Rural living within a short commute to Saline and Ann Arbor
Bridgewater Township is in the southwest corner of Washtenaw County, where nearly 90% of the land is taken up by farms or forest. This rural expanse is situated between the small communities of Saline, Manchester and Clinton. Although locals can head into town for quick errand runs, buyers are usually drawn here because of the 20-mile commute into Ann Arbor. “They want to live off the beaten path, but still have the convenience of going to Saline and Ann Arbor,” says local resident Debbie Leutheuser, a Realtor with Howard Hanna Ann Arbor. “People like the rural setting — it’s just far enough out that you can fully unwind.”
Historic farmhouses and midcentury ranch homes
Bridgewater Township has a mix of historic farmhouses, midcentury ranch-style homes and contemporary construction from the 1990s onward. A few open plots are available for those looking to build new, but Leutheuser says farmers are rarely giving up their land. Many homes offer enough acreage to own horses or start a hobby farm. Outside of the small Hamlet of Bridgewater, properties run on well water systems and private septic tanks.
Older ranch-styles and farmhouses range from $200,000 to $360,000. Homes in the price range from $360,000 to $560,000 may be more recently constructed or come with several acres of land. Larger properties with backyard barns might get up to $800,000. “The prices have really escalated in Bridgewater Township in recent years,” Leutheuser says. “It’s definitely growing.”
Students are split between three Washtenaw County districts
Bridgewater Township is split between three school districts. Students on the northwest side may attend Manchester Community Schools, rated an overall B-minus by Niche. To the northeast, Saline Area Schools earns an overall A grade. Clinton Community Schools encompasses the southern portion of the township and earns an overall grade of B. In 2025, Clinton High School got a brand-new building, complete with a new gymnasium, science labs and cafeteria.
Bridgewater Bank Tavern is a community hub
The township’s only restaurant is the Bridgewater Bank Tavern, a classic American pub owned and operated by two local sisters. “People just love it, it’s got a good reputation,” Leutheuser says. She adds that it’s the kind of place where you always run into a friendly face. “All the people come in from the country to eat there.” The Bank, as the locals call it, is pretty much the only community gathering point in Bridgewater Township. In addition to weekly fish frys and live music Fridays, the Bank has an annual buck pole event, where hunters display their trophies outside the restaurant to compete for prizes.
Across from the Bank, the small Bridgewater Country Market has a few essentials, but there isn't much in terms of shopping within the township. Depending on home location, residents might head out to nearby Manchester or Clinton for grocery runs, but Saline has the largest shopping selection. About 10 miles away from the center of the township, Saline is home to a Busch’s Fresh Food Market and has a nearby Walmart Supercenter.
Outdoor attractions include rustic hiking trails and horse farms
Portions of Bridgewater Township’s natural land are open for public use, including the hiking trails at Riverbend Preserve and Ervin-Stucki Preserve. Rustic Glen Golf is a public 18-hole golf course located at the edge of the township. Clinton, Manchester and Saline all have traditional neighborhood parks with sports fields and playgrounds. There are several horse stables and farms in the region, including Free Spirit Equestrian, which offers horseback riding lessons.
Bridgewater also offers proximity to the attractions of northern Lenawee County, including the botanical garden at Hidden Lake Gardens and the Michigan International Speedway, both within a 20-mile drive.
Country roads connect 20 miles into Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is about 20 miles away, typically a 35-minute trip. The township doesn’t have any major roads running through, so commuters take two-lane country routes, such as Austin Road, to connect to the city. The smaller roads can get congested during rush hour. “We do get a lot of traffic through Austin Road coming from Lenawee County and Manchester,” Leutheuser says. Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and its associated hospital, two of Washtenaw County’s largest employers. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is about 40 miles away.
![Catherine Lashley]()
Written By
Catherine Lashley
