Carleton's small community with easy access to Detroit
Carleton is a small agricultural village surrounded by farmland, roughly 10 miles from the bigger city of Monroe. Encompassing roughly 1 square mile, it's predominantly residential, but has a small downtown area at its heart. "It's a typical old-fashioned town," says Mike Procissi, principal broker at Power House Group Realty with a decade of real estate experience. "It's a safe community. Peaceful. Quiet. People are neighborly and get along." Founded in the late 19th century around its still-operating railroad, Carleton maintains a relaxed, rural feeling and boasts historic homes dating back to its earliest days. The village's location offers an easy commute to Detroit, and many make the trip daily for work. Its CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Housing eras and styles, from Victorians to new construction
Carleton's medley of home styles and build years includes historic Victorians and bungalows, midcentury to early 1990s ranch styles and split-levels, and New Traditionals with large forward-facing garages from the early 2000s. New construction is also an option. Carleton's newer areas are characterized by orderly rows of traditional homes, bordered by tidy sidewalks. Its older areas boast mature oak trees and diverse architectural styles. Most properties range in price from around $190,000 to $360,000. However, new residences on large lots fetch upwards of $550,000, and older fixer-uppers start from around $130,000. "Most of the homes are in good condition. People take care of them. It's a community where people take pride in living there," Procissi says. He notes that despite some homes being historic, owners may modify their properties without restrictions.
B to B-minus rated schools located in Carleton
Students attend Airport Community Schools, which earns an overall B rating on Niche. According to Procissi, most students start their education at Joseph C. Sterling Elementary School, which earns an A-minus from Niche. They then progress to Wagar Middle School, rated B-minus, and Wagar Junior High School, rated B. Both schools operate out of the same building. Airport High School also gets a B-minus rating. All of these schools are located in the village. Carleton also has an alternative school that serves kindergarten through 12th grade, called Airport Center for Education.
Places to get pizza, ice cream and groceries in the village
Downtown stretches out along Monroe Street, offering two locally owned pizza joints, an ice cream shop, and a bar and grill built out of a historic inn called the Carleton Hotel Bar. A strip mall on the edge of town has a Dollar Tree, a hardware store, a few more dining spots — including a Chinese restaurant — and KAS Market Fresh for groceries. Procissi says most head into Monroe for more options.
A playground at the local park, and trails nearby
Ash Carleton Park is on the northern side of the village, featuring a playground with climbing structures and swings. Picnic tables allow parents and friends to catch up over lunch or snacks while the kids get their energy out. Carleton Glen Golf Club, a public championship course, is just beyond the village. Crosswoods Marsh is within 5 miles with trails winding around wetlands, over boardwalks, and through wooded areas. William C. Sterling State Park is less than 15 miles away on Lake Erie, offering a swimming beach, boating access and a fishing lagoon.
Fun at the fair in Monroe and music in the park near home
The village's farmers market is held at Ash Carleton Park from May to October. Then, from June to September, the park hosts a free live music series. "Carleton also has a citywide yard sale that brings many people to the town every year," Procissi says. Every summer, people flock to the Monroe County Fair for the assortment of food trucks, carnival rides, and livestock shows. The fair, which started in the early 1800s, changed locations several times before settling at its current location, less than 15 miles from Carleton.
A walkable village with easy access to Interstate 275
Carleton's compact nature and small size make it walkable. Interstate 275 passes one mile east of the village. Both Ann Arbor and Detroit are less than 40 miles away. Lake Erie Transit serves Monroe County with fixed and flexible routes and door-to-door transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
