Hampton Township blends farmland with suburban living near Bay City
Hampton Township is a primarily rural community along the southern portion of Saginaw Bay. “It’s basically an extension of Essexville and Bay City, only it's more country with a big farming community,” says Margaret Walther, a real estate agent with Century 21 who grew up in Essexville. Farms fill up much of the township, including Hampton Potato Growers, a longtime farm that produces potatoes for chips made by Better Made Snack Foods and Shearer’s Foods. The township’s suburban west side blends into its two neighboring communities, with Bay City functioning as the heart of the region. “You can go to lots of concerts, events and all that fun stuff in Bay City,” Walther says. “So, even if you live out in the country, if you want to do something, you have something.”
Homes in subdivisions and surrounded by farms
Most homes are in subdivisions on the township’s west side, closer to Essexville and Bay City. Farther east, houses are built on parcels of farmland. Ranch-style and split-level homes from the mid-1900s range from around $100,000 to $300,000. Larger Colonial Revivals sell for around $280,000 to $400,000. Depending on the size, New Traditional houses built between the 1990s and today range from $200,000 to $600,000.
Groceries, fast food and local dining on Central Avenue
Locals head to Center Avenue — also known as state Route 25 — to shop and dine out. Kroger and Jack’s Fruit & Meat Market are available for groceries. The area has a mix of fast-food chains and local restaurants. Mandarin House Chinese Restaurant has a buffet, while Stars Chinese Gourmet Restaurant serves from the drive-through. Excited Goat Coffee Co. is another local spot, known for its specialty coffee and sandwiches. Some businesses are out in the country, such as Heinz Farm Market, a roadside stand with fresh vegetables, including sweet corn, its most popular product. From Buds To Blooms, a local greenhouse, has been a popular spot for decades. “Sometimes when we get there, the parking lot is full and cars are parked down 25,” Walther says about From Buds To Blooms.
Two school districts with B-minus Niche grades serve the community
Hampton Township is split between two school districts. The north side is zoned to Essexville-Hampton Public Schools, which receives a B-minus grade from Niche. These students attend Garber High School, which has a growing STEM program; in 2025, the robotics team made it to the global FIRST Championship. A new STEM center is also in the works after the school received a $1 million grant in 2024. Bay City Public Schools, which serves the south side of town, also receives a B-minus. High schoolers here attend Bay City Central High School, which underwent an “academic redesign” in 2023. Changes include an optional five-year program that gives students the opportunity to earn an associate degree upon graduation.
Wildlife preserve and a local park offer year-round outdoor fun
The Quanicassee State Wildlife Area is on the north side of the area and is filled with the sounds of birds and waterfowl. The 1,900-acre preserve attracts bird watchers, hikers and fishermen along the Saginaw Bay. A boat launch is available at the park for those who want to explore the bay or go out to Lake Huron. Ridge Road Park has a grassy playground. Come winter, kids visit the park to go sledding.
Fourth of July fireworks and an annual rib cook-off in Bay City
Bay City is where locals go for community events, whether it be a summer concert series at Wenonah Park or the annual Bay City Fireworks Festival on the Fourth of July. The Labadie Rib Fest is another big event. The four-day rib cook-off also features a 5K race, cornhole tournament and live music from national touring bands.
Getting to Bay City, MBS International Airport and Detroit
State Route 25 is the main highway through town. It leads to downtown Bay City, less than 5 miles away. MBS International Airport is about 20 miles away, where travelers can fly to Chicago or Detroit. Driving more than 100 miles to Detroit takes close to two hours.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
