Bangor Township growing between Saginaw Bay and Bay City
Along Saginaw Bay, Bangor Township is a suburban community just outside the limits of Bay City. Still, those who live in the township call Bay City home, as it’s the heart of this region. “Bay City is like one big town with a bunch of little parts to it, and Bangor is one of them,” says Margaret Walther, a real estate agent with Century 21, who grew up in the area. But while Bay City is the area’s destination for community events and a thriving downtown riverfront scene, the township is seeing a surge of its own, where new stores and restaurants are making it one of the busiest spots in the area. “Bangor is growing,” Walther says. “It’s an area that’s really starting to take off.”
Wide range of home prices from fixer-uppers to waterfront properties
Single-family homes are predominant in Bangor Township, including ranch-style houses, Colonial Revivals and century-old bungalows. With a mix of original and remodeled homes, prices vary from door to door. “Homebuyers will get confused because they’ll look at a house that’s $150,000 and two houses down, it’s $350,000,” Walther says. The average home tends to sell between $180,000 and $250,000, according to Walther. Anything under that tends to need work. Homes between $250,000 and $500,000 are generally larger or have been completely remodeled.
Waterfront houses along the Kawkawlin River range from around $325,000 to $650,000. “Homes on the river are popular because you can keep your boat in the water and ride out to the bay and Lake Huron,” Walther says. Those facing the bay start at $300,000 for a small ranch-style house and range up to $930,000 for a large upscale home with beach access. Riverfront homes have a higher chance of being impacted by floods than bayside houses, most of which are not in a flood zone.
Growing retail and dining scene on Wilder Road
Wilder Road is one of the busiest thoroughfares in Bay County. It’s home to Bay City Town Center, a mall with six anchor stores and a 10-screen GDX movie theater. There are several big-box retailers in and around the mall, including Target, Walmart and The Home Depot. New businesses have opened in recent years, and more are on the horizon. “We just got a Hobby Lobby, they’re tearing down the old K-Mart to put in a Chick-fil-A, and the township’s supervisor says there’s another big thing coming, but couldn’t tell us what it is yet,” Walther says. The township has a few local restaurants, including Castaways, a waterfront seafood spot with a patio by the Kawkawlin River. Lasko’s Restaurant serves homestyle breakfast and lunch. Mussell Beach Drive-In is another community staple, known for its burgers, hot dogs and ice cream, featuring a picnic area out front.
Bay City State Park, yacht clubs and a mini golf course
Bay City State Park attracts people from all over the region. The park offers more than 2,300 acres of nature to explore, including the wetlands of the Tobico Marsh Nature Area and a public beach along the bay. The park also has a splash pad and a wooden castle-like playground. Boaters may dock their boats at Sunset Shores Yacht Club or Bay City Yacht Club on the Saginaw River. During spring, summer and early fall, locals visit Dutch Village Adventure Park to play miniature golf on the Dutch-themed course and hit baseballs in the batting cages. Some even go just for the Hudsonville Ice Cream.
Dual enrollment courses at John Glenn High School
Students may attend Bangor West Elementary School, Bangor Central Elementary School or Bangor Lincoln Elementary School. West receives a B grade from Niche and is ranked the best elementary school in Bay County. Lincoln is graded a B-minus and Central does not have a Niche grade. Students from all three elementary schools go on to C-plus-graded Christa McAuliffe Middle School before heading to John Glenn High School, graded a B-minus. John Glenn offers a dual enrollment program that allows students to earn up to ten college credits through Delta College at the high school.
Locals head to Bay City for community events
Most of the area’s events are held in downtown Bay City. The Bay City Fireworks Festival celebrates Fourth of July with a carnival, live music and fireworks over the Saginaw River. The Hell’s Half Mile Film & Music Festival showcases the works of independent filmmakers and features live entertainment from local musicians. Labadie Rib Fest is another highly anticipated event, featuring a rib cook-off and live music from national touring acts.
Access to three highways, nearly two hours to Detroit
State Route 13, U.S. Route 10 and Interstate 75 intersect near Bangor Township. It’s about a 20-minute drive to MBS International Airport, and it takes close to two hours to drive more than 100 miles to Detroit.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
