Nature preserves pair with small-town living in Unadilla Township
Unadilla Township blends outdoor recreation and country living. "I grew up in Unadilla Township, it's very country living," says Realtor and lifelong Livingston County resident Heather Mahon with Keller Williams Realty. "They don't have a stoplight in town... but Unadilla has access to lakes and camping areas." The township has about 3,300 residents and sits near several nature preserves and wildlife areas, so hunting, fishing and hiking are popular activities. It's also within 20 miles of nearby towns and 40 miles of the closest city, Lansing, so amenities and employers are within a decent drive.
Country properties with space to grow in Livingston County
Like most townships in Livingston County, Unadilla offers countryside homes on acres of land. "Unadilla Township borders the edge of Livingston County and has a nice, untapped market for real estate," Mahon says. "Livingston County also means lower property taxes." There are some pockets of 20th-century development around towns like Gregory, which features ranch-style, Four Square and Colonial Revival homes. The rest of the township primarily consists of farmhouse-style, manufactured and New Traditional homes on anywhere from one to 15 acres. "I would say people go for land, especially if they want cows or horses," Mahon says. "Many people are excited to live in the country and just want two or three acres, but I've sold properties with 32 and 48 acres." This land often features swaths of maple and oak forests, crop fields, meadows and ponds. Prices here typically range between $100,000 and $600,000, depending on the size of the property.
Area schools range from B-plus to C-plus on Niche
Unadilla students may attend Stockbridge Community Schools, which serves just over 1,100 students and scores a C-plus rating on Niche. B-plus-rated Emma Smith Elementary serves pre-kindergarten through second grade. Grades three through six attend B-minus-rated Heritage School. Grades seven through twelve attend C-plus-rated Stockbridge Junior/Senior High. The school takes pride in its large athletic programs, with options like wrestling, volleyball and football.
Trails, lakes and campgrounds surround Unadilla
Unadilla Township sits within an area of Livingston County rich with nature preserves, wildlife areas and scenic lakes. Lakeland Trail is a popular multi-use hiking, biking and equestrian path in the heart of the township. "The trail was a former railroad; it goes from Brighton to Jackson and runs through Gregory. They're expanding it out to Ann Arbor next," Mahon says. Gregory and Unadilla State Wildlife Areas offer deer and fowl hunting among largely untouched oak forests. They also have boat drop-in areas for bass and perch fishing along waterways like Williamsville Lake. Just over 10 miles east of the township is Pinckney Recreation Area. This nature refuge spans over 11,000 acres of leafy woodland and marshy wetland. There are dozens of miles of multi-use trails there, popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Pinckney is also known for its water activities. Visitors enjoy swimming at Halfmoon Lake Beach or Silver Lake Beach. There are also several fishing piers, boat ramps and drop-ins for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. Campgrounds and picnic areas with playgrounds make Pinckney popular for family gatherings and weekend vacations.
Local dining in Gregory with more nearby
Gregory has a modest commercial hub with offers small businesses, municipal offices and Gregory Market, a local grocer. Country Pub is the local watering hole, known for its beers and massive grilled steaks. About 20 miles north, along Interstate 96, there are more dining and retail options in towns like Howell and Fowlerville. Grocery options include Walmart in Fowlerville and VG's Market and ALDI in Howell. Fowlerville also hosts events throughout the year at its fairgrounds, including the Fowlerville Family Fair. Residents from across Livingston come to the fair each summer to ride carnival rides, eat funnel cakes and watch the rodeo. Howell is also home to Kensington Valley Outlets, which offer classic chain retailers. More dining and big box retail options are available in larger cities like Lansing, 40 miles from Unadilla Township.
Rural roads lead to major highways and amenities
State Route 36 crosses through Unadilla Township. This thoroughfare connects the car-dependent township to state Route 52, which runs north about 20 miles to Interstate 96. From I-96, residents can head east to the nearest medical center, Trinity Livingston Health Hospital in Howell, 20 miles from Unadilla. I-96 also runs about 40 miles west to Lansing and Capital Region International Airport. Other major cities, like Ann Arbor and Detroit, are within 60 miles of the township. Unadilla Township has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out 0f 10, lower than the national average of 4.
