Lodi Township's deep agricultural roots
Established in 1834 as an agricultural community, the Lodi Township planted its roots three years before Michigan officially became a state. Today, the community holds firm to its farming origins and retains much of its rural landscape, although some parts are more developed. "Each subdivision has its own character," says 38-year Realtor Martin Bouma with Team Bouma, Keller Williams Realty. "And some of the original farms are still here." There are streets so densely lined with trees and foliage that the only indications of houses are the mailboxes at the end of long, winding driveways. Other properties feature towering silos and stables that sit adjacent to expansive crop fields. In some portions of the township, open farmland has been transformed into subdivisions with cul-de-sacs and HOAs. "The biggest draw is the low taxes," says Bouma. "It's also appealing for people looking to buy large parcels of land, as well as [live in] proximity to Ann Arbor." The CAP Index crime score for Lodi Township is 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4
Pawpaw trees and petting tortoises
Lodi Township residents have access to several nearby nature areas, including the 108-acre Kidder-McKeachie Scio Woods Preserve at the northern edge of the community. The preserve has a 2-mile trail that passes pawpaw trees and wildflowers. There are also trails at the Brauer Preserve. Animal lovers can visit with tortoises and chameleons at The Creature Conservancy on Ann Arbor-Saline Road. Golfers can practice their swings at the Zeeb Golf Driving Range, and the public Stonebridge Golf Club is just a few miles east of the neighborhood. In Ann Arbor, indoor recreation facilities include the Wide World Sports Center and the Ann Arbor Ice Cube, a year-round ice rink that hosts hockey teams and figure skaters.
Vintage farmhouses and contemporary builds on large properties
The housing stock is an eclectic mix with a wide range of ages and styles. Some subdivisions feature smaller, 1-acre lots with ranch styles and split levels from the 1970s that may list between $300,000 and $550,000. Larger, late-1900s Colonial Revivals and newer, contemporary or traditional-style residences might cost anywhere from $600,000 to $1.5 million. Most homes have garages, and lots run anywhere from just under an acre to many acres. Homebuyers who are new to the area should be aware that the region has cold winters with average highs in the 30s, and the average annual snowfall exceeds 40 inches.
Dining in downtown Ann Arbor
There are a few locally owned farm stands and markets sprinkled throughout the area, such as Tippins Market and Annie G's Dairy, but most errands require driving into Ann Arbor. The Briarwood Mall has over 100 retail and dining options and is about 7 miles away. Residents can do their grocery shopping in Ann Arbor as well, where Meijer, Whole Foods and Costco are available. Those who live in the southern portion of Lodi Township might head into Saline, where there's a Busch's Fresh Food Market. As for dining, Bouma says most people go to downtown Ann Arbor. Local favorites include Carlyle Grill, Knights Steakhouse and Zola Bistro. For a more casual diner setting, Uptown Coney Island serves traditional American comfort food.
Corgi races and circus shows at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
The Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds are along Ann Arbor-Saline Road, at the eastern edge of Lodi Township. There are festivals on the grounds throughout the year, including the Saline Fair, the circus and art expos. The annual two-day Michigan Celtic Festival takes place in July, and participants can show off their sea shanties, watch traditional step dancers and cheer for corgis as they compete in the Celtic 500 Corgi Speed Championships. The festivities run late into the first evening, so some people camp overnight.
Student athletes thrive at Saline schools
The township's students can attend one of three districts, depending on their address. Those who live in the northeastern portion may attend Ann Arbor Public Schools, a district rated A-plus on Niche. Kids who live in the northwestern part of Lodi Township might be zoned for the Dexter Community School District, which receives an overall A rating. The remaining students attend Saline Area School District, which earns an overall A on Niche. Niche also ranks the district No. 1 in the state for student athletes. Children start at A-minus-rated Woodland Meadows Elementary School for kindergarten through third grade before advancing to A-rated Heritage Intermediate School for fourth and fifth grade. Saline Middle School also earns an A and has a student-teacher ratio of 18-to-1. Saline High School's athletic teams have a history of state championship titles, specifically in baseball and girls' soccer. The high school earns an overall A on Niche.
Commuter access to Ann Arbor
Lodi Township is a car-dependent community with a mix of paved and dirt roads. Ann Arbor is approximately 10 miles northeast. Those who need to travel farther can link up with Interstate 94 or U.S. Route 12, about 6 miles from most homes. The Detroit Metropolitan Airport is around 30 miles away and offers nonstop flights to more than 125 destinations. Emergency services are available in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan Hospital and Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital.
