New community spaces and schools showcase Brownell's gradual transformation
In the far northwestern corner of Flint, Brownell is a neighborhood that embodies Vehicle City's famous resilience and community involvement. Once a subdivision of the larger Bel-Aire Woods neighborhood to the south, Brownell experienced many of the same struggles as its neighbor did when General Motors closed many of its Michigan factories in the 20th century. But now, residents are digging in and fighting the consequences of deindustrialization with projects that have led to residential improvements, major school upgrades and reclaimed community spaces.
Secluded cul-de-sacs tucked away in Brownell offer a coveted quiet suburban lifestyle.
Colorful murals bring a touch of bright color to the more urban areas of Brownell.
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New STEM academies with public spaces for all ages
The neighborhood's schools have been essential facets of revitalization. Students in the neighborhood attend Brownell STEM Academy, rated D by Niche. Third through sixth graders attend school next door at currently unrated Holmes STEM Middle School Academy. In 2024, city and local leaders cut the ribbon on a $40 million overhaul of the two schools. In addition to new athletic facilities and playgrounds, the campus now has two innovative additions: An early childhood wing, and "the Cube," a 5,000 sq. foot community center designed to be used by students and community members. The Cube is the first community center of its kind in America and will begin offering a full set of youth and adult programs later in 2025. Once they reach seventh grade, most students age up to the Southwestern Classical Academy, rated C, where they remain until twelfth grade.
Brownell STEM Academy features a large play area behind the school for student recess.
Flint Southwestern Classical Academy offers students a dynamic learning environment.
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Renovated homes and teardowns helping raise property values
Block clubs like the Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association have been instrumental in the community's fight to reinvigorate its housing stock and curb appeal. Since March of 2020, the average home value in Brownell has increased by nearly $15,000. Some solutions have included small fixes, like building flower planters on street corners. Other times, it's meant tearing down blighted properties and converting some empty lots into community spaces, like Robert J. Logan Park. Other neglected properties have been sold as investment homes, which are then resold after repairs are made. Repairs on the neighborhood's 20th century ranch-style homes, bilevels and second story overhangs range from light cosmetic updates to significant structural repairs. Once they are move-in-ready, remodeled homes often sell for $40,000 and $75,000. Investment homes needing repairs often sell for $20,000 to $40,000. These largely include small starter homes, mostly cottages and ranch-style houses from the 20th century.
Many of Brownell's homes back up to the centrally located Hasselbring Park.
Many of the investment properties in Brownell sell for as low as $15,00o.
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Churches, senior centers and neighborhood associations keep residents connected
Residents of Brownell are often highly involved in their community. The Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association sits at the center of many goings on, often hosting meetings in local parks, churches and community centers to discuss ways to help beautify the neighborhood and improve its services. Some meetings take place at the Hasselbring Senior Center, which also hosts its own social activities, such as game nights and fundraiser dances. United Missionary Baptist Church hosts an annual Trunk or Treat on Halloween, as well as neighborhood and park cleanup days. Living World Ministry hosts an annual harvest festival, as well as community health info sessions. Pretty soon, locals will be able to start using the Cube for these meetings and for a wealth of public activities, including continuing education classes for adults, recreational programs, senior services, and after-school programs.
Hasselbring Senior Center is community funded by grants and donations from Brownell residents.
United Missionary Baptist Church is a pillar of Brownell's faithful community.
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Neglected homes converted into green spaces for reading and meetings
Hasselbring Park is the neighborhood's largest green space, home to a playground, free little library and senior center hosting special events and services like tax assistance, legal and medical services. Some parks in the neighborhood are the direct result of work done by community members. Robert J. Logan Park is a former residential lot-turned green space with shaded benches and flower planters. Although technically private property, the community space and its green grass lawn are maintained by residents, who donated the land for others to use as a space for reading or hosting community events.
Hasselbring Park is home to the newly established Mays Senior Community Center.
The Mays Senior and Community Service Center was opened in Hasselbring Park in 2025.
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Few commercial options nearby
The neighborhood does not contain many businesses. What can be found is mostly contained to Clio Road, which includes an assortment of barbershops, gas stations, salons, auto shops and a few small clothing stores. The closest grocery store is the Landmark Food Center on Pierson Road, about 2 miles away from the neighborhood.
Big John Steak and Onion south of Brownell is a tasty spot for lunch in the area.
Landmark Food Center's history of fresh goods began as a group of farmers markets near Brownell.
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Walkable to neighborhood schools
Brownell is a decently walkable neighborhood thanks to its sidewalks and cut-through paths leading directly to schoolyards. Bus service can also be found along major surrounding roads and central thoroughfares like Fleming Road.
Upending crime and lead pipes
In 2014, city residents faced dangerous levels of lead contamination in their tap water due to inadequate treatment measures. By 2016, the water passed federal safety standards, and the city began the next phase of recovery by replacing all contaminated pipes in every home across the city. As of February of 2025, the project is nearing completion, now with assistance from the state government. However, the Environmental Protection Agency still recommends all residents use a water filter as the state now completes the infrastructure overhaul. Crime is also still somewhat of an issue for Brownell. The neighborhood has a CAP Index score of 5, only one point above the national average. However, higher rates of violent crime are offset by low rates of property crime, skewing the data. Nevertheless, the Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association has worked directly with Flint's police department to increase patrols throughout the neighborhood.
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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Beautiful ranch home in Chatham Village. Great opportunity for investors. Currently rented. Please allow 48 hour notice to show. Located near interstate I-75, interstate I-475, interstate I-69. All showings to be accompanied by a licensed real estate agent.
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Three-bedroom, 1-bath ranch home located on a peaceful, tree-lined road. This cozy home features fresh paint throughout and an updated bathroom vanity. The basement has been Drylocked, providing excellent storage or potential future use. Currently leased through July, this property offers an excellent opportunity for investors or future homeowners. Call for a tour today!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,167
Median Age
45
Population under 18
22.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$31,734
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$36,736
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.3%
College Graduates
16.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.8%
% Population in Labor Force
50.6%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
36''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
33/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
20/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
26/ 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.
