Lake Fenton brings convenience to shoreside living
Just north of the city of Fenton lies a cluster of small reservoirs, anchored by Lake Fenton. “It’s a community where everyone knows your name,” says Realtor Christine Champlin with Re/Max, who has lived in the area for 35 years. “It’s also pricey — we recently had a home that sold for $4 million in one day.” Lake Fenton offers the secluded experience and recreation of a typical waterfront town. With the city of Fenton just minutes away, residents can also quickly access everyday shopping needs and services.
Water recreation, state parks and pickleball
Lake Fenton, the largest lake in Genesee County, supports a wide range of water activities. Residents can fish, scuba dive 95 feet deep and boat off private docks or from the public marina. Pets exercise at the fenced-in Thompson Road Regional Dog Park. Next door, the Fenton Farmers Golf Club is open to the public. Community parks are just south in Fenton. Pickleball is one of the most popular pastimes, and people often use the free courts at Bush Park. Hikers head to the Dauner-Martin Nature Preserve in Fenton or about 5 miles away to Seven Lakes State Park, which features campsites and sandy beaches.
Multimillion-dollar properties and island cottages
Lake Fenton features a variety of housing options, from small cottages selling between $200,000 and $400,000 to contemporary multimillion-dollar estates. Waterfront properties often start at $600,000, and many have extensive backyards. Country roads farther inland have scattered, sprawling lots, while those along the water are more densely packed with homes.
Lake Fenton also offers a unique opportunity to live on a sequestered island, only accessible by boat. Case’s Island is private and has around 40 cottages, only some of which have insulation and heating. “Most people live there for just three seasons, but some live there all year and don’t leave the island unless there’s ice,” Champlin says. “It’s got these huge mature trees — you wouldn’t know you were in Fenton, you’d think you’d traveled at least three hours north.” These properties typically sell in the range of $200,000 to $300,000.
Lake Fenton Community Schools rank above average
Prekindergartners through second graders may begin at West Shore Elementary, which earns a B-minus rating from Niche. Torrey Hill Intermediate School for third through fifth grade receives a B. Lake Fenton Middle and Lake Fenton High also have B ratings. High schoolers can choose from various athletic programs, including competitive cheer, golf and volleyball. Students outside Lake Fenton may apply to enroll in Lake Fenton Community Schools.
Fundraisers and light shows bring people together
Lake Fenton hosts many seasonal events. During the 11-day Venetian Nights Festival in July, residents illuminate their lakefront homes and decorate their boats for a light parade. Winter brings the Polar Plunge, a fundraiser at Moose Lodge for Special Olympics Michigan. The area also presents a fireworks show each July. “People can donate to fund these incredible fireworks,” Champlin says. “At one point, they raised $25,000 for one 20-minute display.” Locals visit downtown Fenton for the summer concert series and seasonal farmers markets at the Fenton Community and Cultural Center.
Lakeside dining and quick access to retail
Lake Fenton has a few restaurants, and big-box shopping is minutes away. The Moose Lodge is popular for its fish and chips and its sense of community. “You have to become a member to eat there,” Champlin says. “You can sit on their deck and walk right down and swim at their beach.” Fenton Winery & Brewery, also home to the Dream Machine Distillery, serves regional spirits and has 5 acres of outdoor seating and lawn space. The FirePlace on Barnum Lake is a bar and grill next to Lakeside Market, a liquor and convenience store. For bigger grocery runs, VG’s is just south of Lake Fenton, and shopping centers on Silver Parkway have various options, like The Home Depot and Walmart.
Bigger cities and health care nearby
U.S. Route 23 runs west of Lake Fenton and connects with Interstate 75 within 10 miles. The community is 14 miles south of Flint and 65 miles from Lansing and Detroit. Bishop International Airport is within 11 miles, and the nearest health center, Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, is 6 miles away in Grand Blanc.
