Linden blends nature and convenience
Linden is a small Genesee County city full of history and lakes. “It’s more affordable than, but still close to, Lake Fenton, and it has a different feel,” says Realtor Christine Champlin with Re/Max, who has lived in the area for 35 years. “It’s got a down-home vibe, nice walkability, and it’s very quaint.” The Shiawassee River cuts through downtown, where old 19th-century factories have been repurposed into modern businesses and restaurants. With this small commercial area and its many recreational lakes, Linden offers both accessibility and an escape from big-city life.
Contemporary lake houses and suburbs with century-old homes
Single-family properties make up most of the market in Linden, and many are on the water. “The Lobdell is a fun lake to be on — it has lots of canals, so it houses a lot of people,” Champlin says. The median sales price is $360,000, though cabins and ranch-style homes can start around $115,000. A contemporary lakefront property may surpass $1 million in Linden, while numerous homes on Lake Fenton have sold for over $2.5 million. Neighborhoods vary from lakeside communities to landlocked subdivisions full of New Traditional houses on uniform cul-de-sacs. Buyers will also find secluded lots off country roads, and older suburbs surrounding Broad Street have homes dating back to the late 19th century.
Outdoor activities on land and water during all four seasons
Lakes and community parks shape Linden’s recreation scene. The area has many reservoirs, though Lobdell Lake is the largest and draws boaters to its public launch. Linden County Park shifts with the seasons — tennis courts and Clover Beach on Byram Lake welcome summer visitors, and the hills become sledding and snowmobiling terrain in the winter. A boat launch downtown provides a spot for kayaking along the Shiawassee River, and the Kimble Sharp Park & Gazebo on the water hosts events, including karaoke. Eagles Wooden Park features walking trails and a popular playground, and Spring Meadows Country Club offers private amenities, like an 18-hole golf course and a pool.
The Linden Community Schools district earns an A-minus
Prekindergarten through third grade students attend Linden Elementary, which earns a B-plus score from Niche, or Hyatt Elementary, rated A-minus. Fourth and fifth graders head to Central Elementary, rated B-plus. Linden Middle also earns a B-plus rating, and Linden High has a B. The district offers a community education program for all ages. Adult classes include guitar and pickleball, while kids can take anti-bullying training and babysitting courses.
A historic downtown district and quick access to shopping
Pubs, coffee shops and local businesses line Bridge and Broad streets downtown, and many buildings showcase their original red brick from the mid-1800s. Murals keep their history alive, like the artwork on Thimbleberry Antiques, which portrays the shop’s former use as a horse-drawn carriage factory. The Linden Hotel, open since 1840, has a bar and grill, and Bridge Street Brewtique serves crafted lattes and pastries. Other dining options include Calabria Village, which doubles as a pizzeria and liquor store. The Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Cantina 2 brings familiar flavors from its Fenton location to Lobdell Lake. Residents shop at Alpine Marketplace for groceries, Rite Aid and Ace Hardware in town, while other big-box options like VG’s Grocery and Walmart are 4 miles away in Fenton.
Traditions centered around food and holidays
The community comes together for a few main events throughout the year. In the summer, the River Roast brings downtown to life with music, food vendors and activities, such as cornhole tournaments and fireworks. Residents gather in costume each October for trick-or-treating and live music at the Zombies, Scarecrows and Monsters event. In the winter, locals compete in an annual ice fishing tournament and a chili cook-off, and December brings the light parade for Linden’s Holiday Happening. The Linden Mills building houses a public library and museum for everyday activities.
Large metropolitan areas and health care nearby
Commuters can hop on U.S. Route 23 within 3 miles and head to Flint, 17 miles away. The city is also 65 miles from Detroit and 45 miles from Lansing. Bishop International Airport, 15 miles away in Flint, is the closest hub for commercial flights. Residents travel 12 miles northeast for emergency medical services at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital.
