$507,052Average Value$217Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Washtenaw County’s least populated township
With around 1,300 residents, Freedom Township is the most-sparsely populated township in Washtenaw County. “People who might not be able to afford Ann Arbor’s high prices often consider Freedom Township,” says Pat Fielder, a retired real estate agent who has lived in the area for more than 60 years. “They can still enjoy what the city has to offer, and it’s more peaceful here, with more open space.” About 70% of Freedom’s land is used for agriculture or parks, and the only significant housing development is centered on Pleasant Lake. The township’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. With Ann Arbor 16 miles away, residents tend to visit the closer-by small city of Manchester for shopping and community events.
Freedom Township's Pleasant Lake has a variety of homes in a quiet neighborhood.
Residents of Freedom Township enjoy large homes surrounded by farms and farmland.
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Rural farmland and lakeside homes
The houses in Freedom Township were built over two centuries. Farmhouses from the 1800s, ranch styles from the mid-1900s, and modern construction are all scattered among the rolling farmland. The only concentrated development is the community around Pleasant Lake, which has private roads and a property owners association. Smaller homes and empty plots of land range from $250,000 to $400,000. Properties with lakeshore frontage or more than 10 acres typically cost $600,000 to $800,000. Homes spend an average of 31 days on the market. “It’s always a slower market when you move away from your major city center,” says John Ramirez, a Realtor with Real Estate One who has over 20 years of experience in the area. “You aren’t getting offers in a day out here like you do in Ann Arbor.”Floodplains surround the township’s creeks and Pleasant Lake, though most homes are unaffected. Freedom Township does not have access to public water and sewer facilities, so most properties use well water and private septic systems. In addition, property taxes are significantly lower here than in the city limits of Ann Arbor or Manchester.
Ranches are another common home style found in Freedom Township.
Farmhouse homes can be found throughout Freedom Township.
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The county’s second-smallest school district
The majority of the township is served by Manchester Community Schools, although some sections are zoned for Chelsea or Saline schools. Manchester is the second smallest district in Washtenaw County, with just under 800 students across its three schools. Luther C. Klager Elementary School serves grades pre-kindergarten through second grade. The school gets a B-minus rating on Niche. Riverside Intermediate for grades third through sixth receives a B. And Manchester Junior & Senior High School earns a B-minus. Manchester Community Schools is part of the South & West Washtenaw Consortium, a program that allows students to attend elective courses at nearby high schools. Options include photography, agriculture and robotics.
Children can easily walk or bike to Riverside Intermediate School.
Discover excellence in education at Manchester Junior and Senior High School.
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Local farm stands and outdoor adventures
Recreational activities in Freedom Township include hiking at nature preserves, taking horseback lessons at nearby stables and shopping at local farm stands. “It’s the peace, quiet and scenery that draws people out that way,” Ramirez says. “It’s a more rural lifestyle.” In the summer, it's hard to find a parking spot at White Lotus Farm, which has a gourmet market, landscaped gardens and barnyard animals. In the fall, Alber Orchard & Cider Mill is a go-to for hayrides, apple picking and corn mazes. The township is also home to several historic churches, including Bethel United Church of Christ, built in 1840.
Freedom Township is home to the Brauer Preserve, where you can hike to a lake.
Freedom Township residents attend service at the historical Bethel Church.
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Fish frys and karaoke nights at dive bars
Located at the corner of Freedom, Lodi, Bridgewater and Saline Townships, the Bridgewater Bank Tavern is a central meeting place for southern Washtenaw County. It’s one of the only bars in the area and is known for its lively Friday fish fries. A locally and women-owned business, Bridgewater is a staple of the community. During the holidays, it holds a charity toy drive, and all year-round, hometown talent is showcased at live-music nights. “If you want to see our local culture, just head over to Bridgewater,” says Jackelyn Martin, the communications executive director with Saline Area Schools who grew up in the area. A few miles north, Stivers Restaurant serves homestyle breakfast and stays open late for karaoke nights.
City amenities in Manchester, Chelsea and Ann Arbor
Freedom Township has one small grocery store at Pleasant Lake, so locals have to drive for a few miles to run errands. The township is located between the small cities of Chelsea and Manchester. For most, Manchester is a closer drive—typically less than 5 miles. Manchester has a walkable downtown with a brewery, a few restaurants and a weekly farmers market. Manchester Market is the city’s small grocery store, offering fresh produce, high-quality meats, authentic Italian gelato and pantry staples. Chelsea, about 10 miles north, has a larger grocery store, a wider restaurant selection and a hospital. Downtown Ann Arbor is 16 miles away. Unlike some of the other nearby townships, Freedom does not have any major roads. The commute into Ann Arbor typically takes 30 minutes but is usually traffic-free. The Detroit Metropolitan Airport is 35 miles away.
Freedom Township locals head to Manchester to Frank's Place for lunch.
Freedom Township locals order lunch at the deli in Manchester Market.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Freedom Township, Scio sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Freedom Township, Scio over the last 12 months is $550,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Have you always wanted a mini farm but were concerned about being too far out from town and having to deal with too many dirt roads? This new listing has location, location, location! This 3 bed/ 2 1/2 bath ranch on 14.72 acres is 7 miles to Manchester, Saline and Clinton, 14 miles to Chelsea and only 15 miles to Ann Arbor and The Big House for Saturday football, and...NO DIRT ROAD drive home.
Dream Home Opportunity on Pleasant Lake — 3 Bedrooms & 3 Bathrooms Step into the potential of this spacious property sitting on the serene shores of Pleasant Lake. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this house offers a clean slate ready for your personal touch. With a little vision and around $150,000 in renovations, you can transform this house into a stunning waterfront retreat — a true
Located in Freedom Twp and Chelsea Schools, this 49.86-acre property offers a unique blend of rolling hay fields, wetlands, & brushy cover, creating a picturesque rural setting. Frontage on both Fletcher & Ellsworth Rds, this quiet countryside location provides limited traffic & peaceful environment, making it an ideal spot for farming, recreation, or potential development. Currently zoned
This stunning 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom lakefront escape is set on 6.1 acres of lush, wooded privacy along the shores of Pleasant Lake—a private, all-sports lake perfect for year-round activities. With its charming cottage-inspired design and tranquil surroundings, this property strikes the perfect balance between serenity and adventure. Recent updates enhance its appeal: a durable 2-year-old steel
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