Howard Township offers lakefront views and rural living
From lakefront communities to rural farms, Howard Township has a lot of variety to offer— all close to the City of Niles. “In my over 70 years living in the area, I have always felt safe, comfortable and grateful to live in the city and the community,” says Jan Luke, a Realtor with Red Shoe Realty and Niles resident. The community has a population of just under 6,500 people and is part of two different school districts. Outdoor amenities are a big draw to the area, whether it’s well-maintained parks or larger lots for houses to sit on.
Prices vary widely based on size, age and lake access
Housing styles vary from Italianate Victorian to Ranch-style homes. Some properties around Barron Lake have views of the water. Most homes built between the early 1900s and the ‘70s range from $45,000 to just under $330,000, with the occasional renovated home going as high as $600,000. Homes built from the 1980s to 2025 are around $185,000 to $750 for under 3,000 square feet and $375,000 to around $1.7 million for over 3,000 square feet.
“Currently, there are several new homes being built, which is exciting for our area,” Luke says. A private lakefront development is currently underway on Moose Lake, and lots are selling for $149,000 to $225,000.
Homes may be zoned for two school districts
Niles Community Schools gets a B-minus grade from Niche. The district has two elementary schools, a middle school, a high school and a K-8 magnet school. Upper-level students at B-minus-rated Niles Senior High can apply to take dual enrollment courses at Southwestern Michigan College.
Some homes may be zoned for Edwardsburg Public Schools, which receives a B-plus grade. Students can attend B-rated Edwardsburg Primary School for kindergarten through first grade, and B-plus-rated Eagle Lake Elementary for second through third grade. Fourth and fifth graders can go to Edwardsburg Intermediate, then Edwardsburg Middle for sixth through eighth grade. Both Schools get an A-minus rating, while Edwardsburg High is graded a B-plus.
Tennis courts, roller skating and fishing are all nearby
“Barron Lake is an all-sports lake with boating, fishing and skiing,” Luke says. The lake has a public boat launch, but homes along the water often have private access through the Barron Lake Association. The township maintains five parks, including Jones Memorial Park, which has tennis and basketball courts. The Jones Park Disc Golf Community plays on the 9-hole course there. The annual Four Flags Apple Festival is a four-day event that started in 1972. The festivities include a two-hour parade, carnival rides, live music and all things apple-related. For indoor fun, there’s the Skate-A-Rama, a family-owned roller rink.
family-owned dining, local produce and everyday shopping nearby
Barron Lakeside Bar & Grill has daily specials and outdoor seating with views of the water. Rise and Shine is a family-owned favorite among locals that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eckler's Produce & Greenhouse is a small farm that sells in-season fruits and vegetables. “Howard Township is a great farming community, and we have several local fruit stands,” Luke says. Nearby in Niles, there’s a Harding’s Grocery Store, Walmart and several Dollar Generals.
Airport and train stations are within 20 miles of Howard Township
The many miles of open land in Howard Township mean that it’s a car-dependent area with little walkability and no public transportation. M-60 runs from east to west and ends in Jackson County. The Amtrak Station in Niles is about 6 miles west. The South Shore Line commuter rail station is another travel option, and South Bend International Airport is around 20 miles southwest.
