Deep in rural Lapeer County, the community of Barnes Lake offers a natural getaway from the city action of nearby Lapeer, 15 minutes away, and Flint, about 35. Life in Barnes Lake revolves around the private manmade lake, which is open for fishing, powerboating and beachgoing. Though Barnes Lake was first settled in 1839, its housing stock is primarily from the mid-20th century, and its tree-shaded homes offer immediate access to the lake.
The namesake lake was created in 1926 by damming Crystal Creek’s many ponds. Since then, the area has become an oasis for outdoor activity in what the community calls an all-sports environment. The lake is open for watercraft from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., though visitors must be members of the Barnes Lake Club to access the boat launch as well as the beach and swimming areas. Church groups occasionally take part in retreats at the Crystal Creek Christian Campgrounds, and the Kings Landing Kampground makes nearby Millers Lake available for beachgoing, lakeside cookouts and boating.
Most houses in the area were built from the 1950s to ’80s. Ranch-style and split-level properties can sell for $260,000 to $540,000, while manufactured homes range from $170,000 to $230,000. Many homes sit on lakeside lots that include yard space for stashing boats and campers. Others sit at least a block away from the shore, some with recent remodeling. The area receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 1, the lowest possible score.
Given the community’s remote location, retail options are limited. Hilltop Grocery doubles as the local convenience store and a pizzeria, selling fish bait as well as $1 slices. Down Lapeer Road, the Italian Village Market also sells pizza as well as spirits. The Deerfield Inn serves hearty breakfasts and classic diner fare, and Bryan’s Supermarket offers groceries, a pharmacy, a dry cleaner and a UPS dropoff.
Students can start at North Branch Elementary School, which receives a B-plus rating from Niche, before attending B-rated Ruth Fox Middle School. North Branch High School, which receives a B-minus, offers dual enrollment and vocational training programs to prepare students for college and their careers.
Despite Barnes Lake’s remote location, health care isn't too far. An Ascent Family Care clinic is just north of the community, and the North Branch Family HealthCare hospital is 15 minutes away.
William Ruhlman
MBA Real Estate Services
(989) 422-9213
107 Total Sales
2 in Barnes Lake
$98K - $141K Price Range
Mathew Belanger
Keller Williams Paint Creek
(248) 422-1435
287 Total Sales
1 in Barnes Lake
$385,000 Price
Douglas Ferrell
Realty Executives Main St LLC
(810) 644-1765
285 Total Sales
5 in Barnes Lake
$50K - $440K Price Range
Jeremy Taljonick
REMAX Right Choice
(810) 202-8108
109 Total Sales
1 in Barnes Lake
$12,000 Price
Gayle Coulter
Coulter Real Estate
(947) 218-7527
137 Total Sales
2 in Barnes Lake
$135K - $315K Price Range
Andrew Hargreaves
Prime + Property
(734) 292-8529
323 Total Sales
1 in Barnes Lake
$219,000 Price
On average, homes in Barnes Lake, Columbiaville sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Barnes Lake, Columbiaville over the last 12 months is $321,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$435,000
Buyer couldn't perform, we're back on the market! Welcome to your dream all-sports lakefront escape! This fully renovated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers stunning water views and an open, flowing layout. The spacious main living areas and oversized bedrooms provide plenty of room to relax and unwind. Tastefully updated throughout the last 15 years, this property is the perfect combination of
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Laidback country living seventy miles north of Detroit
A Detroit hidden gem with several lakes and charming community events
Rural township comprised of small farms, trade businesses and lots of open spaces
Americana small-town with proud local history and excellent schools
Country homes, wooded land parcels and a short drive into town
Country living in the rural expanse of Lapeer County, Michigan