Eleven miles from downtown Detroit, the city of Ecorse is part of the Downriver community, a collection of 19 cities and townships just south of Detroit. One of the oldest municipalities in Wayne County, Ecorse's position on the river made it a shipping destination before it became an industrial and automotive hub in 1923. The residential parts of the city were constructed for factory workers after the Michigan Steel Mill opened, and it quickly became an “inner-ring suburb” of Detroit. After being in economic decline for decades, the city is turning around with small, steady gains in population growth and increasingly accessible public amenities, like walking and biking connections throughout the revitalizing area. Railroad tracks bisect the city, and the Ecorse River forms its southern boundary. Just short of the US/Canadian border, Ecorse is also home to Mud Island, a part of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
2023 saw several significant new developments for the city – from the extensive work on the library to revitalized green spaces to the new public transportation system. “Those new developments, and Ecorse’s location on the waterfront, have slowly helped contribute to the city’s population growth,” says Jozsef Trattner, a Realtor with Real Estate One-Novi with 16 years of experience. “I grew up downriver, so this is an exciting time,” he says. Trattner pointed out how a two-bedroom brick colonial on a corner lot was recently listed at $195,000 and garnered a surprising amount of interest. "It was within walking distance of the neighboring city of Wyandotte, which has small shops and new eateries,” he says. “It also had million-dollar panoramic views of the water. Everyone who saw it wanted it.” The interest in that house, combined with steady population gains and increasing amenities, indicates that the city is on an upward trend.
Midcentury homes built for industrial workers
Today’s Ecorse developed between the early 1900s and the 1950s. Many of the single-family houses in the area reflect this with vintage architectural styles and features like dormer windows and expansive front porches. Homebuyers can choose from traditional colonial-style buildings, bungalows and Craftsman houses along the tree-lined streets. There are also some Victorian and ranch-style dwellings and numerous mid-century modern homes. Many of these require some level of restoration, from cosmetic to structural. Most have modestly sized lawns, and lots are available throughout the city. Prices range from $45,000 for a three-bedroom bungalow to $145,000 for a three-bedroom updated colonial.
Contemporary brick homes on large lots can be found in Ecorse.
In Ecorse, there are also a variety of brick Tudor and Cottage-style homes.
Traditional homes with large covered porches are common throughout Ecorse.
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Revamped buses and new bike lanes
Public transportation in Ecorse has significantly improved in recent years. The city adopted a modern bus fleet with interactive screens, wireless internet and other features. Bus stops are found throughout the area but are concentrated along Jefferson Avenue and Outer Drive. Several new bike paths have been built, and sidewalks of varying conditions connect different parts of the city. For those who need to travel by car, Interstate 75 and State Route M-85 are just over 2 miles west of the community. Major local roadways include Visger and Southfield Roads, Jefferson Avenue and Outer Drive.
Hands-on learning, reward programs and technical education
Ecorse Public Schools operates multiple facilities for the children of Ecorse. These include Ralph J. Bunche Elementary, Grandport Academy and Ecorse High. All three earned a D or above from Niche. Bunche Elementary is the home of the Little Raiders. It uses technology enrichment classes and multi-sensory learning techniques, like hands-on, interactive activities, to enhance students’ skills and curiosity. Grandport Academy recently opened the Grand Stand, a reward program that allows students who’ve earned enough points to choose snacks, gift cards and more in the once-a-month pop-up store. Ecorse High offers career and technical education courses like automotive mechanics, graphic design, and radio and TV production.
Gyros, burritos, beers and groceries
Ecorse is a transitioning industrial/residential area. It’s near Wyandotte's shops and eateries but has its own unique options, too. Groceries are easy to find at O’Brien’s Market on Southfield Road or Ecorse Market on Visger. Downriver Bar and Grill is a popular hangout for pool, darts and a couple of beers, while award-winning Greek restaurant Auburn Cafe has been welcoming customers for over 40 years. Taco Especial was opened in 1979 by a husband-and-wife team. The colorfully painted building has seen generations of diners enjoy the authentic Mexican flavors of chimichangas and its signature “chunky beef” burrito.
The Auburn Café, Serving authentic Greek food in Ecorse.
Dip Net Bait and Tackle shop located next to Riverside Coney Island in Ecorse.
Find familiar, big-box retailers in Ecorse.
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Rehabbed green spaces by the Detroit River
The city has been working to improve its nearly 20 acres of public green spaces. Many of them are pocket parks, like Beach and Cicotte. This 1.5-acre green space is adjacent to the railroad tracks and has a soccer field, a jungle gym, slides and swings. Pepper Road Park occupies 5 acres along the Ecorse River and contains a variety of athletic fields and courts, a playground and a gazebo. It’s Ecorse’s most popular green space, and a proposed splash pad would be finished by 2027. Locals can experience the Detroit Riverfront at Dingell Park. The only regional park in the city, it's a quarter-mile-long and has wooden benches facing the water. Children enjoy two play areas and a playscape, and people of all ages are seen fishing from the brick-paved boardwalk. A monument to WWII, Korea and Vietnam veterans also rests in the tranquil area.
Dingell Park in Ecorse offers a variety of playground equipment with waterfront views.
Pepper Park in the Ecorse neighborhood features a baseball field.
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Community classes and Meals on Wheels
The city operates two community centers on Jefferson Avenue. Right next door to each other, the Senior Center and Recreation Center can be joined into one large hall for special events. Otherwise, the Senior Center is a services and social activities hub for Ecorse’s seniors. It provides Meals on Wheels to homebound people and operates a bus service to help them reach medical appointments and do shopping. Renovated in 2022, it has craft classes, bingo, bridge club and more. The Recreation Center is an open classroom space with cushioned plastic mat flooring for yoga and Cardio Drum Fit programs.
An overview of The Detroit River in relation to the neighborhood of Ecorse.
Important to Know
Being located along two riverfronts means Ecorse can experience some flooding. This is most prevalent in the residential area north of the Ecorse River.
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Gregory Hayes
Video By
Stewart Taveras
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On average, homes in Ecorse, MI sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ecorse, MI over the last 12 months is $88,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1 bathroom home that blends modern style with everyday comfort. Enjoy brand-new vinyl flooring throughout, a fully updated kitchen with contemporary finishes, and a stylish bathroom makeover. This home offers excellent curb appeal, plenty of storage, and an oversized basement ready for your personal touch. Conveniently located near major freeways, this property
This beautiful 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home offers spacious living across two levels with a convenient half bath on the basement and a full bath upstairs. You’ll love the living room, kitchen and formal dining area.The property sits on an oversized lot with a covered car port on the side and an automatic fence door, providing plenty of room for outdoor gatherings, parking, or future expansion.
Welcome to 70 Broadway in Ecorse. Clean and affordable ranch with two bedrooms, one bathroom and a full basement for storage or projects. Great opportunity for an investor or a buyer looking for a payment that is lower than rent. Nice quiet block with easy access to West Jefferson, parks and schools. Seller has already started the process with the City of Ecorse and will be ordering the city
Affordable bungalow recently updated and move in ready!!New carpet,vinyl planking flooring, and hardwood floors through out the first floor. Updated bath!! Tub needs to be updated!! Large upstairs loft bedroom! with new carpet!! Freshly painted throughout!! Fenced in front AND backyards. Accessible front porch!!Newer roof,htw and furnace. Nearby River access!!! Parkls,shops,marinas near by!!
Welcome to your new home in Ecorse, MI! This charming two-story single-family home features three spacious bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms, offering a perfect blend of comfort and functionality within 1,012 square feet. The inviting living room flows seamlessly into the kitchen, which boasts wooden cabinets and a convenient double sink. Enjoy the natural light filtering through as you head
Now available for lease in Ecorse. This 4-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a functional layout with generous room sizes and convenient features. The property includes laundry hookups, a 2-car garage, and a private residential setting. Please note no appliances are included and there is no basement. Tenant to provide their own appliances. Conveniently located near local schools, shopping, dining, and
Welcome to this charming single-family home in Ecorse, Michigan, offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With three spacious bedrooms and a functional layout spread over 1,100 square feet, this residence is ideal for families or anyone looking for a cozy retreat close to amenities.The property features a modern kitchen complete with ample cabinetry and a stylish design,
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