Choosing where to raise a family can impact the way a child sees the world.
Niche, a website offering rankings and statistics on towns, schools and colleges, recently released its 2024 Places with the Lowest Cost of Living in Metro Detroit. It offers a look at the most affordable places for families in Metro Detroit to call home based on a variety of factors including an area’s home value to income ratio, median rent, gas prices, grocery costs and more.
These statistics were calculated based on the consumer price index and access to affordable housing using data from the U.S. Census and Bureau of Labor and Statistics. You can find the full methodology here.
Find the most affordable places to live by county:
- Most Affordable Places to Live in Macomb County
- Most Affordable Places to Live in Oakland County
- Most Affordable Places to Live in Wayne County
Here are the top 10 most affordable places to live in metro Detroit on the list:
Highland Park
- Average home value: $59,400
- Population: 9,032
Highland Park sits within Detroit’s borders like an island. While there is no high school option within the city, students are zoned to Northwestern High School in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
Ecorse
- Average home value: $52,000
- Population: 9,292
John D. Dingell Park is located in Ecorse, as is a library, senior center and rowing club.
Lincoln Park
- Average home value: $109,500
- Population: 39,807
Located just a short drive downriver from Detroit, Lincoln Park offers families many dining, parks and entertainment options.
Delray
- Average home value: $44,400
- Population: 1,223
The future Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Canada and the United States will pass through the Detroit neighborhood of Delray.
Blackstone Park
- Average home value: $69,392
- Population: 1,432
Blackstone Park’s small footprint lends itself to a tight knit community.
East Village
- Average home value: $53,099
- Population: 2,026
East Village’s proximity to state park Belle Isle is a draw for families searching for relaxing greenspaces, boardwalks and beaches within the bustle of Detroit.
Rockwood
- Average home value: $179,800
- Population: 3,232
Rockwood is part of the Downriver communities, an area of southeast Michigan with plenty of nice parks, exciting restaurants and outdoor activities.
Davison-Schoolcraft
- Average home value: $28,900
- Population: 1,859
This neighborhood in Detroit partially touches Livernois Avenue, called the “Avenue of Fashion” for its many small businesses and boutiques.
Krainz Woods
- Average home value: $41,714
- Population: 3,509
Krainz Woods has an active neighborhood organization and is located near the historic Two Way Inn.
Carleton
- Average home value: $147,500
- Population: 2,655
The affordable village of Carleton is surrounded by greenspace. Calder Dairy and Farm operates its farm in Carleton and is open for visitors.
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