A rural Michigan city reliant on its close-knit community
In the rolling countryside of southern Michigan, the city of Hillsdale features convenient amenities combined with strong community roots heavily influenced by a large Amish population. “Our community is very strong in terms of values,” says Michelle Wollet, a broker at Hillsdale Real Estate. “The Amish community fits in and integrates with our city because we rely on them for contract building.” Once an industrial town, Hillsdale's workforce has dramatically shifted to support Hillsdale College and Hillsdale Hospital. “We have a large number of retirees, mainly because our population leans toward an older age,” Wollet says. “Those who work are completely focused on our conservative, liberal arts college and our award-winning hospital.” It’s a combination that contributes to the city’s appeal for homebuyers.
Hillsdale College is a Christian liberal arts college founded in Hillsdale in 1844.
Hillsdale Hospital is ranked a "Top 100" rural hospital by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.
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Head to Hillsdale County Farmer’s Market in the fall
Locals gather at the Hillsdale County Farmers Market, which starts in May and features food vendors offering fresh produce through October. “I would have to say, out of every event we have here in the city, funny enough, the farmers market is the biggest hit,” says Wollet. Finish Line Family Restaurant is a long-running diner known for its breakfast and brunch. Ethan’s Donut Factory, a new addition downtown, sells desserts like blueberry scones and red velvet cookies. Along State Route 99, Kroger is the leading supermarket chain accessible to residents for all their grocery needs.
From May to October the Hillsdale Country Farmer's market regularly draws hundreds to downtown.
A nearby Kroger along Route 99 provides a convenient grocery stop near downtown Hillsdale.
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Car-dependent Hillside relies on Route 99
With sidewalks limited to downtown and no regular public transportation, Hillsdale residents rely on State Route 99 to get in and out of the city. “It's not walkable, but we do have a dial-a-ride bus service,” says Wollet. “While we have Uber and Lyft in some parts, having a car is essential here.” However, the Amish community means drivers must also share the road with horses and buggies. Fort Wayne International Airport, the nearest commercial airport, is 60 miles south of the city. However, Hillsdale Hospital is within city limits for quick access to 24-hour emergency care.
Several parks prime for summertime in Hillsdale
In Hillsdale County alone, there are 388 lakes, including Baw Beese Lake, a 450-acre body of water used for boating, fishing and swimming. The lake is surrounded by parks like Sandy Beach and Owens Memorial Park, home to a disc golf course. “I live just outside of the city, surrounded by a golf course and plenty of green space, which makes me want to stay here,” says Wollet. “The county does a great job maintaining the parks, and summer is always busy at the lake.” Other parks in the city include Fields of Dreams, a sports complex with three baseball diamonds that caters to the community’s youth. Mrs. Stock's Park hosts the annual July summer concert series in downtown Hillsdale.
Sandy Beach on Baw Beese Lake has been drawing vacationers from across Hillsdale since 1955.
Field of Dreams sports complex becomes a Hillsdale hotspot every summer.
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Annual events at Hillsdale Fairgrounds
Annual events like the Summer in the City Cruise Show, featuring local arts and crafts alongside a car show with cash prizes, bring residents to the fairgrounds. “Everyone rallies behind our events, as the fair is probably the biggest draw,” says Wollet. The Hillsdale County Fair kicks off the fall season, bringing together the entire community and nearby cities for tractor shows, concerts, and a weeklong rodeo.
The Hillsdale County Fair draws thousands of visitors to "The Most Popular Fair on Earth".
Hillsdale Community Library organizes dozens of annual community events for locals to attend.
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Victorian, ranch-style homes throughout
With a population of 8,000, Hillsdale's homes vary as they spread from the city's center. “The city is filled with old Victorian homes until people got smart and started building ranch-style homes in the '60s,” says John Michael, Realtor at Michael Auctions & Realty Service LLC. The median home price in Hillsdale is $186,000, with more expensive homes in the $300,000 range, typically found in Winona Lake, on the city’s eastern half.
Hillsdale's city center is filled with sprawling vitage Victorian homes.
Homes farther from Hillsdale's downtown are a mix of modern styles like ranches and cottages.
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Hillsdale College partners with local school district
Hillsdale Community Schools is the city’s central school district, serving 1,200 students and earning a B-minus rating on Niche. It oversees five schools, including Hillsdale High School, which partners with Hillsdale College for a summer study and travel program that offers three college credits. The college, home to over 1,500 undergraduates, supports the community schools by providing a free curriculum for teaching American history and civics.
Over 400 students from across Hillsdale attend Hillsdale High School.
Hillsdale College is a top ranked liberal arts colleges according to US News & World Report.
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Low crime and environmental concerns
According to the FBI Data Explorer, crime in Hillsdale is low, with both violent and property crime rates below the state and national averages. Residents living next to Stocks Park may be at risk of flooding.
Written By
Elgin Nelson
Photography Contributed By
James Gordon
Video By
Matt Ferguson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Hillsdale, MI sell after 173 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Hillsdale, MI over the last 12 months is $185,000, down 43% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
WOW - What a package!! This 3 bedroom home on 11 acres is just a few minutes from town but has such a private and peaceful setting. So many updates - new ductwork, new furnace, siding, deck, roof on garage, drywall, all new flooring, new kitchen, new bathroom...! Main floor laundry, bedroom, and full bathroom as well as attached garage. Bonus room downstairs and a landing upstairs for extra
A rare package 2 blocks north of Hillsdale College campus! Completely gutted & remodeled 3 bed home on 4.5 acres. New electrical, plumbing, furnace, AC, walls, flooring (luxury plank LVT), windows, roof, insulation (walls, attic, & bsmt), appliances (GE stainless steel 5 burner range stove, front load washer/dryer), & more! The finish work, style selection, & materials used here are quality &
If you're looking for a property near the Hillsdale College campus that is move in ready, look no further! 2 blocks from the football field & Academy Lane, this home is certainly walking distance and is tucked away on a quiet side street. The spacious feel inside will pleasantly surprise you; the kitchen is generous and the basement is bone dry, with plenty of storage space, a workshop area, and
WOW - What a package!! This 3 bedroom home on 11 acres is just a few minutes from town but has such a private and peaceful setting. So many updates - new ductwork, new furnace, siding, deck, roof on garage, drywall, all new flooring, new kitchen, new bathroom...! Main floor laundry, bedroom, and full bathroom as well as attached garage. Bonus room downstairs and a landing upstairs for extra
A rare package 2 blocks north of Hillsdale College campus! Completely gutted & remodeled 3 bed home on 4.5 acres. New electrical, plumbing, furnace, AC, walls, flooring (luxury plank LVT), windows, roof, insulation (walls, attic, & bsmt), appliances (GE stainless steel 5 burner range stove, front load washer/dryer), & more! The finish work, style selection, & materials used here are quality &
If you're looking for a property near the Hillsdale College campus that is move in ready, look no further! 2 blocks from the football field & Academy Lane, this home is certainly walking distance and is tucked away on a quiet side street. The spacious feel inside will pleasantly surprise you; the kitchen is generous and the basement is bone dry, with plenty of storage space, a workshop area, and
Carriage Park - Two Bedroom Bldg A - Includes Heat - Carriage Park Apartments Are located at 34 & 64 State Street and 63 Marion Street in Hillsdale, Michigan 49242.These beautiful apartments are Two Bedroom, One Bathroom Floorplans! Heat, Water, Sewer & Trash Is Included In This Apartment! Hillsdale, MI is known for it's great restaurants, historic buildings and fun community
Come home to this brand new apartment community! Greenwood Village offers luxury amenities at a very affordable price. Beautiful swimming pool,sun deck and Clubhouse. We have a variety of spacious floorplans. Quiet park-like setting and conveniently located to all services. Professional and caring on-site management. Call today for your personal tour of this exciting rental community. Make
All basic utilities included in listed rent: Water, Sewer, Gas, Electric, Trash. Cable hookup is ready however arrangements with comcast will need to be done by the renter. Pets are allowed with additional $250 one-time pet fee and $35/month additional pet rent. NO laundry on site for any units. NO smoking inside of the building.
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