A historically Chaldean community in North Detroit
Named for its location along Penrose Street, Detroit’s Penrose neighborhood packs a century of culture and resilience into a small community at the city’s northern edge. This three-by-nine-block neighborhood north of Seven Mile was historically known as “Chaldean Town” for its strong Assyrian character, acquired through decades of migration from the former Ottoman Empire. Though Penrose experienced great hardship as Detroit deindustrialized and grappled with socioeconomic crises in the late 20th century, its sense of community has survived in the form of family businesses and the preservation of historic properties. “Some of the housing stock that was built strong to begin with has survived," says Re/Max First Realtor Keith Weber, an expert on this part of Detroit for over 35 years. "These are big brick houses, and they’re like, ‘I don’t care; you can ignore me for three decades – I’ll still be here!’ These homes have great bones. "
Penrose features a small downtown strip that is home to a few small businesses.
Those interested in renovating historic homes will find opportunities in Penrose.
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An Assyrian eatery, a Coney Island and a traditional donut shop serve up local culture
7 Mile forms Penrose’s southern border as well as its retail lifeline. Sullaf Restaurant, the neighborhood’s last Assyrian eatery, specializes in Levantine staples like grilled shawarma meats and fish. This same road is home to S&J Meats, a traditional Assyrian butcher shop serving up fresh beef, lamb, chicken and fish. Penrose’s historical diversity is also reflected in its local pastry shop, Dutch Girl Donuts - which has sold baked goods to the public since 1947 - and in its Detroit One Coney Island, one of many old-school Greek diners serving up the traditional “Coney Island hot dog”. A few blocks up Woodward Avenue, the Meijer Gateway shopping center hosts the local Meijer supermarket in addition to chain and boutique shops. Brand-name restaurants like Applebee’s offer additional dining options for Penrose residents.
Enjoy a quick breakfast at any time of the day at Detroit One Coney Island.
Shop for a variety of home cooking and furnishing needs at Meijer on 8 Mile in Penrose.
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Easy access to employment opportunities
Though most of Penrose’s employment opportunities are provided by local retail and manufacturing jobs, healthcare is another major employer. The Select Specialty Hospital is accessible within a 12-mile drive down 7 Mile, while Detroit’s General Motors factory is a 15-minute drive down Interstate 75.
1920s-built properties offer competitive investment opportunities and sale prices
Penrose traces its origins to Detroit’s 1920s industrial heyday, during which tens of thousands of small homes were built to accommodate factory workers. “The choices that were made 100 years ago still resonate today," says Weber. "Even if these brick homes haven’t had the investments, they’ve stayed stable and occupied, even when their values dropped during the Great Recession.” While the decline of Detroit’s automaking industry and the ensuing spike of crime in the late 1980s and early 1990s caused much of Penrose to become derelict, this neighborhood offers plenty of opportunities to inhabit or restore vintage homes with access to major roads. Starting in the early 2000s, there have been serious efforts by developers, nonprofits and residents alike to redevelop Penrose into rental properties capable of housing around 300 local families. "They’re not just repairing the properties; they’re fully renovated when they’re done," Weber says. Properties in need of repair tend to be valued between $22,500 and $100,000, while better-preserved homes have estimated values between $100,000 and $280,000. The occasional 8-bedroom property can accrue a value between $325,000 and $345,000. Compared to the average Detroit home price of $139,000, Penrose offers an abundance of competitively priced real estate. While sidewalk access is common, it can occasionally hindered by natural overgrowth or pollution. Other streets, such as Carman Street, have the appearance of modern suburban lanes due to well-maintained streetscapes and homes.
Newly constructed homes are being constructed throughout Detroit's Penrose neighborhood.
Bungalow style homes are the most common architectural style found in Penrose.
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Palmer Park is a pillar of the community
While Penrose may not have any parks of its own, its southwestern edge comes up against Palmer Park, a 296-acre park donated to the city by Senator Thomas W. Palmer in 1893. A preserved log cabin, a 1904-built Italianate fountain, a manmade lake and 1950-built handball courts tell the story of a park that has evolved with the rest of the city. While city budgetary concerns have occasionally threatened this park with closure, the community has banded together to keep this historic green space open to the public.
Palmer Park is an ideal place to go for a walk or for a bike ride.
The Palmer Cabin originally belonged to Senator Thomas Palmer.
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Basketball is a big deal at Pershing High School
Students can start their education at this neighborhood’s very own Greenfield Union Elementary-Middle School, which receives a C-minus rating from Niche. Pershing High School also receives a C-minus rating, and the school honors its namesake, World War I general John J. Pershing, by naming its athletics programs for the U.S. Army “Doughboys” who served under his command. The boys’ basketball team has produced around two dozen professional players, including three NBA All-Stars.
Greenfield Union Elementary-Middle School in Detroit is a historic building.
Pershing High School offers a space where people can learn and thrive.
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Public safety in Penrose
Penrose has contended with relatively high crime rates for decades; its CAP Index score of 7 is well above the national rating of 4, with violent crime risks varying from 9 to 10. The Twelfth Precinct station sits just across Woodward Avenue from the neighborhood’s southwestern edge, ensuring that Penrose residents have easy access to law enforcement.
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 neighborhood?
Reach out to
Donna Hicks,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Palmer Park
Tennis
Trails
Parking Lot
State Fair Park
Hunt Playground
Charleston-Colton Park
Herman Park
Transit
Airport
Windsor International
36 min drive
Bus
John R & 7 Mile
Bus
7 Mile & Bauman
Bus
Woodward & 7 Mile Rd
Bus
7 Mile & Havana
Bus
7 Mile & Charleston
Bus
Woodward & Bryson
Bus
Woodward & Strathcona
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Penrose
US
Homicide
10
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Penrose Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Penrose, Detroit sell after 5 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Penrose, Detroit over the last 12 months is $345,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 969 Fernhill! This Detroit bungalow is 4 beds, 1 bath, 1020 sqft, with a basement. Currently tenant occupied and is willing to stay on upon request. Schedule a showing today! BTVAI
Welcome to 1105 Adeline! This Detroit bungalow is 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1016 sqft, with a basement. Currently down to the studs and ready for TLC to make it your own. Schedule a showing today! BTVAI
Welcome to 975 Fernhill! This Detroit ranch is 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and 792 Sqft. The roof is newer, within the last couple of years. Currently down to the studs and ready for TLC to make it your own. Schedule a showing today! BTVAI
Now Leasing: 2 Bed / 1 Bath – 800 Sq Ft Apartment in Prime Detroit Location!Welcome home to this spacious and comfortable 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment, offering 800 sq ft of bright living space. Enjoy wood and vinyl flooring throughout, an open-concept living and dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and stove. The bedroom features a walk-in closet, and the bathroom is
Now Leasing: 1 Bed / 1 Bath – 700 Sq Ft Apartment in Prime Detroit Location!Welcome home to this spacious and comfortable 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment, offering 700 sq ft of bright living space. Enjoy wood and vinyl flooring throughout, an open-concept living and dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and stove. The bedroom features a walk-in closet, and the bathroom is
Beautifully updated charming home for lease. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath and living area. Must have 650 credit score or higher, proof of employment, 3 months of bank statements. Please fill out application on RentSpree prior to showing. Thank you and good luck!
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Donna Hicks,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
991
Median Age
38
Population under 18
25.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$14,103
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$21,267
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.6%
College Graduates
2.8%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.8%
% Population in Labor Force
49.3%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
30''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
28''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
58/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
17/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
56/ 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.
