Lakeside living in Burtchville Township
Located on the rural northern edge of St. Clair County, Burtchville Township centers around the waterside village of Lakeport. Homebuyers move up here, approximately 10 miles north of Port Huron, to find peace and quiet close to Michigan’s Lake Huron coastline. Some homes have direct lake access, and Lakeport State Park’s beaches are a go-to spot on warm summer days. The small village has a few amenities, but locals should be prepared to drive 20 minutes to Port Huron to run most errands. Driving farther, all of Detroit's attractions are about 65 miles south. Whether you’re ready to pay top dollar for your own section of the lakeshore or want a backyard large enough for chickens, Burtchville Township offers lower prices within a short drive of the Port Huron activity.
Homes come with lower taxes and large yards
Homes in Burtchville come with natural views — whether that’s the water of Lake Huron or the sprawling farmland of St. Clair County. There’s a more developed feel along the coastline, but yards grow to several acres in size as soon as you get out of the immediate Lakeport area. “A lot of properties have beach access,” says Tiffany Jahn, a Realtor with Community Choice Realty, who has sold several homes here. “And taxes are lower because it’s in the township. You can get a decent house for $200,000 to $350,000, unless you are on the water, which is a lot more.” You can find properties that date anywhere from the 1920s to the 2020s, often ranch-style homes or boxy Cape Cods. The most rustic homes start in the low $100,000s, with prices reaching the mid-$400,000s for larger properties with acreage. Luxury houses along the lakeshore can get up to the mid-$800,000s.
Outdoor activities on the shore of Lake Huron
Lakeport State Park is a major tourist attraction for its campgrounds and sandy shoreline along Lake Huron. In the summer, the park is filled with visitors watching the sunrise or swimming in the fresh water. Locals who are lucky enough to own a slice of the coastline can enjoy that view every day. But anyone who lives in Burtchville Township is within a few minutes’ drive of the state park. Directly north, Burtchville Township Park also borders the lake and is typically less busy, with a small beach and space for grilling. The rest of the park has several playgrounds and courts for volleyball, basketball and tennis.
Split between Port Huron and Crosswell-Lexington schools
Students in the southern half of the township attend the Port Huron Area School District, and those in the northern half go to Croswell-Lexington Community Schools. Overall, Croswell-Lexington is slightly higher-rated, but the Port Huron district is larger and has more course options. Regardless of where a student lives, families in Michigan can apply to schools in any regional district that participates in the Schools of Choice program.
Limited amenities mean frequent drives to Port Huron
There are some shopping and dining amenities within the village of Lakeport, including:
- Lakeport Market: A modest grocery store with a meat counter and a large liquor selection
- Pepperoni Cow: No-frills spot for hot pizza and cold ice cream, with outdoor picnic tables in the summer
- Lakeport Tavern: A small-town dive bar with a welcoming atmosphere and standout fish and chips
But for any larger stores or city activity, you’ve got to hop in the car and make the drive to Port Huron. The heart of the city is about 20 minutes away, but you can reach Walmart and Kroger on the outskirts of town in about 10 minutes. Port Huron is a hub for maritime activity, especially in warmer weather. “There’s live music and different festivals — it’s a great vacation spot in the summertime,” Jahn says. “It’s nice to be around the water and right across from Canada.”
Small-town community and lifestyle
Burtchville has a mix of full-time residents and vacation homes, especially along the water. But while it’s certainly busier when the weather is hot, the atmosphere here remains warm year-round. “It’s like a small-town home feel — everybody knows everybody,” Jahn says. “You’ve got the farmers and then the people who live in the community itself. It’s a good vibe.” You can see the small-town atmosphere in action at the former Lakeport Elementary School, now used by Freedom Lighthouse Fellowship congregation as a non-denominational community center. The building offers weekly food distribution, a clothing center, youth sports and an open gym. Residents can also swing by the Burtchville Township Library for occasional family friendly events.
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Written By
Catherine Lashley
