Be Closer in Fenton

When you're searching for a home in the mid-Michigan area, living in the "big city" may not be what you're looking for.  Metro areas like Flint, Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing might appeal to some buyers, but if your heart is drawn to small-town living, then one of our homes for sale in Fenton could be for you.

Fenton's tagline, "Be Closer in Fenton" initially confused many locals and visitors when it was unveiled in 2010.  The meaning of Fenton's slogan is two-fold:  1)  Be Closer to those things in your life that matter--family, values, roots, community and 2) Be Closer to larger cities without ever leaving your own close-knit community. 

Our REALTORS® live and work in this community and know you'll love our city as much as we do when you move here.

History

Originally named Dibbleville, Fenton was founded where several Native American trails came together, with stunning views of the Shiawassee  River. Its beauty and convenience are still central to its appeal today. As the northern endpoint to the railroad, it developed into an important transportation and commerce hub in the 1850's. Today education, entrepreneurialism, preserving natural resources and historic architecture are all a part of living in Fenton.

Fenton's Schools

Public Schools in Fenton remain ahead of the curve by offering cutting-edge concepts in education.  Fenton was the first public school system in Michigan to offer the International Baccalaureate Programme throughout its district.  The IBP teaches students--ages 3 to 19--to think critically and independently, and how to inquire with care and logic.

Dining

Fenton foodies far and near know the reputation of our restaurants and eateries:

• The Laundry. This bistro-style restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With some of the produce and herbs coming from their own organic garden and honey from their beehive, this is fresh food at its finest.
• The Fenton Fire Hall. Housed in the historic firehouse, the BBQ and Mac and Cheese are the big hits here, along with 48 beers on tap.
• The Fenton Hotel. The Fenton Hotel has been satisfying hungry patrons since 1856. Open for dinner nightly and weekend brunch, there's an assortment of fish and steak, along with comfort food and tavern classics. There's also a piano bar and live music.

Arts and Culture

Food isn't the only thing we enjoy in Fenton. There are plenty of cultural activities too.

• The A. J. Phillips Fenton Museum. The museum is housed in one of the city's historic buildings and even includes some original furnishings. There are extensive genealogical and cemetery records, a school history room, a collection of newspapers dating back to 1840 and a military room with artifacts with a connection to Fenton.
• Fenton Winegarden Library. The Fenton Branch of the Genesee District Library has a wide variety of educational services for all ages and a children's center.
• Fenton Community Orchestra. Open to musicians of all ages, professional and amateur, the orchestra seeks to provide education and entertainment for members of the community throughout the year.
• Fenton Film Series. Free movies and music in the community center once a month, the film series features quality independent films, foreign films, and documentaries.
• Fenton Community Festivals. There are several held here throughout the year, whether you want to get together with your neighbors for fireworks, holiday activities or seasonal fun, there's something here for everyone.

Shopping

There are three shopping districts in Fenton. Downtown Historic Fenton, Silver Parkway, and North Leroy have a wide variety of locally owned shops and restaurants along with grocery stores and some national chains. You won't have to go far to find everything you need.

For folks that zoom by the exit to our city on US-23, we're sorry that you don't know what you're missing.  But when you're searching for a new home in a small, close-knit community, veer off the beaten path and give Fenton a try.  Contact us at Griffith Realty when you're ready to call Fenton, MI home.