$516,286Average Value$182Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
The future looks rural in Sylvan
In a 2023 survey, when residents were asked to describe Sylvan Township in one word, the most common answer was “rural.” When residents were asked how they would describe Sylvan’s future, the answer stayed the same. This Washtenaw County township sits on the edge of the small town of Chelsea, just 15 miles from rapidly growing Ann Arbor. But the pace of life here is slow, and it’s not changing anytime soon. “We value our rural quality of life over cramming in developments,” says Douglas Jackson, the township clerk. The north side of Sylvan is filled with lakes; the south side is rural farmland — and much of this land is protected. Sylvan Township’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Large swaths of Sylvan Township are comprised of farmland and forest.
Thriving modern farms can be found throughout Sylvan Township.
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From modern condos to 40-acre lots
Across Sylvan Township’s 34 square miles, there are a variety of lifestyles. Along the border of Chelsea, modern subdivisions come with uniform designs and homeowners association fees. In the township’s more rural land, properties can vary significantly in age, ranging from hundred-year-old farmhouses to custom estates with backyard pools. Though some condos go for $200,000, most properties range from $350,000 to $700,000 based on age and lot size. In the north, lakeside homes typically value above $1 million. Most homes have at least an acre of land, but some have 40 acres or more. The township restricts development to ensure the preservation of a rural feel. “Most of our higher-density development will be closer to Chelsea,” Jackson says. “Pretty much everywhere else in the township, developments typically must have 2-acre lots or larger.” Taxes in Sylvan Township are significantly lower than in the city of Chelsea.
Only limited areas offer public sewer and water, with many homes relying on well water and private septic systems. Broadband coverage can also be limited. Some areas have a slight flood risk, particularly around the Letts Creek floodplain.
Many of the lake homes in Sylvan Township feature modern architecture.
The southwest side of Sylvan Township tucks away massive isolated estates.
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County-wide electives at Chelsea High
Students are zoned to attend Chelsea School District, which is made up of four school buildings, all located in the small city. North Creek Elementary School serves pre-kindergarten through second grade and gets a B-plus rating from Niche. South Meadows Elementary School, rated A-minus, serves third through fifth grade. Beach Middle School gets an A grade, and Chelsea High School gets an A-minus. Chelsea High is a part of the South and West Washtenaw Consortium, a county-wide Career & Technical Education program. Students can travel to other SWWC participating schools to take electives like agriculture, health science and cybersecurity.
North Creek Elementary was founded in 1958 and focuses on prepping students for high school.
Chelsea High School has earned an overall A rating from Niche.
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Lakes and trails in the Waterloo Recreation Area
Sylvan Township is home to a section of Waterloo Recreation Area, which spans 20,000 acres, making it the largest state park in Michigan’s lower peninsula. The park is home to 11 lakes, many miles of trails and multiple camping grounds. Trails are open for horseback riding, lakes are open for fishing, and hunting is allowed in designated areas. While the Waterloo Recreation Area spans multiple townships, the headquarters are located in Sylvan Township. The headquarters include the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, which has interactive nature exhibits and events like archery lessons or kayak tours.
Nearby Mill Lake offers visitors to Waterloo Recreation Area a boat launch for electric craft.
A wide network of trails runs throughout Waterloo Recreation Area.
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Demolition derbies and local theater in Chelsea
Sylvan Township’s hub for events, eating out and shopping is the adjacent city of Chelsea. A twice-weekly farmers market showcases local produce and the Chelsea Community Fairgrounds holds demolition derbies and tractor pulls. One of the city’s most unique events is the productions by Purple Rose Theater Company. The locally run theater puts on a mix of original and classic plays, as well as offers theater-related classes. “Purple Rose has professional-level productions,” Jackson says. “They draw in people from all over Michigan.”
Chelsea’s walkable downtown is lined with vintage storefronts in the shadow of a historic clock tower. In terms of restaurants, the city has plenty of old-school bars and burger joints. More modern options have been moving in too, like The Grateful Crow with its Asian-fusion cuisine and Zou Zou’s, an upscale French breakfast spot. Chelsea also has its own hospital, a public library and two grocery stores.
A rotating selection of fresh coffee can always be found at Zou Zou's near Sylvan Township.
The Grateful Crow near Sylvan Township has a menu of delicious burgers and elevated sushi.
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Direct access to I-94 into Ann Arbor
Sylvan Township homes are about 15 to 20 miles from downtown Ann Arbor. The most direct route is Interstate 94, which runs through the township. Though there can be traffic in Ann Arbor, I-94 tends to be relatively clear during rush hour. Residents can take I-94 out to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, 45 miles away.
The Chrysler Chelsea Proving Grounds, a car testing facility, occupies a large part of Sylvan’s southeast corner. “There’s no noticeable noise from the proving grounds,” Jackson says. “If anything, I would say the noisiest part of the township is the I-94 corridor.”
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Reach out to
Jill Kleine,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Waterloo Recreation Area
Cavanaugh Lake County Park
Transit
Airport
Capital Region International
70 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Sylvan Township
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Sylvan Township Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sylvan Township, Chelsea sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Sylvan Township, Chelsea over the last 12 months is $356,500, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This gorgeous log cabin is your own personal getaway, secluded on nearly 4 acres, but just a short 15 minute drive to downtown Ann Arbor - plus it's situated in the award-winning Chelsea school district! Plenty of room to spread out with over 4,000 finished square feet, including a walk-out basement that can be used as either an additional living space, or as a separate apartment complete with
VERY MOTIVATED SELLER! Custom build 4000sf home with 230' of sandy beach frontage on Cavanaugh Lake with 7.48 acres at the end of a private drive! Super solid contemporary Warren Porath build home with the Huggins Design allows maximum lake views & sunsets through the entire house. This hoe is an entertainers delight. Main floor has an open flow anchored by a 2-way slate FP in the open Great
Welcome to this stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath Eaton-Craftsman style home by Norfolk Homes, nestled in the highly sought-after Westchester Farms community of Chelsea. Thoughtfully designed, this home offers over 2,300 square feet of versatile living space. Step into a bright and open floor plan featuring gleaming granite countertops, and a spacious kitchen with a large island—perfect for cooking,
Custom built 4000 sf home with 230' of sandy beach frontage on Cavanaugh Lake with 7.48 acres at the end of a private drive! Super solid contemporary Warren Porath built home with the Huggins Design allows for maximum lake views & sunsets through the entire house. This home is an entertainers delight. Main floor has an open flow anchored by a 2 way slate FP in the open Great Room surrounded by
Craig MinolettiSignature Sotheby's International Realty Bham
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jill Kleine,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,520
Median Age
48
Population under 18
21%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$94,112
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,428
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
51.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
24/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
