Welcome to Ferndale
Hip, trendy, and happening, but above all, welcoming.
Nine miles north of downtown Detroit lies a collection of tree-lined, quiet streets. Ferndale has established a reputation as a hip, trendy, and welcoming community for folks from all walks of life. Dozens of locally-owned shops and restaurants have made this neighborhood unique. Festivals and celebrations of LGBTQIA+ neighbors have ensured everyone who moves into Ferndale truly feels welcomed in with open arms.
First inhabited by Native Americans, farmers began cultivating the land in the 1800s. Ferndale experienced an uptick in population as the automobile assembly industry grew in Detroit and became a bedroom community for those commuting to inner Detroit. Exterior and suburban growth continued with the expansion of trolley lines leading downtown. In recent times, Nine Mile Road has become a vibrant destination for shopping and dining and has bicycle-friendly lanes and wider sidewalks for pedestrians. The downtown area of this mecca for art, music, and DIY crafts has also been named a
Great American Main Street.
What to Love
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One of Detroit's most lively neighborhoods, Ferndale is a hub for dining, bars, and all-around fun
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Both visitors and locals flock to Ferndale for its many fairs and festivals
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Ferndale is a winner of the
Great American Main Street award, becoming a beacon of hope for other communities around Detroit wishing to restore older districts to their former glory
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Local businesses have greatly contributed to the growth of the downtown economy, with the local
Chamber of Commerce experiencing an increase in membership of about 12% in recent years.
Local Lifestyle
Downtown is the spirited heart of Ferndale, Michigan. Locals love grabbing a cup of joe at one of the many locally-run coffee shops or a square of authentic Detroit-style pizza just down the street. If there is not a festival or fair happening over the weekend, a walk down Nine Mile Road can lead to endless adventures, bites, and discoveries.
Ferndale Real Estate Market
Contact the Ferndale real estate agents & realtors at City Living Detroit to find condos, lofts, houses & luxury homes for sale in Ferndale, MI.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Look no further than Nine Mile Road for one of the hottest spots in Detroit for local eats, sips, and new treasures to take home to decorate your closet or abode. In addition to the trendy shops and unique cuisine, there is always something going on. Live music and street food at festivals are common and attract patrons from all over the city.
Como's is a Ferndale staple for Detroit-style pizza. A rectangular-shaped pizza with a thicker crust is served in several different varieties, with a “create your own combo” option available. Not in the mood for pizza? Their antipasto or meatballs are also some of the best dishes in the neighborhood. Detroit is a cultural melting pot with many other foreign foods widely available around the area. One unique restaurant can be found at
The Blue Nile. Owned by Ethiopian immigrants, it does not get much more authentic than this. Large platters are lined with injera, a type of Ethiopian bread, which is very significant in Ethiopian culture.
Locals love to kick back and relax on the weekends at
One-Eyed Betty’s. In addition to their expansive beer list, quintessential pub foods like poutine and Scotch eggs are served up alongside popular desserts, like their homemade donuts. Another popular place to kick back is the
Ferndale Project. The Ferndale project features an extensive beer menu of their own creation with a frequently rotating menu.
The Rust Belt Market is a weekend marketplace with over 40 stores selling a variety of knick-knacks ranging from candles to jewelry, art, and cheese. One highly-frequented shop amongst market-goers would be
Mongers Provisions. Selling cheese, wine, chocolate, and anything else you could need for a good night in, their seasonal items also make for great gift-giving (or the occasional impulse purchase).
Things To Do
While boutiques and eateries on Nine Mile Road are open year-round, seasonal events and festivals are occasionally held on weekends. One of the most popular ones would be the
DIY Street Fair, held every fall. For three days, breweries, wineries, distilleries, restaurants, food trucks, bands, and other local businesses and organizations descend upon Ferndale for a celebration in the spirit of those who do it themselves. Another beloved festival is Ferndale Pride. With a similar lineup of treats and entertainment,
Ferndale Pride celebrates the progress and freedom of the LGBTQIA+ community, while they look forward to even brighter futures.
Schools
Since setting up local neighborhood schools in the ‘50s, Ferndale has become a top choice for parents. The local school district is:
Ferndale Public Schools, preschool-12th grade; a Montessori school setting is offered for students in kindergarten through second grade.