Hemlock is a rural community near one of the region's major employers
Hemlock is a small Richland Township community west of Saginaw where homes often sit on large lots, attracting buyers who like open space and privacy. The area is minutes from the Hemlock Semiconductor, one of the region’s biggest employers, and the town center is filled with restaurants and shops. Houses here might be far apart, but events like Hemlock Sawdust Days, a tribute to the area's past, bring everyone together.
What buyers can pay for ranch-style and split-level homes
Buyers can find ranch-style homes throughout the area, with a few cottages, split-level houses and farmhouses in the mix. Prices often range from the lower $100,000s to the mid-$500,000s. The area tends to be less expensive than Thomas to the east and Midland to the north. Compared to nearby Saginaw and other cities, Hemlock is “a lot more of a rural, hometown community with larger tracts of land,” says Joe Harris, a Realtor with EXP Realty. Most properties have at least a quarter-acre lot, with some farther from the town center having multiple acres.
Easy drives to Saginaw and to the Hemlock Semiconductor
M-46 runs through the center of town and into downtown Saginaw, just over 15 miles away. The drive can take 20-40 minutes during rush hour. Some residents commute to the city, and others work at Hemlock Semiconductor, one of the largest polysilicon facilities in the world. The plant, often called HSC, is just outside of town and employs more than 2,000 people.
Hemlock Sawdust Days is the area's biggest event
Residents can attend events throughout the year, ranging from small parties to large festivals. The calendar is headlined by Hemlock Sawdust Days, a September celebration of the community's history as a lumber town. The event brings a parade, chainsaw carving shows and a scarecrow contest, among other activities. Party in the Park is a free summer concert series with food trucks.
There are microbreweries and pizza joints to try
Hemlock has several restaurants for people to try, many along M-46. You can eat at places like:
- The Maple Grille, a farm-to-table restaurant and microbrewery with seasonal menus and craft beers
- Mama Mia's Pizzeria, a casual spot with specialty pies
- Jenn's Place, a dive bar that serves American classics and hosts live music
- Farmer’s Home Tavern, a shamrock-decorated burger joint
- Frosty's Freezer, a spot for broasted chicken, pizza and ice cream
You can pick up groceries at Rosati’s Fresh Market and buy essentials at Family Dollar and Ace Hardware.
You can play sports and walk your dog at Richland Township Park
Richland Township Park is the area's main green space and has several sports fields, including an 18-hole disc golf course. There’s also a playground, a pet area and a winter ice rink. Around 10 miles away, the Shiawassee River State Game Area is open for hunting, fishing and kayaking. It also has a nature trail and is popular with joggers. You can visit Mueller’s Valley View Farm Golf, just outside Shields, to play a public 18-hole course with hills and ponds.
Students are served by the Hemlock Public School District
Students are zoned for the Hemlock Public School District. Hemlock High School is highly rated by Niche and helps students earn college credits through a partnership with Delta College. Private options include St. Peter Lutheran School, which serves prekindergarten through eighth grade.