Your Guide to Buying a Home in Flint, MI

Buying a Home in Flint, Michigan

(An aerial view of the University of Michigan-Flint Campus
(Courtesy of Regents of the University of Michigan))

Flint is located in Genesee County

A visit to Flint must begin with a trip to the Crossroads Village and the Huckleberry Railroad. It is here you will encounter the rich history of Genesee County and experience life in the mid-1800's. Michigan’s oldest operating gristmill is located here, along with over 30 historic buildings. Demonstrations of skills such as blacksmithing, spinning, fancywork, wood stove cooking and broom making will help you relive that bygone era. Tour the area aboard the steam-powered Huckleberry Railroad, Michigan's only authentic narrow-gauge rail line. A few early 20th-century amusement rides will please children, while adults will appreciate live entertainment at the Victorian Colwell Opera House.

Today, Flint has much to offer residents and visitors alike. Various cultural attractions, including Olde World Canterbury Village, a 19th-century site showcasing antiques and artifacts from around the world, are continual reminders of the area's heritage. Durand Union Station, in nearby Durand, is a restored 1903 railroad depot that currently houses the Michigan Railroad History Museum. Various art galleries and symphony performances will quench the thirst of arts lovers, while Longway Planetarium, Michigan's largest planetarium, will thrill both adults and children. Lastly, a visit to the Flint area would not be complete without a trip to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in nearby Frankenmuth. Bronner's is the world's largest year-round Christmas store, open 361 days each year. The store attracts over 2 million visitors annually.

Flint is currently in the midst of several economic initiatives that seek to increase industry in the area. Several local institutions of higher learning provide a constant source of highly skilled workers, but Flint has had difficulties attracting them in recent years. A few plans to re-establish Flint as an important industrial center involve providing small businesses with financing to facilitate both new start-ups and established businesses, and the Oak Business Center, which acts as an incubator for new businesses and provides space for leasing and shared services, such as computers and conference centers.

Housing prices are quite affordable, while housing types range from apartments to large homes in surrounding suburbs. Quality of life in Flint is enhanced by the immense number of historical, cultural and educational resources in the area. In addition, Flint is nearly equidistant from Lansing, Detroit, and Saginaw, and benefits from the resources of these cities.

Flint is located at the intersection of I-69 and I-75. Detroit is about 60 miles to the southeast and Saginaw Bay is 40 miles to the north. Air service is provided by Bishop International Airport.