$278,398Average Value$234Average Price per Sq Ft45Homes For Sale
Inclusive, forward-thinking city 11 miles north of Detroit
Bordering the northern reaches of Detroit, Ferndale is a progressive city with a population of about 19,000 residents. Longstanding establishments and preserved older homes give this Oakland County city a nostalgic feel, with a downtown district packed with a diverse selection of businesses. Home to the largest free Pride Festival in the state, Ferndale attracts buyers with its open, lively ambiance.
“One of the blessings you have in a city like Ferndale is people who embrace individuality and diversity,” says Keith Weber, Realtor at Re/Max First Royal Oak and 35-year Ferndale resident. “It looks a lot like the country does.”
As stated within Ferndale’s master plan, the city’s guiding principles of inclusivity and sustainability set its path into the future. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments predicts continued population growth, estimating an increase of 8.4% by 2030. At the same time, the city has set an environmental vision, aiming to decrease its emissions by 63% by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050, following a climate action plan to combat global warming.
Everyone is welcome with open arms at Ferndale Pride.
Colorful crosswalks keep pedestrians happy and safe in Ferndale, MI.
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Downtown Ferndale is filled with local flavor
Ferndale is known for its downtown, home to rainbow-colored crosswalks, murals, and various storefronts. The intersection of Nine Mile Road and Woodward Avenue creates the heart of downtown and the center of Ferndale. Locals can shop for bikes or plants at specialty stores, hit the bars or dine in at one of the all-American restaurants. “People love to vibe because Ferndale has a really exciting nightlife,” says Melissa Morabito, Realtor with Re/Max First. “When we lived there, we could go to a new place almost every night and never run out of options.” Big box stores sit at the intersection of Woodward and Eight Mile Road for centralized errands. The Ferndale Farmers Market runs from May through September.
You will find colorful modern art wall murals throughout the Downtown Ferndale area.
The original Downtown Ferndale sign still stands on Woodward Avenue and 9 Mile Road.
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Several parks throughout Ferndale
There are several parks and athletic facilities evenly dispersed throughout the city. Garbutt Park is located right off Eight Mile Road and a skatepark, while the walking path at Harding Park is popular year-round. When it snows, the hill at Martin Road Park behind Webb Elementary is filled with sledders and tubers.
Ferndale's David Oppenheim Park offers outdoor recreation and nature preservation.
Dog Park rules in Ferndale, MI keep dogs and their owners in line.
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Homes selling for under Oakland County’s average
Home styles range from Tudor Revivals to bungalows, mostly built between the 1920s and the 1940s. At an average of 26 days, homes in Ferndale sell faster than the national average of 45 days. The median sale price is about $250,000, far cheaper than in nearby cities such as Royal Oak and Berkley. “We’re around some very expensive real estate,” Weber says. “If you drive up Woodward from Nine Mile, it goes through the very wealth of [metro] Detroit. We’re like the jumping point for that stretch.” In a recent Community Summit, locals have expressed their desire for housing to remain affordable, ranking it as the highest priority in development.
Colonial-style Tudor, Queen Anne, and Bungalow are some of the many home styles in Ferndale.
Many vintage craftsman-style bungalow homes are in Ferndale.
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Pride, muscle cars and art fairs
Residents can attend several local events or head into Detroit for more entertainment. Ferndale hosts the largest free LGBTQ+ pride festival in the state of Michigan. The Woodward Dream Cruise is an annual car parade celebrating the spirit of Motor City. “It’s a weekend of fun,” Morabito says. “People park their cars, and they show off their hot rides up and down Woodward and different businesses will have big parties and giveaways.” The city also hosts various art fairs, a DIY festival and more.
Spend the day shopping and exploring the vendors at Ferndale Pride.
Hit the red carpet and grab a photo at Ferndale Pride.
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Getting around by car, bus or bike
A small industrial sector in Ferndale’s southeast corner provides some jobs, but most workers commute to nearby cities such as Detroit and Southfield for work. Interstate 75, which runs north and south, intersects with Interstate 696 just outside city limits. Major thoroughfares include Woodward and Nine Mile, which runs through the heart of Ferndale and leads to the nearest hospital, Ascension Providence Hospital – Southfield Campus, 4 miles west. Drivers sometimes experience traffic jams due to trains passing, but legislation passed in 2023 will provide funding for overpasses and underpasses, ultimately reducing congestion at rail crossings.
Sidewalks line the blocks of Ferndale, providing the ability to walk to many places. The FAST Woodward regional bus runs through Ferndale; however, stops are limited. Several bike lanes stretch along roads such as Nine Mile Road, Pinecrest Drive and Livernois. Detroit Metro Airport, roughly 30 miles southwest, offers nonstop flights to over 140 destinations.
Ferndale Public Schools
Ferndale Public Schools serves Ferndale and surrounding cities through its early childcare center, two elementary schools, a middle school, and two high schools. The district is rated C-plus on Niche.
Ferndale High School consistently ranking among the top schools in the state.
Ferndale Lower Elementary is designed with the young learner in mind.
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Crime, flood concerns and Michigan Winters
According to FBI data, violent and property crimes in Ferndale rose between 2022 and 2023. The Ferndale Police Department uses a community-centered approach in its work. The department employs a year-round Community Engagement Officer and hosts summertime Street Corner Round Tables to build relationships and answer questions. This city is prone to flooding and heavy rains and experiences all four seasons, with warm summers and snowy winters. The city plows the roads and asks residents to clear the sidewalks on their property within 24 hours of snow accumulation.
Written By
Kaitlin Davis
Photography Contributed By
Colette Lane
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Angela Aronson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Ferndale, MI sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Ferndale, MI over the last 12 months is $253,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
See all 37 photos, now available! Charming craftsman ranch in Ferndale bursting with vintage character and perfectly situated just steps from downtown and right across from a neighborhood park! A large, covered front porch sets the tone and leads into a bright and welcoming living room with beautiful hardwood floors, rich wood trim, and tons of natural light. An arched passageway opens to a
This home is the definition of move-in ready! Check out this charming 2 bedroom, 1 bath home with a full basement in a desirable location at an incredible price! Immaculately clean, updated and tastefully renovated, this home is ready for its new owners. The quaint front porch has plenty of room for you to relax and unwind or share stories with a favorite person. Upon entering the home, you
Welcome to this cozy bungalow tucked away in a quieter part of Royal Oak. Bursting with character, natural light, and recent updates, this three-bedroom home offers comfort and charm. Enjoy the fenced-in yard, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Conveniently located just a short drive from local shops, restaurants, and parks.
Welcome to this delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bath bungalow nestled in a prime Ferndale location. A bright, all-seasons front room invites you in and sets the tone for the spacious interior, featuring a warm and open layout between the main living and dining areas. The kitchen is both functional and inviting, with generous cabinetry and a cozy space for casual dining. Hardwood floors enhance much of
Greetings from 256 Withington. This very spacious multi-family home is located directly in downtown Ferndale. (think festivals, shopping, dining, & community, all steps away!). The classic charm of an older house remains, but the floor plan has been opened up to accommodate modern living. Spacious & bright, each of these 2 bedroom flats offer a similar layout. Oak hardwood flooring, high
Location, Location, Location! Located 1 block north of 9 mile on Pinecrest! Walk to everything downtown Ferndale has to offer. Older home with charm and some of the architectural elements of the past. This charming colonial has 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath and a powder room. Hardwood floors throughout the home were refinished (2017). Recent improvements include a newer kitchen with shaker style
This is the most exciting lease opportunity seen in Ferndale in years. This 1934 historic church has been transformed into 4 totally unique apartments. All of them have been totally built out new with a chic industrial look, open floor plans and large living spaces. Large kitchens have lots of cabinetry, high end appliances, and Quartz counters. The bathrooms are all ceramic. Each unit has lots
Situated between the thriving neighborhoods of Ferndale and Pleasant Ridge, The Flats at Iron Ridge are the newest edition to the curated revival of Iron Ridge District. The new apartments bring a vibrant flavor of luxury to a once industrial pocket of Ferndale. With thoughtfully planned community amenities complementing well-appointed apartment interiors, The Flats reflect the unique community
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