Rural living with river and city access in Cottrellville Township
Cottrellville Township is home to about 3,500 people on Michigan’s Thumbcoast in an area that borders the St. Clair River and the busier community of Marine City . The St. Clair River also separates Cottrellville from Ontario on the Canadian side of the border. “Locally, they call it Cotterville,” says Bob Kluck, broker and owner of Professional Leasing & Sales. “It’s more rural, so it’s quieter,” adds Laura Merchant, director of Marine City’s Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an opportunity to be close to the water, and you have larger lots of land, but if you wanted the downtown vibe, you could just zip down the road.”
Riverfront cottages and spacious rural lots define the housing market
Country roads stretch out alongside farms and fields throughout Cottrellville Township. Many properties along River Road hold traces of the “ribbon farms” that early settlers platted in the area, with long narrow lots that branch away from the riverbank. Waterfront properties typically measure under a quarter-acre, but inland lots can measure 10 acres or more. Small cottages, some with river access, tend to go for $150,000 to $300,000, while larger ranch-style and two-story homes sell for $300,000 to $400,000. Some luxury homes with sizable acreage or water access fetch prices from $520,000 to $850,000.
The township has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4. Residents contend with cold winter weather, including ice storms and strong winds, but water access is better than other rural areas in the region. “It’s in an area where you don’t have to deal with a well. You get to enjoy the city water pressure,” says Kluck, who has 30 years of local experience. “Anyone who lives there will know what I’m talking about.”
Multiuse trails and parks offer outdoor fun near the river
The Bridge to Bay trail — a riverside path popular with hikers, joggers and cyclists — runs through the township on its 50-mile journey between Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron. Cottrellville Township Shoreline Park features a grassy expanse where visitors can search the skies and shallows for waterfowl. Farther inland, sports fields, a playground and picnic areas make Cottrellville Township Park a good spot for families. Several other parks, including one with a sandy swimming beach, can be found about 3 miles away in Marine City.
Local restaurants offer fried fish and smoked meat platters
Boaters drop anchor at AJ’s Salt Docks to enjoy fried fish and tropical cocktails at the open-air bar. The watering hole also offers plenty of parking for those arriving by land. Smoked meat platters make Foxfire Fixin’s another hot ticket. The township borders Marine City and Algonac , where more shopping and dining options await. VG’s Grocery in Marine City’s Riverside Plaza is the most convenient grocery stop for most residents.
Marine City schools receive B-range grades from Niche
Michigan’s Schools of Choice program allows students to enroll in public schools outside their residential district. Most students in the area start at Palms Elementary School and Marine City Middle School, both of which receive a B grade from Niche. B-minus-rated Marine City High School partners with universities and industry leaders to bring work-life experience into the classroom through Project Lead the Way.
Seasonal events light up nearby Marine City
While Cottrellville Township isn’t known for any annual events, Marine City hosts several popular ones. August’s Maritime Days celebration features fireworks and a lighted boat parade, and revelers grab goodie bags before making their way through the shops on Water Street during Merrytime Christmas.
Bridges and local ferries cross into Canada
The township is on the U.S.-Canada border, across the river from Sombra, Ontario. The Walpole Algonac Ferry, about 6 miles away, offers the most convenient crossing point. The Blue Water Bridge, 25 miles north in Port Huron , allows motorists to cross into Canada. Interstate 94 is about 10 miles away and provides the best route for the 50-mile drive to Detroit and the 65-mile ride to Detroit Metro Airport. “It’s definitely a place where you’re escaping,” Kluck says. “You’re every bit of 20 minutes off the freeway.” Health care services are available at Henry Ford River District Hospital, about 10 miles away.
