Central Michigan's Saginaw is known for producing NBA player Draymond Green and Stevie Wonder, it’s also home to residents who take pride in their grit and resilience. “Sure, some people describe our city positively as ‘Saginawesome,’ but others use ‘Sagnasty,’ which might sound negative. I’d argue it reflects a sense of pride because we’re a hardworking city with a lot of grit and toughness,” says Greg LaMarr, communications and marketing director for Saginaw Future Inc.
Once a car manufacturing powerhouse with companies like General Motors, Saginaw is emerging as a major healthcare hub. The city boasts several medical campuses, including Covenant Medical Center, MyMichigan Medical Center, Ascension St. Mary’s Towne Center ER, and Central Michigan University’s College of Medicine.
Cathedral District is full of architectural history and modern amenities.
The Saginaw sign can be seen in Frank N. Anderson Celebration Park in Cathedral District.
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Saginaw community is divided into townships
The city's 43,000 residents are divided among 27 townships that include historic districts such as Heritage Square, established in 1975, and Cathedral District, established in 1979. Century-old Victorians can be found in Heritage Square, while mid-century ranch-style homes line the streets towards the city limits. The median home price ranges from $100,000 to $200,000, with bungalows being the predominant housing styles and is significantly lower than the national median of $420,000.
Adams Boulevard offers a variety of housing styles including Dutch Colonials.
Cozy Cape Cods and ranch homes are common in Buena Vista.
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Riverfront park at Saginaw River is under construction
Saginaw County Parks feature over 900 acres of land, including 21 miles of hiking trails, five fishing access sites, and picnic shelters. Within the city, there are 24 parks to choose from, with most of the space being occupied near downtown. A new 5.5-acre site along the Saginaw River is being constructed as a new waterfront destination and community park.
Butman-Fish residents venture down to Riverfront Saginaw as it stretches by the Saginaw River.
Meet up with friends at Rust Park in Saginaw near Adams Boulevard.
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Fashion Square Mall, downtown Saginaw, acts as retail, restaurant hub
While Saginaw lacks multiple retail districts, Fashion Square Mall is located just off Interstate 675, offering options from department stores like Macy’s to street fashion brands such as Hot Topic and Aeropostale.
“It’s my long-standing wish for someone to invest more in Fashion Square Mall. On the flip side, we have plenty of bars and restaurants downtown,” says Linda Sarmiento, a Realtor with the Sarmiento Dream Team at Berkshire Hathaway. Downtown Saginaw is home to dive bars, cocktail lounges, and diverse ethnic restaurants. Local hotspots include Pasong’s Cafe, Jake’s Old City Grill, Retro Rocks, and Fralia’s.
Explore unique and interesting finds at Freeland Antique Mall.
Cathedral District's shopping area is full of historic appeal.
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See art museums, tea ceremonies and whacky sports
Arts and culture is centralized in downtown Saginaw. The Castle Museum of Saginaw County History explores the region’s history and is housed in a French Revival-style building from1898. The Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum, Temple Theatre, and Dow Event Center, which promote different art forms, are also here. The Japanese Cultural Center offers a 500-year-old tea ceremony as part of its community service to the city. The Saginaw Outhouse Races at Hoyt Park have featured teams racing outhouses designed to slide across surfaces for a decade. It’s a tongue-in-cheek competition that has captured the attention of video producers tied to ESPN.
Adams Boulevard kids love to visit the Mid-Michigan Children's Museum for interactive exhibits.
Stop by the Saginaw Art Museum & Gardens, just a few minutes walk from Adams Boulevard.
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Million-dollar investment into public school system
Saginaw Public Schools is the city’s central school district, serving nearly 5,800 prekindergarten through Grade 12 students, with an overall grade of C on Niche. The district oversees 17 schools, including Saginaw High School and Arthur Hill High School, once historic rivals merged to form Saginaw United High School in late 2024. The new school’s $99.5 million facility is in downtown Saginaw. Saginaw Valley State University, a four-year institution, and Delta College, a community college, are located in University Center, an unincorporated community 10 miles north of the city limits.
Butman-Fish children are offered a great education at Herig Elementary School.
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Thousands use Saginaw public transportation system
More than 3,300 people ride the S.T.A.R.S., Saginaw’s public transportation system, by bus daily, providing about a million rides annually. However, the city remains car-dependent, with locals able to access interstates such as Interstate 75, which connects directly to Detroit. I-675, a 7-mile loop, takes residents through downtown Saginaw and north toward several townships. MBS International Airport, located 15 miles north of the city, is served by two major airlines—Delta and United—with daily nonstop flights to cities such as Chicago and Detroit.
Crime and environmental concerns
According to the Saginaw Police Department, violent crime in Saginaw decreased in 2024 compared to 2023. School closures often occur due to subzero temperatures or heavy snowfall. “There’s nothing out of the ordinary, but we did have the dam failure five years ago, which was a rarity,” says Sarmiento. While the Edenville Dam failure in 2020 caused record flooding in Saginaw County, the city does not face frequent flood risks.
Written By
Elgin Nelson
Photography Contributed By
Eric Lynch
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
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On average, homes in Saginaw, MI sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Saginaw, MI over the last 12 months is $159,900, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Custom-built and meticulously maintained, this Oak Meadow condo offers over 2,300 sq. ft. of living space, ready for your personal touches. Features include an open-concept living area with vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace, and a sun porch that provides gorgeous views of the pond. The primary bedroom boasts a walk-in closet and an ensuite full bath, and you'll also find convenient main floor
This beautiful home is a blend of original character with modern updates. It features gorgeous hardwood floors, a bay window perfect for reading or afternoon tea, a spacious living room with a cozy fireplace, and a bright dining room ideal for gatherings. Upstairs offers a full bathroom and three comfortable bedrooms, one has private balcony access. The large basement provides versatile space
Highest Quality Construction, Tastefully Updated with New Laminate Thru-out, Updated Gourmet Kitchen with New Countertops & Breakfast Island, New Water Heater, New Central Air, Private Back Yard with Huge Brick Patio, Storage Barn, Finished Basement with Spacious Entertainment Area ~ 2253 Sq Ft of Quality and Comfort, with another 750 Sq Ft in Finished Basement
Welcome to 1920 N Clinton ready for a new owner. This turn key home features 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths and a Living are with high vaulted ceilings. Updates include new Roof, a new kitchen with Vinyl Plank flooring, new cabinets and countertops. All kitchen appliances are included. New Decking. Fresh Carpet. Updated lighting fixtures. Updated Bathrooms. Easy to show! Schedule your
Don't delay seeing this beautiful three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Saginaw Township. Everything from the walls to the floors has been updated. The kitchen has new granite, cabinetry, and stainless-steel appliances, new flooring, and fresh paint throughout, including the basement and garage. The primary bedroom features an ensuite and a walk-in closet. The other two bedrooms are good size with
Cozy, quaint, and move-in ready! This three-bedroom with one and a half baths has been updated over the last years, including the roof! The kitchen is a nice size and has all the appliances included, plus a washer and dryer that are located in the lower level with a semi-finished basement. Outside, you will find there is a great outdoor space in both the front yard and the backyard. The front
Welcome to Autumn Ridge Apartments, where quality and comfort meet. Enjoy such amenities such as private entrances, washer/dryer connections and spacious floor plans. Our professional on-site management and 24-hour maintenance team will assist you in meeting all of your needs.While there are many apartments for rent in Saginaw, Autumn Ridges beautiful, country-like setting and open
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom ranch in Saginaw! Featuring a bright and open layout, this home offers 960 sq ft of comfortable living space, an updated kitchen with plenty of cabinets, and a cozy living room ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Enjoy easy-care flooring throughout, spacious bedrooms, and a clean, modern bathroom. Situated on a generous lot with a large fenced backyard for
Located in Carrollton Township, Sterling Crest Apartments is the premier living destination in Saginaw, MI. Choose from our selection of spacious two and three-bedroom apartment homes, each including a private entrance, two full baths, and large bedrooms. Our pet-friendly community also provides several relaxing amenities, including our resident clubhouse, fitness center, and a sparkling swimming
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