Southfield Plymouth

At the intersection of the I-96 Express and the Southfield Freeway sits Southfield Plymouth, a small, family-friendly neighborhood that believes in the importance of community. Whether residents support the independent living of older adults, building leadership skills among area youth or bridging the digital divide for locals, Southfield Plymouth is all about doing what’s best for everyone.

“Southfield Plymouth falls under the Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance, and the volunteers and board do so much for the seven communities that they serve,” says Harrison R. Duke, a Detroit native and local historian who also serves on several community boards in the area. “The Alliance is all about engagement, development and stabilization, and the residents benefit so much from the programming made available to them living there.”

Shaded sidewalks wind throughout the community, decorated with flourishing trees that add to the aesthetic. Homes sit on moderately sized lots that make for well-maintained front lawns and backyards. Classic bungalow-style homes are the most prevalent, displaying brick and vinyl façades, large picture and bay windows and dormers inspired by the Cape Cod style. The homes generally have front porches or stoops, but some come without them. Some newer homes have side entrances and walkways shared with the house next door. Pricing in the area is quite attractive, considering the more expensive homes cap off at just over $100,000.

As part of the Detroit Public Schools Community School District, students have several options for their schooling. For a well-rounded experience, students can attend the Foreign Language Immersion and Cultural Studies School before enrolling in Cody High School. As a site for the Academy of Public Leadership and the Medicine and Community Health Academy, Cody holds an overall Niche grade of C-minus, while FLICS has a C-plus.

Getting its name from the 5-mile section of the River Rouge that runs through it, the nearby Rouge Park has the distinction of being the largest urban park in Michigan, covering 1,184 acres. When it’s warm enough, kids can enjoy the playground and splash pad while nature buffs take to the 2.2-mile Prairie Pathway and Stonebridge Nature Trail. The park also has a 3-mile mountain bike trail for outdoor fun. Courts and fields for football, basketball, soccer and tennis keep sports enthusiasts satisfied, and the park’s pools are where locals make a splash in the summertime. Thanks to a $20 million donation from the Tom Gores Family Foundation, the Brennan Recreation Center will be a new indoor recreation addition to the park set to open in 2024. Golfers of all skill levels can take advantage of the 18-hole golf course onsite to have a little tee time and practice their swing.

For groceries and other daily essentials, Sugar Market is conveniently located in Plymouth Square. The Grand River Meijer is also a local favorite for grocery runs and carries big-box items with everything from apparel and jewelry to electronics and home décor. For a night of dining out, Starter’s Bar & Grille is a Detroit original that serves everything from seafood and steak to wings and pasta. Olympia Coney Island gives a classic diner experience and has a drive-thru option.

Located in Rouge Park, D-Town Farm houses an agricultural internship program that teaches basic farming techniques with food security as its primary focus. Students are so successful in the program that the farm sells fresh produce to locals from June to October. “The Thomas A. Edison Branch of the Detroit Public Library has computers and offers programming for the entire family to enjoy,” says Christine Stewart-Peele, a managing librarian at the branch. To promote family health and wellness, the library partners with the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine on its Teddy Bear Clinic. Edison also hosts a weekly LEGO Club that fosters interest in architecture and a monthly Dungeons & Dragons Club for those interested in taking on the adventure.

Written By

Kent Olden

Photography Contributed By

James Gordon

Video By

Joshua Kassabian