Generational families and newcomers shape life in Grass Lake
Grass Lake is a sprawling rural township in Jackson County with miles of farmland, convenient highway access and a tight-knit group of residents. "It's a small community, and everyone knows one another," says Bill White, associate broker at Century 21 Affiliated in Jackson. "There are a lot of families who have been around Grass Lake for many generations. I, myself, am a sixth-generation resident." About 6,000 people live in the township, just over 1,000 of them residing in the denser Village of Grass Lake, where homes are in clusters rather than on many acres of crop fields and prairie. "Back in the day, many people would farm at home and then work at the local factories to make ends meet," White says. "There are fewer operational farms now, but the remaining ones are big." While the community holds onto its rural roots and long-time residents, new people are drawn in by a quiet atmosphere and proximity to a few larger cities. Grass Lake has a CAP Index Crime score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Most residents drive to Chelsea, Ann Arbor or Detroit for work
Interstate 94 runs through the township's northern end and is a main attraction for homebuyers considering the move to Grass Lake. "Jackson has two large employers, the hospital and the state prison, but most people commute to Chelsea and Ann Arbor . Or they're even driving to Detroit ," White says. The interstate leads about 10 miles to Jackson , 13 miles to Chelsea, 25 miles to Ann Arbor and 50 miles to Detroit. The nearest hospitals are Henry Ford Allegiance Health, in Jackson, and Chelsea Hospital, in Chelsea. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is 50 miles away.
Homes sell quickly due to easy access to Interstate 94
New development is slow-going, and available homes are few and far between. "The real estate market has been very active, and houses are gobbled up as soon as they're listed," White says. "It's because of the interstate accessibility." Ranch-style homes, Victorian cottages, Cape Cods and bungalows around the village sell for $100,000 and $260,000. Colonial Revivals, Victorian farmhouses and split-level homes, usually in small subdivisions, range from $270,000 to $370,000. The area's newest houses, with New Traditional and Modern Craftsman designs, fall between $360,000 and $600,000.
Gradually growing class sizes at well-rated schools
Students can attend Grass Lake Community Schools, rated B-minus by Niche. "When I graduated, my class had 46 students," White says. "Now, the senior class size is around 90, and there are incoming younger grades with up to 150 students." George Long Elementary is rated B-minus, and Grass Lake Middle earns a B. Grass Lake High is rated B-minus. The high school has over 15 sports to participate in, and its Travel Club visits a different country each year during spring break. Children can apply to schools outside their designated district through Michigan Schools of Choice.
Annual festivals bring music, parades and fireworks to town
Despite its small population, the area has an expanding social calendar. "Back when I was growing up in the area, there was nothing to do but hang out around the local gas station," White says. "It's come a long way since then, but it's still rural at its roots." The community celebrates the Fourth of July with a parade, fireworks, boat races on Grass Lake and a barbecue. Festival of Lights has live music, a light parade, a craft show and breakfast with Santa.
Miles of trail at Waterloo, and hydroplane boat races on the lake
Waterloo State Recreation Area has over 21,000 acres of lakes, forest and wetlands, just north of the township. With over 50 miles of trail, the park is a popular outdoor destination for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking. Walking the whole stretch is a multiday event, and through-hikers camp at tent sites and cabins along the trail. Visitors can also hunt and fish. Grass Lake Park has tennis courts, a playground, a pavilion and a boat launch. Powerboat races can be seen from the shores in summer, and residents ice skate when the lake freezes in winter.
Village shops are limited, but Jackson and Ann Arbor offer more
The Village of Grass Lake has a small shopping strip with locally owned restaurants and stores. Cattleman's Coffee and Provisions opened in 2023 and serves pastries, quiches, bagels and espresso beverages. North of the interstate, Mama's Mercantile & Eatery is a popular brunch spot with classic breakfast dishes and charcuterie plates. Frank's Shop Rite Supermarket is the local grocer, and shopping plazas with department stores and retailers are in Jackson. More extensive shopping and dining options are in Ann Arbor.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
