Swartz Creek is a connected community that’s expanding
Swartz Creek is a small city and semi-rural suburb, about 9 miles northwest of Flint. The population is about 5,900, according to U.S. Census estimates. The community's close-knit nature fits with its slogan, "Where Friendships Last Forever." "It's such a wholesome place to grow up. People want to be a part of that kind of community," says Christine Champlin, a Realtor and real estate advisor with Re/Max Platinum. "Swartz Creek is the kind of place where you would leave to go find your way, but go back to as soon as you start having a family."
Others are moving here for the first time. "Swartz Creek was pretty quiet before, but as bigger cities become more saturated, people are moving out here because of the land. Some of what were farmlands are becoming subdivisions," Champlin says.
Subdivisions with single-family homes and site condos are common
Though there are some early 20th century homes, ranch-style homes from the 1950s to '70s are more common. Added later, Traditionals and contemporaries include those built in the 2020s. Prices typically range from about $140,000 to $340,000.
Most of the condos are what Champlin calls site condos, a category related to building regulations. "The site condos allow builders to build a whole subdivision much quicker than with free-standing homes." Condos, like those in the Springbrook subdivisions, are about $200,000 to $320,000.
A proposed megasite altered the landscape and affected housing
Mundy Township, which has some overlap with Swartz Creek, includes the Advanced Manufacturing District of Genesee County. The 1,300-acre site is earmarked for large-scale investment, with the support of state funding, the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
The future of a proposed $55-billion megasite for the district was uncertain as of July 2025, when data-storage company Western Digital withdrew from the project. However, permanent changes already impacted the area as homes and businesses had been demolished to clear space. "I had a listing in Swartz Creek, and everyone who came to that house was looking for a new home because of the megasite," Champlin says.
Four elementary schools, a middle and a high school for Swartz Creek
Kids living on the east side of Swartz Creek may go to Morrish Elementary School for kindergarten through second grade, followed by Elms Road Elementary for third and fifth grades. The schools on the west are Syring Elementary School for K-2, followed by Dieck Elementary School for grades 3-5. Syring earns a B grade from Niche, and the other three schools receive B-minus grades. Bus transportation between coupled elementary schools allows parents utilize one drop-off point.
At the upper levels, Swartz Creek Middle School receives a B-minus, and Swartz Creek High School has a B. The high school's sports culture, represented by the Swartz Creek Dragons, is central to the community. Additionally, South Dakota offers several school choice programs via open enrollment.
Among several parks, Elms Park has a lot of amenities
Among the community parks, the largest, Elms and Abrams, have playgrounds and plenty of sports amenities. Sledding is a top wintertime activity at several parks; Elms Park's pond is the spot for ice skating. Elms also has a dog park, hosts youth sports programs and is home to Cosmos in the Creek, a mile-long scale model of the solar system that links Elms Park and Otterburn Park. Elms and Abrams also have access to the Genesee Valley Trail, which connects Swartz Creek and Flint. The Genesee Valley Golf Course in northeast Swartz Creek is a public, 18-hole championship golf course.
Downtown dining, several grocery options and the mall in Flint
Downtown Swartz Creek has a mix of commercial and residential buildings. One mixed-use option, Centerpiece Plaza, has apartments and businesses, including the Great Lakes Smoothie Co. & Eatery. S & K HomeTown Pub offers darts, pool, trivia nights and live music, and on the same block is Jamie's Place, otherwise known as JT's Country Kitchen. Meijer and Kroger are among the grocery options. Rich's Greenhouse and Farm Market is open seasonally.
It's about 5 miles to Flint's Genesee Valley Center, previously the Genesee Valley Mall. In addition to nearly 1.3 million square feet of indoor space, it has an outdoor section with boulevard-style shops.
Events in Holland Square and at an outdoor amphitheater
Many events are held downtown in Holland Square and some are affiliated with Jeepers Creekers, a volunteer-based event organization. Examples include themed monthly craft markets and fun and spooky October activities, like a trunk-or-treat and the Jeepers Creekers 5k Fun Run, a race with costumes recommended.
Hometown Days takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It features a downtown parade, carnival rides, fireworks, food and entertainment, including the singing competition Swartz Creek Idol. A related event in August, the Summer Send-Off, is all about games, giveaways and a foam party.
Summertime concert and movie night series are held at an outdoor amphitheater, the Fred and Phyllis Pajtas Theater, in conjunction with the Swartz Creek Fine Arts Association. The Swartz Creek Center Stage, a community theater group, has been entertaining residents of Genesee County for over 40 years.
Interstates 69 and 75, walking, biking and other ways to get around
Interstate 69 passes through Swartz Creek and meets Interstate 75 about 6 miles east of downtown. There's also a public carpool parking lot off I-69. Sidewalks are common in Swartz Creek and connect many neighborhoods. There isn't a fixed bus route in Swartz Creek, but Flint's Mass Transit Authority (MTA) offers Your Ride, a service for those who qualify due to age or disability. The McLaren Flint hospital is about 8 miles from Swartz Creek.
Bishop International Airport, about 7 miles from Swartz Creek, has passenger service on Allegiant Air, United Airlines and American Airlines. "It's a wonderful airport because it's small and so convenient for us, but it is growing," Champlin says.
Written By
Robin Silberman
