Living in Flint & Genesee County

Cost of Living

Flint & Genesee boasts a growing economy, low cost of living–11.8% below the national average–and affordable housing.

Flint and Genesee County, Michigan is a place to connect with nature, people, history, and the future. From the northwest corner of Montrose, to our urban center of downtown Flint, to the southern lakes area of Fenton and Linden, the communities of Genesee County have a place you’ll love to call home.

Northern Genesee County

Northern Genesee County communities bring small-town living to life. I-75/U.S. 23 intersect with M-57 to provide easy access to their unique attractions and traits.

Offering the best of both worlds, Clio features a Victorian downtown with small businesses and a six-mile commute to Birch Run Premium Outlets. With an amphitheater, city parks, country club and trails, the outdoors call. The city is named after the Greek Goddess Clio, muse of history and poetry.

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Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, a popular Genesee Township destination, features more than 30 restored historical structures, a steam railroad and paddlewheel riverboat – the Genesee Belle. The paddlewheel riverboat is a replica from the Mark Twain era and offers breathtaking views of Mott Lake from her deck.

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Life in Mt. Morris is topped off by standouts like the Genesee County Fair and The Mounds ORV Park. No matter the season, The Mounds offer all kinds of terrain for off-road motorized adventures. In east-central Genesee County, Batterbee Memorial Park combines “Kid’s Kingdom” with a variety of ballfields.

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A small, tight-knit community, Montrose hosts timeless events like the Montrose Blueberry Festival, Christmas in the Valley and Pumpkin Fantasyland Tours at Montrose Orchards. It’s known as a place where people look out for each other, an excellent place for families to enjoy ice cream at Carie’s Caboose and time spent playing in local parks.

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Northwest of Vehicle City, Otisville is rooted in the automobile industry. Car shows continue to be a highlight on Park Street every Wednesday evening from June through August. Annually, Otisville Fun Days usher in the Rock the Block Party. Beyond town, visitors enjoy the Timberwolf Fishing Site and equestrian riding trails.

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Central Genesee County

Our central communities are the hub of Flint & Genesee’s universities, hospitals, larger corporations and culture. Flint buzzes with activities and commerce at the crossing of I-75 and I-69.

Just southeast of Flint, Burton is home to the 380-acre For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum, two 18-hole golf courses and Crystal Fieldhouse, a year-round indoor ice-skating arena. Kelly Lake Park is a popular place to take in natural beauty while fishing, boating and sledding.

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Downtown Davison is home to a modern microbrewery, shopping, galleries and community events. Other attractions in the area include Michigan Escape Games, Lake Callis Recreation Complex and Richfield County Park, which features 345 acres of trails, sports fields and a BMX track. Long Lake and three golf clubs add to local amenities.

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Located along the Flint River and home to Atwood Stadium, the Flint Cultural Center and the Capitol Theatre, Flint is the urban center of Genesee County. The brick street in “Vehicle City” is lined by a new hotel, boutique stores, locally owned restaurants and those favorites that have anchored the city for year. Thousands of college students who attend local universities and the many employees who spend their lunchbreaks downtown add to the city’s diverse vibes.

Beyond downtown, there is Chevy Commons, the county’s first state park, along the Flint River on the site of the former “Chevy in the Hole” manufacturing site; picturesque Thread Lake; Max Brandon Park that features pathways and parking areas ADA compliant; and miles of the Flint River for walking along or kayaking on.

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Home to Genesee Valley Center, Flint Township is a place where you can shop ‘til you drop. The mall offers 124-plus stores and is also home to restaurants and snack stops. In addition to shopping, don’t miss family fun at DEFY Trampoline Park, The Sandbox Virtual Reality Arcade and Spymaker Escape Rooms. Neighboring Flint, the township also offers parks and trails to residents and visitors alike.

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Just west of Flint, Flushing celebrates the flow of the Flint River with paddling, fishing and nearby trails. Flushing River Water Trail and Riverview Park draws everyone from music lovers to families. The historic downtown is filled with architectural interest, dating back to construction between 1850 and 1918.

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Southern Genesee County

Southern Genesee County is the entry point for drivers traveling north on both I-75 and U.S. 23. Just past Detroit and Ann Arbor await the many Flint & Genesee discoveries.

Bring a kayak or paddleboard to let loose on 58 lakes – all within 10 miles of Fenton. The Shiawassee River Water Trail runs through town, making Fenton an ideal place for water play. A collection of unique dining and shopping options fill the historic downtown area. Just north of the city is the Fenton Winery & Brewery that features a public taproom and 1.25-acre park-like Wine and Beer Garden.

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Bringing a village feel to Genesee County, Gaines is home to fewer than 500 people and is part of the 35.3 Gaines Township. A standout for the community is Gaines Station Library, which was formerly a Grand Trunk Western Railroad depot. For outside fun, Prairie Wolf Park contains seven miles of looped trails.

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Southeast of Burton, this village puts on a great party, with proceeds going toward student scholarships. The Good Times in Goodrich Festival is highlighted by a car/truck show with over 240 unique entries – one of Michigan’s largest. The even includes the Corn Hole Tournament, a parade, good eats and local crafts, artisans and businesses.

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Grand Blanc often fills with high-level athletes, especially when The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren, part of the PGA TOUR of Champions, comes to town. The 137.5-acre Grand Blanc Commons is a nature preserve with trails and flowing Thread Creek. Always improving, the community’s vision includes murals, an enhanced streetscape and adding hometown heroes recognition.

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Adjacent to Fenton, Linden shares the area’s 58 lakes that make the county’s southern area prime for water recreation. Holidays Happenings adds to the wonder of winter with a Lighted Frosty Parade, horse-drawn carriage rides and breakfast with Santa – all along the city’s historic streets.

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Families are the focus in Swartz Creek. The community is known for events like family movie nights, the Christmas parade and the annual Swartz Creek Hometown Days. Parks and trails connect people with nature. Recent investments in Elms Park include new pavilions, a playscape, gazebo and picnic areas with winter use including sledding and ice skating.

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