Evolving suburban appeal in this industrial Detroit town
River Rouge is a Downriver suburb of Detroit that has been slowly changing its image over the years. It started as an agricultural region, but due to its prime location between the iron ore of the Upper Peninsula and the Eastern United States coal mines, it eventually transitioned into a major industrial site. By 2015, the neighborhood began to form a new look when Michigan legalized recreational marijuana. Seven of the biggest Detroit dispensaries rolled in, bringing in more business and, in turn, increased opportunities for the city of River Rouge. "The dispensaries are making a difference," says Maya Rushing, a realtor at Keller Williams Paint Creek, which has been serving Detroit-area clients for over 30 years. "People are beginning to see River Rouge as an up-and-coming place to be." However, there’s more to this neighborhood than its industrial roots and cannabis shop reputation. It also draws in residential appeal with its friendly community, large-scale park system and less than 10-mile location to downtown Detroit. “Residents are proud to live here, and more and more people are discovering all that River Rouge has to offer,” Rushing says.
Residents are proud to live in River Rouge and more people are discovering its potential.
River Rouge has a population of less than 8,000 people.
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Architecturally mixed homes with room to grow
There’s a true blend of architectural styles when walking through River Rouge’s sidewalk-paved neighborhood subdivisions. Larger bungalows sit next to brick ranches with extended lot space, while groupings of craftsman homes reside close together. Some River Rouge homes were built as early as the 1910s, but most properties were constructed from the 1920s to the 1950s during the Detroit autoworker boom. Housing prices range from $70,000 to $180,000, and the amount of space residents can get for the price is one of the biggest draws for younger families moving in, which has driven up the area’s appeal. “There is low inventory and steady interest in River Rouge, so homes on the market can move very fast unless they need many updates,” says Rhonda James, a real estate agent with Team Dabish at a RE/MAX Nexus. This group has served clients in the Wayne County, MI area for over 15 years.
The sidewalks on residential streets in River Rouge helps make the area walkable.
Bungalow style houses with large front porches can be found in the River Rouge community.
A large bungalow home with red accents in the River Rouge neighborhood.
Victorian style homes are plentiful throughout River Rouge.
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Local watering holes and history-infused entertainment
River Rouge residents enjoy some tried-and-true hangout spots when looking to dine out or kick back away from home. Mr. K’s Saloon is a classic Detroit dive bar where locals come to watch a game, have a few drinks with friends, or grab one of Mr. K’s classic hamburgers or coney dogs. A recent newcomer to the area but quickly becoming a favorite is Smokin’ Steve’s BBQ, which specializes in brisket and even pizza offerings. For groceries, residents can find meal-planning essentials at the Bi-Rite Supermarket on Jefferson Avenue. When looking for a little in-town culture, the River Rouge Historical Museum is a celebrated choice. The museum keeps the history of River Rouge alive with an extensive photograph display dating back to 1914. There’s also a collection of 19th-century parlor furniture and other unique pieces holding great historical value to the city.
A favorite watering hole in River Rouge is Mr. K's Saloon where you can get a drink and a meal.
You can get fried chicken and fish fast at Mr. Fish and Chicken in River Rouge.
The Auburn Cafe is a popular Greek restaurant located just outside of River Rouge.
The Auburn Cafe is a traditional Greek restaurant near River Rouge.
Locals can go to Bi-Rite Supermarket for all their needs in River Rouge.
Bi-Rite supermarket has everything you need, including fresh produce and meats, in River Rouge.
Bi-Rite is a local grocery store serving the community of River Rouge.
The River Rouge Historical Museum tells the story of the community.
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Scenic water views along the Detroit River
Belanger Park is by far River Rouge’s most significant outdoor recreational attraction. Located directly beside the Detroit River, this beautiful site houses a working lighthouse that shines as the iconic symbol of Belanger Park. Over the past few decades, many updates have made this place a go-to spot, with picnic pavilions, a waterfront gazebo and a walking path surrounded by a modern playscape. Residents can walk along the boardwalk for scenic views or take boats and kayaks out on the Detroit River during the warmer months. Memorial Park is another reputable outdoor recreation spot, featuring wide, open green spaces for roaming around and a children’s playscape, plus tree-shaded picnic tables to enjoy.
The Balenger Lighthouse sits on the Detroit River by the new Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Residents enjoy walking along the boardwalk along the Detroit River in River Rouge.
River Rouge's Splash Park at Memorial Park is the perfect place to bring kids during summer.
The monuments in
River Rouge at Memorial Park are surrounded by walking paths and greenery.
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STEM-focused education and alternative programs
For K-8 students, River Rouge STEM Academy at Dunn receives a C-minus from Niche.com. Instead of a more traditional course structure, this school offers a full dose of STEM courses each day for students wanting to focus their younger education in the STEM sector. For a more traditional approach, there’s also Ann Visger Elementary School, which scores at a C-minus. High schoolers are zoned for River Rouge High School, which gets a C rating. A unique addition to River Rouge’s school lineup is the “My Virtual Academy” program, which offers tuition-free virtual schooling for upper-level students who are not succeeding in traditional schooling or are seeking a different type of academic support.
Ann Visger Elementary School holds a C- rating on Niche.com.
The River Rouge STEM Academy at Dunn has a C- rating on Niche.
River Rouge High school holds a C rating on Niche.com.
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Longstanding community events
Memorial Park is home to many seasonal community events, including an annual Halloween bash and a holiday tree lighting ceremony. However, the most famous event of the year at Memorial Park is the River Rouge Days Festival. For 95 years and counting, this festival brings neighbors together for a weekend in September with all kinds of activities and family-focused entertainment. Eventgoers can experience a full-scale carnival, helicopter rides, daily live music, local food and a bake show. There are also designated slot times for an Art in the Park event, an antique car show, a neon color party, a bingo station and a splash park area that transitions into a kid-friendly Movie in the Park station each night.
Adjacent highways and an advanced bus system
Getting around quickly is a major benefit for River Rouge residents, as the neighborhood sits next to Interstate-75 and is less than 10 miles from downtown Detroit. Bus riders also appreciate this neighborhood's SMARTbus system, with one designated route that stops through the city and into nearby suburbs. SMARTbus “Connector” buses are another option, where locals can reserve a curb-to-curb stop from their residence if they live further than one-third mile from the affixed route.
The SMART Bus system in Detroit runs through the center of River Rouge.
Step into this stunning, fully renovated ranch-style home featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, 1 modern bathroom, and an attached 1-car garage. Every detail has been thoughtfully updated, including a brand-new kitchen with sleek finishes, a completely remodeled bathroom, fresh interior paint throughout, and stylish flooring. Move-in ready and perfect for comfortable living—don’t miss your chance to own
INVESTOR SPECIAL!!!! River Rouge gem in the making. this project has been started and LOTS OF WORK HAS BEEN DONE! New electrical and plumbing has been installed. the kitchen was expanded. The right investor could have this house finished in no time. 105k comps
A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR YOU TO CALL HOME! This beautifully updated and move-in-ready home located in the heart of River Rouge. The spacious 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath residence combines timeless character with modern upgrades, making it the perfect place to call home.Step inside and immediately notice the freshly painted interior and living areas feature gleaming hardwood floors, while plush new carpet
Step into this charming home and be greeted by a spacious living room that offers plenty of room for relaxation and entertainment. The main level also features a kitchen, a generous-sized a bathroom with a built-in cabinet for added storage, and a cozy bedroom. Upstairs, you'll discover three versatile rooms that can be used however you see fit – whether as a nursery, office, extra-large closet,
Multi-family unit with private entrances. Lease or rent-to-buy opportunity. Renovated condo $1,170 monthly lease for a 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom unit. Located inside a progressive quite neighborhood with parks nearby. Offering onsite laundry and parking with water utility included (others may be included for housing choice vouchers). Waiting for the new resident who desires living near
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Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: 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.
