RE/MAX Lists Top Places for First-time Home Buyers in Metro Detroit

RE/MAX of Southeastern Michigan has released a new survey of its brokers and agents, paired with analyzed data provided by the local Multiple Listing Service, to determine what communities in metro Detroit are best suited for first-time buyers in today’s competitive market.

Factors considered include affordability, neighborhood amenities, and location. The following metro Detroit communities are the results, ranked from least to most expensive.

1. Hazel Park – current median home sale price: $144,000“Hazel Park is an affordable small city that offers a sense of community popular among young home buyers,” says Chelsea Thomas of RE/MAX Nexus. “Popular local restaurants, flower clubs, homeowner beautification awards, animal shelter and easy access to I-75 and 696 make Hazel Park a city that attracts first-time buyers.”
2. Madison Heights – current median home sale price: $207,950“The many parks and dog parks available in these cities are a big draw, and houses here tend to offer smaller, low maintenance and pet-friendly yards that are easy to manage for first-time buyers,” says Ron Rocz of RE/MAX Nexus. “The close proximity to local restaurants, bars and coffee shops and the many street fairs in these and neighboring cities are attractive to first-time buyers.”
3. St. Clair Shores – current median home sale price: $214,000“Good schools, plenty of parks, nice waterfront dining along the nautical mile on Jefferson Ave. along with reasonable taxes, makes St. Clair Shores a popular choice for first-time buyers looking in Macomb County. St. Clair Shores also has easy access to I-696, I-94 and 8 Mile Road can be a route east to west to avoid heavy freeway traffic, making its proximity to get across town or downtown a sought-after feature,” says Rob Scalici of RE/MAX Metropolitan.
4. Waterford Township – current median home sale price: $237,000“Boasting 34 different lakes, parks and other attractions, Waterford is a great area for many first-time home buyers,” says Scott Rutterbush of RE/MAX Encore. “Several neighborhoods have private lake access or neighborhood beaches to enjoy the water, and countless parks offer bike trails and playgrounds for kids. There are entertainment options along with family restaurants and breweries.”
5. Livonia – current median home sale price: $268,700“Livonia is a perennial favorite for first-time buyers due to its affordable tax rate, great school system and abundant supply of homes,” says Robby Rech of RE/MAX Dream Properties. “Livonia also has a great community center, various sporting leagues and several parks. On top of this, Livonia offers a location with easy access to I-96, I-275 and I-696 and the ability to get to Detroit or Ann Arbor quickly.”
6. Belleville – current median home sale price: $350,000“Belleville is small-town living where people know their neighbors; homes have different styles and sizes and walking distance to town,” says Cindy Mancina of RE/MAX Nexus. “Belleville boasts Belleville Lake, a very large public lake in the heart of town. Belleville is 10 minutes from Metro Airport and 20 to downtown Detroit allowing convenient and quick travel to these popular destinations.”

“There are many wonderful cities to choose from throughout metro Detroit when looking for a home,” says Jeanette Schneider, president of RE/MAX of Southeastern Michigan in Troy. “We find that especially for first-time buyers having close proximity to parks, local restaurants, and community events is important to them, along with easy access to freeways to minimize commute time to work or leisure activities.

“Buyers will continue to find the market competitive, but as a whole, buyers are more measured in their offers this year and willing to be patient in looking to find the right home.”