Nature lovers find peace and peacocks in Scio Township
Just west of Ann Arbor, Scio Township is mainly known as a woodsy escape from the high speed of urban life. “We’re an Ann Arbor suburb, essentially,” says JoAnn Barrett, a Realtor with Howard Hanna. “But here we’ve got larger lots and a semi-rural feel without paying city taxes.” Surrounded by wildlife preserves and the Huron River, Scio attracts nature lovers, who can expect wildlife literally in their backyard. “We have about a dozen deer who just pass through our yard at least twice a day,” says Barrett, who’s served the area since 2006. “Wild peacocks, too!” Due to its proximity to the Huron River, First Street designates Scio Township as having a major risk for flood factors.
Housing ranges from ranches to custom-built estates
With a median construction year around 2003, Homes in Scio tend to be contemporary. Those looking for more traditional midcentury designs could start in Delhi Mills, which has an assortment of ranch-style and split-level homes, generally priced between $350,000 and $630,000. Contemporary, custom-built homes are also available, often featuring views and acreage in exchange for $650,000 to $1.3 million price tags. Haisley is well-known for its upscale contemporary 21st-century subdivisions, featuring amenity-laden properties priced between $800,000 and $1.3 million. “I don’t know that Scio has the affordable housing you might find within the city itself,” says Barrett.
Dexter and Ann Arbor schools both earn top marks from Niche
Scio is fairly evenly divided between two public school districts. Dexter Community School District has an A from Niche and was approved for a $242 million bond for facility upgrades in 2025. Ann Arbor Public Schools has an A-plus from Niche, which considers it one of the top 12 school districts in the state. Michigan’s Schools of Choice program allows for open enrollment between districts for qualifying students.
Most shopping and dining is in Ann Arbor
Most shopping needs are met in Ann Arbor shopping centers like Oak Valley Center and the Briarwood Mall. Big-box stores like Target and Best Buy are available, as is a nearby Meijer for groceries. Established in 1928, Metzger’s German Restaurant is an Ann Arbor community staple. In addition to German standards like bratwurst and schnitzel, Metzger’s serves contemporary American fare like prime rib. The Dexter Brunch House offers a classic diner atmosphere with familiar favorites like omelettes and corned beef sandwiches. They’re open seven days a week, but head in early: as the name suggests, they close after lunch.
Metroparks and preserves provide water access and wilderness
Snug against the Huron River, the Dexter-Huron Metropark offers water access and a variety of trails and paths surrounded by urban scenery and wilderness alike. The Metropark also provides access to the Huron River Water Trail, which spans over a hundred miles from the coast of Lake Erie to the river’s end at Proud Lake. The Fox Science Preserve has almost 70 acres of untouched landscape. Once the site of a gravel pit, hikers and amateur adventurers regularly visit, often finding fossils trapped in limestone.
Interstate 94 connects to Ann Arbor and Detroit
The nearest highway is Interstate 94, which provides easy access to Ann Arbor, about 8 miles away, or Detroit, about 50 miles away. Public transit isn’t available in Scio, so residents are car-bound. “There isn’t much in the way of walkability,” says Barrett. “We’re within spitting distance of Ann Arbor, and that’s what people want, so they’re happy to make the drive.”
