St. Clair Township offers a variety of attractive residential settings
St. Clair Township is a sprawling community near the Canadian border. Potential homebuyers have an appealing collection of residential settings among the natural landscape of southeastern Michigan. The St. Clair River flows along the township’s eastern edge, forming a natural barrier between the U.S. and Canada. “I wouldn’t say we are mostly rural, but we do have a lot of country property,” says Danielle Boulier of Sine & Monaghan Realtors, a township resident who sells homes throughout the area. “We have a lot of waterfront homes. … There are also lots of small subdivisions, including one on the golf course.”
While amenities are close by in cities such as St. Clair and Marysville, residents enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle. “It’s such a fun, safe and awesome area to live,” says Natalie Marra of Great Lakes Equine Dentistry, a township-based business. “Nobody is really in a hurry. It’s just a nice, cool place that’s not too far from the city.”
Housing options are a mix of country and contemporary
Ranch-style designs are common among a diverse mix of homes, including charming Cape Cods and large contemporary options. Barns are a common sight throughout the community. Homes are built closer together in subdivisions on the eastern edge of the community near the river. Options range from small ranches to recently-built contemporary models to stunning homes along the waterfront. Condos can also be found. Prices typically range from under $200,000 to more than $700,000. The median sales price is $350,000. Residents can expect a climate affected by the proximity to water. The lake effect can cause lower temperatures in the summer and heavy snowfall in the winter.
Waterways, horses and more offer an array of recreational options
The community offers a mix of rural and resort-style recreation. St. Clair Township Park is located along the Pine River, which winds its way through the community. The nearby Pine River Sportsman’s Club is a popular destination for gun and archery enthusiasts.
Marra says the area is also a great horse community. She travels the area providing equine dental services in conjunction with a veterinarian. She also says there are plans for a community “haul-in barn,” so owners can bring their horses to her and the accompanying vet. “I think it’s an asset to the community, because there are not a lot of people doing this kind of work, but there are so many horses.”
While the St. Clair River and nearby Lake Huron are a haven for boaters and anglers, the waterfront offers an array of recreation, from beaches to parks to golf courses. St. Clair Golf Club is a private facility with an 18-hole layout. The neighboring cities of St. Clair and Marysville offer a variety of amenities-filled parks.
Split between two above-average school districts
The community is served primarily by the East China School District, which Niche gives a B-minus. Students can attend Pine River Elementary School, rated B-minus, before moving on to St. Clair Middle and St. Clair High, both B-rated schools. The high school recently celebrated the opening of a new gymnasium. A northern portion of the township is served by Marysville Public Schools, a district that earns a B-plus from Niche. Qualified students can transfer out of district, which provides homebuyers with flexibility. “Marysville schools are very good, but St. Clair taxes are excellent,” Boulier says.
Plenty of stores, restaurants in nearby city of St. Clair
Residents on the north side can travel to neighboring Maryville for shopping, dining and entertainment. Residents on the south side can travel to St. Clair. “The city of St. Clair has a lot to offer,” Boulier says. “There are lots of eateries, and we have an outdoor mall with boutiques and lots of businesses. There’s also a family-owned grocery store and a pharmacy.” Waterfront eateries are the featured dining destinations nearby. “The Voyageur has been around forever, and it’s right at the mouth of the river,” Boulier says.
Detroit, Canada easily accessible by interstate
Lake Huron Medical Center, one of the top employers in St. Clair County, is only about 8 miles away. The community is also home to an industrial park and is adjacent to DCP Midstream, an energy company. Interstate 94 provides a direct route to Detroit, about 55 miles away. Residents can make the trip in under an hour under normal traffic conditions. I-94 intersects with I-69 about 10 miles north of the community. From there, it’s a short drive across the river into Ontario, Canada. The St. Clair County International Airport borders the community, but it doesn’t offer commercial service. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Bishop International Airport in Flint are about 75 miles away. The community’s CAP Index Crime Score of 1-out-of-10 signifies an area with the lowest possible crime rate. “I tell my clients all the time, ‘I have lived here since I was in high school, and I don’t see myself living anywhere else ever again,’” Boulier says.
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Matt Pallister
