Low-key lake life with quick access to Ann Arbor and Brighton
For those afraid of committing to life in a vacation destination, Whitmore Lake is an optimal testing ground. Surrounded by lakes, including its 677-acre namesake, the neighborhood has small town appeal enhanced by four-seasons of recreational activities centered around the lake and nearby rivers and ponds. The town has a small year-round population but there are plenty of local restaurants and services to support them. For more options, it's an easy trip on Highway 23 to Ann Arbor, 10 miles south, and Brighton, eight miles north. Locals love the friendly vibe. “It’s small and very welcoming,” says Tami Averill, Director of the Northfield Township Department of Community Services. “We are one of the most kind and caring communities, and we come together for people in need.”
Jet ski in the summer and play ice hockey in the winter - when it’s cold enough
Whitmore Lake offers a full menu of recreational activities. “In the summer it’s boating and jet skiing,” says Linda Morin, a barista at Peaberry Bean & Beat, a year-round gathering spot for coffee and lunch across from the lake. Cold weather sports are popular too, at least when the weather cooperates. “We used to have pond hockey tournaments,” Morin says and “tons of ice skating, ice hockey and snowmobilers in the winter.” The small downtown area across from the lake, dubbed The Hamlet, recently opened North Township Community Park, which has a disc golf course and a loop trail. A shaded picnic area and natural playground at the park should be ready this summer. Whitmore Lake Preserve is a 235-acre park with trails meandering through meadows and forested wetlands beside the lake.
Many homes have views of Whitmore Lake
Homeowners can sip coffee on balconies with lake views or wander their yards in a more private, woodsy setting. Housing styles are varied too, from established ranch-style and Colonial-style homes in subdivisions to stunning lakefront estates. Condos and cozy cottages also overlook the lake. Prices range from around $200,000 for ranch-style homes to million-dollar custom homes on vast, pond-dotted grounds. “The housing stock is a blend of everything, really,” MacDonald says. “You can get a $700,000 cottage on the lake, a $2 million lake house, a horse farm or a smaller home in a subdivision.”
Fourth of July celebrations last an entire weekend
Whitmore Lake doesn't mess around when it comes to the 4th of July. The community celebrates America's birthday with a full weekend of festivities, including two parades – one on Main Street and a night-time boat parade of lights on the lake – and fireworks over the water. Weekend festivities include a banana split eating contest, a root beer float social and foot races at the lake. The Whitmore Lake Farmers Market is held on Sunday morning from June through September at Northfield Community Park.
Students choose from a wide array of courses at the combined Whitmore Lake Middle and High School
Whitmore Lake Elementary offers activities before and after school through its Kid Club program, which provides opportunities for learning, play and homework assistance. Niche rates the elementary school B-. Students from 7th grade through 12th grade attend the combined Whitmore Middle and High School. Enrollment hovers around 300 students for the entire school, but the small size does not affect the variety of course offerings, which range from Music Theory & Composition to Video Design. There are numerous AP and Honors classes as well. Niche rates the school a B.
Lattes, jambalaya and Cocoa Pebbles just steps from Whitmore Lake
Peaberry Bean & Beats isn’t just a stop for coffee and lunch. It also doubles as a community hub, where regulars can expect some chit chat while they wait. “Every single thing is homemade,” says Morin. “Our cheesy chicken tortilla soup and coffee cake are popular – the whole town knows about the soup.” And the Beats? The owner of the coffee shop is a musician and teaches piano lessons in the back of the building. The menu at Captain Joe’s Grill has a little creative fun, with Mediterranean and Cajun dishes tucked among the burgers and sandwiches. Polly’s Market has been a convenient stop for meats, alcohol and grocers close to the lake since 1963. Downtown Ann Arbor and its thriving dining scene is only a 15-minute drive from the neighborhood.
Whitmore Lake is tucked midway between Ann Arbor and Brighton
Ann Arbor is ten miles south of Whitmore Lake via Highway 23. The town of Brighton and the I-96 are about eight miles north. It takes about 50 minutes to drive to Detroit from the lake. “Whitmore Lake is a central location,” MacDonald says. “You’re only 12 to 15 minutes to the highways, and then it’s easy to head to Detroit, Lansing or Toledo.”
Photography Contributed By
Colette Lane
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
