Made up of sprawling farms, lakes and forests, about 50% of Dexter Township is preserved natural land. This Washtenaw County township is just outside the city of Dexter, at the edges of the growing Ann Arbor area. In a region with a high demand for housing, open land is a valuable resource — one the township aims to protect. “There’s a lot of respect for farmers and open land preservation here,” says Michelle Stamboulellis, the township clerk and lifelong resident. “We want farmers to be able to choose what happens to their land.” So, Dexter Township continues to have a rural feel and a quiet pace of life. “Neighbors support each other, and there’s a genuine sense of community,” Stamboulellis says. Dexter Township’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Dexter Township is made up of sprawling farms, lakes and forests.
While driving through Dexter Township, drivers can spot hunting blinds in farm fields.
1/2
Low taxes, large lots
Dexter Township has slowly seen development from 1900 to 2024, so a large variety of homes are available here. Property prices typically range from $350,000 to $800,000, depending on size, age and location. Communities around Dexter Township’s five lakes are some of the most expensive, with private docks and direct lake access. Some luxury estates can get up to $1.2 million. Outside of the developed lakeshore, most properties have more than an acre of land. Empty plots of land range from $70,000 for 2 acres to $300,000 for 20 acres. Some of the land, particularly the lakeshore, is part of a floodplain, but most properties are unaffected.
“Ten years ago, this was the place to find a deal,” says Kim Johnson, a former realtor and Dexter area resident for over 30 years. “But people discovered it, and now it’s rising in price just like Ann Arbor.” Although home prices can be high, taxes are significantly lower in the township than in the city of Dexter or Ann Arbor. “Plus,” Johnson says, “you can still get more space and larger lots for your money in Dexter Township.”
Colonial-style homes stand out in Dexter Township.
Some newer homes in Dexter Township feature contemporary styling with gently sloped rooflines.
1/2
International learning and electives at Dexter Schools
Dexter Community Schools serves most of the township with students starting at Dexter Elementary Complex for kindergarten through second grade. Niche grades the school B-plus. Then it’s on to Wylie Elementary, rated A, for third and fourth grade and Creekside Intermediate, rated A-minus, for fifth and sixth. Mill Creek Middle School and Dexter High School are both graded A. Dexter High School has AP courses and an International Baccalaureate program. Since the high school is part of the South and West Washtenaw Consortium, Dexter students can take electives, from culinary classes to engineering labs, at other high schools throughout Washtenaw County.
Wylie Elementary has been part of Dexter's Community Schools program since 1964.
Dexter High School
1/2
Lakes, trails and farms in Washtenaw County
Dexter Township is home to several lakes and a portion of the Huron River. The township's Pinckney Recreation Area is 11,000 acres with camping and trails for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. The lakes are open for boating and fishing in the summertime. In the winter, trails are used for cross-country skiing. Along the Huron River, the Washtenaw Border-to-Border Trail runs 15 miles and connects to the city of Dexter. The county plans to continue the trail to Ann Arbor, but there is no official construction date yet.
The farms of Dexter Township are open in the summer for blueberry or raspberry picking, and in the fall, some offer pumpkin patches and cider. Residents who don’t want to drive into Dexter for the farmers market can stop by local farm stands and markets.
Large and small farms dominate the landscape in Dexter Township.
Dexter Township runners use the Border-to-Border Trail through the township.
1/2
The small city of Dexter
Dexter Township itself has no commercial hubs, but the city is directly southeast. “Dexter is our city,” Stamboulellis says. “I used to think of Ann Arbor as our closest city, but Dexter has really grown over the years.” Dexter has a Busch’s Fresh Food Market, a regular farmers market, and a quaint, walkable downtown. Most businesses are locally owned, like Dexter Bakery, which opened in 1915. Downtown Dexter hosts holiday events and outdoor summer concerts and, in general, is the hub to meet neighbors. “Sometimes it takes me forever to walk through the grocery store because I keep seeing people I want to say hi to,” Johnson says.
Many locals from Dexter Township visit Jenny's Farm Stand for local produce.
Dexter Township locals have been heading to the Dexter Bakery, serving clients since 1915.
1/2
Traffic builds up along Island Lake Road
The most direct route to Ann Arbor, about 15 miles away, is typically via Island Lake Road. But the road slows as it passes through the city of Dexter, thanks to several traffic lights and an old rail underpass that only admits one car at a time. “When they built that underpass, it was for covered wagons to go through,” says David Anderson, a Realtor with Howard Hanna who has experience all over the Ann Arbor area. “So, it’s a problem with modern-day cars. Mornings can be insane with traffic.” The Ann Arbor commute should take about 20 minutes, but it often gets up to 40 minutes during rush hour.
The fastest route to Interstate 94 involves driving through Dexter under the same underpass. I-94 heads to Ypsilanti and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, 40 miles away. The closest hospital is in downtown Ann Arbor.
Photography Contributed By
Scottie Davison
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jill Kleine,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
Welcome to the Start of the 2026 Spring Market—and welcome home to 12385 Island Lake Road in Dexter, served by Chelsea Schools, with easy access to Chelsea, Dexter, and Ann Arbor. Set on just over 12 acres, this is the kind of property buyers wait for: a modern home, built in 2018, that disappears behind a curtain of northern Michigan pines, then opens up to wide, peaceful views in every season.
Brand-New Turn Key Waterfront Paradise on Portage Lake Imagine waking up to the shimmer of morning sun dancing across Portage Lake, coffee in hand, from the patio of your brand-new lakefront retreat. Here, every day feels like vacation. This newly built, fully finished home is designed for gathering, relaxing, and making memories. With five spacious bedrooms—including two serene primary
Darlene McLane DreschKeller Williams Ann Arbor Mrkt
Brand new, completed home! The price includes home, lot and generous upgrades. Pictures of actual home. Located in Dexter's newest neighborhood! The 2450 sq. ft. Woodstone floorplan with its added options has a main level primary suite with full bath featuring tiled shower, eurostyle glass shower door and walk in closet. The kitchen with quartz countertops and island open to the light filled 2
Welcome to the Start of the 2026 Spring Market—and welcome home to 12385 Island Lake Road in Dexter, served by Chelsea Schools, with easy access to Chelsea, Dexter, and Ann Arbor. Set on just over 12 acres, this is the kind of property buyers wait for: a modern home, built in 2018, that disappears behind a curtain of northern Michigan pines, then opens up to wide, peaceful views in every season.
Dreaming of building your perfect home in Dexter Township? Take a look at 10265 Island Lake Rd, 7.46 stunning acres of vacant land ready for your vision and your dream home! Perk test completed, well already installed, tucked away in a peaceful setting with walkout basement possibilities. Plenty of space for your dream home, outbuildings, gardens and more! DOn't miss the chance to own a slice of
Darlene McLane DreschKeller Williams Ann Arbor Mrkt
Create your ideal residence on nearly 2 acres in one of the most sought-after areas of Dexter, known as Castleton Farms, just a short drive from downtown Dexter. This exceptional lot is surrounded by custom, upscale homes and features the potential for a walk-out lower level with lovely eastern views. The property is situated on a paved road and has access to Dexter Townhall Rd, with the option
1.88 Acres Private lot. New deck, Finished walk out basement. Investor's dream property. Tenant lease end next year. But the tenants can move out anytime, if the new owner wants move in at closing. Great location Close to State park Hudson Mills Metro park. Full walk out finished basement with Sauna room. First floor master with full bath. 1.88+ Acres private lot, around beautiful trees. High
Welcome to this meticulously maintained 4-bedrm, 3.5-bath home located in the desirable Hartman Farms. From the moment you arrive, it's clear this home has been cared for inside and out. Situated on just over .5 ac the property offers ample outdoor space, including a partially fenced yard and a 3-car garage. The main floor features vaulted ceilings in the great room, creating an inviting space
Completed! Brand New Home in Dexter's Newest neighborhood Hillside Acres! Pictures of actual home. Price includes lot and generous upgrades! No need to update. The 4 bedroom 2.5 bath 2600 sq. ft. Scottsdale floorplan offers all the right spaces. The kitchen features gas cook top, double wall ovens, granite countertops and island. The engineered hardwood flooring extends through, foyer, great
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled in a peaceful country subdivision in one of Washtenaw County’s most sought-after areas. This home offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with its spacious and bright living areas, perfect for family gatherings and everyday living. The well-appointed kitchen boasts modern stainless steel appliances, while the adjacent dining
Looking for space, reliability & move-in-ready condition? This 4-bdrm, 3.5-bath Cape Cod delivers. Located on a quiet 1 acre lot, this home features a first-floor primary suite with a large private bath & ample closet space. The custom kitchen includes granite counters, stainless appliances, maple cabinets & hardwood flooring with easy access to a large deck for outdoor living. The finished
Build your dream home with lake views & shared lake access! This buildable lot offers the perfect canvas for your custom home! Enjoy picturesque lake views and shared deeded access to Portage Lake and the coveted Chain of Lakes—just across the street. The lot is cleared and ready to go with utilities at the street, there is also a 2-story barn which would be great for extra storage or incorporate
Contiguous .98 acres, two lots, of which 0.36 acres are on dry land and the rest in spring fed fresh water All Sports Silver Lake. Enjoy serene lakefront living in this charming 2-bedroom cottage offering 911 square feet of comfortable, single-level living. The property features a private garage, a private dock (moved on shore for winters), a brand-new roof; new Carpet flooring and comes complete
Charming 2-Bedroom Home with private backyard, covered patio, and deeded lake access to Portage Lake, now available for rent. It has been completely remodeled with tile floors, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and located in a quiet neighborhood. This home offers a comfortable layout, modern updates, air conditioning, and an unbeatable location only 25 minutes from Ann Arbor and 23
This charming ranch home, located at 8573 Portage Lake Blvd, offers a unique opportunity for lakeside living with access to an all-sports lake. Rent is $1,600 per month (does not include utilities) with a $2,400 security deposit, and a non-refundable cleaning fee of $250. Tenants are responsible for snow removal, lawn care, and utilities. Pets are welcome (40 lbs or under) for an additional $250,
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
