Small town city that sits along Lake St. Clair
Lake St. Clair, a freshwater lake between the Canadian province of Ontario and Michigan, is the main attraction for locals in New Baltimore. “I’ve lived here for over 20 years, and our city is all about the lake because we’re literally right on the water,” says Kristen Valyi-Hax, library director at McDonald Public Library. “Our downtown district is growing each year, and our annual events draw many people from other places.”
In its early years, New Baltimore used its waterfront location to operate port facilities. Today, the city’s leading industry draws inspiration from the state’s automobile history. “Most of our residents are auto workers, without a doubt, because that is the biggest industry in Michigan,” says Ron Trombloy, administrative assistant to the mayor of New Baltimore. The car-dependent city provides its residents two access points to Canada through the Blue Water Bridge and Ambassador Bridge.
Five different parks located in New Baltimore
New Baltimore has five parks throughout the city, including Maynard Memorial Park, which also houses the New Baltimore water tower. Festival Park, located in the heart of the city, offers two multi-sport fields and a mile-long trail. Walter and Mary Burke Park, the city’s main attraction, hosts annual events that draw thousands. With its proximity to the lake, New Baltimore also offers plenty of family-owned marinas where residents can dock their boats and an RV resort near Ruedislae Point Park, a popular spot for fishing and views of Lake St. Clair.
Annual events held at Walter & Mary Burke Park
Hosted by local radio station 99.5 WYCD, the two-day Anchor Bay Country Bay Fest features live music, a beer tent, and a mechanical bull at Walter & Mary Burke Park. The Bay-Rama Festival, also held at the park, has been a New Baltimore staple for over 60 years. Over 80,000 attendees flock to downtown New Baltimore for five days of festival activities, including a pizza-eating contest, a petting zoo, and a fireworks show.
Interstate 94 connects locals near Detroit, Canada
New Baltimore residents rely on cars as SMART, Michigan’s main public transportation service, offers only one route in and out of the city. However, Washington Street’s exit off Interstate 94 provides locals with immediate access to the major interstate, which connects to cities such as Detroit, Chicago, and Milwaukee. “The interstate also connects us whenever folks want to travel into Canada using the Blue Water Bridge or the Ambassador Bridge. We’re the perfect bridge between both—excuse the pun,” says Trombloy. The nearest airport is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, about 52 miles away. Henry Ford Medical Center-Chesterfield, one of the primary hospitals in the area, is located 3 miles west of the town.
Lakefront restaurants, big box retail along 23 Mile Road
Local establishments such as Country Inn, awarded "Best Family Restaurant" by the Detroit News & Free Press, line 23 Mile Road, one of the city's primary thoroughfares. Bad Brads BBQ, just down the road, was voted "Best BBQ" five years in a row by Hour Detroit, a city magazine covering Detroit and its surrounding communities. Big-box retailer Kroger is also on the road to meet all grocery needs. Knapp's City Garage serves Detroit-style pizza, while Blind Owl Restaurant & Bar combines Latin, Asian, and Mediterranean flavors with American classics near Walter & Mary Burke Park.
A mix of waterfront, late 20th-century homes in New Baltimore
With a population of approximately 12,000, new homebuyers interested in moving to New Baltimore will find million-dollar waterfront properties, colonial revivals and ranch-style homes in the city’s interior. Ira Township, a nearby village east of New Baltimore, features a similar layout. “You’re either going to see waterfront or farmland properties that offer acres of land,” says Eric Jurmo, broker at Keller Williams Platinum. The median home price in New Baltimore is $340,000, with newer homes built in the mid-2020s ranging from $500,000 to $700,000.
School choice, career programs offered in school district
Anchor Bay School District is the primary school district in New Baltimore, serving nearly 5,500 students from prekindergarten through grade 12. It has a B-plus rating on Niche and oversees nine schools, all offering school-choice enrollment. Anchor Bay High School offers 17 career and technical education programs, including culinary arts, horticulture, cybersecurity, and welding. Four-year institutions such as Wayne State University and Oakland University are located 30 miles south, near Detroit.
Low crime and environmental concerns
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, New Baltimore’s crime rates have been very low over the past two years. Due to the city's proximity to Lake St. Clair and Capaurd Creek, which runs through the town, residents should expect flood warnings during wet conditions.
Photography Contributed By
Eric Lynch
