Detroit is the largest city in Michigan and is home to nearly 640,000 people.
It is also one of the most dangerous cities in the nation, with about 60 crimes for every 1K residents.
Its violent crime rate is over five times that of the national average.
Many people associate Detroit with decline due to its high crime rate and economic woes of the past.
But nothing could be further from the truth!
The last decade has seen major revitalization in Detroit economically and otherwise.
In other words, the city isn’t all bad!
There are plenty of neighborhoods that are safe to live in and opportunities worth exploring.
Relocating to Detroit could give you a whole new start!
Contents
10 Safest Neighborhoods in Detroit
Like most cities, Detroit has its good side and its bad.
The following are some of the best neighborhoods that the city has to offer.
1. Palmer Woods
Palmer Woods is widely considered to be the safest neighborhood in Detroit.
This historic area is known for its Tudor Revival architecture and can be found listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It has a crime rate of about 2,059 per 100K people, which is 10% lower than the national average.
Not surprisingly, Palmer Woods is home to many of Detroit’s wealthy professionals.
Nearly three-quarters of residents are African-American.
2. Corktown
Corktown has a similar vibe to Palmer Woods.
It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to young professionals and families.
At the same time, the area also has a trendy, exciting feel as many of the city’s redevelopment projects aren’t far from this historic enclave.
A move to Corktown also puts you within easy reach of the city’s vibrant downtown area.
Corktown is a very safe neighborhood with a violent crime rate of 871 for every 100K people and a property crime rate of 1,284 for every 100K people.
3. Midtown
Midtown is home to many of the city’s cultural and educational venues.
This includes Wayne State University, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Detroit Cultural Center Historic District.
It’s an ideal location for young people, artists, and anyone else who wants to enjoy urban amenities within a safe residential environment.
Here you’ll find all kinds of shops, restaurants and eateries, clubs, and other amenities to make life interesting and fun.
Residents can enjoy time off on their own or with family and friends, without having to travel through dangerous parts of the city.
With a crime rate of 2,156 per every 100K residents, Midtown has less crime than the national average.
4. Indian Village
Indian Village is home to a host of streets named after Native American tribes.
Yet, its overall vibe doesn’t live up to its name.
Indian Village is home to the Detroit Golf Club, the Indian Village Country Club, and eye-catching mansions dating back to the 1800s.
The neighborhood, which is known for being a close-knit community, has a violent crime rate of 1,756 for every 100K people.
Its property crime rate is 866 for every 100K people, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in the city.
5. Downtown Detroit
Downtown Detroit isn’t as fancy or elegant as many of the city’s upper-class neighborhoods listed above.
However, it is surprisingly safe thanks to its strong police presence.
The crime rate is 5% lower than the national average.
Residents in Downtown Detroit have easy access to quaint shops, restaurants, and a host of other entertainment options.
Notable landmarks include the Renaissance Center, the Penobscot Building, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Detroit Institute of Arts.
6. Berkley
Berkley is an ideal place to live for singles and families alike.
There are plenty of job opportunities to attract young singles, parents with kids, and middle-aged professionals.
It’s ideal for families with kids, as the schools are good and there are plenty of recreational options for children.
Young people will love the area for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment venues.
What’s more, this neighborhood is safer than over 90% of cities in the country.
Its crime rate is 76% lower than the national average.
7. Grosse Pointe
Grosse Pointe is a safe, quiet neighborhood with an average of five violent crimes and 98 property crimes annually.
It’s a highly walkable city, with lots of sidewalks for residents to get around.
The school system is one of the best in the state, and the area is known for its member-only establishments and yacht clubs.
The neighborhood is also home to many old colonial-style houses and is one of the most expensive areas in the nation.
8. Bingham Farms
Bingham Farms is a small neighborhood without many amenities.
However, it’s also one of the safest places to live in Detroit as its crime rate is 86% lower than the Michigan average.
Last year, there were only 280 crimes for every 100K people in the neighborhood.
Bingham Farms has a fascinating history and has taken measures to preserve some of its original charm and uniqueness.
A large percentage of the population are seniors.
9. Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is known for being a family and pet-friendly neighborhood that’s easy to navigate.
It has plenty of sidewalks and parks, and there are restaurants and other amenities within walking distance of family homes.
The violent crime rate in Beverly Hills is 77% lower than the national average.
The property crime rate is 58% lower than the national average.
The neighborhood gets high marks from residents for being safe and quiet at night.
Neighbors are friendly, and the area is an ideal place to call home.
10. Huntington Woods
Huntington Wood’s crime rate is 75% lower than the national average.
Violent crime is rare in the neighborhood, which is known as the “city of homes” due to the majority of structures being houses.
But Huntington Woods has more to offer than just a safe living environment.
The Western part of the Detroit Zoo is within the limits of this Detroit suburb.
The neighborhood also has lots of parks, grocery stores, and restaurants within walking distance.
Huntington Woods is a family-friendly neighborhood with a strong sense of community.
Five Safety Tips for Traveling to Detroit, MI
- If you’re visiting Detroit, use a car to get around, as it’s safer and more convenient than public transport. Fill up the tank before a long commute to avoid getting stuck in a high-crime neighborhood.
- Stay away from high-crime areas and never travel alone at night. If you want to enjoy the city’s nightlife, choose a safe area and take family and friends along.
- Stay alert in public areas, especially around tourist attractions, as distracted tourists are prime targets for criminals.
- Keep a close watch over your phone, purse, and other personal effects when you’re out to avoid being targeted by pick-pockets. Don’t show off large wads of cash or flash expensive jewelry in public.
- Don’t pick a fight with a thief who’s trying to rob you. Detroit is a violent city and there’s nothing you own that’s worth more than your life.
Detroit Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Detroit Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Detroit?
Belmont is the most dangerous neighborhood in Detroit.
Its crime rate is 14,000 for every 100K people, which is over 660% higher than the national average.
Other dangerous neighborhoods you’ll want to avoid are Petosky-Otsego, Van Steuben, Fishkorn, Warrendale, Greensbriar, Franklin Park, and Fitzgerald.
Is Detroit a good place to raise a family?
Some neighborhoods in Detroit are not suited to raising a family due to their high crime rate.
Others have a high cost of living that puts the area out of reach economically for middle-class couples raising children.
In terms of safety, affordability, and family-friendly amenities, Huntington Woods, Bloomfield Charter Township, and Beverly Hills get high marks for raising a family.
These neighborhoods also have great schools to educate your children.
Is Detroit a good place for retirees?
Michigan is a great place to retire as the state has a good healthcare system, affordable housing options, and a decent tax rate.
Detroit is a city with a plethora of cultural and recreational amenities for seniors to enjoy.
Unfortunately, the city isn’t a popular retirement destination due to its high crime.
If you’re planning to retire in Motor City, you’d do well to select a safe, senior-friendly community like Bingham Farms and Sterling Heights.
