Detroit - Southwest
A diverse, down-to-earth neighborhood dubbed Mexicantown, Southwest Detroit is known for its rich culture and sense of community.
The Southwest community in Detroit, affectionally called Mexicantown, lies within District 6. This district is believed to be one of Detroit’s most culturally diverse areas as it encompasses the Southwest, Corktown, and Midtown neighborhoods.
Culture isn’t a museum exhibit in Southwest Detroit – it’s a living, breathing force, woven into the very fabric of the neighborhood. As you walk through the neighborhood, you will see various outdoor murals that are influenced by Huichol art. For those who live in Southwest Detroit or visit, there are many opportunities to experience and participate in the arts. Founded in 2007, the Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest has ignited young artists in Southwest Detroit with year-round dance, music, and art programs. The Atrium Project Space is another place that champions creativity by showcasing and fostering the local community’s artwork, along with enriching the community with inspiring exhibitions. Also, the neighborhood is home to El Museo del Norte, a gallery that showcases Latinx art. Every year, the Southwest Detroit Business Association hosts multiple events to spotlight the neighborhood’s businesses including fiestas, parades. One of their most notable events is the Run of the Dead.
Photo Credit: Southwest Restaurant Week
As one of Detroit’s most budget-friendly gems, the area offers a range of single-family homes, apartments, and multi-family dwellings. Experience a kaleidoscope of cultures through its diverse restaurants and bakeries, serving up mouthwatering flavors from Mexico to Venezuela to the Dominican Republic. Favorites to grab food among those who live in Southwest Detroit are Xochimilco Restaurant and Armando’s. A renowned market in the area is Honey Bee La Colmena carrying pantry staples and foods made with their family recipes. Running concurrently with Hispanic Heritage Month, is the Southwest Restaurant Week. It’s a great opportunity for foodies, those curious about the Hispanic culture, or those who have specific dietary needs, offering a wide range of food and drink.
Photo: Freddy Diaz
For those looking to enjoy evenings out, the neighborhood has a rising nightlife scene offering various options from laid-back bars and tiki lounges to indie dance venues.
Outside of local eateries, residents can take advantage of the Southwest Detroit Greenlink, the longest bike route in Detroit, or play a game of baseball at family-friendly Clark Park. The park serves as a town square of sorts. It is a popular place for family gatherings in addition to festivals, concerts, and special events and doubles as a public space.
For easy access that spans across the whole neighborhood, the Bagley Pedestrian Bridge connects the community across the freeway underneath. It is the first cable-stayed pedestrian bridge in Michigan, and it is thrilling to experience the traffic rolling beneath.
Photo Credit: TellUsUSA
