$191,884Average Value$154Average Price per Sq Ft61Homes 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
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On average, homes in Adrian, MI sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Adrian, MI over the last 12 months is $224,950, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to 4018 McKenna Drive in beautiful Middlebrook Meadows — one of Raisin Township’s most desirable neighborhoods conveniently located between Adrian and Tecumseh with bussing available to both school districts. From the moment you arrive, you’ll fall in love with the welcoming feel, beautiful landscaping, and peaceful setting this home offers. Step inside the inviting foyer and prepare
This well maintained home has 3 bedroom and 2 baths. Features include updated kitchen with quartz countertops, large living room with gas fireplace, plus newer windows, roof, and siding. All situated on large corner lot with 2 car garage in airport neighborhood.
Immediate Occupancy offered on this well cared for & maintained Carriage Homes Condominium of Lake Madison, Adrian address/Madison Township public water, public sewer, and township taxes. Built in 1999, 1243 square feet on one level has pleasant entry room with deep, double coat/storage closet. 2 bedrooms with walk-in closets, nice hallway linen closet, 1 hallway bathroom with tub/shower, 1
Jan HammondHoward Hanna Real Estate Services-Tecumseh
West End Adrian Gem! Check out this recently rehabbed 2 bed, 1 bath brick ranch. Loaded with updates including new paint, flooring, bath and roof. The home is much larger than it looks, thanks to a spacious rear addition that adds ample living space! Features include an attached 2-car garage and a fenced backyard.
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.
From golf course views to a fully finished walkout basement built for entertaining, this home stands out from the moment you walk in. Natural light pours through skylights, highlighting a warm, inviting living room with a fireplace. The layout is both functional and comfortable, featuring a first-floor primary suite, first-floor laundry, eat-in kitchen, and separate formal dining area. Upstairs
Home for Sale in Hidden River North! This home is in great condition and move-in ready! Features a nice corner lot, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, updated flooring and paint, updated light fixtures, open living/dining area, fireplace, deck and a carport. Base lot rent is $750/mo.
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
Home for Sale in Hidden River North! This 1996 model has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, drywalled interior, double-pane windows, gas fireplace, carport, shed and a deck backing up to a wooded area. Base lot rent is $750 plus a $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
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.
Affordable 2-bedroom home for sale in Hidden River North! Nice move-in ready home with a newer roof, all appliances included, deck off the back overlooking a wooded area plus a carport and a shed. Call today! Bas lot rent is $750/mo
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
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!
Remodeled home for sale in Sterling Estates! This 1998 model was completely redone top to bottom in 2024 - check out the photos! Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and everything new. Great location near the front of the community and a storage shed outside. Call today! Lot rent is currently $485.
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
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: 1735720**Single Room for rent** (House will have up to 4 roommates) Welcome to this charming single room for rent in home located in Adrian, MI! This single-family property offers 4 bedrooms (all bedrooms being rented out seperately to individuals) and one shared bathroom along with amenities such as a washer, dryer, microwave, oven, and refrigerator. Enjoy the comfort of
Large 4bd duplex on East Maumee, on-site parking, basement with with washer & dryer, and attic storage. Application Fee $50, Deposit Equal to rent, Pet Fee $500, Utilities Tenant Pay
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