Moross-Morang

Moross-Morang is an ideal neighborhood for Detroit homebuyers looking to purchase their first home, offering renovated homes at a lower price point than some nearby neighborhoods and suburbs. “The advantage from the buyer’s perspective is that even renovated properties are in the low to mid 100s,” says Michael Coffindaffer, a Realtor with Max Broock Realtors who has multiple listings in the area. “It’s kind of an opening price point that gives first-time homebuyers the opportunity to own a home in Detroit.” Located about 12 miles from Downtown Detroit and right next to Interstate 94, Moross-Morang is a conveniently located community with plenty of housing options for those looking to become homeowners.

Most homes that you’ll find in Moross-Morang are bungalows and cottage-style homes. Coffindaffer says most houses in the neighborhood have three bedrooms and one bathroom. Two-story homes typically utilize the second floor as the primary suite. Basements are usually unfinished if a house has one. There are some larger Colonial Revival homes in the neighborhood, sometimes with a mix of brick and siding. Driveways are standard, but built-in garages are rare; some homes have detached garages in the backyard. Homes are close to one another, giving the area an urban feel. Some streets have mature trees casting shade over the community, while others are more open.

As Coffindaffer mentioned, homes in Moross-Morang are typically listed for $100,000 to $150,000, making it an ideal neighborhood for first-time homebuyers. “I like offering properties at this price point because with the average rent being about $1,600, that price makes it an incredibly viable option to own instead of rent,” he says. Renovated three-bedroom houses in the neighborhood will be at the higher end of the price range, while smaller homes that may need some work can cost around $80,000.

Students in Moross-Morang might attend Carleton Elementary School, Fisher Magnet Academy and Denby High School. Carleton and Fisher each receive a C rating from Niche, while Denby gets a C-minus. Denby High serves approximately 575 students with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. The school offers electives in several unique subjects, such as robotics and a JROTC program. Denby has received several grants recently for various programs, including a renovated weight room through a partnership between the Detroit Pistons and United Dairy of Michigan.

Sasser Playground is a small neighborhood park with a playground and two softball fields. The open green space also has a few picnic tables under mature shade trees. You’ll find the Heilmann Recreation Center about a half-mile northwest of the neighborhood next to Fisher Academy. This community center was updated in 2004 and has a robust programming schedule that includes swimming, youth and senior programs. In addition to the pool, the center has a weight room, basketball court, playground and tennis courts. Heilmann Recreation Center offers courses in self-defense, dance, arts and crafts and more.

Residents of Moross-Morang and other nearby neighborhoods have easy access to the Ford Resource and Engagement Center, an initiative through the Ford Motor Company that offers life skill courses and services to residents. The resource center is attached to Fisher Academy and offers cooking courses, free tax preparation, free rides to food banks and various new monthly programs.

In addition to low housing costs, Coffindaffer says convenience is a park for homebuyers. “The proximity to Grosse Pointe, Downtown Detroit and major freeways is a big draw. It’s very convenient for those purposes,” he says. While there are a few local restaurants in the neighborhood offering dishes like pizza and fried chicken, the nearby suburb of Grosse Pointe offers an array of shopping and dining options. Three miles south of the neighborhood, you can shop for groceries at popular stores like Kroger and Trader Joe’s. Stop in the unassuming Village Grille for casual sports bar fare, including burgers and nachos. Or visit Side Street Diner for old-fashioned diner food like eggs and home fries. There are several other stores in this area offering clothing, pet supplies and outdoor gear. If you want to shop for groceries closer to home, you can head to Grace Food Market on Morang Avenue. Several bus stops on Moross and Morang avenues make it easy to get around using public transit. With Interstate 94 adjacent to the neighborhood, you’ll have an easy start to any commute throughout the Detroit area.

Written By

Matthew Atkins

Photography Contributed By

Owen Kaufman

Video By

Paris Lape