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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
Thank you for visiting! I have been a REALTOR since 2005 serving Jackson County and surrounding areas.
My Team is amazing and we all work together to give you the Best Experience in Buying or Selling your Home! You need attention to detail, constant communication and someone to help you navigate the process with you! It takes a Village and we are so honored to walk with you during this exciting time in your life. Whether it's a $10,000 property or a $1,000,000, everyone gets treated exactly the same. We would be honored to help YOU next!
Heather Herndon, REALTOR, Listing and Buyers Agent and Team Leader 517-812-1641
Teri Daniels, REALTOR, Buyers Agent 517-795-4680
Ruth Gundy, REALTOR, Buyers Agent 517-740-8353
Kelly Talbert, REALTOR, Buyers Agent 989-305-2115
Anna Phelps, REALTOR, Buyers Agent 517-936-8514
Lloyd Herndon, REALTOR, Buyers Agent 517-474-6170
Erin Axon, Team Administrator & Buyers Agent - 517-962-9772 Scot Harvey, Team Assistant
We look forward to guiding you through the home buying or selling process.
You can count on a Comprehensive Marketing Plan, Integrity, Knowledge, Attentive to your Needs, Attention to Detail and Professional Service.
Statistics 2005-2024: 2024 - 210 Properties Sold and 48 Million in Sales Volume
2023 - 171 Properties Sold and 40.1 Million in Sales Volume
2022 - 171 Properties Sold and 36.8 Million in Sales Volume
2021 - 187 Properties Sold and 40.7 Million in Sales Volume
2020 - 185 Properties Sold and 30.6 Million in Sales Volume
2019 - 207 Properties Sold and 33.3 Million in Sales Volume
2018 - 185 Properties Sold and 30 Million in Sales Volume 2017 - 179 Properties Sold and over 27 Million in Sales Volume 2016 - 155 Homes Sold and over 21.9 Million in Sales Volume 2015 - 142 Homes Sold and over 19 Million in Sales Volume 2014 - 106 Homes Sold and over 15.1 Million in Sales Volume 2013 - 130 Homes Sold and over 17.7 Million in Sales Volume 2012 - 107 Homes Sold and over 14 Million in Sales Volume 2011 - Leadership Award - 100 Homes Sold and over 11.6 Million in Sales Volume 2010 - Leadership Award - Edward Surovell Realtors - 58 Homes Sold and 6.2 Million in Transactions 2009 - Production Award - Over 4 million in transactions - Jackson Area Association of Realtors 2009 - Sales Production Award - Edward Surovell Realtors - 59 Transactions 2008 - Production Award - Over 5 million in transactions - Jackson Area Association of Realtors 2008 - Sales Production Award - 52 Transactions - Edward Surovell Realtors 2007 - Production Award - Over 4 million in transactions - Jackson Area Association of Realtors 2006 - Production Award - Over 4 million in transactions - Jackson Area Association of Realtors 2006 - Rookie of the Year - Jackson Area Association of Realtors 2006 - Top Producer - Volume - Prudential Premier Properties 2006 - Top Producer - Units - Prudential Premier Properties 2005 - Quick Start Award - Prudential Premier Properties
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
