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.
The Dexter Huron Metropark features river access in Scio.
The Huron River welcomes kayakers and paddle boarders in Scio.
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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.
Most Scio homes feature attached garages.
Older homes with more character are also available in Scio.
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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.
Beacon Elementary School welcomes new students in Scio.
Creekside Intermediate School is ready for class in Scio.
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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.
The Briarwood Mall welcomes Scio eager shoppers.
Oak Valley Center also features a Target for Scio shoppers' everyday needs.
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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.
The Huron River Water Trail runs along the river and through many parks in Scio.
The Huron River Water Trail takes you on an adventure from Scio to Ann Arbor.
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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.”
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Paul Vilela
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Hemstrom,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Tucked onto a private, wooded cul-de-sac lot in sought-after Walnut Ridge, this 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath estate blends luxury and easy livability from the very first step. A grand 2-story foyer with a sweeping staircase sets the tone, with walls of windows flooding the main level with natural light, all enhanced by new Mirage red oak floors. The great room steals the show with soaring ceilings, a
Nestled toward the back of the highly desirable Scio Village condominium community, this immaculate upper-level 2 bedroom, 2 bath, two story townhouse offers a peaceful setting just minutes from Downtown Ann Arbor, with the advantage of low Scio township taxes. Walk to coffee, restaurants, sushi and shopping, then come home to the comfort of your own home! A private, tiled entry with bench area
Welcome to 75 Westover, a move-in-ready home on a beautifully landscaped corner lot in the desirable Westover Subdivision near Jackson and Wagner Roads on Ann Arbor's west side. This charming home offers timeless curb appeal, mature shade trees, and approximately 1,108 square feet of comfortable living space. The functional story-and-a-half floor plan features three bedrooms with primary bedroom
Special Buyer Incentive - $10,000 Credit that can be used however best fits your needs—toward an interest rate buy-down, and or closing costs! One of the largest floor plans at Arbor Chase, including a wider garage near U-M, hospitals, downtown Ann Arbor, and expressway. Thoughtfully designed for comfort, in move-in ready with immediate occupancy. Although just eight years old, the home has
First floor-level condominium end unit offers comfort and convenience. Enjoy easy first-floor living, two spacious bedrooms with lots of closet space, a walk-in closet, two bathrooms, large living room area, kitchen with all appliances included, microwave, dishwasher, stove/oven and refrigerator. New laminate floors (2026), New furnace (2025), storage, energy efficient windows and glass wall
Terrific home in Arbor Pointe subdivision featuring almost a third of an acre lot, a fenced yard and cul de sac location! This colonial features four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms. The interior is designed for both comfortable daily living and entertaining, with hardwood flooring throughout much of the first floor. The kitchen is well-appointed with granite countertops,
Stunning 4-bedroom 2.5 bath colonial with great move-in condition well located in the center of sub. and offers immediate occupancy! Quality newly built home has tons of upgrade and features bright & airy floor plan, inviting foyer leads to Living/flex room and large family room. Expanded gourmet kitchen has cherrywood cabinetry & granite tops, walk-in pantry. Super-sized island is also warm and
Over 3 acres with frontage on the Huron River, this exceptional parcel offers a rare opportunity to create a custom home in one of the area's most sought-after settings. With a peaceful, natural backdrop and direct connection to the water, the property invites a design that embraces its surroundings--whether that's expansive windows, outdoor living spaces, or a private retreat immersed in
Conveniently located on highly desired Huron River Drive, this 3-bedroom home offers a great opportunity for buyers looking to add their own updates and personal touches. The home is in need of some work, but it sits in a beautiful setting with mature trees, plenty of outdoor space, and excellent potential. The property features a spacious outbuilding, offering great storage, workshop space, or
Welcome to Kelly Green Commons, one of Ann Arbor's most charming west side condo communities. This contemporary 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse offers the best of low-maintenance living without sacrificing space, style, or convenience. Step inside to soaring vaulted ceilings, an open floor plan, and beautiful Somerset maple hardwood floors throughout the main level, freshly complemented by new
The Brooke is a ranch home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and more than 1,600 sq. ft. of living space. Interior features include a kitchen and eat-in nook, great room, mud room with a walk-in closet, laundry room, primary suite with a private full bath and walk-in closet, and two secondary bedrooms. Looking for a new home in the Ann Arbor area? Contact our sales team to learn more about the
WELCOME HOME! This beautiful condo truly shows like the model! Built in 2018, this move-in ready 2-bedroom, 2-full bath second-floor home offers soaring 11-foot ceilings, rich hardwood floors, and stylish upgrades throughout. Step inside to discover an oversized walk-in entry closet providing exceptional storage for coats, shoes, and seasonal items. Upstairs, a versatile loft creates the perfect
Welcome to 1537 Chapleau Drive in Ann Arbor’s desirable Hometown Village community. This clean and move-in ready home offers over 3,000 sq ft of finished living space, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, fresh paint throughout, and a flexible layout with room to work, gather, relax, and grow. The main level offers comfortable living and dining areas with a bright, neutral interior ready for the next
Prime opportunity in desirable Scio Township! This 13.66-acre undeveloped parcel offers outstanding visibility along Jackson Road, with over 13,000 vehicles passing daily—making it an ideal location for a variety of future uses. Conveniently located with easy access to I-94 and just west of Ann Arbor, as well as close proximity to the charming community of Dexter, this property combines
Affordable, low-maintenance condo living at its best! This bright upper-level ranch-style condo features 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths, including a private primary ensuite. The beautifully updated kitchen showcases white granite countertops, white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and engineered hardwood flooring throughout. A generous great room offers comfortable living space with
Pete Obee@properties Christie's Int'l R.E. Birmingham
Beautiful & Gorgeous home at popular Trailwoods of Ann Arbor. Move-In ready with designer lighting fixture, fireplace. Spacious 4 bedrooms 2.5 bath colonial is available for long term lease, great for transferees. Open floor plan has welcoming entry flows into foyer and flex space/home office, Large family room opens to Gormet kitchen, overlooks the casual dining area, center island with plenty
Welcome to Woodview Commons, where exceptional living meets convenience in the Ann Arbor area. Just minutes from downtown off of Jackson Road, our Ann Arbor apartment neighborhood offers a variety of living options including 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartment homes, townhomes, and ranch-style residences. Select floor plans feature an additional den or bonus room providing residents with added flexibility
Largest home in the community and loaded with upgrades, this one-of-a-kind property offers space, flexibility, and modern comfort throughout. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the home features an additional bonus room conveniently located near the kitchen and primary suite—perfect as a second living area, home office, playroom, or guest space. The spacious primary bedroom
Welcome to The Park at Sagebrush Circle, where modern living meets serene surroundings. Nestled in a beautiful neighborhood setting, our community offers the perfect blend of nature and convenience. Our spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments offer a perfect blend of comfort and style, with features to make your everyday living experience effortless. Enjoy open-concept living areas,
Arbor Club Apartments wants to welcome you home! Arbor Club Apartments, for rent in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is located just off Scio Ridge Road and Chase Boulevard with easy access to I-94. Our uniquely designed apartment homes feature large 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom floor plans with fabulous open kitchens and energy efficient appliances along with wide open rooms perfect for entertaining. With an
Arbor Landings Apartments offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments in Ann Arbor, MI with spacious floor plans, modern features, and convenient access to major destinations. Located near I-94 and public transportation, the community places residents close to downtown Ann Arbor, shopping, dining, parks, and the University of Michigan. Apartment homes feature fully equipped kitchens with microwaves,
Discover Award-Winning Living at Cambridge Club Apartments in Ann Arbors West SideWelcome to Cambridge Club Apartments, an award-winning apartment community in the heart of Ann Arbors West Side. Nestled in a prime location, our apartments provide easy access to Ann Arbor, Dexter, and all of Washtenaw County's top destinations, including major employers, shopping centers, and schools. Enjoy
Nestled in the country-like setting of Dexter, Walkabout Creek is located just minutes away from Ann Arbor. Discover spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom townhomes and apartments, all with private entrances, washer/dryer, and garage. Experience the charm of downtown Dexter, visiting the local bakery, pizzeria and farmers market. Live the life you've always wanted at Walkabout Creek! Proud Sponsor of
Nestled within a lush, woodland setting of Scio Township, the winding pathways within this community lead to a sparkling pool, community clubhouse, basketball court and large playground, all of which are hugged by green open lawn spaces.
Now Leasing: Modern 1-&2- Bedroom Apartments Near Downtown Ann ArborSHORT TERM - WINTER SEMESTER OPTIONS AVAILABLEExperience stylish living just five minutes from downtown Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan, and local stadiums. Convenient access to I-94 and M-14 makes commuting easy.3.1mi to Central UM Campus5.5mi to North UM CampusAVAILABLE FLOOR
This ground floor unit is 700 sqft. and ideal for 1-2 people that desire a home office The bedrooms are 10x11’ and 8x10’ .Attractive building with a yard, garden area, and lovely landscaping. Complimentary Laundry on siteHigh speed internet available, but not includedPet friendly for a feeNo central air, but window unit included.Rent does NOT including utilities
Property Id: 2041392Welcome home to this beautiful upscale 2 bed / 2.5 bath Ranch condo in the popular Arbor Chase community. Great location close to shopping, restaurants, U of M Campus/downtown Ann Arbor (10 min drive), hospitals, and easy access to I-94 (1/2 mile). Spacious and open floor plan with hardwood floors, neutral colors, great natural lighting, and wonderful views of nature.
Escape the busy downtown streets in this Northwest Ann Arbor neighborhood. Abbot's rural back roads lead to single-family homes tucked away in quiet cul-de-sac communities. Abbot students attend A-rated Ann Arbor public schools beginning in Kindergarten at Abbot Elementary. While neighborhood residents may not be in the heart of the city, Justin Ham, an associate broker with Ham Realty Group, says the area is great because residents can “enjoy all Ann Arbor has to offer without all of the traffic.” <br><br>Open farmland and natural beauty surround the flat residential streets in Abbot. Two-story single-family homes with spacious green lawns offer a quiet suburban retreat from the busy streets of Downtown Ann Arbor. Throughout the neighborhood, home styles range from prairie and ranch-style homes built in the 1970s to new custom builds with craftsman features. Subdivisions like Pine Ridge Court offer new construction mansions with sleek modern designs and luxury amenities. Meanwhile, Abbot’s rural cul-de-sac communities sit outside planned developments and yards big enough for many residents to need a riding lawn mower. While the non-HOA areas often offer larger yards, all homes have backyards big enough to add a pool and still have room for a playset. Most three-bedroom homes list between $450,000 and $700,000 in Abbot, but some new luxury homes cost closer to $1 million. <br><br>Abbot students attend outstanding Ann Arbor public schools, all of which score an overall A or higher on Niche. Kindergarteners can take the short bus ride to Abbot Elementary School where they can learn to read with the encouragement of friends through the school’s Reading Buddies program. Only 10 minutes away, Forsythe Middle Schoolers can join the synchronized swim team or compete in regional tournaments on the robotics team. Skyline High School offers four magnet programs where students can apply to take classes in health and medicine, engineering and programming, communication and media or business and marketing. <br><br>The busy Interstate 94 and Highway 14 hug the neighborhood’s south border. From I-94, residents can access the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in about 30 minutes. Downtown Ann Arbor and University Hospital are less than 15 minutes away on Dexter-Ann Arbor Road. While there are no public bus lines running through Abbot, Dexter-Ann Arbor Road has bike lanes that connect downtown. <br><br>Metzger’s has been an Ann Arbor staple since 1928. Serving a long menu full of authentic German dishes, this little bier garden serves classics like cabbage rolls and potato pancakes. Next door, the nearest Grand Traverse Pie Company is a beloved Michigan chain full of massive cheesecakes, tempting brownies, and the locally famous Michigan Montmorency cherry pie. Ham says Weber’s Restaurant is another Ann Arbor favorite with “one of the best prime ribs in town.” Down the road, Abbot residents have convenient access to groceries at Meijer, a supermarket chain with groceries and all the everyday essentials. <br><br>Look for spring wildflowers along the woodland trail in Hollywood Park. This small but welcomed new addition offers a spacious playground right next to Abbot Elementary, where kids can climb on the monkey bars and run out their energy after school. Residents can head to Dolph Nature Area for over 75 acres of tree-covered hiking trails, prime local fishing spots and beautiful lakeside views. The unpaved trails wind around two lakes and make for an excellent birdwatching experience or peaceful morning stroll.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
