Armada Township

Surrounded by fields that stretch for miles and cider mills that look straight out of a movie, Armada Township is a slice of Americana in southeastern Michigan. “Armada was voted one of the nicest places in Michigan by Reader’s Digest in 2019. It’s a real close-knit small town,” says Crystal Schmidt, an agent with RE/MAX First. “It’s got some of the better cider mills in the area. They have an amazing 4-H program and a cute little flea market.” Armada Township is a township in Macomb County that is home to around 5,000 people. The village of Armada is in the east side of the township and has about 1,600 residents.

Armada Township is a popular destination for people who are looking to make a move into the countryside. “It’s a little bit away from the city, but still has conveniences with the city nearby,” says Danette Bonnell, a Realtor with Century 21 AAA North. “If you want land, most of the homes in the area have acreage. Some of them have barns if you want to farm.” Established houses in the area tend to be modest ranch-style homes, while newer homes are larger and often have two stories. Farmhouses and Craftsman homes are popular, usually with spacious front porches ideal for hosting friends and family. Homes in the village of Armada are closer together than in the rural areas. Sidewalks and mature trees line the streets, giving the town an idyllic feel. There are areas where subdivisions have been built, featuring newer traditional homes with built-in garages. An established four-bedroom home in town will likely cost between $250,000 and $300,000. Homes out in the country with more land will often cost $400,000 to $500,000.

Students in Armada Township might attend Orville C Krause Later Elementary School, Armada Middle School and Armada High School. The elementary and middle schools each receive a B-plus rating from Niche while the high school is rated a B. Armada High School has a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1 and serves approximately 575 students. The school offers several unique student clubs, including an equestrian team, a fishing club and a robotics club. Students can enroll in the FSU Early College program, which allows them to earn college credit through a partnership with Ferris State University.

Residents of Armada Township have several ways to enjoy the outdoors. Armada Township Park is a community park in the village with a softball field and two baseball fields. The park also has a playground for children and a skate park installed in 2017 for residents to show off their skills. Runners, bikers or anyone looking for some exercise can take advantage of the Macomb Orchard Trail. This 24-mile mixed-use trail goes from Shelby Township to the city of Richmond and passes through fields and farms along the way. You can access the path at several points, including a trailhead in the village of Armada that has a parking lot.

The area’s agricultural heritage is on display with several local attractions and events. The Armada Fair takes place every August and has several exciting events, including concerts, monster trucks, a demolition derby and a rodeo. You can ride carnival rides, browse the homemade crafts and view livestock, including cattle, sheep and goats. Hard cider fans can visit Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill on Armada Center Road. The original cider mill of this now nationwide company offers several activities. You can sip cider, beer or wine, pick your own fruit, take a wagon ride to chop down a Christmas tree or visit the Funland. This family-oriented area has a petting zoo, games, a corn maze and many more activities.

When you want to go out for a meal, a few local restaurants in Armada are popular with locals. Papa’s Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant that has been part of the restaurant scene in Armada for decades. This local spot is known for its breakfast and brunch options but is also open for lunch and dinner. If you want somewhere to relax with a drink, check out Kozy Korner Saloon. This watering hole has a small menu featuring burgers and other sandwiches and a nice selection of local and macro beer options. You can dine inside or sit at one of the outdoor tables while relaxing at the end of a long day.

You can shop for groceries at the local Vinckier Foods store in town. This full-service grocery store has just four locations and has served the community since 2015. You can shop for fresh produce, meat and any other items you need with the help of the friendly staff. For additional shopping options, you can head to the towns of Romeo or Richmond, each about 8 miles from Armada. The Van Dyke Freeway runs through Romeo and can take you south into the Detroit area. You can also head to Interstate 94 and take that into Detroit, a drive that is about 47 miles and will take approximately 50 minutes.

Written By

Matthew Atkins

Photography Contributed By

Eric Lynch

Video By

Andrew Sutton