$191,181Average Value$152Average Price per Sq Ft59Homes For Sale
A 19th-century Michigan boomtown turned small college town
Thanks to its accessible location in southeastern Michigan — about 35 miles from Ann Arbor, Jackson and Toledo, Ohio — Adrian was a 19th-century railroad boomtown. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Adrian was Michigan’s third largest city, behind only Detroit and Grand Rapids. That statistic feels improbable today, as Adrian’s population of just under 21,000 residents gives it a quintessential small-town Midwestern feel.
The city’s well-preserved downtown of 19th-century brick buildings provides an everyday reminder of its past, while its modern economy is shaped largely from being the seat of Lenawee County’s government. Two small Christian colleges, Adrian College and Siena Heights University, also contribute significantly to the city’s culture and economy.
Adrian College has been lauded as a top Up-and-Coming College in the Midwest.
Siena Heights University is a private Catholic university founded in 1919.
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Historic downtown a shopping and dining hub for local region
“Adrian is the hub of the local region,” says Beth Boughton, a former resident who directed Adrian College’s color guard. “There's a lot of small towns around it, and everybody goes to Adrian for everything. They do their shopping and everything else there.” Grocery stores and national chains are prevalent on the southern edge of town, where U.S. Route 223 and Michigan Highway 52 (M-52) intersect.
More than two dozen locally owned businesses and restaurants anchor Downtown Adrian, also home to Croswell Opera House. The theater opened in 1866 and is the oldest one in Michigan. Today, the Croswell hosts musicals, plays and concerts throughout the year.
Adrian's downtown regularly hosts First Fridays events to promote local businesses.
Croswell Opera House in downtown Adrian is the oldest theater in Michigan.
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Two school districts and two colleges highlight area education
Siena Heights University and Adrian College are the third- and fourth-largest employers in the city, behind only the Lenawee County government and Gus Harrison Correctional Facility. Siena Heights, on the city’s east side, is a Catholic university with around 2,200 students operated by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Adrian College, which is on the west side, is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and has just under 1,900 students enrolled.
Most students in Adrian attend Adrian Public Schools. The district, which has four elementary, one middle and one high school, earns a B-minus rating from Niche. Adrian High’s mascot, the Maples, reflects the tree-lined town’s nickname “The Maple City.” Students in the southeastern part of Adrian may attend the Madison School District, which also receives a B-minus rating. Madison Elementary, Madison Middle and Madison High are on the same campus in unincorporated Adrian. More than 500 kindergarten through 12th grade students also attend B-rated Lenawee Christian School.
Adrian High School's team is named 'The Maples' after the city.
Madison High School provides education to the residents in the neighborhood of Lenawee County.
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Downtown events add to city life
Monthly First Fridays, each with its own unique theme, encourage residents to come downtown and support local businesses and restaurants. The Adrian City Farmers Market offers a selection of local produce on Saturday mornings from May through October. May 17 is 517 Day, a civic celebration that reflects Lenawee County’s area code. The Lenawee County Fair, held in late July, is Adrian’s most attended annual event. The holiday spirit is also strong in this city that averages 26 inches of annual snowfall. The Comstock Christmas Riverwalk is a unique local tradition where residents decorate hundreds of Christmas trees at Comstock Park, which sits on the banks of the River Raisin near downtown. “People adopt a tree and usually dedicate it to loved ones,” Boughton says. “It’s very neat.”
Adrian's City Farmers Market happens every Saturday morning May through October.
Comstock Park is home to the annual Adrian Christmas Riverwalk Tree Lighting event.
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Median home price less than half the national median
The median home price in Adrian is $190,000, considerably lower than the national median price of around $406,000. It’s comparable to the median price in Jackson ($185,000), higher than the median price in Toledo ($124,000) and lower than the median price in Ann Arbor ($490,000).
Move-in-ready homes in the city date from the late 19th to the late 20th century and range between $90,000 and $385,000. New Traditional homes built on larger lots in unincorporated Adrian from the late 1990s to the present range from around $250,000 to more than $600,000.
The median price of homes in Adrian is considerably lower than most of the nation.
Many of the homes throughout Adrian are new traditional homes.
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Lake Adrian, Kiwanis Trail and 625 acres of parkland
Adrian has 18 city parks and access to the Kiwanis Trail, a 7-mile-long paved path running from downtown Adrian north to neighboring Tecumseh. Like many Michigan cities, a lake plays a large role in recreational life here – though unlike most of Michigan’s nearly 63,000 lakes, the 65-acre Lake Adrian is manmade.
Arrington Ice Arena, home to Adrian College’s NCAA Division III men’s and women’s ice hockey teams, also hosts youth hockey and learn-to-skate programs.
There are three public golf courses in Adrian: The Hills of Lenawee Golf Club, Wolf Creek Golf Club and Woodlawn Golf Club.
The 8-mile length of the Kiwanis Trail cuts through the center of Trestle Park in Adrian.
Adrian College’s NCAA Division III hockey team plays regularly at Arrington Ice Arena.
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U.S. Route 223, M-52 connect with rest of region
The city is the midpoint of U.S. 223, which runs between Toledo and Jackson. M-52, the primary north-south highway that also forms Adrian’s Main Street, stretches from the Ohio State Line north to Saginaw.
ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital is north of the city on M-52 near Tecumseh. Lenawee County Airport is strictly for general aviation. Residents looking to fly commercially can drive to Toledo Express Airport (35 miles) or Detroit Metropolitan Airport (50 miles).
Flood risk is low, but crime rate is higher than national average
Serious flooding is rare along the River Raisin. Fewer than 10% of properties in Adrian are considered at risk for minor flooding in the next 30 years.
Adrian’s violent crime rate nearly doubled the national and statewide rates in 2023. Property crime rates were slightly higher than the national and statewide rates.
Written By
Alex Hickey
Photography Contributed By
James Gordon
Video By
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On average, homes in Adrian, MI sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Adrian, MI over the last 12 months is $220,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 135 Greenly St in Adrian! This charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is full of character, featuring beautiful woodwork, hardwood floors, French doors, and cozy window seating. Enjoy views of downtown from the inviting front porch. Recent updates, including a new furnace and water heater, offer peace of mind, while fresh paint throughout makes this home truly move-in ready.
Welcome home to 2650 Sutton Rd in beautiful Raisin Township! This inviting ranch offers something for everyone, starting with a spacious living room centered around a cozy wood stove—perfect for those cold Michigan winters. The kitchen features ample cabinet and counter space, with all appliances included, and flows nicely for everyday living. The primary bedroom is generously sized with dual
Great condition and move-in ready home for sale in Hidden River North! This home features over 1700 sq ft, 3 beds, 2 baths, large open living room space with a gas fireplace, some new carpet, new sunroom in 2022, new driveway in 2023, Furnace & AC in 2017, Roof in 2021 and Water Heater 2014 and a carport & shed! This is a drywalled manufactured home, no paneling. Great location next to the
Nice, move-in ready home with a 2 car attached garage for sale in Hidden River North! This home features a drywalled interior, over 1800 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, some new flooring, Furnace/AC 5 years old, hot tub and 2 driveways for plenty of parking on this nice, corner lot. Base lot rent is $750 + $35 premium lot fee.
Great quality home for sale in Hidden River South. This home built in 2007 features a drywalled interior, a nice corner lot, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, large kitchen, updated flooring and all appliances are included. Lot rent is $750/mo
Motivated Seller! Nice home with a garage for sale in Hidden River North! This home is located on a premium lot, backing up to a wooded area and near the end of the cul-de-sac. Inside you'll find a nice open living/dining/kitchen floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, breakfast nook and laundry room. Outside is a 16x22 detached garage and a deck. Lot rent is $750/mo + $30 lot premium.
Nice move-in ready home in Sterling Estates! This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, laundry room, new flooring, large rooms, shed and patio. Nice location close to shopping and just a few minutes from downtown. Plenty of parking and guest parking close by. Nice community in Madison School District, trash pick up, play grounds, utilities underground, city water/sewer, large Community
Large home for sale in Hidden River North! Check out this 1700+ sq. ft. home backing up to a wooded area with a nice deck to sit on and enjoy the view. This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 large living areas, wood burning fireplace, formal dining room and carport and shed. Lot rent is $750/mo.
Move-in ready home for sale in Hidden River South. Built in 2018, this home is in great condition! Featuring a nice front porch, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, open kitchen/living design with a large island, a drywalled interior (no paneling) and a storage shed. Base lot rent is $750/mo + $10 premium lot fee.
Welcome to this charming home on Adrian's west side! The first thing you will notice is the maintenance free front porch perfect for summer mornings and evenings. Stepping inside you will find the original hardwood floors. The main level offers a comfortable and inviting layout featuring a living room, dining area, cozy kitchen nook, and a bright sunroom. A convenient half bath is also located on
Nicely updated, move-in ready home for sale in Sterling Estates! This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, large closets, open floor plan and laundry area. Updates in 2025 - new carpet, appliances, lights, flooring including vinyl and carpet, new water heater, new central air, new windows, new front and back decks and new gutters. Roof was replaced in 2019. Call today for lending options!
Totally renovated ranch home in the airport subdivision. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac this home features new kitchen, New bathroom, all new flooring, all new interior paint. Large open floor plan and additional family room off the back of the home overlooking quiet private back yard.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac. Step inside to find gorgeous refinished hardwood floors and a bright, inviting living room featuring vaulted ceilings and skylights that fill the space with natural light. The eat-in kitchen offers a functional layout. The finished lower level expands your living space with a comfortable family room,
Step into this charming ranch-style home, perfectly poised for new beginnings, with its recent updates and thoughtful renovations that breathe fresh life into its 3- bedroom, one bathroom layout. Enjoy the sleek new matte black hardware, revitalized kitchen backsplash, and upgraded electrical panel, all part of its modern appeal. The home's modernized furnace (in 2024) and air conditioning
Welcome to Woodbury Estates! You may choose from a variety of spacious living spaces designed to meet your every need. Woodbury offers one & two bedroom apartments homes featuring oversized living rooms, dining areas, European-style kitchens, walk-in closets, washer/dryer hook-ups and a large bathroom with a spacious linen closet! 24 hour Emergency Maintenance! Call or Visit today
Stratford Place apartment community caters to people 55+ who are looking for all of the comforts of home, without all of the upkeep. Here at Stratford we are dedicated to providing affordable housing in the beautiful, well maintained setting of Adrian, Michigan. We offer spacious 1 & 2 bedroom apartments, with locked entrances, indoor mailboxes and lovely community areas. For the retirement time
Quiet, well-maintained unit for residents who value a clean, orderly living environment. Section 8 welcome with positive inspection and housekeeping history. No smoking. No pets. Strong rental references required. Job Stability (prefer 1 to 2 years same employer) and income verification required.
Property Id: 1956764Welcome to 1219 Corporate Dr, Adrian, MI! This 2 bed, 2 bath apartment is available 01/21/2026 for $1,425./month.Features include washer & dryer, refrigerator, secure building, off-street parking, internet-ready, and pet-friendly living. Enjoy nearby trails and a convenient location.Schedule your showing today!
Property Id: 1956730Welcome to Bradford Trail in Adrian, MI! Contact us for a viewing and take a walk on the trail. This 2 bed, 2 bath unit is available for rent starting 05/01/2026 for $1500./month. With amenities like a refrigerator, washer, dryer, and more, this apartment is perfect for you and your furry friends. Don't miss out on this secure building with off-street parking and wired
Call 517-366-4998 for applications. Situated in Adrian, Michigan, Bradford Trail is an expansive 26-acre residential estate that seamlessly integrates modern living with natural surroundings. The development is anchored by a historic 3-acre private pond, which is systematically stocked to facilitate recreational fishing for its inhabitants. Offering contemporary apartments starting at $1,350 per
Property Id: 1956760Welcome to 1219 Corporate Dr, Adrian, MI! This 2 bed, 2 bath apartment is available 01/21/2026 for $1,400/month.Features include washer & dryer, refrigerator, secure building, off-street parking, internet-ready, and pet-friendly living. Enjoy nearby trails and a convenient location.Schedule your showing today!
Property Id: 1593499Welcome to 1215 Corporate Dr. in Adrian, MI! Contact us for a viewing and take a walk on the trail. This 2 bed, 2 bath unit is available for rent starting 04/27/2026for $1450./month. With amenities like a refrigerator, washer, dryer, and more, this apartment is perfect for you and your furry friends. Don't miss out on this secure building with off-street parking and
Property Id: 2450083For Rent 2 Bed, 1 Bath Ground Floor Unit at 214 Jordan St, Adrian, MI 49221$1195/monthNow available! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath ground floor unit offers comfort, convenience, and modern living in a quiet Adrian neighborhood.Enjoy a spacious layout with a bright living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a renovated bathroom. The unit
Property Id: 2481230applications being accepted now2 bedroom 1 bath with a large yard, not far from all the amenities of Adrian. Message now for details and to schedule a showing before it’s gone
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