Located about 70 miles northwest of Detroit, Flint is a historic community perched along the Flint River. With a population of about 81,000, it is the largest city in Genesee County and the twelfth largest in Michigan. Despite its size, it has a level of interconnectedness primarily found in small towns. Neighborhood groups are heavily involved, residents radiate pride, and annual events showcase an unparalleled sense of community.
Also known as Vehicle City, Flint developed as a powerhouse in automotive manufacturing after General Motors established its roots there in 1908. With an increase in well-paying careers, thousands of people migrated to the city to look for work, and small businesses began to flourish. Vehicle City’s economy took off and quickly became one of the strongest in the country. When sweeping manufacturing layoffs devastated the area during the late 20th century, Flint slipped from Michigan’s highest-earning city to one of the lowest. The city’s economy struggled for years, eventually leading Governor John Engler to declare a state of financial emergency in 2002. While the city grappled with this economic devastation, The Flint Water Crisis of 2014 struck a cruel blow to an area barely on its feet.
Despite these struggles, Flint residents have shown the world the true meaning of resilience. “It takes a special type of tenacity to live in Flint, and to love Flint despite everything that gets thrown at it, and a lot has gotten thrown at it over the years,” says Janet O’Keefe, lead librarian at Gloria Coles Flint Public Library in the city's Central Park. The city continues to fight back from these setbacks, driven by an improving housing market, promising infrastructure changes, a blossoming downtown and community pride. With health care, manufacturing and education providing new jobs, Vehicle City is on the move.
Flint is historically known as “Vehicle City” because of its importance in the birth of the automobile industry.
In Flint, the Gloria Coles Public Library hosts the Michigan Storytellers Festival yearly.
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An update on the Flint water crisis
Flint was the epicenter of one of the most significant public health crises in American history. In April 2014, unelected city managers switched the town’s water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River to save money. Record levels of Legionnaires’ disease swept the city, and numerous people complained of hair loss, rashes and other illnesses. Tests revealed dangerously high levels of lead and bacteria in the city’s water supply, prompting Genesee County to declare a state of emergency. Repair efforts took half a decade, but bi-yearly reports show that as of 2019, Flint’s water is safe to consume — even in high-risk areas. “I don’t think anyone trusts [the water] completely,” O’Keefe says. “We have a filtering system [at the library], most people use filters, but there are some who still use bottled water.” Recent tests show that lead levels have risen since 2021 but remain below federal regulations.
The Flint River flows through downtown Flint.
The Flint Water Crisis 2014 struck a cruel blow to the area, but Flint has started to rebound.
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Affordable houses, new construction and a broad selection
One of Flint's most attractive features is its affordable housing. With a median home price of about $60,000, it’s far more accessible than surrounding cities, including Grand Blanc and Flushing, which have median home prices in the mid-$200,000s. Options are broad and diverse, ranging from tiny, $15,000 fixer-uppers in Bunche to $500,000 mansions in Woodcroft Estates. While many homes have had their lead pipes replaced, the city will not replace the pipes in vacant houses. Buyers of vacant houses should be sure to have their plumbing inspected and pipes replaced if necessary.
The city is also diversifying its townhouse and condominium options. The Genesee County Landbank Authority, in partnership with the city and state, recently funded the construction of the 16-unit Gate House project near Downtown Flint. “I think most people are excited about it because we're getting more housing, and not just more housing, we're getting new housing, renovated housing,” says Tierra Howard, a broker, Realtor and owner of HowardHomes4You. “People want somewhere nice to live. So, I'm really excited about all the development that we have.”
Breaking ground in June of 2024, this initiative comes after Uptown Reinvestment Corporation and the Michigan Community Capital partnered in 2023 to construct six new affordable homes in Flint’s Carriage Town Historic District. The mixed-income condominium development is the first of its kind in the city.
Flint's historical Carriage Town district has many well-maintained homes.
Older houses in Flint offer fixer-upper opportunities for new homeowners.
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Choice public schools and passionate colleges
Flint offers choice schools – students may attend public schools in the city or surrounding suburbs. The Flint Public School District has a D rating on Niche and has 9 elementary, one middle and one high school. It serves around 2,800 students. Grand Blanc Community Schools is also nearby and has an A-minus rating. It’s ranked the best school district in the Flint area, serving over 7,800 students across 10 elementary, three middle and one high school.
The city is also home to several major colleges in unity. “It really is like a college town,” Howard says. Mott Community College is a small, public two-year institution with a 100% acceptance rate and a C rating on Niche. Kettering University has a B-minus rating on Niche and was ranked as the third best-value college in Michigan. With a B-minus Niche rating, the University of Michigan—Flint is in Downtown Flint, the University of Michigan’s first campus built outside Ann Arbor. The colleges are heavily involved in the city, each offering philanthropic efforts stretching from the north to the south side. Generally, they help with neighborhood clean-up efforts, downtown Flint’s revitalization and various events throughout the city.
Kettering University is one of three universities in Flint.
The University of Michigan’s first campus, built outside Ann Arbor, is in Flint.
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Genesee County’s first State Park, downtown Flint and shopping districts
Flint offers over 11,000 acres of park space and access to the Flint River. Eastside 's Kearsley Park is a local favorite with a playground, open space for field sports, and a pavilion for seasonal concerts. Max Brandon Park offers 107 acres of wooded walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground for a more forested feel. Thread Lake, in South Parks, is a popular space for kayaking, while Bray Road Fishing Site is an ideal pier for catching walleye, bass and catfish.
Flint is also getting a new 230-acre state park along the Flint River, with some parts of the park already open to the public. It will be Genesee County’s first state park. Various trails will connect it to neighborhoods, including Mott Park, colleges such as Kettering, and other trails, including the Iron Belle Trail. Chevy Commons, Mott Recreation Area and Happy Hollow Nature Area are just a few greenspaces that will combine to create the park.
Genesee Crossing and Courtland Center are the city’s major shopping malls. Somerset Town Center is among the strip malls that populate Miller Road. Additionally, just 5 miles east in Burton, the Courtland Center offers even more shopping and dining options. US 23 Drive-In Theatre has been a date night favorite for more than six decades, but when it closes for the winter, residents head to Cinemark Flint West 14.
Downtown Flint is home to the city’s most vibrant food and culture scenes. It's home to Brush Alley and Buckham Alley, where restaurants and bars buzz with energy every weekend. These alleys host events throughout the year, including the Flint Night Market, which features vendors, live music, giveaways and more. Nearby, Flint Farmer's Market is a year-round farmer’s market where vendors know their regulars by name. The market offers a wide range of goods, from coffee shops to fresh cuts of meat to souvenirs. It’s open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The 20-year Downtown Flint Gameplan aims to strengthen Downtown Flint by creating a walkable entertainment hub with ample space for recreation, business expansion and community gatherings. This includes live entertainment venues, the development of residential and commercial communities and the consolidation of civic institutions.
Max Brandon Park offers 107 acres of wooded walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground in Flint.
Flint is creating a walkable entertainment hub downtown.
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Jazz, rap and fine arts in Flint
The Flint Cultural Center is on a mission to build community vitality through the arts, history and science. The center’s campuses include the Sloan Museum & Longway Planetarium, Flint Institute of Arts, Flint Institute of Music and the Flint Public Library. With the help of the Genesee County Arts Education & Cultural Enrichment Millage, residents have free admission to the Flint Institute of Arts and the Sloan Museum of Discovery. The millage includes discounts for live performances at the Flint Symphony Orchestra, the Flint Repertory Theatre and other venues.
Despite the city's struggles, the pulse of music has always reverberated throughout. Famously known for jazz legends like Betty Carter, Don Preston, and the Boogie Woogie Pianist, the distinguished sound of Michigan rap has replaced the flow of classic jazz. Rap legends like MC Breed, Top Authority and The Dayton Family influenced and motivated young rappers to keep pushing the game forward.
Flint residents have free admission to the Sloan Museum of Discovery.
Flint is home to Michigan's largest planetarium.
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14 bus routes, I-75 and Bishop International Airport
The Mass Transportation Authority Flint provides 14 primary bus routes throughout the city. There aren’t many major highways. However, Interstate 475 and Interstate 69 intersect in the city. Your Ride is a free, seasonal trolley service operating from 11 service centers that assists persons with disabilities and senior citizens in navigating the city and other areas of Genesee County. Bishop International Airport, in the city’s southwest, offers commercial air travel.
Curbing gun violence
In 2022, Flint reported a crime rate more than triple the national average. Property crime reports increased into 2023. Overall, though, crime in the city has steadily decreased since 2019, a trend Flint hopes to continue. Addressing gun violence has been one of Mayor Sheldon Neeley’s main concerns since taking office in 2019. In 2021, the mayor declared a gun violence emergency for Flint, which remains in effect today. Initiatives to curb gun violence include gun buyback programs targeting weapons often used in the commission of a crime — along with increased police surveillance, the city hopes this helps continue to decrease crime rates.
Written By
Kaitlin Davis
Photography Contributed By
Scottie Davison
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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.
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On average, homes in Flint, MI sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Flint, MI over the last 12 months is $90,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Updated and move-in ready, this charming ranch in Glendale Hills sits just a couple of blocks from Kettering University with front-row viewing of the Crim Race course. The floor plan includes 3 spacious bedrooms plus a den/study, 2 full baths, a fire-lit living room, and a separate family room. A huge walk-up basement opens to the fully fenced backyard and offers excellent storage or future
Something for everyone in this classic, clean, and freshly painted mid-century ranch! Set on a generous half-acre fenced lot, this home offers space inside and out for relaxation, entertainment, and everyday living. A cozy, firelit family room makes winter nights inviting (with a generous supply of firewood included!) Enjoy morning coffee or summer evenings on the large, covered porch, or spread
Beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offering modern comfort and easy living in Flint township area, just minutes from I-75, shopping, and dining. Built in 2014, this home features an open-concept layout with a spacious living room that flows seamlessly into the kitchen—ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen offers granite countertops and ample cabinetry, providing plenty of prep
Stunning Fully Updated Traditional Home! This beautifully redone 4-bedroom, 1-bath home offers over 1,300 sq. ft. of bright, comfortable living space and an extensive list of 2025 upgrades. Absolutely everything has been updated, making this home truly move-in ready! Step inside to a spacious main level featuring a desirable first-floor primary bedroom, sun-filled living spaces, and a seamless
Fully developed site condominium in a great area with the Kearsley Golf Course & Kearsley Park surrounding most of this community, this parcel is located on Eastern Edge of the community backing to vacant land. City Sewers and Natural Gas at street. Builder Terms are available, this is a great opportunity. No Sign on Property. Other lots are available.
MOTIVATED! BRING YOUR OFFERS!!! NEW PRICE!!! Great Opportunity on this commercial property on busy road with great exposure. Bring your builder. Traffic count is over 25,000 cars a day. Close access to I-75 and on a major throughway to Flushing. MOTIVATED!!! BATVAI.
AN AMAZING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY READY FOR YOU TO BUILD! LOCATED ON THE VERY BUSY CORUNNA ROAD. MINUTES FROM I-75 AND MAJOR RETAIL AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES! AVAILABLE FOR SALE OR LEASE. SALE PRICE IS $865,000. LAND LEASE IS $6,500/MONTH TRIPLE NET. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES HERE. MIXED USE ZONING. ZONING MAY BE ABLE TO BE CHANGED WITH CITY APPROVAL. SURVEY ON FILE. 4480 CORUNNA AND 4474 CORUNNA MAKE
Fully developed site condominium in a great area with the Kearsley Golf Course & Kearsley Park surrounding most of this community. City Sewers and Natural Gas at street. Builder Terms are available, this is a great opportunity. No Sign on Property. Other lots are available.
Fully developed site condominium in a great area with the Kearsley Golf Course & Kearsley Park surrounding most of this community, this parcel is located on an interior lot. City Sewers and Natural Gas at street. Builder Terms are available, this is a great opportunity. No Sign on Property; other vacant lots available.
Three bedroom, two bath home has full basement with partially finished large room, 1-car garage, and fenced yard! Vinyl siding and windows. New roof 2021. Cove ceilings in the living room. Range and Refrigerator included. Large primary bedroom upstairs with private bath. Full basement is partially finished with large recreation room and still plenty of storage space too! Sale contingent upon
Fully developed site condominium in a great area with the Kearsley Golf Course & Kearsley Park surrounding most of this community, this parcel backs to vacant land. City Sewers and Natural Gas at street. Builder Terms are available, this is a great opportunity. No Sign on Property. Other lots available.
Solid brick multi-unit property offering excellent investment potential. Well-maintained with separate entrances and spacious layouts. Ideal for owner-occupants or investors. 3 Neighboring Parcels negotiable
3 bedroom, 1.5 bath Cape Cod home with basement and attached garage. Property is in need of rehab. Buyers agent to verify all information in this listing.
Fully developed site condominium in a great area with the Kearsley Golf Course & Kearsley Park surrounding most of this community, this parcel is located on the eastern edge of community backing to vacant land. City Sewers and Natural Gas at street. Builder Terms are available, this is a great opportunity. No Sign on Property. Other lots are available.
Fully developed site condominium in a great area with the Kearsley Golf Course & Kearsley Park surrounding most of this community, this parcel is located on interior lot. City Sewers and Natural Gas at street. Builder Terms are available, this is a great opportunity. No Sign on Property. Other lots available.
AN AMAZING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY READY FOR YOU TO BUILD! LOCATED ON THE VERY BUSY CORUNNA ROAD. MINUTES FROM I-75 AND MAJOR RETAIL AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES! AVAILABLE FOR SALE OR LEASE. SALE PRICE IS $865,000. LAND LEASE IS $6,500/MONTH TRIPLE NET. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES HERE. MIXED USE ZONING. ZONING MAY BE ABLE TO BE CHANGED WITH CITY APPROVAL. SURVEY ON FILE. 4480 CORUNNA AND 4474 CORUNNA MAKE
AN AMAZING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY READY FOR YOU TO BUILD! LOCATED ON THE VERY BUSY CORUNNA ROAD. MINUTES FROM I-75 AND MAJOR RETAIL AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES! AVAILABLE FOR SALE OR LEASE. SALE PRICE IS $865,000. LAND LEASE IS $6,500/MONTH TRIPLE NET. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES HERE. MIXED USE ZONING. ZONING MAY BE ABLE TO BE CHANGED WITH CITY APPROVAL. SURVEY ON FILE. 4480 CORUNNA AND 4474 CORUNNA MAKE
**Spacious 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath rental in Flint** featuring an **attached 1-car garage** and a **huge lot** for extra outdoor space. Conveniently located **near shopping centers** for quick access to everyday essentials. **$1,100/month.**
Welcome to 836 Victoria Ave, Flint, MI 48507! This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Step inside to discover fresh updates throughout, including modern flooring, stylish fixtures, and a bright, open layout that’s ideal for both relaxing and entertaining. The spacious kitchen features contemporary cabinetry and plenty of counter space,
Affordable 2-bedroom, 2 bath home in the desirable Flint Township, Carmen Ainsworth School District. The home is located in the Valley Meadows Village Community, priced for lease with option, mobile home financing available. Lot Rent is $450.00 per month. Contact the Agent for more details and to discuss terms.
Country Club Manor Apartments in Flint, Michigan, offers comfortable homes with spacious layouts and dependable amenities. Located near local attractions and major highways, these apartments provide easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment, making day-to-day living convenient. On-site management is committed to addressing residents’ needs promptly and efficiently. Whether you’re
RENOVATED, GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, STAINLESS APPLIANCES & MORE! Our renovated apartments, on-site laundry facilities, and pet-friendly policy make us the perfect choice for those seeking a convenient and welcoming community. Contact us today to schedule a tour and see why Bradley Hills Apartments is the ideal place to call home in Flint, MI. $150 Non-Refundable Cleaning If approved, a one-time
Andrea RobinsonQuality Rental Homes and Property Management
Your next home is waiting for you here at The Elms at Granada, a charming community of one, two, and three bedroom apartments located near the heart of Flint, MI. Inside these spacious floor plans, youll discover cozy interiors complete with all the modern conveniences you desire. Outside your apartment, the community's inviting amenities provide the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the
Newly renovated 2 bedroom and 1 bath condo in Genesee Township within Kearsley School District. All utilities are tenant responsibility. Tenant responsible for a monthly $19 sewer fee to be added to rent $510 Genesee Twp. water deposit $300 Non-Refundable Cleaning Fee 12 month lease required Pet's upon owner approval - if approved a one time $250 non-refundable pet fee per pet and a monthly $25
Andrea RobinsonQuality Rental Homes and Property Management
NEWLY RENOVATED UNIT WITH HIGH END FINISHESBRAND NEW KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTERTOPS STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES LAUNDRY FACILITY ON SITE VERY SPACIOUS BEDROOMSPET FEE ONE TIME 250$ THEN 25$/MONTH.50$/MONTH WATER FEEBRAND NEW SPLIT UNIT HEATING AND COOLING MILITARY/FIRST RESPONDERS/TEACHER DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
Available Now! 2 beds with Garage! Welcome to this 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home. This property offers a cozy enclosed front porch, a fenced-in back yard and a 2 car detached garage. This house is ideal for those looking for a peaceful living environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make this house your home! $300 Non-refundable cleaning fee $360 City of Flint water affidavit Sorry, No
Andrea RobinsonQuality Rental Homes and Property Management
Miller West provides spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartment homes, beautiful courtyard views, and a professional management team in Flint Township, MI. Our unique and spacious floor plans offer the best in Flint Township apartment living. Each apartment home at Miller West was designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. With in-home features, including balconies, walk-in closets, and
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.
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