Croswell offers rural living near the lake in Michigan's Thumb Region
Croswell is a small-town destination in Michigan’s Sanilac County. This Upper Thumb community of about 2,300 is nestled amid an appealing rural setting, where the Black River winds its way peacefully through the heart of a community anchored by its historic homes. Croswell offers an attractive mix of residential settings and an economy that blends agriculture and industry. The community features well-rated schools and access to parks, shopping and dining. Residents also enjoy proximity to Lake Huron, the region’s premier recreational destination.
Historic homes anchor the community's affordable options
Housing options are a mix of older homes featuring a variety of architectural styles, including midcentury ranch, Victorian, Colonial and Craftsman. The options mingle on walkable, tree-filled streets in the center of town. New construction is ongoing in the Harrington Acres subdivision on the north side, an area that combines residential settings with farmland and businesses.
Single-family homes typically range from about $120,000 to around $250,000. Manufactured homes, which start around $50,000, are common outside the city limits. “There are a lot of first-time homebuyers, because the homes there are a little less than in other places,” says Malinda S. Kelly, associate broker at Town & Country Realty in Lexington. Residents can expect a climate impacted by the lake effect. While proximity to the lake can result in cooler temperatures in the summer, it can also mean heavier snowfall in the winter.
Croswell Swinging Bridge is a well-known attraction at Riverbend Park
Riverbend Park is notable for a historic attraction. “It’s a nice community with some cool features. There’s a mother-in-law swinging bridge where you can walk across the Black River,” says Angela Wagester of Town & Country Realty. The suspension footbridge was built in 1905. The iconic sign at its entrance reads, “Be Good To Your Mother-In-Law,” a playful reference to the swaying of the bridge when in use. A splash pad, a disc golf course and a kayak launch are featured amenities of a waterfront green space that hosts summer fishing contests. The Cros-Lex Bike Trail begins at the park and connects residents to the neighboring village of Lexington. Smaller community parks offer amenities such as children’s playscapes. Signature events include a Memorial Day Parade, whose procession ends at Croswell Cemetery, and the Croswell Fair, a multi-day event that celebrated 142 years in 2025. Outdoors enthusiasts enjoy quick and easy access to Lake Huron, about 5 miles from the community. The lake is a haven for boaters and anglers, and Lexington Beach is a popular nearby attraction.
Students can attend well-rated trio of community schools
Niche gives Croswell-Lexington Community Schools an overall grade of B-plus. Frostick Elementary earns an A-minus from Niche. Croswell-Lexington Middle and Croswell-Lexington High are B-rated schools on the community’s east side. Croswell-Lexington High was recently rated the 19th-best high school in the state by U.S. News & World Report. Michigan allows qualified students to transfer to schools outside of their district.
Shopping and dining in the community and neighboring lakefront village
Shopping and dining options are concentrated in the center of town along the Howard Street commercial corridor. Other options can be found on the south side along Michigan 90. The Nearby Croswell Stock Yards is a well-known area shopping destination that hosts a popular seasonal flea market. More shopping and dining options, including waterfront restaurants, can be found in Lexington.
Port Huron and its amenities are about 25 miles away
Croswell is a car-dependent community in a fairly secluded part of the state. The nearest hospital, McKenzie Health System in Sandusky, is about 20 miles away. The nearest interstate, I-69, is about 25 miles away in Port Huron, a larger city on the Canadian border. “Croswell is small-town living, but you’re close enough to the amenities of Port Huron,” Wagester says. Those amenities include two larger hospitals, Lake Huron Medical Center and McLaren Port Huron, and access to the St. Clair County riverfront. Flint, Detroit and Saginaw are all around 75-80 miles away from Croswell. Bishop International Airport in Flint is the closest destination for commercial flights.
The CAP Index Crime Score of 2-out-of-10 is below the national average.
Written By
Matt Pallister
