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Petoskey-Otsego

Petoskey-Otsego

Suburban Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan

Wayne County 48204, 48206

$87,768 Average Value
$49 Average Price per Sq Ft
7 Homes For Sale

Sturdy homes and strong residents

Things are looking up in Petoskey-Otsego, a residential community of sturdily built single-family homes, multi-family and apartment complexes. This western Detroit neighborhood suffered during the city's years of racial conflict and abandonment between the 1970s and 1990s. But many of its residents remained strong. Just ask Vonzie Whitlow. For more than 60 years, his barber shop on Windermere Street has been where locals gather to get a trim and discuss current affairs. Whitlow was trained in his profession by Raymond Parks, husband of civil rights leader Rosa Parks. Undaunted by riots or recessions, Whitlow’s Barber Lounge is still open for business and is believed to be the oldest barber shop in Detroit. Whitlow's unflagging determination is shared by other locals. “This neighborhood, like all of the city, had to become more flexible,” says Olayami Dabls, a visual storyteller and owner/curator of the Dbals Mbad African Bead Museum. “When the troubles began, the media wrote only about the negatives happening here. That scared off a lot of people. But eventually, when the city seemed headed toward ruin, artists began to come in and paint wall murals. And wherever there is art, people come to see it. Then, those people started investing in the area and rebuilding and repairing homes. This has become an opportunity for people to acquire property.”

Vonzie Whitlow using the scissors given to him by Raymond Parks, Rosa Park's husband.
Vonzie Whitlow using the scissors given to him by Raymond Parks, Rosa Park's husband.
African storyteller and mask maker Efe Bes performs at Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum.
African storyteller and mask maker Efe Bes performs at Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum.
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Restorations are underway

The streets of Petosky-Otsego are laid out in a grid fashion. Sidewalks lead past sturdily built homes with private driveways that sit back on small front lawns. The area also has a handful of warehouses and auto body shops, reflecting its history as a working-class neighborhood. The architectural style of the houses is a mix of late 19th- and 20th-century residential styles. Bungalows, American Foursquare and Colonial Revival structures, and multi-family homes are found throughout the neighborhood. Many of the buildings have been updated or are undergoing remodeling. “I pay attention to what is going on around here. There isn’t a street in this neighborhood where someone isn’t restoring a home,” says Dbals. The remodeling efforts have given Petoskey-Otsego a unique appeal; a combination of classic architecture that blends nicely with modern updates makes the area more attractive. Home prices here are still low. The range of home values is generally between $29,000 and $80,000, depending on the house’s condition and factors such as size and location of the property.

Petosky-Otsego is centrally located and just minutes from downtown Detroit.
Petosky-Otsego is centrally located and just minutes from downtown Detroit.
Properties in Petosky-Otsego are situated close together.
Properties in Petosky-Otsego are situated close together.
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Restored homes turn heads

The heavily residential community is still full of single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family homes, as well as apartment complexes. Many of the homes in the neighborhood have been remodeled with modern updates and renovations, while some are still in their original condition. The area also has some commercial and industrial properties, such as warehouses and auto body shops – a reflection of its history as a working-class neighborhood. The architectural style of the houses in the Detroit neighborhoods of Rosa Parks-Clairmont is a mix of late 19th and 20th-century American residential styles. Single-family homes, like Bungalows, American Foursquare, and Colonial Revival structures, as well as multi-family homes, like Tudor Revival, Dutch Colonial, and other similar housing styles, are interwoven throughout the neighborhood. Recently, the area has seen a renewal of interest, with many of its original houses being restored and modernized. This has given the place a unique architectural charm, combining the classic styles of the original neighborhood with modern updates to make the area more attractive. The range of home values for the area is generally between $29,000 and $80,000, depending on the condition of the home and other factors such as the size and location of the property.

Historic homes are found throghout Petosky-Otsego.
Historic homes are found throghout Petosky-Otsego.
Renovated homes are beginning to come to market in Petosky-Otsego.
Renovated homes are beginning to come to market in Petosky-Otsego.
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A high school with a law club

Detroit Public Community Schools serve the neighborhood. Students can attend Spain Elementary-Middle School, which has a C-minus rating from Niche and a 13-1 student-teacher ratio. Area students may attend Cass Technical High School, which holds a B-plus rating. In 2023, Michigan State University launched a law club at the high school to help students understand how our democracy works and what role they can play in it.

Charles L. Spain Elementary-Middle School has an overall Niche grade of C-.
Charles L. Spain Elementary-Middle School has an overall Niche grade of C-.
Cass Technical Institute is a magnet high school in the Detroit Public Schools District.
Cass Technical Institute is a magnet high school in the Detroit Public Schools District.
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Parks and playgrounds

The neighborhood has several pocket parks and play areas. McShane Park is an open space in the neighborhood with playground equipment, a small pavilion and a few picnic tables. Nardin Park is a mile away. The 5-acre green space features a playground, walking paths, picnic tables and grills.

Meet with friends and spend the day shredding outside at Bishop Park's Skatepark.
Meet with friends and spend the day shredding outside at Bishop Park's Skatepark.
Bishop Park's Skatepark is a great spot to practice and get in some exercise outdoors.
Bishop Park's Skatepark is a great spot to practice and get in some exercise outdoors.
Visit McShane Playground for a breath of fresh air mid day.
Visit McShane Playground for a breath of fresh air mid day.
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Quick stops and local spots

New Quick Stop Market and Family Dollar are in the neighborhood for groceries and other essentials. Rite-Way Hardware has the tools needed for household repairs and a staff ready to offer suggestions. For a bite to eat, Hook Fish & Chicken is a local spot that serves soul food favorites.

Olayami Dabls in his bead museum and gallery in Rosa Parks.
Olayami Dabls in his bead museum and gallery in Rosa Parks.
Residents of Petosky-Otsego enjoy barbecuing outside when the weather is nice.
Residents of Petosky-Otsego enjoy barbecuing outside when the weather is nice.
Hook Fish & Chicken in Petosky-Otsego stocks fresh fish & poultry.
Hook Fish & Chicken in Petosky-Otsego stocks fresh fish & poultry.
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A bead gallery and scavenger hunt

Petoskey-Otsego residents can enjoy any of the many events that take place throughout Detroit. The Divine Artistry Lounge regularly hosts Kids Science & Crafts events and the Detroit Scavenger Hunt: Midtown Groove provides the opportunity for locals to learn about historic locations around the city, including The Majestic Theatre, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Detroit Institute of Arts. A visit to the Dbals Mbad African Bead Museum shouldn’t be missed. The color-splashed museum houses 18 outdoor exhibits, a bead gallery and an African Language Wall.

Experience Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum while wandering around its campus.
Experience Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum while wandering around its campus.
The Detroit Institute of Arts is located near Petosky-Otsego, making it easy to access.
The Detroit Institute of Arts is located near Petosky-Otsego, making it easy to access.
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Getting to and from

The neighborhood is 5 miles from downtown Detroit via the M-5. Interstate 96 runs along the edge of the community, connecting with Interstate 94 to the south. Detroit International Airport is 17 miles west via I-94. Bus service is available throughout the area. This is a car-dependent neighborhood. It has a moderate crime problem with a CAP Index score of 6/10.

Hop on a DDOT bus and be downtown within minutes.
Hop on a DDOT bus and be downtown within minutes.
Newly installed bike lanes provide quick alternative means of commuting downtown.
Newly installed bike lanes provide quick alternative means of commuting downtown.
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Robin Beres
Written By
Robin Beres
Owen Kaufman
Photography Contributed By
Owen Kaufman
Elia Faith Crianza
Video By
Elia Faith Crianza

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Albert Hakim, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Windsor International

31 min drive

Bus

Grand River & Pacific

Bus

Grand River & Vancouver

Bus

Grand River & Fernwood

Bus

W Grand Bl & Grand River

Bus

Dexter & Columbus

Bus

Joy & Beverly

Bus

Dexter & Pingree

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Petoskey-Otsego US
Homicide 10 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$65,750
Median Single Family Price
$95,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$49
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Last 12 months Home Sales
14
Months of Supply
6.00
Median List Price
$95,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
105%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
950
Median Year Built
1917
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,684
Below the national average
1,937
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,138

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Albert Hakim, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,283
Median Age
36
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$21,107
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$37,939

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.7%
College Graduates
13%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.6%
% Population in Labor Force
43.8%
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®

50 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

16 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

53 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Petoskey-Otsego
Albert Hakim
City Real Estate Group LLC
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