If you're feeling tired of city noise or suburban crowding, take a look at Belin, a township in St. Clair County. The town is all the things a city is not: quiet, spacious, private and relatively affordable. With just over 3,000 people, Berlin has become a retreat for those seeking private land and simplicity while staying close to the employers and amenities in Macomb County and small cities along Interstate 69.
When looking for a home in the area, you're likely to find farmhouses, manufactured homes and styles from the 1960s through '80s, like split-levels, raised ranch-style and ranch-style homes. These sell from the low $200,000s through the mid-$500,000s. New Traditional and modern Craftsman custom builds from the 1990s through today sell between the mid-$400,000s and mid-$600,000s. Prices are similar to those in Almont and Riley Township, but well below those in Armada, Richmond Township and Bruce Township. "Berlin is that sweet spot that's kind of north of everything, and people are moving north from Macomb," says Eric Raymo, a Realtor with eXp Realty. "Berlin gives everyone more bang for their buck, so people are grabbing acreage where they can and building new homes there." Land sells from well below $100,000 to the low $300,000s, depending on size.
Most homes in the area have at least 2 acres, and some of the largest residential properties have more than 20. Of course, farms can reach up to 100 acres. Whatever size lot you end up on, you can expect low property taxes when compared to Macomb County and even other townships in St. Clair County. "That's a huge draw," Raymo says. "You could build a million-dollar home and have half the taxes as you would for a smaller home in Macomb."
When it comes to what you can do on your property, Raymo says it's pretty lax. "It's very easy-going there. You're not under the same thumb of the township when it comes to building on your property," he says. "In the city, they'll want to tax you as soon as you pick up a hammer." Pole buildings, sheds, workspaces and garages are permitted, and residents can also farm, hunt and raise livestock around their homes.
Children in the township are zoned to attend either Capac Community Schools, Amont Community Schools or Armada Area Schools. All three districts participate in Michigan's school choice program, and parents in Berlin's northern half might choose to send their children to Almont or Armada schools, since they're rated higher than Capac's schools. While taxes are moderate across the board in Berlin Township, they can be higher or lower than your neighbor's, depending on which school district you're in.
If a home in Berlin is your first time living in a rural area, you'll have to get used to a few differences when it comes to utilities, providers and maintenance:
Money goes further here than it does in the city, so retiring to Berlin isn't a bad idea if you're done with the city and privacy at a relatively more affordable price. There are more retirees in the area than the national average, but those still working can expect a 20-minute to hour-long commute. "Most commuters in Berlin work in Macomb or Oakland County. That's where you'll make more money," Raymo says. "And it's worth the extra drive for that peace of mind you get when you leave the city." Commutes can be longer after snowstorms. Still, the area's main roads and arteries are plowed by the St. Clair County Road Commission. "Neighbors are always out plowing and helping one another out, too," Raymo says. "It's just the thing to do.
For running errands, shopping and dining, Imlay City, Lapeer and Port Huron are each within about a 30-minute drive via Interstate 69, just north of Berlin.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this area.
Douglas Ferrell
Realty Executives Main St LLC
(810) 644-1765
279 Total Sales
1 in Berlin
$250,000 Price
David Jacobson GRI, ABR, CLHMS
Realty Executives Home Towne Chesterfield
(517) 701-3171
116 Total Sales
1 in Berlin
$196,000 Price
Russell Glide
RE/MAX First
(989) 368-2842
74 Total Sales
1 in Berlin
$179,890 Price
Douglas Seley
Epique Inc.
(947) 221-5989
69 Total Sales
1 in Berlin
$441,000 Price
Eric Wilhelm
Real Estate One Inc-Shelby
(586) 782-3815
71 Total Sales
1 in Berlin
$44,000 Price
Eric Raymo
EXP Realty LLC
(810) 642-4366
172 Total Sales
1 in Berlin
$354,900 Price
$829,900
Welcome to this exceptional move-in-ready new construction Ranch, perfectly situated on 3.79 Acres in Allenton, Michigan (Berlin Township). This thoughtfully designed home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, combining comfort with the tranquility of country living. The open-concept main level showcases quality craftsmanship ideally for everyday living.Featuring marble countertops, bamboo wood
John Shkreli Century 21 Professionals Utica
$68,000
Hurry! This conveniently located 2.25-acre parcel on Almont Rd is now available for sale! Ask about additional adjacent parcels (total of all available parcels is 116 acres!)
Leanne Conger Diamond Realty & Associates, LLC
$1,200,000
A Rare Gem for Residential and Agricultural Ventures! Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and potential with this vast 74.44-acre parcel with a full Size Barn Nestled in a serene location, this land offers endless possibilities for building your dream home, starting a farm, or both! With ample space for cultivation, livestock, and future development, this property is a blank canvas for your
John Shkreli Century 21 Professionals Utica
$65,500
THIS 3.74 ACRE LOT IS THE PERFECT SPOT TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME IN BEAUTIFUL BERLIN TOWNSHIP. COME CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR YOURSELF AND SEE THE POSSIBLITIES. EASY ACCESS TO I-69 FOR COMMUTING AND MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CAPAC THAT OFFERS RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING. THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SURVEYED. ADDRESS WILL BE ASSIGNED BY TOWNSHIP WHEN PERMIT IS PULLED. ADDITIONAL PARCELS FOR SALE, SEE MLS:
Lori Fox National Realty Centers, Inc
$60,000
THIS 3.4 ACRE LOT IS THE PERFECT SPOT TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME IN BEAUTIFUL BERLIN TOWNSHIP. COME CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR YOURSELF AND SEE THE POSSIBLITIES. EASY ACCESS TO I-69 FOR COMMUTING AND MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CAPAC THAT OFFERS RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING. THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SURVEYED. ADDRESS WILL BE ASSIGNED BY TOWNSHIP WHEN PERMIT IS PULLED. ADDITIONAL PARCELS FOR SALE, SEE MLS:
Lori Fox National Realty Centers, Inc
$99,822
Imagine waking up to the sounds of a babbling creek outside your bedroom window and gazing at wildlife in your own backyard. These beautiful 4 acres of wooded land can provide just that!!! 0 Fox Ridge Lane is located at the end of a cul-de-sac where you can build a private get away, or enjoy a hunter’s paradise. The lot features a wooded back yard with the Coon Creek running through it, a small
Wendy Colucci KW Platinum
$65,000
THIS 3.70 ACRE LOT IS THE PERFECT SPOT TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME IN BEAUTIFUL BERLIN TOWNSHIP. COME CHECK OUT THIS SITE FOR YOURSELF AND SEE THE POSSIBLITIES. EASY ACCESS TO I-69 FOR COMMUTING AND MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN CAPAC THAT OFFERS RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING. THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SURVEYED. ADDRESS WILL BE ASSIGNED BY TOWNSHIP WHEN PERMIT IS PULLED. ADDITIONAL PARCELS FOR SALE, SEE MLS:
Lori Fox National Realty Centers, Inc
$829,900
Welcome to this exceptional move-in-ready new construction Ranch, perfectly situated on 3.79 Acres in Allenton, Michigan (Berlin Township). This thoughtfully designed home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, combining comfort with the tranquility of country living. The open-concept main level showcases quality craftsmanship ideally for everyday living.Featuring marble countertops, bamboo wood
John Shkreli Century 21 Professionals Utica
$370,000
Hurry! This conveniently located 28-acre parcel on Almont Rd is now available for sale! Ask about additional adjacent parcels (total of all available parcels is 116 acres!)
Leanne Conger Diamond Realty & Associates, LLC
$295,000
BRICK RANCH situated on 2.25 acres on PAVED ROAD with ALMONT SCHOOLS! Features also include Natural Gas & a Full Basement! Tenant occupied so 24 notice is required for all showings. Currently on a shared well, so a new well will need to be installed.
Leanne Conger Diamond Realty & Associates, LLC
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