Ira Township has waterside living within reach of Detroit
In Ira Township, it’s all about the water. Hugging the banks of Anchor Bay, this lakeside community is on the outer edge of Detroit's orbit, where prices are lower and streets are quiet. You get the sunsets over Lake St. Clair and well-rated schools — with lower township taxes. Plus, Interstate 94 runs directly into the heart of Detroit. There's more of a rural vibe than lakeside communities like Saint Clair Shores, but Ira Township appeals to buyers who want the peace of Michigan’s lake living, while still being able to drive down to a Lions game in less than 45 minutes.
Lakefront homes or large yards
The township has all kinds of homes, whether that’s a luxury lakefront cabin from the early 2000s or a manufactured home on a rural lot. “You can get a house on 10 acres or go directly on the water with a postage stamp piece of land,” says Douglas Seley with Epique Realty, who has over 25 years of experience in the area. He says many waterfront properties are used as short-term rentals because of their desirable location on the north side of the bay. “It’s probably one of the prettiest sunsets you can imagine from those cottages.”
For waterside living, you can expect to pay anywhere from the mid-$300,000s for a small cottage to over $800,000 for larger contemporary homes. Off the water, empty plots of land and manufactured homes start under $100,000, and most single-family homes range from the low $200,000s to the high $500,000s. Modern construction on more than 10 acres can reach into the $800,000s.
Outdoor fun is centered around Anchor Bay
Ask a local what first comes to mind when they think of Ira Township, and odds are they’ll say the water. Plenty of homes sit directly along Anchor Bay, which leads out to Lake St. Clair and eventually connects to both Lake Erie and Lake Huron. Those without personal docks can use public boat launches or rent a boat slip at the township's many marinas. Loving the lakes is part of the culture here, from leisurely summer floating to winter ice fishing. According to Ashley Petco, a local Realtor with Keller Williams Lakeshore, her favorite aspect of growing up in Ira Township was the natural setting. “You get to see the water every single day…and the parks were so beautiful and fun,” she says. “It’s very outdoorsy, and you just get more space.” Off the coastline, Ira Township Park also has walking trails, disc golf and pickleball courts.
Choose from three school districts
The township is split among three school districts — Anchor Bay School District, East China School District and Algonac Community School District. In general, Anchor Bay and East China receive higher ratings than Algonac schools. Each school system participates in Michigan’s Schools of Choice program, which means students can apply to get into any of the three districts. Admission to districts outside your home boundaries is subject to availability and not guaranteed.
Small-town community and lakeside restaurants
Life moves a little slower out in Ira Township. “You have a little bit of separation with the larger lots, and it’s a small-town feel,” Petco says. “There’s no huge downtown area, and everyone is living their own life, but it’s a great community.” You can stop by a local post office and Dollar General, but for most errand runs, residents typically drive a few minutes over to New Baltimore. “Most of the big stuff you are going to need is within 10 to 15 minutes, with the two cities [of New Baltimore and Chesterfield ] right there,” Seley says.
Residents might run into each other at Ira Township Park for live music or kid-friendly events like an Easter Egg Hunt. You’ll also bump into familiar faces at the local restaurants. Some favorites include:
- Bobby Mac’s Bayside Tavern & Grill is a classic waterside restaurant with boat parking, seafood and live music.
- Zef's Lighthouse Tavern is a busy sports bar with darts, DJs and karaoke nights.
- M29 Diner is a family-owned spot with handwritten daily specials and a homey vibe.
- The Griffin is an upscale steak and seafood spot with a classy lakeside dining room.
What to know about utilities and municipal services
Ira Township is less developed, but it still has more infrastructure than nearby communities like Casco Township and China Township. Here’s what you can expect from municipal services and utilities:
- Water: Most homes use municipal water provided by the Ira Township Water Department, drawn from an independent treatment plant on Lake St. Clair. Some homes still have private wells.
- Septic: Many homes use private septic tanks, but properties closer to the water are connected to a regional wastewater treatment system.
- Trash: Emterra Environmental USA provides weekly trash and recycling pickup for all residents.
- Broadband: Xfinity is a popular provider, but coverage can be spotty in more rural areas.
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Written By
Catherine Lashley
