Burlington Township blends rural charm with local industry
Burlington Township offers homes in the southeastern Michigan countryside where residents can enjoy a laidback rural lifestyle. It’s also home to the village of Clifford, a cozy hamlet with a bright blue water tower and rustic, historic buildings dating back to the 19th and early 20th century. Residents love the wide-open space and colorful scenery of the four seasons. “It’s got a post office, a library and a café, but there’s not much else. People like to live there because it’s so quiet,” says Realtor Taylor Donley of Donley Realty, who lives in Burlington Township.
The town, which has around 300 residents, traces its history back to the mid- and late-1800s when several rail lines were extended through the area. Remnants of that bygone era can still be found today at places like the Historic Clifford Grain Elevator, a candy-apple red building that was restored over a decade ago and now operates as an event hall. There are also several historic churches and the Clifford Branch of the Lapeer District Library, which is housed in a century-old schoolhouse. Clifford is also home to Rochester Gear, a large gear manufacturing plant where many residents work.
Farms abound in Burlington Township including sleepy cattle on this farm.
A row of larger homes sits on Main St. in the Village of Clifford, Burlington Township.
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Housing ranges from small village homes to 10-acre estates
Within the village, there are a broad range of home types on display, including cozy ranch homes, bungalows and cottages as well as some spacious, older homes with unique vernacular designs. These homes typically have grassy, landscaped yards and leafy trees that keep things cool in the summertime. For homes with room to roam, there are plenty of listings along the rural roads that stretch into the agricultural flatlands just outside the village. It’s not uncommon to find homes with upwards of 10 acres of land. Home prices in the area range from as little as $115,000 for smaller homes in the village and township to upwards of $275,000 for larger homes with more acreage.
The Village of Clifford quickly transitions into farmland in Burlington Township.
Older gable-front-and-wing farmhouses still stand proudly in Burlington Township, Clifford, Michigan.
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Locals gather at Rosebud’s Café, the village’s only diner
One of the perks of living in the village is Rosebud’s Café, a downhome American diner where the community gathers for coffee, breakfast and lunch. It's the only restaurant in town, so locals will have to travel to nearby North Branch for additional dining options like North Branch Bakery and North Branch Bar & Grill. For groceries, there’s Bryan’s Supermarket, also in North Branch, a family-owned grocer that opened its doors in 1976. Big box stores and major grocery chains like The Home Depot, Walmart, Kroger and Meijer can be found in the city of Lapeer, about 25 miles south of Burlington Township.
Rose Buds is a local meeting place in Clifford, Burlington Township.
Stop by Rose Buds, a small diner in Clifford known for its great food.
Rose Buds Cafe in Clifford, Burlington Township, is a meeting place for townfolk and farmers.
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Marlette and North Branch schools serve local students
Students living in the village of Clifford can attend schools in the nearby town of Marlette, about 6 miles east, including Marlette Elementary School and Marlette Junior and Senior High School, both of which hold B ratings from Niche, an online school review site. GreatSchools, a nonprofit school review site, awarded Marlette Junior and Senior High a College Success Award in 2021, an honor given to high schools that standout for assisting students in enrolling and excelling in college. Students who live in Burlington Township but who live outside of Clifford attend schools a few miles south in North Branch, including North Branch Elementary School, Ruth Fox Middle School and North Branch High School, all of which hold B ratings from Niche.
North Branch Elementary School is a regional elementary school receiving a B by Niche.
North Branch Middle School serves the students of the region in this rural part of the state.
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The neighborhood's central park draws residents for skateboarding
For outdoor enjoyment, Clifford Community Park offers a centrally located playground and a skate park. "People come from all over to visit the park because it's a newer park. It's also the only skate park around, so that's a big draw for kids," Donley says. For larger parks, nature reserves and public open spaces, residents make the drive to popular regional destinations like the Lapeer State Game Area and Buttercup Beach on the Holloway Reservoir.
Heading into nearby towns
Burlington Township and the village of Clifford feel remote, but it’s a short drive to surrounding towns like Marlette, North Branch, Lapeer and Imlay City. It’s also about 45 miles to Flint and about 80 miles to downtown Detroit.
An old street sign in Clifford with the 1912 Schoolhouse, a view seen for many years.
Farmland can be seen for miles in rural Burlington Township.
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Photography Contributed By
Christopher Shires
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rachelle Bayliss,
an experienced agent in this area.
Privacy and located away from everyone!! No neighbors in sight!! Hardwood thru-out, the floors, the trim, the cabinets are all original and are so cool! Living room has a spot for a wood burner ready to go. 3 bedrooms with a possible 4th. Rooms are spacious and yes there is a first floor bedroom!! Full basement for storage. Chicken coop, small barn, detached garage and an older barn that still
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