In a 2023 survey, when residents were asked to describe Sylvan Township in one word, the most common answer was “rural.” When residents were asked how they would describe Sylvan’s future, the answer stayed the same. This Washtenaw County township sits on the edge of the small town of Chelsea, just 15 miles from rapidly growing Ann Arbor. But the pace of life here is slow, and it’s not changing anytime soon. “We value our rural quality of life over cramming in developments,” says Douglas Jackson, the township clerk. The north side of Sylvan is filled with lakes; the south side is rural farmland — and much of this land is protected. Sylvan Township’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Large swaths of Sylvan Township are comprised of farmland and forest.
Cozy rural ranches often are buried in trees on wide lots throughout Sylvan Township.
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From modern condos to 40-acre lots
Across Sylvan Township’s 34 square miles, there are a variety of lifestyles. Along the border of Chelsea, modern subdivisions come with uniform designs and homeowners association fees. In the township’s more rural land, properties can vary significantly in age, ranging from hundred-year-old farmhouses to custom estates with backyard pools. Though some condos go for $200,000, most properties range from $350,000 to $700,000 based on age and lot size. In the north, lakeside homes typically value above $1 million. Most homes have at least an acre of land, but some have 40 acres or more. The township restricts development to ensure the preservation of a rural feel. “Most of our higher-density development will be closer to Chelsea,” Jackson says. “Pretty much everywhere else in the township, developments typically must have 2-acre lots or larger.” Taxes in Sylvan Township are significantly lower than in the city of Chelsea.Only limited areas offer public sewer and water, with many homes relying on well water and private septic systems. Broadband coverage can also be limited. Some areas have a slight flood risk, particularly around the Letts Creek floodplain.
The southwest side of Sylvan Township tucks away massive isolated estates.
Many of the lake homes in Sylvan Township feature modern architecture.
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County-wide electives at Chelsea High
Students are zoned to attend Chelsea School District, which is made up of four school buildings, all located in the small city. North Creek Elementary School serves pre-kindergarten through second grade and gets a B-plus rating from Niche. South Meadows Elementary School, rated A-minus, serves third through fifth grade. Beach Middle School gets an A grade, and Chelsea High School gets an A-minus. Chelsea High is a part of the South and West Washtenaw Consortium, a county-wide Career & Technical Education program. Students can travel to other SWWC participating schools to take electives like agriculture, health science and cybersecurity.
North Creek Elementary was founded in 1958 and focuses on prepping students for high school.
Team spirit is strong in Chelsea, home to the highly state-ranked Chelsea Bulldogs.
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Lakes and trails in the Waterloo Recreation Area
Sylvan Township is home to a section of Waterloo Recreation Area, which spans 20,000 acres, making it the largest state park in Michigan’s lower peninsula. The park is home to 11 lakes, many miles of trails and multiple camping grounds. Trails are open for horseback riding, lakes are open for fishing, and hunting is allowed in designated areas. While the Waterloo Recreation Area spans multiple townships, the headquarters are located in Sylvan Township. The headquarters include the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, which has interactive nature exhibits and events like archery lessons or kayak tours.
Waterloo State Recreation Area is one of the largest state parks in Michigan.
Nearby Mill Lake offers visitors to Waterloo Recreation Area a boat launch for electric craft.
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Demolition derbies and local theater in Chelsea
Sylvan Township’s hub for events, eating out and shopping is the adjacent city of Chelsea. A twice-weekly farmers market showcases local produce and the Chelsea Community Fairgrounds holds demolition derbies and tractor pulls. One of the city’s most unique events is the productions by Purple Rose Theater Company. The locally run theater puts on a mix of original and classic plays, as well as offers theater-related classes. “Purple Rose has professional-level productions,” Jackson says. “They draw in people from all over Michigan.”Chelsea’s walkable downtown is lined with vintage storefronts in the shadow of a historic clock tower. In terms of restaurants, the city has plenty of old-school bars and burger joints. More modern options have been moving in too, like The Grateful Crow with its Asian-fusion cuisine and Zou Zou’s, an upscale French breakfast spot. Chelsea also has its own hospital, a public library and two grocery stores.
Chelsea's walkable downtown is never more than a fifteen-minute walk from Sylvan Township.
The Grateful Crow near Sylvan Township has a menu of delicious burgers and elevated sushi.
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Direct access to I-94 into Ann Arbor
Sylvan Township homes are about 15 to 20 miles from downtown Ann Arbor. The most direct route is Interstate 94, which runs through the township. Though there can be traffic in Ann Arbor, I-94 tends to be relatively clear during rush hour. Residents can take I-94 out to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, 45 miles away.The Chrysler Chelsea Proving Grounds, a car testing facility, occupies a large part of Sylvan’s southeast corner. “There’s no noticeable noise from the proving grounds,” Jackson says. “If anything, I would say the noisiest part of the township is the I-94 corridor.”
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