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Welcome to Fenton

Fenton is home base for much of my work, since Tremaine Real Estate has an office right here. People find Fenton for different reasons. Some want a historic home within walking distance of dinner. Some want a lake. Some want a quick drive onto US-23. Here's my take on the city and the township around it. The current Fenton-area listings appear below.

Quick Facts

• County: Fenton is mostly in Genesee County, with small portions in Livingston and Oakland Counties. It's one of only two Michigan municipalities that span three counties (Wikipedia).
• ZIP code: 48430 (Wikipedia).
• Population: 12,050 at the 2020 Census (Wikipedia, citing the U.S. Census Bureau).
• Highway access: US-23 runs north and south through the west side of the city as a freeway (Wikipedia).
• Main school district: Fenton Area Public Schools.
• Parks and recreation: the city, Fenton Township and the City of Linden share the Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation district (Wikipedia).
• Nature inside city limits: the 155-acre Dauner Martin Nature Sanctuary, with nearly 4.5 miles of trails.

Neighborhoods & Areas

• Downtown and the historic core: the blocks around Leroy Street have older homes on traditional city lots, close to restaurants, the A.J. Phillips Museum and the riverfront. Downtown has seen ongoing redevelopment since the 2011 Cornerstone project (Wikipedia).
• Fenton Charter Township: the township surrounds the city but is a separate government (Fenton Township). You'll find subdivisions, larger lots and plenty of lakefront.
• Lake Fenton: north of the city, this census-designated place includes the lakeside communities of Bayport Park and Lakeside (Wikipedia). I cover it on its own Lake Fenton page.
• The Silver Lake area: Silver Lake Park is the setting for the July 4th fireworks (Fenton & Linden Regional Chamber).

Schools

Most of Fenton is served by Fenton Area Public Schools, which offers Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate coursework according to the district. Parts of Fenton Township, especially around Lake Fenton, are in Lake Fenton Community Schools (Wikipedia). Always confirm the district for a specific address with the district itself before you write an offer.

Living There

Dauner Martin makes an easy escape close to home. Its trails run through pine groves and hardwoods, and it's one of the few Michigan Nature Association sanctuaries where leashed dogs are welcome (MNA). Summer peaks on the Fourth of July with the Fenton Freedom Festival: the Firecracker Run, a downtown parade, a craft show on the Community Center lawn and fireworks over Silver Lake Park. Between the downtown restaurants, the Shiawassee River and the lakes all around town, it's easy to fill a weekend without leaving Fenton.

Tips for Buyers

• City or township? The City of Fenton and Fenton Township are administratively autonomous (Wikipedia). Millage rates, assessors and services differ, so I pull the tax record for the exact parcel.
• Utilities: the city runs its own water system (Wikipedia). Some township homes have a private well and septic, so plan time for inspections.
• Taxes reset after a sale: in Michigan, a home's taxable value generally "uncaps" the year after a transfer of ownership (MCL 211.27a). Don't budget off the seller's current tax bill.
• File your Principal Residence Exemption with the local assessor after you close.

Tips for Sellers

• Know your municipality. Buyers will ask whether you're in the city or the township and which school district you're in. I'll have documentation ready.
• If you have a well or septic system, gather your maintenance records before you list.
• Lakefront or lake-access homes deserve a clear write-up of the frontage, dock and any association details.
• Winter listings need extra prep: clear walkways, warm lighting and photos of the yard in summer.

FAQ

Is the City of Fenton the same as Fenton Township?

No. The city was incorporated from Fenton Township, and the two are administratively autonomous (Wikipedia).

Which school district will my Fenton home be in?

It depends on the address. Much of the area is in Fenton Area Public Schools, but parts of the township are in Lake Fenton Community Schools. Confirm the district for the specific property.

When is the Fenton Freedom Festival?

It's held on the Fourth of July, with a downtown parade and fireworks over Silver Lake Park (Chamber).

Let's Talk Fenton

I'd love to help you buy or sell in Fenton. Give me a call at (810) 962-4908.