Almont

If you’re looking for a home in a rural village surrounded by miles of flat farmland and pastoral scenery, you might consider the tiny town of Almont. Located in Lapeer County, Michigan, it’s a slice of small-town Americana. “The allure is that it’s just a friendly little town. You see your neighbors around and people know each other,” says Anthony Nungesser, president of the Almont Library Board and a longtime resident who moved to Almont from California in the 1980s. "When I first got here, I still had my California plates, and someone came up to talk to me about it. I just remember being surprised; that wasn't something I was used to."

The township traces its history back to the early 1800s when several homes, a school, hotel, shoe shop and blacksmith shop popped up near what is now Main Street, and in the early 20th century, a streetcar line was extended to the village from Detroit. Since then, the town has grown in population to around 7,000 residents and has its own local government and township board.

Within the village, you’ll find a broad range of home types, including cozy ranch homes, Colonial Revival styles, Cape Cods and contemporary homes. These homes are typically on the smaller side with attached garages, grassy, landscaped yards and leafy, mature trees that keep things cool in the summertime. As you get closer to Almont’s downtown, you’ll also find some historic Victorian, Edwardian and Craftsman homes lining the streets. For homes with room to roam, there are plenty of listings in the agricultural flatlands just outside the village with large, spacious lots. Home prices can range from as little as $150,000 for smaller, older homes to upwards of $300,000 for newer and renovated homes.

Almont’s charming downtown strip offers residents a place to enjoy local eateries or shop for groceries and other amenities. Good Grounds Coffee Company is the perfect spot for an espresso drink, while those in the mood for something sweet might want to pick out some donuts from the display at Almont Baking & Donut Co. or try the soft serve at Charlie Brown Crème Cone. For lunch and dinner, make sure you swing by Roots for a tray of brisket, pulled pork and sides, or grab a table at Maria’s Place for some downhome American cuisine. Groceries and other goods can be found close by at Dollar General and Vinckier Foods, while the nearest big box stores and major chain grocers can be found about 20 miles away in the northern Detroit suburb of Sterling Heights.

Students in Almont attend some of Lapeer County’s best schools, including Orchard Primary School, Almont Middle School and Almont High School, all of which hold B-minus ratings or higher from Niche, an online school review site. All three schools are centrally located within the village, just a few blocks from downtown. Almont High School offers several specialty programs, including career training at the Lapeer County Educational Technical Center where students can take courses in everything from the culinary arts to auto repair.

For outdoor enjoyment, take the kids to Almont Village Park, a small community space with a playground and picnic shelter. You can also bowl a strike or book a birthday party at Almont Hideaway Lanes, a 24-lane bowling alley. For large parks, nature reserves and public open spaces, you’ll have to hop in the car and drive. It’s less than 20 miles to popular regional destinations like Stoney Creek Metropark Nature Center and Wolcott Mill Historic Center, a 19th century farm with woodlands, streams and meadows to explore.

While residents love the town's rural feel, it also makes for a lengthy commute — it’s about 48 miles to downtown Detroit. But it's cozy homes, good schools and small-town feel might make for the perfect escape from the big city.

Written By

Daniel Berti

Photography Contributed By

Kyle Arn

Video By

Kristen Wilson