $200,000 for something newly remodeled. Two-family investment properties, on the other hand, sell for upwards of $200,000.
Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance
While many homes were built in the early 1900s, there are also some newer apartments and condos that were developed by the Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance. The alliance was created in 1967 after the Detroit Riots when a group of Catholic priests gathered and committed themselves to heal the community. Since then, the alliance has grown to include efforts around affordable housing, commercial development and programs for Detroit residents.
The alliance, with the help of Nativity of Our Lord Church, has invested more than $18.6 million in housing developments in Gratiot-Woods since 2006. Projects include 9100 on Gratiot, The Condos at 6106 McClellan and Apartments at 9200 Gratiot Ave. Both DCPA and Nativity are located at the northern end of Gratiot Woods.
Buses and I-94
Several bus lines run through the neighborhood including Gratiot, Warren and Mack. Bus stops are within walking distance and are evenly distrusted throughout the area, putting them within walking distance for everyone. Interstate 94 is also just a mile north of the neighborhood and is a measly 5-minute drive away. Drivers can also use main roads like Gratiot and Mack to get around. Downtown is less than 5 miles from Gratiot Woods and can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes by hopping on Gratiot.
Nearby shopping and dining
While Gratiot Woods is primarily residential, shopping and dining options are a short drive away. Farmer John Food Center sits on Harper and Gratiot and is the go-to for grocery needs.
On The Rise Bakery is a small bakery along Gratiot Avenue known for its pies, donuts and cinnamon rolls. Capuchin Soup Kitchen, a local nonprofit organization, runs the bakery. The store employs people who have recently been released from prison and completed a substance use disorder program, helping them get their lives back on track.
Hollywood Coney Island is also just north of the neighborhood. It is a casual eatery with a drive-thru that serves classic Coney dogs, cheese fries and corned beef sandwiches.
Pingree Park and Chandler Park
Living in Gratiot Woods puts residents just across the street from Pingree Park, a green space with softball fields and basketball courts. A walking trail surrounds the park, offering a place for a relaxing stroll or a speedy run. Kids love spending warm days at the playground, and everyone enjoys picnics in the shaded pavilion. The northern section of the park features several walking trails and open green spaces dotted with trees, ideal for visitors who want to spend some time relaxing in a natural space. Residents are also just a 2.5-mile drive from Chandler Park, one of the largest parks in Detroit. This green space offers a variety of activities, including basketball, tennis, soccer and a skate park.
Detroit Prep and Southeastern High
Several schools are within walking distance, including the B-minus-rated Detroit Prep, which teaches kindergarten through 8th graders. Southeastern High School, which is rated a C overall, is a popular next step. The high school is home to around 550 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 21-to-1. Southeastern is known for its robotics club, which competes in FIRST Robotics competitions each year, designing, building and programming a game-playing robot. Students can take career-focused elective classes, including business administration and computer networking.
Noise and crime levels
Gratiot Woods has a fire station at its center. While that means a quicker response time, it also means the chance of dealing with emergency sirens at any point. And while access to major roads makes commuting easy, it also brings more noise pollution to the neighborhood.
Along with high noise levels, Gratiot Woods has high crime scores. It received a 7 out of 10 CAP index score. The US average of 4. It has especially high scores in sectors like homicide, assault with a weapon and robbery.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Gratiot Woods, Detroit sell after 85 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Gratiot Woods, Detroit over the last 12 months is $48,750, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nice large lot in East Village, Between the Little Village/Shepard Arts, Commercial Residential development and the Greatwater single family developments on Fischer.
Here's your chance to restore a classic Colonial in Detroit's historic Pingree Park neighborhood. Built in 1914, this home offers nearly 2,600 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, one bathroom, and a full basement already plumbed for a second bath.Recent exterior improvements include new windows, doors, storm panels, glass block basement windows, porch steps, and
Lovely 4 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath colonial home with many classic features. Large foyer with French doors leads into living room with hardwood floors. Formal dining room with crystal chandelier and hardwood floors. Spacious kitchen with pantry. Close to freeways, easy access to downtown & Belle Island. This is the one you’ve been waiting for. Schedule today!
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