A refined, vintage atmosphere on Jackson’s southern outskirts
One of Lower Essex Heights’ most distinctive traits is the diversity on display with its homes. Many of the area’s properties date to a similar early 20th century time period, but buyers can find Cape Cod, Colonial Revival and Craftsman homes within just a few blocks of each other. This sought-after neighborhood bridges the large park areas and outer city limits of Jackson with the populous south end of the city, and blends old-school charm with the convenience of life in an evolving Midwestern city. “The Heights area is really nice. Jackson has a lot of trees, and some areas have an almost 1950s suburbia feel, with the tree-lined streets and the big front yards,” says Matt Schaffer, the museum assistant at Ella Sharp Museum.
Homes neatly line the streets of Lower Essex Heights.
There is a wide variety of home styles in Lower Essex Heights.
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Traditional styles and unique homes in south Jackson
Many of the area’s properties were built between the 1910s and 1940s. Homes blend elements of Colonial Revival, Dutch Colonial, Craftsman and Cape Cod architecture, along with a few distinct offerings like the occasional Tudor or modern ranch home. Homes are modestly sized compared to the options just west of the neighborhood in Essex Heights, but generally have larger footprints and a greater range of styles than neighboring communities in the Southside area. Updates range from minor interior and exterior restorations to comprehensive renovations from basement to roof. Prices range from about $132,000 to $285,000. Some areas in the neighborhood, particularly near Briarcliff Road and Oakridge Drive, may have higher flood risks.
A wide array of architectural styles can be found in Lower Essex Heights.
Colonial Revival-style homes stand out in Lower Essex Heights.
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Just north of Parkside Middle School
Through the state's school choice program, Lower Essex Heights students can attend schools within the Jackson Public Schools district or other public schools in Jackson County. Nearby schools include Cascades Elementary School, which opened in 2021 and has a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. The school earns a C grade on Niche. Middle School at Parkside also earns a C grade, and sits just south of the neighborhood near West Avenue. Additions to the B-plus-ranked Jackson High School’s campus in the 2020s have included a pool and an indoor multi-sport facility.
The back entrance to Cascades Elementary School has a looping drive for pickups and drop-offs.
A domed auditorium can be found on the west side of the Middle School at Parkside.
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Learning and golfing at Ella Sharp Park
Betsy Butterfield Memorial Park and Playground is a small neighborhood park, offering a family-friendly recreational area within walking distance for most residents. To the neighborhood’s south, Ella Sharp Park is one of Jackson’s largest and most celebrated parks, offering amenities such as the 18-hole Ella Sharp Golf Course and the Ella Sharp Museum, which focuses on the local history of Jackson. The museum also houses the Peter F. Hurst Planetarium, which brings the stargazing experience to locals with a schedule of shows focusing on different aspects of the solar system. The mix of content has made the museum a mainstay for local field trips, and the museum also offers outreach programs for schools and assisted living facilities in Jackson.
Betsy Butterfield Park is widely known for its statue of kids playing leapfrog.
Lower Essex Heights locals head to one of the public golf courses in the Jackson area.
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Steak dinners and pub grub on the south reaches of the city
South of the neighborhood near Summit Township, Knight’s Steakhouse and Grill is a local favorite for refined meals. To the east, 308 Brass Rail is a neighborhood pub screening sports games alongside draft beer pours and bar food, while Pryor’s BBQ House serves ribs, chicken and other casual smokehouse fare from a pick-up counter. Locals are also close to fast food standbys such as McDonald’s and Wendy’s. For everyday shopping in the area, Polly’s Country Market, Walmart and Meijer are each available within 5 miles northwest.
Residents from the Lower Essex Heights neighborhood enjoy lunch at Knights Steakhouse.
Lower Essex Heights, head to 308 Brass Rail for happy hour.
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Watch the skies over Ella Sharp Park and the Cascades in the summer
Ella Sharp Park hosts the Hot Air Jubilee, an event that brings competitive hot air balloon flying and casual rides above the park each summer. The Ella Sharp Museum on the grounds also hosts the annual Sugaring and Shearing Festival each spring, which has food trucks, art and wool farming education, farm animals and more each spring. Northwest of the neighborhood at Sparks Foundation County Park, residents can watch the waterfall light shows and fireworks at the Cascades in the summer, or attend events like the Jackson Civil War Muster, one of the Midwest’s largest annual Civil War reenactments.
Connected to greater Jackson via Fourth Street
Fourth Street and West Avenue act as the area’s primary north-south thoroughfares, splitting from a roundabout at the neighborhood’s southern end. Residents are about 2 miles south of downtown Jackson, 41 miles west of Ann Arbor and 40 miles south of Lansing. For residents traveling without a car, Jackson Area Transit Authority bus stops are available along Fourth Street and West Avenue. The nearest hospital is Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, about 3 miles north of the neighborhood near Downtown Jackson. Locals traveling beyond South Michigan can catch flights at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, about 64 miles east of the neighborhood using Interstate 94.
Lower Essex Heights is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Jackson, Michigan.
The JATA bus service is available in and around Lower Essex Heights.
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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THE PERFECT WORLD~LOWER ESSEX HEIGHTS & CASCADES PARK! Nestled on a corner lot w/lush landscaping & fenced backyard, this home is just steps away from Cascades Park, offering the perfect blend of privacy & convenience. Beautifully maintained, offering timeless appeal w/4 spacious bedrooms & 2 full baths. Enjoy the ambience of a cozy gas fireplace in the inviting living room, complemented by
This cozy 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home features a spacious living area, functional kitchen, and generously sized bedrooms. Enjoy the large fenced backyard, perfect for outdoor activities, and a 2-car garage for added convenience. Located in a peaceful neighborhood, this home is close to amenities, schools, and parks. Call today for your personal showing!
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
493
Median Age
39
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$64,218
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,228
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.4%
College Graduates
37.7%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.7%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
35''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
65/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
44/ 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.
