The Detroit Free Press is highlighting neighborhoods across Michigan, showcasing what makes each community unique. From historic charm to modern amenities, these communities offer something special for both residents and visitors . This week’s spotlight is on the city of Grosse Pointe in Wayne County.
Appeal: The city of Grosse Pointe is a mature, affluent and walkable community along Lake St. Clair in the eastern section of Wayne County. Known for its tree-lined streets, strong neighborhood character, and historic homes, it is one of five distinct municipalities that make up the Pointes, alongside Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Woods and Grosse Pointe Shores.
At the heart of the city is The Village, a charming three-block retail district on Kercheval Avenue that serves as the largest commercial hub. According to Cindy Willcock, executive director of Main Street Grosse Pointe, it offers more than 30 retail shops, 19 restaurant and dining options and over a dozen salons and spas. This picturesque pedestrian-friendly district is enhanced by art installations, outdoor seating, decorative paving, and The Loop, a Grosse Pointe Social District. The Village anchors community life with year-round events.
A man runs past a painted heart art installation outside of a business at The Village shopping district along Kercheval Avenue in Grosse Pointe on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025.
“The city of Grosse Pointe is a community that represents the very best of what a small city can offer,” said City Manager Joseph Valentine. “There’s a strong sense of civic pride as Grosse Pointe is more than a place to live, it’s a place to belong.”
Facts: Just over 1 square mile with a population of 5,678, the city was first incorporated as a village in 1879, reincorporated in 1893, and became the region’s first city in 1934. Once French farmland in the 1800s, Grosse Pointe grew into a summer retreat for wealthy Detroiters in the early 1900s before transforming into a year-round community in the 1920s and 1930s with the rise of the automobile. Grosse Pointe is about 15 minutes from downtown Detroit, bordered by Detroit to the north and Lake St. Clair to the south. Go to grossepointecity.org for more information. (U.S. Census)
A man leaves on a kayak from the marina at Neff Park in Grosse Pointe on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025.
Recognition: The City of Grosse Pointe Downtown Development Authority known as Main Street Grosse Pointe was accepted into the Michigan Main Street program in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilcock said the city began fully applying the Main Street Approach in March 2021. Since then, the program has helped attract 26 new businesses, supported five business expansions or relocations, and spurred more than $4.5 million in private investment and $3.8 million in public investment within the district.
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New developments: At 389 St. Clair, the former school administration building is being redeveloped into 18 rental units with seven new townhouses along Notre Dame. According to Valentine, the townhouses are on the market, and the multifamily units are expected to be available for lease this fall.
Upcoming events:
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Village Tree Lighting – Nov. 21
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Parade Day in The Village – Nov. 28
Neighborhoods: Grosse Pointe’s housing stock is dominated by single-family homes, from Tudors and colonials to classic bungalows. Most lots range from 40 to 60 feet, with 100-foot “estate lots” closer to the lake. Clusters of duplexes, townhomes and apartments add variety along Rivard, St. Clair, and Notre Dame. Many homes reflect the area’s 1920s and 1930s origins, while newer builds blend into the historic character.
This five-bedroom Cape Cod-style home on a private road at 4 Island Lane in Grosse Pointe, just four houses from the lake, sold for $1,112,000. The house was sold by Shana Sine Cameron of Sine & Monaghan LLC in Grosse Pointe Farms.
In 2024, single-family home sales ranged from $260,000 to $2.2 million, according to Realcomp II, reflecting the community’s mix of modest historic homes and expansive lakefront estates.
Parks and recreation: Neff Park, a 5.6-acre lakefront park on Lake St. Clair, offers residents a 160-slip marina, kayak rentals, swimming, a kiddie pool, boardwalk along the marina, volleyball and gathering spaces. Elworthy Field features baseball, soccer, lacrosse and tennis, along with a new accessible playground.
A swimming pool that is closed for the season is seen at Neff Park in Grosse Pointe on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025.
Taxes: In 2024, the total property tax rate was $50.24 per $1,000 of a house’s taxable value in the Grosse Pointe Public School district. A $391,800 (median price) house with a taxable value of $195,900 would have property taxes of $9,842.
Shopping and dining: The Village, along Kercheval between Cadieux and Neff, serves as the city’s commercial centerpiece, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, and cafés. Additional shopping, services and offices are available in the Mack Avenue corridor and on Fisher Road.
Industries and employers: Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, JP Morgan Chase and Saros Real Estate Services.
Public transportation: SMART bus route; Pointe Area Assisted Transportation Services (PAATS), for 60 and older or disabled people.
Public safety: Grosse Pointe police reported four burglaries/home invasions, 14 vehicle thefts, three cases of forcible sexual offenses, one robbery and no homicides in 2024.
Community insight: For Christopher Moyer, who grew up in metro Detroit and later lived in Washington, D.C., and Edinburgh, Scotland, returning to Grosse Pointe with his wife seven years ago has proven to be a rewarding choice.
Christopher Moyer, City of Grosse Pointe Council Member and Head of Public Relations at Truscott Rossman.
“What sets Grosse Pointe apart is its proximity to the Village,” Moyer said. He noted that the walkable streets, shops and community events create a daily opportunity to connect with neighbors, paired with outstanding city services, a strong sense of safety and a growing diversity that further enriches the community.
Now raising a toddler, the family especially appreciates the parks and family-friendly atmosphere.
“It’s a joy to walk from our home to the Tot Lot, spend time at Neff Park, or stroll through the Village together,” he said. “The ability to do all of this within blocks of our home is an incredible gift.”
Brendel Clark (previously published as Brendel Hightower) writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at [email protected]. Support local journalism: Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: City of Grosse Pointe stands out for walkability, history and charm
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