South Rockwood offers rural charm and lower property taxes
South Rockwood is a small village on the far north side of Monroe County along the Huron River. It sits across the water from the city of Rockwood in Wayne County, making this a desirable location for those looking to save money in a more rural setting. “You get to live in Monroe County, which has cheaper property taxes than Wayne County,” says Sherry Perry, a real estate agent with Re/Max Dynamic, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years. “South Rockwood is small, and there isn’t much there, but Wayne County has tons of restaurants and shopping.”
Single-family homes in a subdivision and out in the country
Most homes are in a subdivision by the river next to Interstate 75, though some are scattered around the village in more rural areas. The subdivision’s residential streets are lined with many ranch-style homes, bungalows and Cape Cods. They typically sit on lots smaller than half an acre and range from $50,000 to $315,000. A few backyards are about 150 feet from the interstate but offer a backdrop of trees that block the site of cars driving by. There are also some waterfront properties giving residents private access to the river. Homes out in the country with 1 to 5 acres of land have sold for $400,000 to $450,000.
Two riverside parks and a golf course provide outdoor recreation
Dodge Park sits along the river, featuring a wooded nature trail and a public boat ramp. It’s right behind the subdivision, making it an easy access point. “A lot of people kayak and go fishing on the Huron River,” Perry says. Labo Park offers a grassy space by the river, where visitors can play on the swings, relax at a picnic table and watch the trains go by on the track above the water. Wesburn Golf & Country Club is also nearby, which offers 18 holes and is open to the public.
Airport High School offers associate's degree program
Students attend Ritter Elementary School, which receives a B-plus grade from Niche. They’ll go on to Wagar Middle School, graded a B, followed by Airport High School, graded a B-minus. The high school’s Airport Middle College program allows students to attend an extra year to obtain an associate’s degree tuition-free through Schoolcraft College.
Shopping and dining is limited in town, more options 5 minutes away
Dixie Café is South Rockwood’s only restaurant, serving as a local diner with homestyle American food. Rockwood has a few more restaurants, including Huron River Inn, which offers barbecue food, and River Village Family Restaurant. It also features a Dollar General and a Save A Lot grocery store. For more shopping needs, locals are just 5 minutes from several big-box retailers in Woodhaven, a city in Wayne County.
Quarry supports the community through events and employment
The village is home to Great Lakes Aggregates, a quarry that mines clay, limestone and sandstone. Locals have expressed concerns about silica dust spreading from the plant. Blasts from mining can also sometimes be heard and cause vibrations in homes. Along with being a major employer in town, the plant also gives back to the community by hosting the annual Quarry Challenge, a 5K run/walk through the quarry. “You wouldn’t believe how big and deep it is. It’s like climbing a mountain. The elevation is really hard,” says Perry, who participated in the challenge. The event raises money for the Friends of South Rockwood Library to support summer reading programs and other activities.Perry notes that South Rockwood is a safe place to live. The village receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
I-75 connects locals to Detroit and Toledo
Direct access to Interstate 75 allows for easy 25-minute commutes to downtown Detroit, about 25 miles away. It can also be taken about 30 miles south for a 30-minute drive to Toledo. For longer trips, travelers can fly out of Detroit Metro Airport, about 15 miles away.
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Written By
Nicolas Stuart
