Lima Township is a rural area with no commercial hub
About 15 miles west of Ann Arbor, Lima Township is a rural community of over 4,000 people. Surrounded by farmlands and green spaces, the area is otherwise entirely residential, drawing residents looking for elbow room and a serene atmosphere. "Most of the area is agricultural – there's no commercial hub," says Charlie Koenn, a broker with Swisher Commercial. "It's more of a quiet, country feel – a lot of gravel and dirt roads." High-ranked schools and modern architecture are other appealing factors for many potential homeowners.
Lima Township has many working farms and ranches.
It's not uncommon to see tractor crossings on dirt roads running through farmland in Lima.
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Most home lots have a 5-acre minimum
With a 5-acre minimum lot size for most of the area, the township generally avoids traditional subdivisions. Instead, space provides homes with privacy and increased room for foliage or additions like sheds and pole barns. The area surrounding Fourmile Lake has some of the largest lots and ranch-style homes with farmhouse accents. In the center of the region is the community of Jerusalem, which has a variety of millennial mansions. The few suburban-style subdivisions in the area tend to be closer to the surrounding cities of Dexter and Chelsea. These neighborhoods are the newest developments in Lima Township, with 21st-century neo-traditional and colonial homes. The median sale price in the area is around $510,000, about $100,000 more than the national median.
A few developed communities can be found in Lima Township.
The wide fields of Lima Township are not too far from Chelsea.
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Chelsea and Dexter's school districts have As from Niche
The western half of Lima Township is served by the Chelsea School District, which has four schools and an A grade from Niche. In 2025, Chelsea High School won a state title from the Michigan Council on Economic Education for the Personal Finance Challenge for the eighth year in a row. Dexter Community School District covers the township's eastern half, earning an A from Niche. In 2025, the district was approved for a $242 million bond to fund renovations and improvements for its five schools.
North Creek Elementary was founded in 1958 and focuses on prepping students for high school.
Team spirit is strong in Chelsea, home to the highly state-ranked Chelsea Bulldogs.
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The Chelsea State Game Area has almost 1,000 acres of wilderness
In addition to 70 acres of green space, Baker Woods Preserve is the home of the Storybook Trail, which features regularly updated children's book displays along a mile route. The Chelsea State Game Area attracts anglers, hunters and birdwatchers with nearly 1,000 acres of wilderness surrounding Fourmile Lake. The Border to Border Trail is a paved pathway that crosses 42 miles of scenic wilderness and urban settings from Lyndon Township to Ypsilanti.
A narrow trail leads to a fishing area at Chelsea State Game Area.
The border to border trail connect Chelsea to Ypsilanti through greater Lima Township.
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Most shopping is done out of town
Lima Township has few retail or restaurant options, so locals head out of town to shop. Stivers has been serving laid-back meals with a full bar in Chelsea since the 1940s. Dexter's Jolly Pumpkin maintains a farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing produce and meats from local and regional farms and pastures. Polly's Country Market is available for groceries, and the Briarwood Mall at Ann Arbor has nearly 100 retailers and chain restaurants.
Stivers Restaurant in the Lima Township neighborhood has been a staple for years.
Polly's Country Market is the one-stop shop for Lima Township grocery runs.
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Dexter has seasonal events like the Summer Festival and Apple Daze
The Dexter Summer Festival is an annual celebration of the season held every August with two days of local artisans, live music and food vendors. Every October, Apple Daze attracts visitors from all over the region for a day of hayrides, pumpkin bowling and other seasonal activities.
The Dexter Summer Festival takes over downtown Dexter every summer.
The Dexter Summer Festival draws artists and crafters from across Dexter.
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Ann Arbor is about 15 miles east
Interstate 94 passes through the township's center, providing a direct route to Ann Arbor and Detroit, 15 and 60 miles east, respectively. Just outside the township's western border is Chelsea Hospital, a non-profit medical clinic with a surgery center and emergency facilities.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
James Gordon
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mike Penn,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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If you love the idea of having privacy and nature around you without giving up the convenience of being close to town, this Island Hills Estates home gives you the best of both. Set on over an acre and just one mile from downtown Dexter, the property feels wonderfully private, with a spacious backyard that backs to a nature conservancy and no homes directly behind you. One of the best additions
Open House, 9/6, Sunday 1-3. Welcome home to this spectacular custom 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home nestled on a prime corner lot in the highly sought-after Chelsea Ridge subdivision. The meticulously designed 2,042 sq. ft. layout flows effortlessly, showcasing gorgeous hardwood floors that stretch across the entire main floor. This level truly has it all—a dedicated dining room, a separate family
*This home qualifies for a 2.875% Rate* / 5.632% APR* first year rates with a 2/1 Buydown on a 30-year fixed FHA loan through M/I Financial, LLC. **Welcome to 642 Harvest Way, Chelsea, Michigan — a stunning new construction home built by M/I Homes. This thoughtfully designed home offers 2,366 square foot of well-planned living space, featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an owner's
They truly don’t make them like this anymore! Built in 1985 and meticulously cared for by its original owners for more than four decades, this charming Chelsea ranch is ready to begin its next chapter. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and 1,603 square feet, the thoughtfully designed interior features a spacious living room with a natural fireplace, (also equipped for a gas connection), an
If you love the idea of having privacy and nature around you without giving up the convenience of being close to town, this Island Hills Estates home gives you the best of both. Set on over an acre and just one mile from downtown Dexter, the property feels wonderfully private, with a spacious backyard that backs to a nature conservancy and no homes directly behind you. One of the best additions
Move-in ready home in Dexter's desirable Thornton Farms offering 2,600 sq ft of finished living space. Bamboo flooring flows throughout the main and second floors. The kitchen features pull-out cabinet organizers, stainless steel appliances, and an island that opens to the family room, perfect for entertaining. A flexible main-floor room can serve as a dining room, sitting room, office, or
Perfectly situated close to Chelsea, Ann Arbor and the B-to-B Trail, this small horse farm in Lima Township offers up a comfortable 1836 sq ft Colonial style home with over 7 acres of property including fenced pasture land, round pen with sand base, two run-in shelters and a 1200 sq ft pole barn, designed by a horse person, with 3 horse stalls, water and electricity. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths,
Sharp and spacious 4-bedroom 2.5 bath colonial located on a beautiful 10.43-acre parcel. Updated kitchen ‘20 features quartz countertops, ceramic tile floor, SS appliances, mosaic tile backsplash, island with seating, sliding glass door with built in blinds to the deck. Family room has a natural fireplace with brick surround and accent wall, office with hardwood floor and bay window. Spacious
Experience the perfect blend of luxury meets timeless craftsmanship in this exceptional solid brick and stone ranch nestled on 20 private acres with a picturesque pond. Offering over 3,200 square feet of refined living space, this custom home showcases soaring cathedral ceilings, an open-concept design, wide-plank hardwood floors, and elegant 8-foot doors throughout. Chef's kitchen is beautifully
Custom-built ranch on 10 private acres in Chelsea Schools, this exceptional 2023 home offers luxury finishes, premium amenities, and peaceful country living just minutes from Dexter, Ann Arbor, and I-94. Thoughtfully designed with nearly 2,900 square feet of single-level living, every space balances refined style with everyday functionality.The heart of the home is a chef's kitchen
Welcome to peaceful country living just minutes from town in this beautifully maintained 1,764 sq ft ranch home on 10 scenic acres in Chelsea. This newly updated inviting home offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, including a private primary suite with a walk-in closet and ensuite bath. Additional features include first floor laundry & additional flex space featuring a door wall to the
Welcome to an exceptional equestrian estate just 15 miles from downtown Ann Arbor, offering 62.5 acres of beautifully maintained land and first-class amenities. The stunning 3,561 sq ft main residence features a spacious, partially finished walkout basement and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. A 1,964 sq ft guest house provides additional living space for visitors, caretakers, or
A Truly One-of-a-Kind Handcrafted Home in Chelsea. Welcome to a home where thoughtful craftsmanship, privacy, nature, and character come together beautifully. Nestled on approximately 3 peaceful acres down a private road, this unique 4-bedroom, 2-bath home was designed with intention—no detail was overlooked and no space was wasted. The distinctive exterior features a durable metal roof with
MOVE-IN READY AND FILLED WITH THOUGHTFUL UPGRADES, THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME OFFERS THE FEEL OF NEW CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT THE WAIT—PLUS THE PEACE OF MIND OF A 10-YEAR BUILDER STRUCTURAL WARRANTY AND HIGHLY DESIRABLE DEXTER SCHOOLS. A WAINSCOTED FOYER, DETAILED MOLDINGS, UPGRADED CAST-IRON STAIRCASE RAILING, AND ELEGANT FINISHES CREATE AN IMPRESSIVE FIRST IMPRESSION.THE BRIGHT, OPEN FLOOR PLAN
If peace had an address this would be it. Nestled on 5.46 private acres, this exceptional custom ranch offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and nature. Arrive home through a picturesque tunnel of mature trees surrounded by peaceful countryside, where the stress of the day simply fades away. Designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining, the thoughtfully crafted floor plan
Property Id: 1228900 This beautiful new home built in 2017 which offers high energy savings of $1000/Y more than newest MUEC standard homes. The house sets on the biggest lot in the subdivision that has an open Field view. The modern Spacious Four bedrooms with first floor library, second floor dent, Hardwood floor in Kitchen, hallway, upgraded Kitchen cabinets and granite countertop,
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