Corunna’s large park hosts events and a historic village
History, recreation and community spirit meet in Corunna. "It’s a smaller rural community that is within a few miles of Owosso, so they enjoy a larger expanse of amenities there,” says Kim Omer, a third-generation Realtor with Re/Max of Owosso. While Corunna has a few restaurants, it’s better known for its large park, which hosts annual events and includes a historic village. Despite being a smaller city, residents stay busy. “There are a lot of service clubs out here, like Kiwanis and Lions Clubs," Omer says. "There are a lot of activities that you can jump into and enjoy.”
Quarter-acre lots are common across housing styles
Older bungalow, split-level and ranch-style homes are standard in the area, but there are some newer Traditional-style homes. The average size of a single-family home is around 1,500 square feet, smaller than the national average of about 2,000 square feet. Prices range from $85,000 to around $385,000. The median lot size is about a quarter of an acre.
“Corunna has good city management there that has really been working hard to update the water infrastructure, roads and things like that to make it a better place to live,” Omer says. Homes on the Shiawassee River may be at risk of flooding.
Corunna schools earn B ratings and offer college credit programs
Elsa Meyer Elementary School has a B rating from Niche. Corunna Middle has a B-minus, while Corunna High has a B. The Shiawassee Early College Program allows accepted students in several school districts to extend high school for a year to earn both a high school diploma and up to 60 college credits at one of the local universities, colleges or community colleges. The three-year program has prescribed areas of study, including business administration and pre-nursing. Students in Corunna Public Schools may be able to attend schools in other districts that offer school choice for non-residents.
Kayaking, bowling and softball leagues provide year-round fun
McCurdy Park is the largest green space in the area, with lots of amenities, including an ice/roller hockey rink. “The park is right on the river, so the views are really pretty,” Omer says. There’s a spot to launch kayaks and canoes. In the winter, Mount McCurdy, a large hill, has sledders of all ages. Mitchell Fields Softball Complex has programs for both adults and youth.
One of the most unique features of the area is the Corunna Historic Village, open only on a few select days of the year and by appointment. “They've brought 19th-century buildings in from around the state, and they are in as authentic a shape as possible," Omer says. The village has a schoolhouse, church and even a train caboose. For indoor fun, the city has River Bend Bowling.
Corunna’s Fourth of July celebration draws big summer crowds
According to Omer, the Corunna Fourth of July Celebration is the most popular in the area. In addition to fireworks, the fun in McCurdy Park includes a car show, horse-drawn wagon rides and a parade. Shiawassee County Fair is another big event for Corunna; it runs for a whole week in August. Attendees can watch the rodeo, listen to live music and go on rides.
Grocery stores and fast food are nearby, with more in Owosso
Shops and restaurants are clustered downtown and farther out along East Main Street. South 401 Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and specialty cheesecake. Rivals Taphouse has daily drink specials, as well as pool and arcade games. There are also many chain restaurants and fast-food dining options. Supermarkets in the area include Meijer, Aldi and Walmart. A few miles west, Owosso has more eateries throughout the city.
M-21 and M-71 connect Corunna to major highways and cities
Those living downtown may be able to navigate the city on foot or by bike, but a car is necessary farther out. "You’re in a rural area, so we don’t have a lot of additional transportation, but we do have SATA [Shiawassee Area Transportation Agency] buses,” Omer says, referring to the dial-a-ride service. M-21 runs about 80 miles west to Grand Rapids and around 30 miles east to Flint. M-71 connects M-21 to Interstate 69. Durand Union Station is about 10 miles east, and Bishop International Airport in Flint is around 25 miles east.