For decades, the College Cultural Neighborhood has been highly sought after. Earning its name from its proximity to Mott Community College and the Flint Cultural Center, College Cultural blends suburban living with urban amenities. While it offers historic custom-built homes, quiet tree-lined streets and a close-knit community, residents are just a short walk from higher education, fine arts and commercial services.
“It's a very desirable neighborhood to live in and be a part of,” says Tierra Howard, a broker, Realtor and owner of HowardHomes4You. “It’s a walkable, family-friendly neighborhood, and people want that. They want to be able to go outside to walk, run and take their kids out to play—and it definitely offers it all.”
College Cultural boasts the motto “Love Where You Live,” expressed in the pride radiating from residents. There isn’t an HOA, but the neighborhood association is heavily involved in the community, hosting monthly meetings to discuss issues and ideas. It’s the kind of place where neighbors know each other by name, join each other for daily runs and go all-out for Halloween. While many residents have been there for decades, they accept new residents with open arms, often going out of their way to introduce themselves and welcome them to the area.
College Cultural Neighborhood's streets are filled with historic flint homes of every kind.
Mott Community College makes up a good northern portion of of College Cultural Neighborhood.
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Events and resources at the Flint Cultural Center
College Cultural is home to Mott Community College and is minutes from the Flint Cultural Center. “There’s just so much to do in that area,” Howard says. The Flint Cultural Center is made up of seven institutions, including the Sloan Museum of Discovery, the Flint Institute of Arts and the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library, which is a city stalwart.
Before the 2008 housing market crash, Flint had three libraries. When the system lost 40% of its funding due to the crash, the other two branches closed. Now the city’s only active branch, Gloria Coles Flint Public Library has been cherished throughout the years. It even received a $20 million rehab in 2022, with over 65% of Flint residents saying yes to the millage that funded this initiative.
“Despite the financial hardships and the systemic inequalities in the city, people have always shown up for the library, so we do our best to show up for them, too,” says Maryn Berger, Adult Services Librarian. “People understand the power of the library in the community and use a community space. It’s one of the only places you can exist in public without the necessity of buying something.”
The library offers a range of free services and programs, from book clubs to game nights. One of its trademark events is the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Program, which includes musical performances, a keynote speaker and various activities.
Both the Sloan Museum and the Flint Institute of Arts offer free admission to Genesee County residents and programs for kids. They also host various events throughout the year, including the Sloan Museum Auto Fair and FIA Art Fair.
The Cultural Center is a group of museums at the heart of College Cultural Neighborhood.
Gloria Coles Library is within walking distance of much of College Cultural Neighborhood.
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Custom-built, longstanding homes
College Cultural Neighborhood’s quiet streets starkly contrast the surrounding cityscape. Established maple trees shade the narrow sidewalks, creating a canopy of greenery. The median year built is 1941, with some homes dating back to the 1910s. “It’s not a cookie-cutter neighborhood, all of the homes there are custom,” Howard says. “They all have their own character, their own charm.”
Colonial Revival, Tudor, cottage and minimal traditional homes line the streets. Lots are generally around 6,000 square feet, providing enough front and backyard space for kids to play outside, while driveways lead to detached garages and separate properties. Fixer-uppers sell in the range of $60,000 to $100,000, while move-in ready homes range from $110,000 to $400,000. Prices depend on the home size – the average is just above 1,500 square feet, so those offering 2,000 square feet and above fetch a premium – and the level of renovations done, as outdated electrical and plumbing systems are brought up to modern standards.
Many regal brick colonials can be found on the streets of College Cultural Neighborhood.
Tudor styling is a common architectural feature found in College Cultural Neighborhood.
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Woodlawn Park, Pierce Park and surrounding greenspaces
Woodlawn Park is one of the most used green spaces in the neighborhood. Since there isn’t a parking lot, many people walk and bike over to enjoy its playground, tennis courts, soccer field and basketball court. It also offers picnic tables and grills.
Pierce Park is located behind Pierce Elementary and doesn’t have the same recreation options, but it is popular among dog walkers. It also offers ample open land and is clear of towering trees and power lines, so many people pop fireworks there during the Fourth of July.
Applewood Estate, which Charles Mott called home, is located in the Flint Cultural Center and is well-regarded for its gardens. The historic mansion is a short walk away for residents and offers free admission. It earns its name from the 71-tree apple orchard located in its front yard, but it also features a perennial garden, herb garden and rose garden.
Kearsley Park is located just north of the neighborhood and features a paved trail along Gilkey Creek, as well as a softball field and a pavilion that can be rented for private events. During winter months, sledders fly down the steep hills in the park.
Expansive grass fields at Woodlawn Park are perfect for a soccer match.
Applewood Estate was originall built in College Cultural Neighborhood in 1916.
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Pre-kindergarten through college education options
Genesee County offers schools of choice, and College Cultural kids can attend any public school within Flint or the surrounding suburbs. Pierce Elementary is the nearest public school for prekindergarten through eighth graders, with a D-plus rating on Niche. Southwestern Classical Academy is the district's only public high school and earns a C rating. Gateway to College is also nearby, located on the Mott Community College campus. This magnet high school has a C rating and requires students to pass a test for admission. Mott Community College, which also has a C rating, is a smaller institution with just over 1,700 students. It’s mostly known for its schools of nursing and business.
Pierce Creative Arts Elementary School is a part of Flint Community Schools.
Flint Southwestern Classical Academy offers students a dynamic learning environment.
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Shopping and dining in Downtown Flint and along South Dort Highway
Shopping and dining options can be found in every direction outside of the neighborhood. Downtown Flint has undergone major revitalization efforts over the past decade and is a short drive west of College Cultural. It's home to various restaurants and shops, including the expansive Flint Farmers' Market. The indoor, year-round market makes it possible to purchase fresh produce, meat and other goods from local farmers. This is crucial in a city where supermarkets are few and far between, although there is an Aldi just east of College Cultural in Thrift City. The farmer’s market is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
South Dort Highway borders this community to the east and also offers several restaurants, shops and services. Car repair shops are abundant along this street, as are places to grab a quick bite, such as Big John Steak & Onion.
Downtown Flint Farmers Market has been near College Cultural Neighborhood since the 1900s.
Dort Highway gives College Cultural Neighborhood access to car repair shops and restaurants.
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Two major freeways and a nearby emergency room
Interstate 69 is just south of College Cultural, and Interstate 475 is just west, so residents can easily access both freeways without dealing with the noise. Hurley Medical Center is the nearest hospital, less than 3 miles west of the neighborhood. It offers a 24-hour emergency room, along with special services such as behavioral health, a stroke center and a children’s hospital. Bishop International Airport is roughly 8 miles west.
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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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
College Cultural Neighborhood
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
College Cultural Neighborhood Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in College Cultural Neighborhood, Flint sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in College Cultural Neighborhood, Flint over the last 12 months is $143,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful 3-bedroom Cape Cod located in the Historic College Cultural Neighborhood. With over 1,700 feet of finished living space this home features hardwood floors, natural fireplace, central air, vinyl windows, large master suite with huge closets, and a finished basement. Recent updates include a new roof, all new entry doors, remodeled bathroom, and a new shed in the back yard. Situated
Welcome home to 622 Chalmers, a beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom gem right in the heart of Flint! Step inside to discover a bright, stylish kitchen designed for cooking, gathering, and making memories. The spacious living areas offer a warm and welcoming feel with room for everyone to relax. Enjoy your private, fenced-in backyard. Perfect for pets, play, and summer BBQs. With modern
Charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath brick colonial featuring classic curb appeal and a welcoming layout perfect for family living. This home offers a spacious living room with plenty of natural light, fireplace, a formal dining area ideal for entertaining. A well-appointed kitchen with ample cabinet space with a connected Den/Office/Family room, whatever you decide! Upstairs, you’ll find three
Located in the College Cultural Neighborhood near Mott Community College, this home has 2 bedrooms and one full bath on the main floor, and third bedroom upstairs with an additional full bath. It also has a one care garage, full basement, large back deck with fenced in backyard. Entire interior has been repainted, natural wood floors throughout, new carpeting upstairs, new furnace, AC, and
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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.
