Meet Austin
Austin Black II — Detroit Real Estate Broker Who Lives, Loves, and Knows the City
Clients describe award-winning real estate broker Austin Black II as “an absolute all-star” with “an ability to get things done that is second to none.” Known for his deep local expertise and exceptional client service, Austin lives in Detroit, loves Detroit, and knows Detroit. His passion for the city shines through in every aspect of his work—from representing clients in its most storied neighborhoods to supporting the people and institutions shaping its future.
Since 2005, Austin has guided buyers and sellers through Detroit’s dynamic real-estate market with professionalism, insight, and care. In 2010, he founded City Living Detroit, a real-estate brokerage built on integrity, architectural appreciation, and a love of urban living. Under his leadership, the firm became one of Detroit’s most respected names in residential real estate. In 2022, Austin joined @properties Christie’s International Real Estate as Co-Managing Broker of the Birmingham office, maintaining City Living Detroit as his personal brand within the company. This partnership allows him to combine boutique service with world-class marketing, technology, and global reach.
Local Expertise and Neighborhood Focus
Austin represents clients across every price point—from first-time buyers to multimillion-dollar estates—with specialized expertise in:
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Historic Detroit Neighborhoods: Palmer Woods, Sherwood Forest, University District, Boston-Edison, Indian Village, Detroit Golf Club, Bagley, Green Acres, Rosedale Park, and North Rosedale Park
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Detroit Condominiums: Midtown, Downtown, New Center, Lafayette Park, and the Riverfront
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Woodward Corridor Communities: Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak, Berkley, Birmingham, and Bloomfield Hills
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Grosse Pointe Communities: Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Farms, and Grosse Pointe Shores
With an in-depth understanding of Detroit’s neighborhoods, architecture, and culture, Austin guides clients with honesty, precision, and a deep sense of place.
A Detroit Story
Austin was born in Detroit and raised in the city until age 10, when his family moved to Okemos and later Troy, Michigan. He graduated from Birmingham Seaholm High School before attending Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, where he earned his degree in Urban and Regional Studies. While at Cornell, Austin studied abroad in Rome, Italy, deepening his appreciation for architecture, urban design, and the ways cities evolve over time.
After college, he returned home committed to contributing to Detroit’s revitalization. As a child, Austin admired the historic homes and tree-lined streets of Sherwood Forest, a neighborhood he dreamed of living in as an adult. Years later, that dream became reality—he now resides there with his daughter in their 1929 Italian Renaissance home, a reflection of both his love for classic architecture and his lifelong connection to the city.
Community, Leadership, and Recognition
Austin serves on professional and community boards that strengthen Detroit’s growth and livability. His market expertise and insights have been featured in the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, Crain’s Detroit Business, and Hour Detroit Magazine, which has recognized him as one of Metro Detroit’s Top 5% Realtors for the past 10 years. His thoughtful approach, market knowledge, and genuine care have earned him loyal clients and lasting relationships throughout the region.
Beyond Real Estate
Beyond his professional life, Austin finds his greatest joy in being a father. He treasures time with his young daughter—exploring Detroit’s cultural, culinary, and outdoor treasures together. Their weekends often include visits to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), the Michigan Science Center, and Eastern Market, as well as walks through Downtown Detroit and playtime at Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park along the RiverWalk. Watching her experience the city he loves reinforces his belief in the power of community and connection.
Austin is also an avid traveler who believes that exploring new places broadens perspective and deepens appreciation for home. His adventures have taken him around the world—from Cape Town, Paris, and the South of France to Italy, where his study-abroad experience first inspired his lifelong passion for cities and design. In the United States, Chicago and New York City remain among his favorite destinations for their architecture, energy, and inspiration.
Whether discovering a new corner of Detroit or exploring the world with his daughter, Austin approaches life with curiosity and gratitude. His love for travel, family, and community continually informs the way he connects with his clients and the city he proudly calls home.
Association Memberships
Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS®, Grosse Pointe Board of REALTORS®, Michigan Association of REALTORS®, National Association of REALTORS®, Urban Land Institute, Cornell University Alumni Association, Cornell Club of Michigan, Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association
Real Estate Designations and Certificates
Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Certified Real Estate Specialist (CRS), Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), At Home with persity (AHWD), Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE), Urban Land Institute Michigan Larson Center for Leadership
Awards
Hour Magazine Top 5% Metro Detroit REALTORS® (2015 - 2025), Michigan Chronicle 40 under 40, 2013, DBusiness Magazine 30 in their 30s, 2012 Detroit Young Professionals Vanguard Award, 2011 REALTOR® Magazine 30 under 30, 2010 Crain’s Detroit Business 20 in their 20s, 2006 (inaugural class), Max Broock Realtors Rising Star Award
Boards
Downtown Development Authority (current), Michigan Humane (current), Sherwood Forest Association Board (past), BLAC Magazine Editorial Advisory Board (past), Hatch Detroit (past), Downtown Detroit Boll Family YMCA (past), International Visitors Council (past), Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan Ambassador Board (past), Detroit Synergy Advisory Board (past)
Committees
Urban Land Institute Housing and Community Development Local Product Council (current), Detroit Athletic Club Community Outreach Committee (past), Detroit Symphony Orchestra Classical Roots Committee (past), Belle Isle Conservancy Community Engagement Committee (past), LIVE6 Community Advisory Committee (past), Detroit Symphony Orchestra NextGen (past), BING Roundtable Economic Development Committee Co-Chair - Mayor Dave Bing, Detroit Works Project Taskforce Mayoral Advisory Board (past), UM/ULI Real Estate Forum Program Committee Chair (past), Detroit Renaissance - Road to Renaissance Committee Member (past), United Way of Southeast Michigan Leadership Next (past), The Villages Community Development Corporation Marketing Commitee (past)
Private Clubs
Detroit Athletic Club, Detroit Golf Club
