Fort Gratiot is a semi-rural extension of Port Huron
Named for a 19th-century frontier outpost, Fort Gratiot now sits along urban Port Huron’s frontier with rural St. Clair County. "It's actually an extension of Port Huron," says Wynne Achatz, a Realtor with Real Estate One Westrick who has sold several homes in the area. "People like it because it’s not a big town; they're spread out. Part of Fort Gratiot is very country, and part of it is more neighborhood-style living." Over 11,000 people call this exurban township home, living within a 15-minute drive from downtown Port Huron and primarily working in the local healthcare, automotive, plasticware and retail industries. With easy access to Lake Huron’s beaches and inland parks, Fort Gratiot retains a semi-rural character while still offering plenty of urban-style employment opportunities and conveniences.
This township offers personalized living options, from lakefront homes to rural residences
While Fort Gratiot has an area roughly twice the size of Port Huron, much of this township consists of farmland, and most homes are located either along Lakeshore Road in the east or along three major roads in the south. "It’s nice because you can choose the type of home that you want rather than fitting into a subdivision; you can have rural, subdivision or lakefront," Achatz says. Manufactured homes have sold for between $50,000 and $240,000, while condos likewise attain sale prices between $90,000 and $250,000. Ranch-style homes vary in price from $140,000 to $450,000, while split-levels and multi-story New Traditional residences can garner between $460,000 and $825,000. The average street is one flanked by trees and expansive front yards and consisting of narrow roadways without sidewalks. “A lot of Fort Gratiot has access to all of Port Huron's city services, while - out in the rural areas to the west - residents use wells and septics,” Achatz says.
State Route 25 is full of big-box retail and restaurant options
State Route 25 serves as Fort Gratiot’s main retail corridor, with big-box retailers, restaurants and a shopping mall sharing this road. Birchwood Mall, founded in 1990, attracts visitors from both sides of the Canada-U.S. border and includes Target, JCPenney and Five Below among its major tenants. Route 25 also includes an Aldi, Home Depot, Meijer, Walmart and Gordon Food Service, meaning that groceries and home improvement goods are easy to come by in Fort Gratiot. Restaurant options are similarly diverse. Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi offers the classic hibachi experience through its use of authentic teppan hot plates and wooden sushi boats. Daybreak Café, which serves up diner staples from 7 AM to 8 PM, has a loyal customer base that’s two-thirds local and one-third international visitors from across the Blue Water Bridge.
Golfing, beachgoing and hiking are just a few of Fort Gratiot's recreation options
As much of Fort Gratiot is rural, residents are surrounded by opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Fort Gratiot Wetland Area occupies the heart of the township, and its nearly 5 miles of paved walking trails immerse visitors in a waterfowl habitat. Immediately next to this wildlife preserve, the Fort Gratiot Canine Commons offers dogs a venue for fresh-air fun. McIntyre Park includes a disc golf course and, next to it, a pond with a fishing pier. At the township’s northern end, Fort Gratiot County Park serves as the community’s main summertime beach destination while doubling as a rock hunting location. “There are areas on the lake that are beautiful, and the beaches are regionally popular; I’m in Marine City and I would go up there with my kids," Achatz says. Golfers have plenty of courses to choose from, including the private Port Huron Golf Club and Willow Ridge Golf Club, which has been open to the public for more than 50 years.
Port Huron Northern High School has an expanding array of programs and amenities
Students can start their education at Keewahdin Elementary School, which receives a B-minus rating from Niche, or the B-rated Thomas Edison Elementary School. Fort Gratiot Middle School scores a B-minus and Port Huron Northern High a B-plus. “Northern,” as its student body calls it, encourages student creativity through radio and performing arts programs. Northern has also recently expanded its science hall and engineering wing.
Nearby highways connect Fort Gratiot to larger cities
Though rural in character, Fort Gratiot offers easy access to nearby cities; “People find it very enlightening and rewarding to live in that area; you’re on your way up north, but it’s close to big towns," Achatz says. The M-25 highway connects Fort Gratiot with Port Huron 6 miles to the south, while Interstate 94 provides access to Detroit 66 miles to the southwest. Not only is Port Huron a major regional economic center; it’s also home to McLaren Port Huron, the nearest general hospital.
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
