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All Holly homes for saleHolly Township homes
Welcome to Holly
Holly is just over the county line from Fenton and Grand Blanc in northern Oakland County, and it's full of character. Within a few minutes you can go from a historic brick downtown to thousands of acres of state land. Buyers who love the outdoors, small-town traditions and quick access to I-75 often end up loving Holly. Here's what I share with my clients, and the current Holly-area listings appear below.
Quick Facts
Neighborhoods & Areas
- Village of Holly: historic homes and in-town neighborhoods close to the downtown commercial district and Battle Alley. Some of the buildings date to the mid-1870s, and some homes are even older (Holly Dickens Festival).
- Holly Township: the township surrounds the village and has a more rural feel, with larger parcels and lakes nearby.
- Near the state parks: homes close to Holly Recreation Area, in Holly and Groveland Townships (DNR), and Seven Lakes State Park put trails and lakes right next door.
- Wider Holly Area Schools area: the district has elementary schools in Holly, Davisburg and Rose Township (Rose Pioneer) (Holly Area Schools), so a Holly-area search can reach into neighboring communities.
Schools
Holly Area Schools runs four elementary schools (Holly, Patterson, Davisburg and Rose Pioneer), Holly Middle School, Holly High School and the Karl Richter Campus. Families also look at Holly Academy, a K-8 charter school authorized by Central Michigan University (Wikipedia). Confirm the attendance boundary for any address with the district.
Living There
Downtown Holly and its famous Battle Alley are the backdrop for the Holly Dickens Festival, a volunteer-run Victorian Christmas tradition. It opens with a lighted parade in late November (parade info). Late summer brings crowds to the Michigan Renaissance Festival, and paddlers can start the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail at WaterWorks Park (Wikipedia). At Holly Recreation Area you can camp, hike, mountain bike, play disc golf and fish. Mount Holly ski area is just northeast of the village, and railfans gather at Crapo Park (Wikipedia).
Tips for Buyers
- Village or township? Village and township parcels can have different millages and services. I'll show you the actual tax bill for the parcel so there are no surprises.
- Rural properties: many homes outside the village have a private well and septic. Schedule well water testing and a septic evaluation during your inspection period.
- Near state land: hunting is allowed on much of Holly Recreation Area (DNR). If you're looking at a property that borders it, visit in the fall too.
- Budget for Michigan's tax uncapping after a sale (MCL 211.27a), and file your Principal Residence Exemption.
Tips for Sellers
- Historic homes sell on their story. Document original features, updates and permits.
- Living near the parks is a selling point, so I make sure buyers know how close you are to the trails and lakes.
- Holly's festivals bring visitors downtown. Late fall and holiday-season showings can be lively, so plan for parking and timing.
- Gather well, septic and outbuilding records before listing.
FAQ
Is Holly a city?
No. Holly is a village located within Holly Township in Oakland County (Wikipedia).
What state parks are near Holly?
Holly Recreation Area and Seven Lakes State Park are both close by (Michigan DNR).
When is the Holly Dickens Festival?
It runs on weekends from late November into December, starting with a lighted parade (Holly Dickens Festival).
Let's Talk Holly
Thinking about a move to or from Holly? I'd love to help. Give me a call at (810) 962-4908.
