Detroit Curbed Comparisons: 5 starter homes for sale right now

For today’s Curbed Comparisons, we’re looking at five different starter homes in five different neighborhoods in Detroit. What do we consider a starter home? It should be fairly move-in ready—but maybe it could use a little work. It should also be located in a stable neighborhood and priced affordably. Today, our choices range from $65K up to $149K.

5550 Courville: $64,900

We’re slightly fascinated with this Morningside bungalow. From the outside, it looks fairly average. Inside, it has rich woodwork and intense Old Mission details throughout. The house is 1,450 square feet with three bedrooms, two baths, vaulted ceilings with big beams, and an open loft area. This listing would benefit from better photos, but we can get a glimpse of some of the details here. And the price is pretty charming itself.

Photos by Michelle & Chris Gerard

16831 Ashton Avenue: $145,000

In North Rosedale Park, here’s a three bedroom, one bath home with a large backyard. It comes in at 1,436 square feet and has some newer updates including windows, A/C, and kitchen cabinets. It also has a huge stone fireplace in the living room, plus unique detailing in the dining room. It’s close to the Southfield Freeway, and shops and restaurants along Grand River Avenue.

4301 Leslie Street: $99,500

This four bedroom brick home in Russell Woods could use some work, but it’s much larger than our other options at 2,120 square feet. It has some nice original details and a stately fireplace, plus an open loft space that could be finished. It’s centrally located near many of the major freeways and Russell Woods is currently being targeted for some redevelopment through the city.

Photos by Michelle & Chris Gerard

20457 Gardendale Street: $134,900

Here’s a nice, maintained brick house in Green Acres. This home has two bedrooms and one bath at 1,191 square feet. It also has a large backyard with room for gardening. Inside, find hardwood floors, a fireplace in the living room, and a four seasons room. It’s located close to Ferndale and the shops and restaurants along Livernois.

17377 Birchcrest Drive: $149,000

Looking to move into the University District? This three bedroom, one-and-a-half bath home is located on the southern end of the popular neighborhood. It comes in at 1,407 square feet, smaller than many of the homes we tend to see listed here. It has a warm fireplace in the living room, a sitting area near the front window, a half bath behind the kitchen, and a small backyard. This neighborhood has a strong community association, and it’s located near the shops and restaurants along Livernois.