Van Buren Township offers lakeside fun between Detroit and Ann Arbor
Located between Ann Arbor and Detroit, Van Buren Township offers buyers many single-family home options near outdoor attractions, dining locations and shopping. The township is home to auto parts manufacturer Visteon and battery maker Our Next Energy. Still, the township is within commuting distance to job centers throughout the Detroit metro area. “Van Buren Township also has a very convenient location for commuters. We've got two airports nearby, we've got three highways very nearby, close to hospitals and universities,” says Therese Antonelli, broker and owner with Moving The Mitten Real Estate Group, who sells in the area. “[The township is] close to hospitals and universities, we have Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan within about a 20-minute drive.”
Belleville Lake and local parks are sources of outdoor fun
The 1,270-acre Belleville Lake stretches across the township's center and allows fishing, boating and other water sports activities. Green spaces include Van Buren Township Park, featuring sports courts, a playground and a beach on Belleville Lake. Pickle Park opened in 2020 and has multiple tennis and pickleball courts. Lower Huron Metropark, located on the southeastern end of the township, offers numerous amenities including courts, an aquatic center, playgrounds and camping spots.
The Michigan Flight Museum at Willow Run Airport has multiple historical aircraft and exhibits on aviation history. Armstrong’s Funland offers a mini-golf course and weekly classic car shows. Events in downtown Detroit are 27 miles east, while Ann Arbor’s attractions are 18 miles west.
A mix of housing styles with HOAs present
Homes in the township can vary from manufactured to ranch styles, New Traditionals and Colonial Revivals. The median housing price is $320,000, lower than the national median but higher than Michigan’s. Houses also move faster in the area, selling after an average of 32 days compared to the national average of 52 days. Condos are also available.
Properties typically follow winding streets with smaller lots, and oak and pine trees accent lawns. Some homes back onto Belleville Lake and have private docks. Antonelli says HOA activity is present, but fees are “on par” with what is available in Michigan, typically around $250 to $350 per month.
“[The township] appeals to the masses,” says Antonelli. “Our average price point is a little lower than some cities, just a bit north of us, so it is attractive to first-time homebuyers.”
Van Buren Public Schools serves township students
Pupils can attend Van Buren Public Schools, ranked B on Niche. Students can start at one of four elementary schools, including Tyler Elementary or Rawsonville Elementary, which both earn a C-plus. Edgemont Elementary and Savage Elementary receive B-minus and B-plus grades, respectively. They continue to C-plus-rated Owen Intermediate and then McBride Middle, receiving a B-minus. Belleville High School has a B and offers career courses in marketing and business.
Dining and shopping along Belleview Road
Dining spots can be found along Belleview Road, featuring a mix of chains and local spots. Rusted Crow on the Lake serves sandwiches, seafood and steaks. The Blue Porch Bar and Grill offers salads, pizza and burgers. El Agave Mexican Restaurant has cuisine from south of the border.
Belleville Road has multiple big box retailers and grocery stores, including Menards, Walmart and Meijer.
Weather risks in Van Buren Township
According to maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there is a slight risk of flooding in the township, especially near lakes and rivers. Severe storms and snowfall are also present. The lake can also experience algae blooms, which can be toxic, but state organizations are tasked with monitoring its conditions.
Highway access and proximity to Detroit Metropolitan Airport
The township does not have any public transport links and is car-dependent. Interstate 94, I-275 and U.S. Highway 12 pass through the area. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is 9 miles east. The community has several urgent care clinics, but University Hospital is 18 miles northwest, while St. Joseph Hospital is 11 miles west in Ypsilanti.
Photography Contributed By
John Collins
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
