Tyrone Township offers a rural outpost close to amenities
Tyrone Township’s protracted roads and dirt paths cut through a landscape that still feels untouched outside of the homes here. This Livingston County community of about 12,000 people offers a slower pace of living without large-scale commercial development. Yet it’s within 10 miles of the attractions in nearby cities and continues to draw newcomers. “Just the rural quietness,” says local Realtor Laura Toms, who’s been with Century 21 since the mid-1980s. “There are lots of things to do in the Fenton and Linden area.”
Established homes come with variety
The majority of Tyrone Township’s homes were built between 1950 and 2000. The ranch, colonial and new traditional styles are common. Most lots around the area are at least 1 acre. Some properties come with direct access to one of the private lakes, like Lake Shannon and Runyan Lake. Homes typically sell for $200,000 to $880,000. Options on the low end are around 1,000 square feet. The most expensive houses come with acreage or square footage of well over 2,000, or both.
Local school districts share high ratings
The Linden Community School system and Hartland Consolidated Schools district, which have A-minus grades on Niche, and the B-plus-rated Fenton Area Public Schools system, combine to serve students in Tyrone Township. Linden covers most of the area west of U.S. Route 23, while Hartland sprawls east of Route 23. Fenton Area jurisdiction begins south of Center Road. Linden students may attend either the A-minus-rated Hyatt Elementary or the B-plus-rated Linden Elementary for prekindergarten to third grade. Central Elementary has a B-plus rating and covers grades 4 and 5. The B-plus-rated Linden Middle offers robotics and STEM clubs. Students at the B-rated Linden High can take classes in video production and video game design.
Fenton Area elementary students can choose from North Road, State Road or Tomek-Eastern. Andrew G. Schmidt Middle has elective courses in choir, band and technology. Fenton Senior High's extracurriculars include an economics club and a ski and snowboard club. All have B-plus Niche ratings.
The A-minus-rated Round Elementary and B-rated Village Elementary are possibilities for kindergarten through fourth grade for students in the Hartland Consolidated system. Hartland Farms Intermediate also has an A-minus rating, includes grades 5 and 6, and offers yearlong band and vocal music classes to all students. The A-minus-rated Hartland Middle School at Ore Creek has archery and Quiz Bowl teams. Hartland High, another A-minus-rated school, features a dedicated Applied Technology Department with classes in automotive technology and woodworking.
Route 23 is a key thoroughfare in the area
U.S. Route 23 bisects Tyrone Township as the area’s main thoroughfare. Drivers can take Route 23 north into Flint, just over 20 miles away. The Flint Bishop International Airport, located just off Route 23, is a place to go for connecting flights to Chicago. Detroit is a roughly 60-mile trip when taking Route 23 to Interstate 96.
Owen Road offers an array of restaurants and other businesses
Owen Road, a stretch about 4 miles north of Tyrone Township, is where many residents go for commercial amenities in Fenton. The area includes businesses from Target to Aldi, the 24-hour Emergency Department at McLaren Fenton medical facility and myriad places to eat. “There’s tons of good restaurants,” Toms says. The Tavern Kitchen & Bar has popular soft pretzel appetizers, and The Corner Bar & Grill is a draw for brunch. Linden, a 6-mile trip, has options like Shirley's Cafe & Grill, known for its breakfast menu.
Water sports, hiking and golf are readily available
Tyrone Township has many private lakes, but public options nearby include Fenton’s Silver Lake, 4 miles away. The 35-acre Silver Lake Park borders the water and features a beach that’s open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Boats can launch at Silver Spray Sports, a water sports shop on the lake's north end. Toms says Silver and Lobdell lakes, 7 miles away, tend to get crowded. “That is all jet skis and that sort of thing,” Toms says. Those wanting to go hiking have the Seven Lakes State Park close by, with 7 miles of trails. Rose Oaks County Park offers a loop trail over 3 miles long and is popular among horseback riders. Golf is also a big deal in the area, Toms says. There are courses in and around Tyrone Township, such as the Coyote Preserve Golf Club, which has an Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course and is open to the public.
Spicer Orchards is a hot spot for activities
Located about 7 miles away, Spicer Orchards is a 350-acre farm that hosts special events. “That is a huge draw year-round,” Toms says. Programs include a Wine & Harvest Festival in September, 5K runs in June and October, and a holiday celebration with train rides and appearances from Santa from late November to late December. The city of Fenton also organizes community events like the Freedom Festival for the Fourth of July, featuring a parade and fireworks.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
