Superior Township

The hamlet of Dixboro has a rural sleepy-town vibe despite being less than 10 miles from bustling downtown Ann Arbor. Situated in the northwest corner of Superior Township, Dixboro is steeped in a rich history dating back to 1826, and some of the homes and buildings take residents back to a different era. "Dixbo experienced a post-war boom in the early 50s," says Tom Freeman, who has lived in the community for 70 years and is president of Dixboro Village Green Inc." Dixboro provides a scale of living that's very attractive, plus it's a lot less expensive than Ann Arbor." Some of the older homes comprise farmhouses, ranch-style and bungalows. Today, Dixboro also features luxury estates set on large lots of an acre or more, all with garages. "The homes here are very eclectic," says Jiyu Yin, a Realtor with The Charles Reinhart Company, who has been representing the community for six years. "It's very unique here." Many of the homes are of modern design and are located in exclusive areas like Glennborough Community. Home prices range from $362,000 to $1.8 million. Winding narrow streets are lined with a variety of trees and other vegetation; most do not have sidewalks. Many students attend Ann Arbor Public Schools, one of the highest-rated districts in the state. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Clague Middle School and International Baccalaureate World School Huron High all have A-plus scores from Niche. "There really are no parks in Dixboro. We have natural preserves with walking paths and occasionally play areas," Yin says. Brandon Park has a playground with swings, slides and climbing options. Parker Mill County Park, along with the City of Ann Arbor's Forest Park, is a 45-acre area that is mainly wooded. The park includes the tail end of Fleming Creek, which flows into the Huron River. One of the park's main attractions is the historic grist mill that is still in operation. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens greet visitors with almost three miles of walking trails and a global collection of plants that are maintained on the grounds and in the conservatory. A popular destination is Domino's Farms, an office park headquartered by Domino's Pizza. The complex is surrounded by woods, walkways, ponds and wetlands. Visitors can interact with farm animals at a petting zoo and get up close and personal with the bison that roam the grounds. Dixboro is also home to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Dixboro General Store, known for its furniture, unique collectibles and home goods, has long been an area landmark. "It's become a destination, not only for locals but for people from all over the world," says Brenda Dani, who has co-owned the store with her husband Steve for over 15 years. "We've had people plan their itineraries around a store visit." Dixboro has also become a destination for fine and casual dining. The Dixboro Project blends local icons with a modern restaurant scene. The recently renovated 1800s barn, once a different eatery, has become a dining destination for wood-fired pizzas, fresh local cuisine and a creative cocktail list. During the summer, patrons can eat outside. MoonWinks Café is a family-owned fixture with gourmet breakfast and lunch, plus specialty coffee and sweets. "It's really become a gathering spot for the locals," Freeman says. During the summer, Dixboro holds its popular farmers' market near the old schoolhouse on the Village Green. "It's more than just a farmers' market," "Freeman says. "It's an event with music and activities for people to come together." Dixboro is recognizing its bicentennial in August 2024 with a three-day celebration. Michigan Highway 14 and U.S. Route 23 connect Dixboro to Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and the surrounding areas. The community has a few bus stops; however, most residents rely on their cars. Detroit Metropolitan Airport is a 25-mile drive on I-94 East.