Fenton’s motto is “Be Closer,” and the city invites its 12,000 residents to be closer to the scenic lakes, local restaurants and each other. “It’s generally considered one of the more desirable places to live in Genesee County due to its small-town feel, highly rated schools, and access to recreational activities,” says Matt Zahn, a Realtor with RE/MAX Select. Surrounded by its larger and more rural sister, Fenton Township, Fenton is considered a more urban option. While the city and township have separate governments, they share a school district, public services, parks and shopping districts.
The Shiawassee River feeds 58 lakes within a 10-mile radius of downtown Fenton.
Fenton highly rated public school system make it a highly desirable place to live.
The city of Fenton resides in the heart of the more rural surrounding of Fenton Township.
Fenton provides a rural setting with the proximity of urban amenities and transportation.
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Lakes in every direction
Fenton has a surrounded-by-lakes feel, with Lake Fenton and Dickinson Lake all joined by Seven Lakes State Park and dozens of smaller lakes. “Locals brag about the abundance of lakes allowing for all sorts of lake activities,” Zahn says, “Including fishing, kayaking, wakeboarding, wake surfing, jet skiing, paddle boarding and relaxing on a pontoon.”
Many residents have private docks, but Seven Lakes State Park provides plenty of shoreline, multiple boat launches and miles of wooded, waterside trails just outside the city. From dog-walking to daydreaming, Dauner Martin Nature Sanctuary offers a sense of remoteness thanks to its 155 acres of mature hardwoods and trails stretching over 4 miles.
Lake Fenton and its surrounding lakes provide an endless abundance of lakeside recreation.
A fisherman tries his luck on the shores of the Shiawassee River in Fenton.
The boat launch looks out onto Dickinson Lake at near Fenton.
Your dog will appreciate the exercise from a walk at Clover Beach in Fenton.
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Shops and restaurants in a quaint downtown
North Leroy Street is one of the primary shopping districts in the city. It's home to downtown Fenton, where a longstanding clock tower at Fenton Fire Hall watches over the city from the banks of the Shiawassee River. The city stalwart, once a fire hall, contributes to downtown's small-town, quaint feel. The spot is now known for its barbecue and a full lineup of craft beer. Dozens more eateries and boutique shops sit amongst municipal buildings and riverside trails. “Locals also brag about the number of restaurants and bar options in the area,” Zahn says. Big box stores and chain restaurants are found west of US Highway 23.
North Leroy Street is home to Fenton's local shopping and dining scene.
The pulled pork dinner is one of many BBQ favorites at Fenton Fire Hall and Taproom in Fenton.
Fenton locals have plenty of choice with dozens of eateries and boutique shops in downtown.
Fenton shoppers can get their big box retail fix at a spread of stores closer to US-23.
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Events in downtown Fenton
Zahn says there are numerous downtown activities, including music in the park, an annual farmers market and the St. John's Apple Fest. For over 50 years, the Apple Fest has attracted thousands to the city to enjoy carnival rides, food trucks, live music, a farmer's market and more. The four-day event is held every September at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
Fenton hosts many city-wide events like Music in the Park and annual Arts and Craft show.
Classic cars often cruise the streets during Fenton's many annual events.
St. John the Evangelist hosts an annual Apple Fest that draws attendees from across Fenton.
Fenton farmers market takes place between May and September at the Fenton Community Center.
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Highway access, few employers, and commuting to bigger cities
U.S. Route 23 runs north and south through Fenton’s western half. It connects with Interstates 75 and 69 at an interchange in Flint, 14 miles north. Bishop International Airport, also in Flint, is 15 miles north. Within the city, the Fenton Trolley offers limited seasonal transportation throughout the city, from Thursday through Saturday, but there is no regular public transport.
Fenton is mostly residential and commercial, but there are a few manufacturers and suppliers, including McDunnough, Inc. and Creative Foam Fenway Automotive. These employers are mostly found south of Silver Lake Road and east of US 23. For medical workers, McLaren Flint—Fenton Community Medical Center offers a 24-hour emergency care unit and specialty services. Most people commute to larger cities for work, however. Detroit is 60 miles south, and Ann Arbor is 40 miles south. If traffic permits, both can be reached in less than an hour.
Fifth best school district in the greater Flint Area
Fenton Area Public Schools has a B-plus rating on Niche and is ranked the 5th best school district in the area. With four elementary, one middle and one high school, it serves around 3,100 students. At Tomek-Eastern Elementary School, the highest-rated elementary program in the district, students can choose a fully virtual option to learn from home in a flexible environment. Fenton High School students can compete under Friday night lights as Fenton Tigers in the football team or as Titanium Tigers in the Robotics team. The 700-student Schmidt Middle School is known for growing students in advanced studies and helping struggling students reach their peak performance.
Tomek-Eastern Elementary School offers the highest-rated elementary program in the district.
North Road Elementary School has a student population of 397 students.
With a B rating on Niche, AGS Middle School offers a solid education.
The Fenton High School is known as the home of the Tigers, the school's mascot.
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A broad selection of homes that sell in 35 days on average
While it’s only about 7 square miles, Zahn says, “There is a wide range of home types. From condos with low maintenance to extravagant million-dollar lake homes.” Prices range from $150,000 condos to $2 million lakeside estates, but the median price is about $305,000. This is more expensive than surrounding cities, including Flint and Holly, but below the US average of $420,000. Ranch-style homes and modern traditional builds are the most common, but Victorian options surround downtown. Homes sell after 35 days on the market compared to the US average of 44 days.
Space effient condos are affordable option for prospective Fenton residents.
Waterside homes on Mill Pond are built for easy kayaking and fishing in Fenton.
Mid-range homes line the residential streets surrounding the central hub of downtown Fenton.
Victorian estates are commonly found surrounding Fenton's downtown area.
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Crime rates lower than the US averages
In 2023, Fenton reported a violent crime rate 15% lower than the US average and a property crime rate 7% lower.
Written By
Kaitlin Davis
Photography Contributed By
James Gordon
Video By
Emily McNamara
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steve Stockton,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Fenton, MI sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Fenton, MI over the last 12 months is $351,250, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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