Belle Isle
Ranked 17th best neighborhood in Detroit
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Great for
- Parks & Recreation
- Neighborly Spirit
- Parking
- Clean & Green
- Cost of Living
Not great for
- Childcare
- Gym & Fitness
- Medical Facilities
- Shopping Options
- Schools
Who lives here?
- Singles
- Retirees
- Beach Lovers
- Professionals
- Families with kids
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Reviews
Belle Isle
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Belle Isle – What Happen to this Place?"
Once upon a time, not so long ago, Belle Isle was the place to go where you could simply walk around, enjoy the views of the water and breathe in some fresh air. It used to be you couldn’t find a parking spot anywhere near the water on the weekend, now the lots sit empty. Well, except for the solicitors at night! Seriously, this used to be a nice place; it is a shame the police and the community have allowed the area to simply go to waste.
Now, it should be noted that Belle Isle is not a horrible place to visit during the day; it is just not the same. The death trap giant slide is still around to enjoy in the summer and there is a beach where you can rent paddle boats, BBQ and have a picnic. This is also a prime place to watch the fireworks in the summer, but this is the one time you will have a hard time finding parking.
If you go to Belle Isle, you do want to make a point to visit the Whitcomb Conservatory, which is definitely the main attraction these days. Contrary to what others say, it is indeed still open. There is clear deterioration but it is still a beautiful place to spend a day. You will find five horticultural houses that exhibit plants from different regions around the globe and there’s even an outside Lily Pond Garden, a popular place to have wedding photos done.
All-in-all, Belle Isle is a nice place to get away from the day, especially in the warmer months, but avoid staying there after dark.
Now, it should be noted that Belle Isle is not a horrible place to visit during the day; it is just not the same. The death trap giant slide is still around to enjoy in the summer and there is a beach where you can rent paddle boats, BBQ and have a picnic. This is also a prime place to watch the fireworks in the summer, but this is the one time you will have a hard time finding parking.
If you go to Belle Isle, you do want to make a point to visit the Whitcomb Conservatory, which is definitely the main attraction these days. Contrary to what others say, it is indeed still open. There is clear deterioration but it is still a beautiful place to spend a day. You will find five horticultural houses that exhibit plants from different regions around the globe and there’s even an outside Lily Pond Garden, a popular place to have wedding photos done.
All-in-all, Belle Isle is a nice place to get away from the day, especially in the warmer months, but avoid staying there after dark.
Pros
- Beautiful Conservatory
- Great Place for a Picnic
- Waterfront views
Cons
- Not a Safe Area at Night
- Many of the Attractions are Closed
Recommended for
- Singles
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Beach Lovers
Belle Isle
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"A former great Detroit landmark continues to go downhill"
I have been to Belle Isle so many times over the years. Picnics, family gatherings, and just hanging out. It used to be a real nice place to go relax on the water front, but it goes downhill every year. The zoo is closed as well, I think. There used to be some riff-raff that hung out on Belle Isle in the summer, but that number has grown. Especially at night. They park their cars along the waterfront parking spaces, get out and blare their music. Mostly young, urban thugs. The smell of marijuana wafts through the crowd, and it's difficult to drive through the throng hanging out in the roadway. Sometimes there are fights as well. But I have long avoided going anywhere near that at night.
The daytime is not bad though. Still a good place for picnics and barbecues. There are plenty of stationary mounted grills, and picnic tables in shady spots for people to setup their site. There are some nice nature spots, like little wooded areas and nooks, and some nature trails as well. And the parking spots right off of the Detroit River bank are abundant during the day. When the breeze comes in off the water on a mild day, it is very relaxing. You can also see alot of yachts, as the Detroit Yacht Club is there. I go back to Belle Isle on occasion, but only in the day, and in the summer.
The daytime is not bad though. Still a good place for picnics and barbecues. There are plenty of stationary mounted grills, and picnic tables in shady spots for people to setup their site. There are some nice nature spots, like little wooded areas and nooks, and some nature trails as well. And the parking spots right off of the Detroit River bank are abundant during the day. When the breeze comes in off the water on a mild day, it is very relaxing. You can also see alot of yachts, as the Detroit Yacht Club is there. I go back to Belle Isle on occasion, but only in the day, and in the summer.
Pros
- Waterfront views
- Picnic areas
- Nice Zoo
Cons
- Young riff-raff are too loud on summer nights
Recommended for
- Singles
- Retirees
- Students
- Beach Lovers
Belle Isle
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"A Nice Place to Visit"
Belle Isle is known for many of the activities on it, but not as much about the living conditions. Though there are homes there they are scattered and a bit more expensive than most can afford. In its hey day this was a wonderful place to visit and to enjoy the boating activities, but many of the attractions have closed.
Belle Isle continues to be a great place to enjoy nature and the water in warmer months. It continues to be home to the Detroit Yacht Club and that historical landmark is a main attraction. It used to hold a marina, conservatory, and children's zoo, but those closed years back due to budget constraints.
Unfortunately with these closings came the reality that this was not the safest area of town. Though it may be a nice place to visit, it may not make the best place to live.
Belle Isle continues to be a great place to enjoy nature and the water in warmer months. It continues to be home to the Detroit Yacht Club and that historical landmark is a main attraction. It used to hold a marina, conservatory, and children's zoo, but those closed years back due to budget constraints.
Unfortunately with these closings came the reality that this was not the safest area of town. Though it may be a nice place to visit, it may not make the best place to live.
Pros
- Beautiful Outdoor Setting
- Some Attractions to Enjoy
Cons
- Not a Great Place to Live
- Many of the Attractions are Closed
- Not the Safest Area of Town
Recommended for
- Beach Lovers
